*** Bea's POV*** Adrian's angry demeanor had Connor flush with the cell wall gasping for air. I distance myself from them as my brain wraps around the credible accusation, shuddering legs barely sustaining my weight. Connor never once harmed me. Well, except when his good intentions pushed me off the tower. The way he isn't afraid to get infected, or the way he was confident my nightmares wouldn't come with him around, is uncanny, yet my sixth sense tells me to believe him. "I'm not the Dark Phoenix!" Connor screams while pushing Adrian's sword away from his throat. "I might be King Friedrich's son, but I am not the one causing all this chaos." He moves away from Adrian, hands in the air. "I caught you right-handed trying to influence Bea's mind. I can't believe you tricked me into thinking you couldn't read it in the first place." Adrian scuffs, sword always pointing at Connor. "It's the truth. I couldn't do it till now. Bea, you must believe me." He takes one step in my direction
***Bea's POV***“Why do you do this to me. No wonder she thinks I am your butler; you have me do errands like one.” Francis whines. His voice is unmistakable with its exotic phonetics.“Francis! Quiet, you will wake her up.” Omar hisses, followed by cutlery jiggling as Francis places what I assume to be a food tray nearby, the food aroma giving it away."You look like shit, " Francis notes."I gave her what was left of my Dragon Essence.""Are you crazy? You won’t be able to shift, not to mention you will be vulnerable. If the Eragonians find out, all we worked for will be taken from us." The tone of urgency would make anyone anxious. "I had to. That thing was draining her. With Blizzard gone, she will need every ounce of energy she can. Plus, when we first met, she smelled like me. I was meant to do it anyway." Omar’s explanation has Francis sighing."You should let her know.""If it's meant to be, it will be. It's her choice, and you must respect it as I do." They both go quiet,
*** Bea's POV*** The pendant levitated towards the dark Phoenix. Pulled by a higher force, its glow intensifies the closer they walk. "Adrian, step away." I rush out of the crowd behind the couple, Omar sticking close to me while Francis steps in front of them, halting their walk. We had them surrounded. Everyone gasped at our audacity to interrupt the ceremony. I could hear the King scrutinizing our disrespect and ordering Connor to end the blasphemy. "Bea?" He says my name in a questioning tone. Adrian's blue eyes glittered with the thought I might be doing this with an altered motive. Little did he know the reason behind it was very sinister. "Why? Why do all this? Why hurt them?" My voice quivers. It hurt knowing someone close to me was the one behind this. I shared meals, hopes, and tears with them. "Bea, what's going on?" Connor questions, having made his way through the crowd. His hand on my upper arm hauled me back, triggering a discontented grunt from Omar. Ripping
*** Omar's POV***Two hundred years before meeting Beatrice in the present time "Find them at once!" Hades' thunderous deep voice shook the earth, each step erupting the volcanos and overflowing the five rivers across the land. Daunting to understand how, or who, botched the soul count. It would have been almost impossible to identify the missing souls if it weren't for that low-life werewolf excrement. I despise people like him, constantly leeching the highest hierarchy and eating any attention crumbs they muster. Under my kingdom, a character like him would have his heart torn and fed to the vultures. Then again, I'm not the ruler of this timeless bubble where someone's present might be someone else's past or future. "Omar!" Hades calling activates the collar around my neck. It sizzles against my skin, forcing me into my beast. Fighting the necklace will cause it to heat up to combustion, and having a burnt matchstick head doesn't seem very pleasing. I would rather keep my charmin
*** Bea's POV***I sit up abruptly, gasping as if I had swum from the ocean's depth on an exceedingly long last breath. The place stinks of sulfur, the rock walls have a charcoal black tone, and the cot I currently sit on is made of straws. My mind feels blank, frozen in time. One minute I'm being pushed through the white door by the Moon Goddess, then waking up here. I swing my legs over the edge, noticing the heaviness and the clink of chains around my left ankle, hidden under a gentleman's Victorian black coat over my legs. Where was I? How did I get here?"H-ello?" The effort of a single word breaks me into a coughing fit, grey particles splattering all over my palm. "A-ny-one here? Cough. Cough." Nothing but the constant distant crowd babble is heard. I stand up. How long had I been out, so my right arm no longer hurt? I drag my bare feet to the metal bars."Can anyone hear me?" I couldn't be in the castle's dungeon. The conditions there were more modern and cleaner than in this
***Bea's POV***My mythical entity had stirred the interactions between Omar, Persephone, and me, leaving a sense of unreadiness. Sure, I'm happy my power was back, but I'm not prepared for Omar's cold shoulder. Just like cats and dogs, Drakons and Ice Phoenixes have a predator and prey instinct that influences their decision-making regarding their beliefs of one another. Omar had been explicit about his hatred towards my kind, but part of me hoped he would see through that judgmental fog and become the kind, caring Omar I met."Beatrice, more ice." Persephone extended her ruby-engraved chalice, waving in a gentle upward motion. I clench my jaw at my new Ice machine status. She used me as her cooling device, forcing me to use my power at every frivolous opportunity."Yes, your majesty." I pause my palm-leaf fanning momentarily to wave a hand over her glass, forming little clumps of ice.Performing as a maid is a version of me I can't
***Omar’s POV***~in the Underworld~“Let’s be the change, together.”Ms. Beatrice's words make me question my beliefs in so many ways. In a kingdom ruled with an Iron fist since the beginning of time, I’m known for my unapproachable, ruthless conduct. I even dare to compare myself to Hades in the matter of punishments. Such traits were instigated by my father, relinquishing any lingering soft, caring mannerisms from my mother’s love. Allies and enemies fear my family name. At what purpose? What had centuries of rivalry and innocent bloodshed achieved for us? Revenge didn’t soothe the pain living in my heart since Mother’s assassination. Nothing did, except her. I watch Beatrice sleep in my arms as we lay on the floor after battling our bubbling emotions. It fascinated me how she could be the trigger to my end and, simultaneously, the only one capable of saving me from it. An Ice Phoenix, at that; our family's number one nemesis. Any other cerulean feather shifter would be a trophy in
***Beatrice's POV*** It's incredible how the soft whisper of someone's name can transform a light-hearted playful moment into a wild passionate desire. Our giggles quieted into breathing puffs. Confined under his sculptured masculine body, I had zero intentions of breaking free of his grip keeping my hands pinned to the ground above my head. A pleasant sting followed the path he traced with his thumb across my lower lip under the close watch of his lustful gaze. It traveled the entire length of my nervous system and set me ablaze with a carnal necessity like no other. The soul-eaters filled skies above us plunged out of sight, and the rumble of the volcano was replaced with a quickened thumping heartbeat. Another attempt of my heart to reach his, I had thought, till I realized it was his who was beating beyond normal parameters. His Adam's Apple bobbing had me silently wishing to become his, regardless of our current circumstances or location. "Omar—" I moan. His hand gently clutche
Snowflakes gently land on my hand. Hell was experiencing its first snow, and I was behind it. As long as I live, Hades will remain in its sleeping beauty state unless someone decides to turn up the heat here. That is very unlikely to happen. Still, I left the AC on by turning the sky above into a gloomy snowstorm cloud pool. Even if Hades' servants freed him, he still had to gather new corrupted souls before walking the surface.Omar compliments, "Nicely done." He is battered with lacerations, puncture wounds, and burns but still stands. As he sits on the ground, elbows resting on semi-bent knees, head slanted forward, I kneel beside him. I place my left hand on his shoulder and my right hand above his chest, effortlessly healing him. In the past, minimal tasks such as healing, conjuring weapons, or purifying required concentration, but not anymore. Having re-established my training memory allows me to reach my full potential. I was grateful that Queen Ming, Blizzard's wife, taught me
***Beatrice's POV***The sound of seagulls and the gentle breeze stirred me awake. I push myself off the cold, hard surface. As I rubbed my eyes, I couldn't believe what I saw. A beautiful Greek oasis lay before me, complete with a circle of white columns ornamented with sheer fabric dancing in the soft, salty breeze. The worked stone floors created trim levels, descending onto a square pond in the center where water sparkles like crystals under the warm sunlight. The cool water beckoned me to touch it, and as I leaned over the edge, I saw my reflection. The scenery wasn’t the only thing that had changed. My ragged and volcanic ash-dusted clothes were now pristine white, with no tears. I wore a golden olive tree leaf crown with my hair down. But Something was off, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was supposed to be somewhere else. My fingers tickle the surface, and water ripples transform my Greek Goddess reflection into a motioned image. Uncle Leo grips my mother by her neck, h
***Beatrice POV***As I observed Omar in the cave, I noticed that his skin tone was returning to its healthy state, which relieved me. Despite being healed, he was struggling with the heat from the volcano. He rested his head against the rocky wall and displayed signs of distress, including labored breathing and sweat on his face. I wished I knew how to help him regain his Drakon essence, but we had not spoken since I healed his injury. However, it was clear that he was not the only one affected by the heat. Naomi and Blizzard were also struggling, fanning themselves to cool off, while I didn't seem bothered by it.Suddenly, the ground shook violently, causing rocks to fall from the ceiling. The anomaly was so strong that I had to grip the wall with both hands to steady myself. Naomi rushed towards us with the urgent news that Hades was riding Cerberus in our direction. The situation worsened once Omar pointed out that the volcano was also about to erupt, adding to our already dire si
Beatrice POV "Blizzard, we have to land," my voice is nothing but a mouse squeak, easily covered by the flapping of Blizzard's wings yet anguished enough to be noticed. "Please!" I thump Blizzard's claw, alerting him to my desperate request. Omar's condition is critical. Slanted like a ragged doll over Blizzard's right claw, I witness hopelessly as his eyes become droopier and his sun-warming Olive skin turns a pale candle wax tone, almost like vampire blood-drained victims. Not an overall flattering look. We dip through the dusky pink clouds below, bringing a striking landmark into view. An active volcano stands amidst the desolated charcoal land before us, the active bubbling crater emitted a thick grey smoke cloud up in the air, creating the fog blanket we dove through. As Blizzard glides closer to the ground, the air becomes cooler and easier to breathe. He hovers by a cave entrance at the bottom of the volcano gently dropping us before he lands. My Mother, Naomi, slides down his
***Beatrice's POV*** It's incredible how the soft whisper of someone's name can transform a light-hearted playful moment into a wild passionate desire. Our giggles quieted into breathing puffs. Confined under his sculptured masculine body, I had zero intentions of breaking free of his grip keeping my hands pinned to the ground above my head. A pleasant sting followed the path he traced with his thumb across my lower lip under the close watch of his lustful gaze. It traveled the entire length of my nervous system and set me ablaze with a carnal necessity like no other. The soul-eaters filled skies above us plunged out of sight, and the rumble of the volcano was replaced with a quickened thumping heartbeat. Another attempt of my heart to reach his, I had thought, till I realized it was his who was beating beyond normal parameters. His Adam's Apple bobbing had me silently wishing to become his, regardless of our current circumstances or location. "Omar—" I moan. His hand gently clutche
***Omar’s POV***~in the Underworld~“Let’s be the change, together.”Ms. Beatrice's words make me question my beliefs in so many ways. In a kingdom ruled with an Iron fist since the beginning of time, I’m known for my unapproachable, ruthless conduct. I even dare to compare myself to Hades in the matter of punishments. Such traits were instigated by my father, relinquishing any lingering soft, caring mannerisms from my mother’s love. Allies and enemies fear my family name. At what purpose? What had centuries of rivalry and innocent bloodshed achieved for us? Revenge didn’t soothe the pain living in my heart since Mother’s assassination. Nothing did, except her. I watch Beatrice sleep in my arms as we lay on the floor after battling our bubbling emotions. It fascinated me how she could be the trigger to my end and, simultaneously, the only one capable of saving me from it. An Ice Phoenix, at that; our family's number one nemesis. Any other cerulean feather shifter would be a trophy in
***Bea's POV***My mythical entity had stirred the interactions between Omar, Persephone, and me, leaving a sense of unreadiness. Sure, I'm happy my power was back, but I'm not prepared for Omar's cold shoulder. Just like cats and dogs, Drakons and Ice Phoenixes have a predator and prey instinct that influences their decision-making regarding their beliefs of one another. Omar had been explicit about his hatred towards my kind, but part of me hoped he would see through that judgmental fog and become the kind, caring Omar I met."Beatrice, more ice." Persephone extended her ruby-engraved chalice, waving in a gentle upward motion. I clench my jaw at my new Ice machine status. She used me as her cooling device, forcing me to use my power at every frivolous opportunity."Yes, your majesty." I pause my palm-leaf fanning momentarily to wave a hand over her glass, forming little clumps of ice.Performing as a maid is a version of me I can't
*** Bea's POV***I sit up abruptly, gasping as if I had swum from the ocean's depth on an exceedingly long last breath. The place stinks of sulfur, the rock walls have a charcoal black tone, and the cot I currently sit on is made of straws. My mind feels blank, frozen in time. One minute I'm being pushed through the white door by the Moon Goddess, then waking up here. I swing my legs over the edge, noticing the heaviness and the clink of chains around my left ankle, hidden under a gentleman's Victorian black coat over my legs. Where was I? How did I get here?"H-ello?" The effort of a single word breaks me into a coughing fit, grey particles splattering all over my palm. "A-ny-one here? Cough. Cough." Nothing but the constant distant crowd babble is heard. I stand up. How long had I been out, so my right arm no longer hurt? I drag my bare feet to the metal bars."Can anyone hear me?" I couldn't be in the castle's dungeon. The conditions there were more modern and cleaner than in this
*** Omar's POV***Two hundred years before meeting Beatrice in the present time "Find them at once!" Hades' thunderous deep voice shook the earth, each step erupting the volcanos and overflowing the five rivers across the land. Daunting to understand how, or who, botched the soul count. It would have been almost impossible to identify the missing souls if it weren't for that low-life werewolf excrement. I despise people like him, constantly leeching the highest hierarchy and eating any attention crumbs they muster. Under my kingdom, a character like him would have his heart torn and fed to the vultures. Then again, I'm not the ruler of this timeless bubble where someone's present might be someone else's past or future. "Omar!" Hades calling activates the collar around my neck. It sizzles against my skin, forcing me into my beast. Fighting the necklace will cause it to heat up to combustion, and having a burnt matchstick head doesn't seem very pleasing. I would rather keep my charmin