The title of this chapter sounds gothic :D
[Valerie] My ears were ringing as I curled into the foetal position. A scream so high and piercing, I didn’t even recognise that it was my own until I felt my throat becoming hoarse. I screwed my eyes shut as the lancing pain seemed to emanate through every part of my body. Breathing had become a difficult task all of a sudden, and my heart was in overdrive. “Val,” I distantly heard mom’s panicked voice. I wanted to open my mouth or lean forward and seek her warmth but she seemed so far away. I felt someone cradle me in their arms and I coiled at the touch. My stomach was a burning pit. I cried out as someone tried to pick me up. The pain in my joints and practically every single part of my body was excruciating. My heart was thudding wildly against the rib cage and it felt as if it would stop at any point. “It will end soon….hush…” a soothing voice tried to soothe down the pain with their words. I tasted my tears as I sobbed although taking a single breath was becoming more of
[Valerie] I looked down and almost yelped which came out as a yip as I stared at my white furry feet. What…wait…did I just get my wolf? “I was planning to wait but…” the same voice echoed in my mind. “What was all the secrecy for?” I asked, unimpressed. “What is your name, by the way?” I added. She…my wolf replied, “You will know why I tried to delay my arrival, and you can name me anything.” “Ruelle,” I said, without hesitation. “Ruelle,” she echoed. “I think I like that.” And with that she began trotting towards the nearby lake, leaving my parents and Elias rooted to their places. Why did they look as if it was something impossible? And did I see dad bowing his head at the beginning?“Why are they so shocked? Is it because I transformed into a wolf so late?” I asked, confused. Ruelle remained silent. I was about to ask her again when we halted in front of the lake. The crystal clear water reflected my reflection. I peered at the image. A white wolf with eyes as red as rubies.
[Valerie]“What exactly happened to you that you were taken to the infirmary?” Sarah asked concernedly. I pursed my lips because no matter what I couldn’t say what exactly the reason was. I shrugged and leaned back against the headboard, “Apparently everyone there was stronger than I.” It was wrong to say that when I was the one defeating others, but after Ruelle receded, I could hardly feel her presence. Kenneth frowned. The two hadn’t left my room since they brought me here. “You can’t just say that. And..what about your sister?” At his question I sat up, shit…she was there wasn’t she? I was about to…“Val..calm down,” I distantly heard my friends say. Was she shaking? The thought of attacking Viola scared me now. How could I? And Zachary? How could I feel such sadistic pleasure after almost injuring him? I took in a steady breath, forcing myself to calm down. But I could feel my rabbit-fast heartbeat refusing to settle. I swallowed thickly, clutching the sheets. “Here, have some
[Fionna - Unofficial Princess of the Basilisk Family] I paced in the small office that Clyde had set up for me. The Fey clan reached out to me yesterday. The Elder who helped hide the pearl was finally willing to talk, but why did he want to speak with Clyde? Why him? Because he is the King whereas I am… I clenched my fists. I loved my brothers, but sometimes it just stung. No one would understand how it felt to be considered as a princess but not to be recognized as one, to always be looked at with pity and to be the subject of charity. No one would understand at all. But to be not taken seriously was a whole new level of insult. If Brian knew then he would frown but I dare not tell Clyde lest he would go ballistic. I sighed and waited for him to arrive. My mind wandered to the Medeis Challenge. Today the winners would be announced. I let out a wistful sigh, if only I could be a part of this. I heard about the girl who managed to postpone the Challenge which has never happened be
[Clyde] “With all due respect, Elder Felix, how are we to believe that what you are saying is the truth?” I asked, ignoring the heavy stare coming from my sister. “It’s not recorded anywhere and if we are to believe the…existence of this mage wolf, then why doesn’t the werewolf clan talk about her? Or the mages?” I continued. Elder Felix smiled gently. “I know it is tough to believe since there are no written records, especially after The War where mages were killed and the Mage Queen gave up her life. Manuscripts and scrolls were burned to ashes, but you can ask Mage Elias, he might have answers. However, he is very young, and this phenomenon happened before the mages were treated like dirt as I have already mentioned.” I let out a shuddering breath. It might have happened like 2000 years ago probably and I had no way of countering whatever she just said. Madame Xiuying and the mage wolf lady were mates? Not that I am opposed to it but why would the mage wolf be killed? Or what
[Valerie] “Hay, Val? How have you been? Weren’t you starting your new semesters at Crescentville?” an incredibly nosy classmate of mine cornered me. She had been trying to do so since I began my classes. She was my competitor and had been extremely happy when I told everyone that I won’t be continuing my studies at Ravenwood. Everyone else thought I would be going there to study there except Sarah and Kenneth. I replied with a curt smile. “Well, I am here now.” Before she could retort, I side-stepped her and left the class. “What’s Clara’s deal?” Sarah asked when I told them about the incident while taking lunch in the cafeteria. I shrugged as I spooned more yoghurt in my mouth. Mom had told me numerous times to have lunch with them but I never did, partly because I wanted to spend time with Kenneth like a love-sick fool and partly because I didn’t want people to call me names behind my back, although they still did but I stubbornly decided to ignore them. “She is just sad that
[Valerie] I expected to feel indifferent and maybe feel like I had felt before discovering he was my mate, but no, my life was never easy. Therefore, when our gazes clashed, all I felt was longing and hurt. He stared back impassively as if silently reproaching me for creating a scene during the Challenge. I looked back defiantly. But I still felt what I had felt that night near the cliff before rejecting him… the yearning… the pain. I didn’t know why but Goddess Diana had a way of reminding us mortals that we had the opportunity to feel the love that she had felt once for a shepherd boy, that we were given the opportunity to at least fulfil our love and be with our other half as long as we breathed. However, we let go of the opportunities, sometimes due to situations and sometimes… “What are you doing outside?” Dad’s voice made me tear my gaze away from Clyde. I shifted my attention toward him. “I was getting bored.” I hoped no one noticed our stare-off. But then I glanced at Viola,
[Valerie] ‘Ruelle, no,’ I tried to pacify her, my own wolf, my animal counterpart. But she didn’t pay heed. I knew where she was trotting towards, turning a deaf ear to calls and warnings. I felt stuck, felt scared of my wolf. ‘How dare they?’ she growled. ‘They are my friends!’ I tried to reason. I felt so helpless because I knew the sadistic pleasure she took in hurting others, in making them feel helpless and weak. It felt as if two souls completely opposite to each other resided in my body now. ‘Is it? You seriously think that we are different?’ she scorned. ‘Yes, because I would be angry with my friends but never think of hurting them.’ I felt helpless. Yes, I was hurt by what Irene told about Sarah and sad at the thought of Ken having to compromise. ‘I told you that she-wolf doesn’t consider you her friend. She planned to even make us feel jealous of our sister. She tried to sabotage us. I would have snapped her neck had I not been recuperating,’ she growled as she br
[Valerie][five moths later…]The mating ceremony did not happen. Even after Davina recovered, she did not really overcome the trauma of that day. Brandon ended his seclusion as he had told us and then as a sheer surprise to all, especially me he announced that his second chance mate was Viola.I wasn’t sure what game fate was playing with us, but I was kind of happy with it.After the incident, my parents along with Xyan visited us. Viola had tagged along too.“I am so glad you are okay. I am so proud of you,” Mom had repeatedly murmured through her tears as she hugged me multiple times.As for Moran and Mia, they hadn’t reconciled which made me only feel worse. Moran’s downcast eyes were too much to bear.“Well, not everyone gets their happy ending,” he had said wistfully when we had finally found free time to talk what with being swamped with work.~~~~As we dug further into Fiona’s case, we found out slowly that she started cultivating demonic powers after she came to know about t
[Valerie]“No!” I screamed. Clyde jumped out of the way, staggering sideways to deflect the attack.‘Move, do something,’ Ruelle said but all I could do was struggle to get out of the array.“Why did you come to save me, silly girl,” Davina hissed viciously.The fire swirled and I could barely see Clyde staggering back again, looking for ways to defend himself. He could not turn into his dragon, not here because the room was too low to hold his form and I could see that he still held to his love for his sister.I have to work…. I have to work fast… or he will….I stopped letting my thoughts go in that direction.The fear was palpable through our bond. It pained me to see him this way. Why was I such an idiot? Why did I have to be the savior and come to save this woman who cared for no one?‘Take the pearl from him and destroy her,’ Lativia’s calm voice filled my mind.I glanced at her through bleary vision. No doubt that I was crying.‘How?’ I said helplessly.‘You are the mage wolf, a
[Valerie]What was happening? I glanced at Clyde, bewildered.“Fiona… what’s wrong?” Clyde asks, partially shielding me from the view. His fear and betrayal are palatable in his tone.“What do you think?” Fiona’s tone is sharp and rude. I glance at Zenith who is unusually silent as she stands aside. What is happening?‘She has turned to demonic powers. I should have sensed it,’ Ruelle growls.“You…”Fiona holds up a hand.“Listen, I don’t have the time to chit-chat. Come with me quietly and bring that mate of yours too. Once the business is done, you can go wherever the Hell you want.” Her gaze darted towards me briefly. All I could see was indifference in them. I tugged at Clyde’s hand but he didn’t react.“What if I refuse?” He asked.“Then our mom will die,” Fiona answered promptly. I inhaled sharply.Clyde moved forward, his stance threatening. Fiona’s gaze widened and I, too, detected fear for Aber second before she masked it behind her bravado.“Lead the way,” Clyde gritted out
[Valerie]It was still pretty much in the middle of the night when I woke up. I sat up immediately, feeling sweaty and realizing that my heart was beating, no, thudding in my chest. Clyde, unfortunately, felt this, and he too, woke up.“What’s the matter?” He asked, wrapping an arm around me while removing my sweat-damp hair from my forehead.“I…” I looked at him not knowing how to string words together.“We need to go to the main library, like now or… I am afraid that Lativia might not survive for long,” I rambled, my voice shaky and laced with concern and apprehension.“What?”“Lativia is in there and I just know it. She has been trapped there all this while and I am betting that the pearl is there too,” I murmured before glancing at him pleadingly.Clyde gave me a surprised look before turning away his gaze and then nodding. “Okay. Fine, let’s… let’s just rest for now.” He sounded tired and placating.I nodded reluctantly, but I knew that I wouldn’t be able to sleep.~~~~~~I hurri
[Valerie]In no time, Clyde transformed into his beautiful blue Basilisk. I stare at his dragon form, only this time in awe. Brenton craned his neck down and I tentatively touched his head. He closed his eyes before opening them. I saw my reflection in them, my lips curved into a smile unbeknownst to me.“Hi… we are meeting amicably this time, aren’t we?” I murmur with an amused huff. Brenton pulled away and then blinked. That was a yes.“Let’s go to meet your brother now,” I said and hopped onto his back this time without any assistance. I circled my arms around his neck and hugged him. The scales felt cold against my cheek and then before I knew it, he had begun his ascent, which nonetheless made me yelp.“A bit of a warning would be welcomed,” I shouted, trying to let my voice be heard, but there was no heat or anger behind those words.~~~~~“That is wonderful news. I am glad,” Brandon said, his happiness clear on his face. He then looked at me. “I am so sorry for what happened, n
[Valerie]“How am I going to convince my parents now? You know I left my training and came here,” I groused as I put on a pair of joggers that he lent me. My kind mate had apparently ripped the jeans I had worn, and I couldn’t be more embarrassed. This way every member would know what happened!He shrugs on a casual T-shirt and I can’t help but ogle at his bare skin, now marred by my nails and claws. Although they are healing. I turn my head quickly before he could catch me sneaking a peek. I dress as properly as possible.Clyde disclosed that he knew Zenith was trying to manipulate him and he was just trying to act the way she wanted and wanted to see what she would do.“Dragons are not so weak, especially a blue Basilisk,” he had said proudly. I could feel it through our newly formed bond and it both overwhelmed and relieved me.I was not sure what to expect since I have heard stories of mates like Vampire and Werewolf, A seer and a werewolf but never a bond with a dragon, well not u
[Valerie]I yelped as Clyde scooped me up in his arms and carried me upstairs. I looped my arms around his neck. My heart thudded in my chest as I mulled over my words. I knew what entailed after putting claiming marks on each other. I could hear Clyde’s strong heartbeat and was appeased by the fact that he wasn’t totally calm about it.Unlike his earlier self who might have been reluctant, this side of Clyde is a bit reckless and I loved it. I am not sure if this would help, but it is worth a try. Zenith’s triumphant look flashed across my mind and my mood soured just a bit.But not for long as my attention was caught by the opening of a door and I gasped as we entered Clyde’s room.It was minimally decorated but grand. The four-poster wooden bed with beautiful grayish-blue drapes and matching bedsheets did not look ordinary at all. The curtains were drawn and they were in shades of blue as well. A chest of drawers and a huge closet were among other things in the room. There was only
[Valerie]Moran’s words made me panic. What did he mean by Zenith’s influencing Clyde?As we walked up the mountains, I couldn’t think of anything else. Was Zenith doing this on purpose? She knew I would run back to Clyde if I knew and so she is doing this, but what if that’s not the case? What if she is actually doing this to win Clyde back and become his mate like she originally intended to do?As I stood before the gates of the territory, my heart pounded in my chest, uncertain of what I would find when I visit Clyde’s residence. It had been only a few days since I left this place, and talking to Clyde did not even feel different so how?“Did he behave in a different way?” I asked as we walked towards Clyde’s residence. I did not miss the way the guards and some clan members gave a surprised look at my sudden return.“Yes like he tolerated her in the office, which I found shocking, given what happened,” he grunted. My heart clenched in my chest.I cannot lose Clyde too.I couldn’t h
[Valerie]I leave Dad’s office after he indicated for me to do so as Mom was getting agitated again. My heart is pounding in my chest after the extraordinary and hard-to-believe revelation that Elias had written in the notebook.I somehow manage to reach my room on wobbly legs and close the door.With shaky hands, I dial Clyde’s number. He picks up on the third ring, his voice filled with concern, “Hey, I was just about to call you. Is everything okay? How are you holding up?”All the tension and adrenaline just bleed out of me with those soothing words. At the back of my mind, I realize what others meant when they said that when you find your soulmate, you will realize how much they mean to you and wonder how you ever managed to get anything done without them.“Valerie?” My thoughts are halted by his voice. I realize how my thoughts had drifted elsewhere.“Ah, I am… I am fine. I just… I spoke to my mom and Jade. I showed them something I found in Elias’ room,” I said slowly. I feel g