Memories

Chapter 15

Atros' POV

I stood on the training field watching Laceria, Lui, and Yulen train. Laceria wore a pair of track pants, a black sports bra, and her running shoes. Her hair was in a bun that was pinned in place to keep her brothers from being able to grab it while sparring. Yulen and Lui's mates were also watching them, and they seemed nervous while also admiring their shirtless torsos. They were built like warriors, evidence of their years spent training. I've seen them take on many of the impressive members in the Legion, and be deemed victorious, but they're not going to settle. They're pushing themselves to ensure they're at the top of their game in case we do have to go to war. If they were this impressive at the age of nineteen, I can't wait to see their skills when they're twenty one. 

"They're being a little brutal, don't you think," Spark asked softly. He was a soft male, not warrior material. I didn't know if at this point he would be a liability or an asset on the battlefield. Unfortunately we needed all hands in this war. It would hurt my nephew if something happened to his mate. I prayed he picked up on some useful skills that will help him see this war to the end. 

"They've been training this way for years," I told him. "They understand what the battlefield will be like, so they don't give each other the luxury of holding back." "But Yulen broke Laceria's nose," Kora said with concern. "That is what the healer is here for," I said to them. "How are you so okay with this," Vidya asked me. "Because I understand," I told them. "What you see before you is not three newly aged adults. You see the future king, the future Captain of the Guard, and the future advisor, ensuring they're ready for the threat that is coming to our doorstep, and any that may come after it." I looked at them, "This is simply training. This is nothing. Wait till they're stepping forth to lay their lives on the line for the kingdom they've vowed to protect. Before you think of continuing your courtships, then you must figure out whether or not you can handle that. If not, you'll just hold them back and become nothing but a burden." "And you're okay with your mate doing that," Bloom asked me curiously. I nodded, "I will be fighting beside her when she does." 

I had made my decision a while ago. I will never let my mate face our enemies without me beside her. I just hope for Lui and Yulen's sakes, their mates make the right choice. This life wasn't for the weak, but even the strong may hesitate when it comes down to it. 

Lui's POV

We had heard everything Atros had said while we sparred and we completely agreed with him. If I mated with Vidya she would be Queen, and if she wasn't couldn't handle the threats and what we must do, then she isn't a good fit to be queen. It kills me to think like that because she's my mate and I care about her very much, but the reality is I can't have a mate who is going to try and beg me not to protect my people, or worse, cower behind me as I do so. I don't expect them to come into combat with us, but having them give their support where they can is what I do expect, just like we would do for them. 

After training, I went to my room to shower. After my shower, Laceria, Yulen, and I, went to the cave that we have considered our hide out, with our wolves. They've grown rather large but they were still pups. Chaos was a bit of a trouble maker, but he was already so loyal to me and it made me happy. We didn't plan on taking them into battle with us like Atros and our uncles will be. Our wolves weren't trained for that yet. Neither were mom and dad's. I don't think mom's will ever be trained with how much she coddles hers. Like Sioc, she spoils her wolf. 

Yulen sat on the couch that was in the cave, "What do you think about what Atros said?" "He has a point," Laceria said with a one shoulder shrug. "No matter what their choices are, I would never consider my mates a burden," Yulen admitted to us. I nodded, "Neither would I." "But if they have no combat skills, then they can't be on the battlefield," Laceria said. "I know they'll hate being stuck here at home while waiting to see what happens, but it's best that they're home where it's safe, than having our minds split between worrying about them and the battle. That'll just get us killed." "It would also be foolish to believe that this will be the only issue we have in our lifetime," Yulen said and we nodded. Another threat could appear whether it was three months from now, or a century. Our mates must be ready to accept that we will throw our lives on the line to protect the people. My father was ready to leave mother a widow and I fatherless when facing against my uncle eight years ago, if it meant his brother was dealt with and no longer a threat. I am also ready to make that same sacrifice if I must, and from the looks in Laceria and Yulen's eyes, they were too. 

"If they can't handle it, I won't blame my mates for rejecting me," Yulen admitted. "Nor I if Vidya wishes to not have to have that constant worry in her life," I said with a sigh. It weighed heavy to admit it, but it was true. "If they couldn't handle it, then the Gods wouldn't have picked them," Laceria reminded us. "I'm sure they'll surprise us all, we just have to wait and see." Yulen and I agreed with her. We then turned our attention to the board games we had in here. We played till it was nearing sunset. 

"You're a dirty cheater," Laceria said to Yulen as we went into the castle. "I am not," Yulen said to her. "You're just a sore liar." "I am not," Laceria said, hands on her hips. "Are too," Yulen said with a cocky smirk. They continued to go back and forth until our mother appeared and cleared her throat. Their eyes widened and they snapped their eyes to her while I suppressed my laughter. "If you're finished arguing, then come assist with dinner," she said to us. "Yes ma'am," we said before going into the kitchen. 

I was chopping the carrots when slim arms wrapped around my waist, and a soft kiss was placed at the base of my neck. I looked over my shoulder and saw Vidya standing on her tip toes. I smiled softly before turning my attention back to the carrots. "I'm not okay with you so willingly throwing your life on the line, but I understand and will be forever grateful," she whispered to me. I placed a hand over hers, giving her a soft squeeze before going back to chopping the vegetables. She moved from behind me and began assisting. She would give me soft smiles as we cooked. 

I noticed my mother tensed. She shot me a look before leaving the room and I knew by the soft growl, Evaline was here. I went to follow after her, but Yulen grabbed my bicep. "Leave it," Yulen said to me. "She'll only piss you off and hurt you." I scoffed, "Hurt me?" He gave me a look and I growled softly. I yanked my arm from his grasp and continued to help prepare dinner. 

Azula's POV

Getting the mindlink from Balthazar about Evaline's arrival, shot down my good mood in an instant. I went to the foyer where Balthazar was staring her down. "What do you want," I asked her. "Deckland came to see me recently," she said to us. Balthazar growled, "How recently?" "Yesterday," she answered. "Liar," he said, his royal ability allowing him to know when someone is lying telling him she was lying. What else was new? She was good at lying, whether it was on her back or with her mouth, it was something she enjoyed, not caring who got hurt. 

"If you don't give me a willing truthful answer, I will take you to my dungeon and force it from you," he threatened. It was one I knew he would good on. His brother was a threat that we have been trying to track down, and this was the first chance we've gotten to having at possibly catching him. The wolves can't track his scent and scrying from the witches didn't work. 

"A week ago," she confessed, eyes filled with fear as she looked at Balthazar. "And why are we only finding out about this now," Balthazar asked, while taking a threatening step forward. She stepped back in fear, eyes wide. She was clearly not expecting this reaction from him. "If you're protecting him," Balthazar said to her, his markings spreading throughout his body. "I-I'm not," she whimpered. "Liar," he growled again, this time grabbing her and slamming her into the wall. "Why are you protecting a murderer?" "Because I love him," she cried in fear. "I-I came to tell you the message he gave me." "What is it," I asked her. 

"The time line has been moved up," she said. "You have till the next eclipse." She then screamed as Balthazar's grip around her upper arms tightened to the point you could hear the bones in her arms break. He then tossed her to the side where she rolled on the floor, sobbing. I sneered at her, and stepped over her. "Arrest her for treason," I yelled to the guards who had watched as I walked down the hall. 

The eclipse was six months from now. That was a whole year and a half earlier than the original time line. What changed? The veil between the dimensions isn't going to be weak. Unless, he plans to bring the fight to us. The Eclipse will block the sun, meaning his beings of darkness will be allowed to attack when they please. There had to be more to it though. The Eclipse will only last for a few minutes though. Unless he found a spell that will keep the Eclipse frozen in place. This was worse than we ever imagined, and we weren't prepared.