(Rigel)

I had to distance myself from Amaia earlier because my blood lust was clouding my judgment. Being near her was like a moth circling fire. Her scent drove me insane so I had to leave her with them, even though the jealous part of me wished to pick her up and whisk her away.

But I prioritised her health and safety. Deep down I knew she was safer with twins than she ever would be with me. I could hurt her, unintentionally and then I would never be able to forgive myself.

When Alnilam came to me with that Blood Oath suggestion, I agreed in a heartbeat. Knowing this was the only way to keep her safe. To ensure I would never hurt her without consequences, I had to do this.

I sensed her heightened euphoria and lust for hours.

Was she mating with them?

Or was it them making out?

Jealousy is corrosive; it eats away at you slowly, just as rust does to metal. It twists your heart and makes your body ache in ways you can’t even imagine.

Since the bond between me and her doesn’t work two ways, that deep connection from her side is missing. She can’t sense me and I can’t understand all of her emotions yet. At least I feel no pain when she is with her other mates, just this green-eyed monster who dwells in my heart now, wishing to frisk her away and hide her from the world, even her other mates.

With these thoughts, I wandered through the forest and arrived under the massive Oak tree. Alnilam was already there, trying to set up the area, so I helped him until the other three arrived.

Alnitak is cocky, and he thinks he owns the world and Amaia. I detest him for that.

Mintaka is quieter, more laid back but he has just developed the bond with her. This is keeping him on the edge.

But, it’s Saiph I am unable to figure out. That man holds secrets deeper than a well, and even with all that tough façade, I have seen him hold a soft spot for Amaia.

Alnitak, as usual, passes remarks to tease me, trying to instigate me, but I hold myself back. Every limb I possess wishes to hurt him and wipe that smug smile off his face.

But Amaia’s words hold me back, I don’t want to do anything that will upset her.

Alnilam unknowingly makes me stand in the position matching my name. It’s strange how the universe sometimes works to bring you exactly where you are needed.

Taking the knife, I place it in my right hand and with precision, slash it across my chest right above my heart.

"Since I don’t have anything I value. I will be offering my body for this oath." The blood oozes out of the fresh wound and the four of them watch me with mixed expressions. I feel no pain, the physical agony has become such an integral part of me that I don’t even sense such small cuts.

"I, Ezran Thadre (I say my real name in my heart) will protect my mate until the last drop of my blood from today onwards until the day I die."

I complete the oath and drop the bloodied knife on the ground.

The ceremony should have been completed, but something strange happened. Five silver beams descend from the heavens carrying light so bright and warm like the melted starlight.

Stunned, I stare up and they seem to be descending from the very stars the five of us are named after.

The tattoos of the constellation of Orion on our biceps begin to glow, like a beacon. Everyone lifts up their sleeves and watches the glistening tattoo.

The beams touch each of our brows, and a voice, woven from starlight and silence, speaks into my soul: "Guard the light-bearer, Amaia. You are her shield, her compass. Guide her to the dawn that awaits her, for her destiny is the one that will rekindle the constellation and the future of your world. My words bind the five of you; you can’t reveal them to others. But you must form a strong bond with Amaia. Your bond will give her strength, physical and mental."

None of us moves. A tremor courses through my body at the sheer authority the voice held. The light slowly disappears, melting away into the darkness.

Aghast and thunderstruck, we stare at each other and I know all of us heard that voice.

"Who was that?" Mintaka questions, glancing around with panic.

"What in the holiness was that?" Alnitak almost shrieks out.

Alnilam stares up, the silver beams have slowly faded into the air as if they had never existed.

"It means, Amaia is destined for a greater path and we have to be her guides and protectors just as the voice has said," Alnilam informs us in a determined voice, appearing as confident and nonchalant as he always does.

"That was a prophecy," Saiph says more calmly than anyone else and all the eyes focus on him.

"How do you know?" Alnitak asks, shifting his body to face him. None of us moves as if we are transfixed in this position.

"Isn’t it obvious? You don’t have to be a genius to figure this out," Saiph says with the same energy and tone I use for Alnitak.

"I agree with Saiph, this seems like a prophecy or the result of our oath. The gods must have answered, trying to pave the path for Amaia’s future with our help." Alnilam agrees with Saiph, still staring at the constellation of Orion above us.

"This was strange. I don’t believe in gods or divine interventions but I believe in Amaia and protecting her even if that means working with all of you." My eyes wander on each and every one of them.

"That’s done then. Remember, no one will tell Amaia or put her life in jeopardy." Alnilam reminds us again, moving from his spot.

"Yeah, yeah," Alnitak says, finally stretching his arms.

"Go get some sleep, tomorrow all of you have sessions," Alnilam tells his brothers. Twins leave after giving me challenging looks. There is something different about them all. Their auras, which I can faintly sense, have changed and become stronger than before.

Did that light change all of us?