Chapter 282: A Surprise For Rahria And Kacir

(Alnilam)

A storm of memories has hit me as soon as I set foot in these forsaken lands. They seem so foreign and yet familiar. The moments spent with Jamina in this place come crashing back and the thought of never seeing her again suffocates me.

I promised myself to be strong, to stop self-blaming and grieving to the extent that I bring pain to her soul. She would want me to be happy, that’s what she had asked me as her dying wish.

But Gaslne’s words and this hateful place have stirred deep-buried emotions in my heart. It’s not only me, but I also sense similar feelings from Amaia. Knowing the Dread Army is responsible for the death of her kind, her emotions are all over.

There is something about this land. A negative energy that disturbs one’s emotions and triggers feelings of guilt and self-blame. It tends to latch onto positive emotions and leaves negativity behind.

I toss my bag on the bed and move towards the window to stare out, crossing my arms over my hurting chest.

The door opens and her scent informs me of her arrival. I don’t even need to turn around. Her sun-kissed citrusy scent hits me in abundance and then her warm chest touches my back. Her arms wrap around my torso while her cheek rests on my backbone.

"Hey!" She whispers like a zephyr passing through me. My rigid body automatically softens from her touch. "You okay?"

"She felt your emotions and didn’t hold back. You mustn’t either. Communicate," Snow advises.

"Not really. Too many memories were triggered." I sense Amaia’s lips softly kissing my back. The feeling of her lips is so electrifying as if my skin’s ability to sense has somehow heightened.

"I understand and I am here for you." Slowly I turn and wrap my arms around her, bringing her into my chest. "I know and I am grateful to have you. You are a blessing and you are mine." I don’t wish for her to feel that somehow I am pushing her away.

Never again. I have hurt her enough.

"I understand coming here is a difficult decision for you. If you will need me in any capacity, you know I will never say no." Amaia rubs her cheek against my chest and takes a deep breath.

"It is but I like facing challenges. It’s my mission to defeat them on their home soil and show the world that a Fae with her companions did it, even if they won’t know who I am."

That’s the spirit and resilience I love about her.

"Yes! Just try to be careful. We are in enemy territory and they will try to hurt you especially if they know you are my mate." I take Amaia’s face in my hands and caress her cheek with the tip of my thumb.

"I don’t want to hide you or the fact that you are my mate. The only reason that is holding me back is their mindset and the thought of someone deliberately hurting you like they did Jamina. They always want to get to me. I will never want that." My pain radiates in my words and Amaia senses it.

Her soft features harden in determination. "No one is hurting any of us anymore. The world is done taking advantage of us. We are going to put a stop to this. You and me." I know what she is referring to. We had promised we wouldn’t speak openly about what she saw in Rigel’s room, just in case anyone was listening. We are sticking to that. Even though the very thought hurts me, it’s all I can think about from the moment Amaia opened up about it.

"Yes, we are." I place a kiss on the top of her head. "Go get changed. We have a lot to unravel and learn here."

Amaia nods and with one last hug, she leaves my room.

Everything I thought I knew has been uprooted and thrown out the window since yesterday. Apart from my brothers and Amaia, I can’t trust anyone. I am questioning my whole existence now. It seems like the root of all is Istrale.

The free reins of the Dread Army in Orion.

The attacks and breaches.

The genocide of the Fae kind.

The death of my step-mother and Rigel’s imprisonment.

How the Reavers knew about Amaia.

The more I think about it the more I sense everything is connected like a vast web, I just need to untangle it.

And the answers, they are here somewhere in Istrale. I just need to find them.

With that thought, I gather every strength I possess and bury every dreadful feeling. I have to put on a mask to walk among these people. They can’t know how vulnerable I am these days. I won’t let them use my weakness for their gains. They are happiness-sucking monsters and I won’t give them the chance to get to me or my mate and brothers.

Not only am I going to make use of my time here to uncover the secrets Istrale holds, but it’s also going to be the beginning of their end.

I have promised Amaia that I will help her end this tyrannical reign of Istrale. The prophecy revealed to us also indicated something similar.

With all these burning thoughts, I move to the bathroom, wash my face, comb and tie my hair before heading out to get this stupid dinner done with.

I know the B-Twins will be there along with their younger sister. Everyone has been calling her the Prodigy. From what I have seen, her powers are insane and uncontrollable and she is going to be competing in the Guild Wars.

Stepping out, I go on to knock on the doors and all of them step out one by one, dressed in formal clothes. We have chosen black and red as the common colours to represent Orion.

It’s Amaia that my eyes fix on.

She has chosen a simple and yet elegant above-the-ankle-length frock in pastel red and black shades. The stripes and the fitted waist offer it a unique look and I can’t even look away from her beauty even when her true self is hidden.

She radiantly smiles at me while holding the arms of my brothers who are beaming at her.

"You look exquisite. My Capella..." My voice comes out so needy even though I try to control myself. Stepping closer, I firmly hold her chin and pepper a kiss on her lips.

My brother’s smile, but it’s the sharp intake of breath from Rahria and Kacir that finally makes my head turn towards them.

Both appear on the verge of fainting. What’s wrong with them?