Page 60

“You can’tseriouslybe considering trying to fight that thing!” I implore the three Aurelians to see reason.

They are my bliss. These three beautiful, powerful, caring men – who I know would die for me in a heartbeat.

Thisis my bliss – being with them for the rest of my life.

I long ago gave up the fantasy of having children, and I found far greater happiness than I could ever have imagined as a result.

But now, it will all be threatened once again by the curse of my infertility.

Joshua took a younger woman because I was unable to have children.

Now these three will go on a suicide mission for the same reason – to offer an impossible sacrifice to their damned Orb-God; at the risk ofeverythingI’ve spent thirty years trying to restore.

Haleon runs his hand through his mohawk. Then he touches me, his hand against my belly, and looks deep into my eyes. “Youwillbear me a son, my pet.”

I step back, anger flaring. “I’ll bear younothingif you try to fight that creature!”

Brigg has a hint of fear in his eyes.

“Wemust. It’s our only chance.”

His voice is resigned, yet determined.

We eat a terse dinner. Then we fall asleep, barely a word spoken between us. My dreams are filled with fire and agony, and I wake up with a start, gasping for air.

In the corner of the cave is a black dot.

A floating, black dot. The same type I’ve seen before – the call of the Orb, or whatever intelligence it is behind those eerie, floating balls of raw energy.

It shimmers into a portal, rippling and humming, but the three Aurelians don’t wake from their slumber.

I do, though. I’ve never been so awake in all my life. The rift in reality opens, offering me a way out of the situation. I took it once before and it was my greatest regret.

I see clearly through the shimmering portal into an office building.

Earth.

Home.

If I go through it, the three Aurelians will have no reason to fight the dragon. It is only for their progeny and legacy that they’d take such a stupid, foolhardy risk.

I pull myself gently away from Brigg’s arms and stand in front of the portal. I lick my lips, knowing that if I go through it, the Aurelians will be safe. They will have no reason to battle the dragon without me. They will survive instead of going on a suicide mission.

Tears come to my eyes.

I know what I should do…

…but I can’t.

I’m the selfish one now. Though I know Ishouldstep through and away from the certain doom that I’m condemning these three, proud warriors to, I can’t take that step.

I did it once before, and it nearly destroyed me.

I fall to my knees, knowing that by staying here I’m effectively killing the three men I love.

As if reading my mind, the portal abruptly disappears. I’m left on my knees in the darkness, and suddenly all I feel is hatred at myself for not making the noble choice – to leave this brutal paradise and let my three loveslive.

OceanofPDF.com