Page 11

CHAPTER 11

BAELEN

“ D o you want any of this?” Charlie asked as I entered the kitchen in the morning.

He pointed at the food with his fork. Plates of various unrecognizable things sat on the counter, heat rising in swirls from them, and the smell reminding me of injured cattle.

There was much to learn about the human realm and yet no time to ask. I was loath to admit that I didn’t know something.

“No,” I told him as I eyed the food and he stabbed at his own plate. I didn’t hear him come home the night before, nor did I hear him get up and prepare all the food, but he must not have rested well. His eyes were red. “Are we expecting guests?”

“Elizabeth is coming soon to explain plans. Plus, I haven’t seen Daithi and Savida since yesterday morning. I’m not sure if they’ve eaten, so I hope they haven’t turned into empty husks in my guest room.”

“Who knew you were such a generous host?” I replied dryly.

Although it wouldn’t surprise me if they weren’t in the guest room at all and had fled since they could portal home now. Or even portaled back to the shadow realm to take the king up on his job offer.

“They were planning on paying me a fuck-load of money to travel around the world searching for Clawdia. I figure since I’ve already done both, I’m due a payment, so I need them alive. Although, I’m not sure how they were going to pay me, now that I think about it.”

Zaide’s hunger gnawed at our bond. He was in the shower but would be joining, so I began plating up some of the items for him. His emotions, like his blood, had a darker, deeper tone to them than Clawdia’s, but since Clawdia’s bond was still silent as it had been since the protector’s death, I appreciated the warmth of Zaide’s bond.

I shrugged as I joined him at the table, placing Zaide’s plate next to me. “Probably a valuable mineral of some kind. Payment in all realms is different. I doubt he would have had human money before he came here.”

Charlie scoffed in disgust. “Of course it wouldn’t be real money,” he mumbled. “Doing free labor for nothing.”

“Maybe not for nothing. If it is a golden mineral, Dralie might like it for his hoard.”

“Are you sure you don’t want any? I assumed you worked up quite the appetite after last night.” He waggled his brows.

I leveled him with a glare. Despite Zaide’s bond quelling my anger from the previous day’s revelations, it still simmered in the back of my mind. I wasn’t inclined to dispel it yet, either.

“You know I can’t eat food.”

He nodded, chewed, swallowed, and then asked, “What would happen if you ate some?”

“I’d be sick. My body can’t consume anything but blood.”

“Can you taste it? What if you spit it out?”

I narrowed my eyes. “Your curiosity is disgusting.”

He held his hands up. “I’m just asking what everyone else wants to know. I speak for the people.”

I rolled my eyes, giving in to his ridiculousness, and answered, “I could taste it, but it wouldn’t taste pleasant to me.”

He looked from his plate to me and back again. His smile was mockingly pitying. “Shame.” He skewered his last few bites and, between groans of appreciation, said, “Because this is banging.”

Zaide entered braiding his wet hair, and when he smiled, spotting us and the food, I felt his unreserved joy. My soul mate appreciated life, which I had lost while doing my duty. Perhaps that is why I need him so much. I felt much lighter.

Zaide pulled out the seat next to me, the scrape across the floor jolting me from reverie. “Another of the English’s breakfast, Charlie?”

“You all seemed to enjoy it the first time.” Charlie waggled his eyebrows again. “Baelen added a few extra things to your plate, so it’s not exactly the same as before, but I know you aren’t fussy.”

Zaide’s gaze moved from his plate to me. His purple eyes widened, and his gratitude flooded our bond before he could say the word. “Thank you.”

“You fed me.” I cupped his jaw and pulled his lips to mine for a quick, gentle kiss. “I feed you.”

Charlie interrupted our moment. “Um, I was the one who cooked. Where’s my thanks? Praise? Loving stares?”

“I didn’t realize you were so bereft of my attention, Charlie. I’ll rectify that now. Thank you for feeding me. I appreciate your care for our family.” Zaide batted his eyelashes, his eyes wide and his head tilted.

Charlie burst out laughing. “Not going to lie, it still felt good.”

In moments like these, I saw how the rest of our lives could be. The playfulness, the care, the adoration and acceptance. I still had much to learn about my mates and even more to learn about Charlie, but I craved more of this ease, this happiness.

Clawdia shuffled into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes, and Charlie’s face softened at the sight of her. “Sit down, Clawdicat. Let me get you something to eat.”

“Fruit,” she mumbled. “Please. I need fruit. It’s been so long.”

Charlie chuckled and squeezed her shoulder before heading to the counter.

“Good morning, Little Cat. How are you feeling?” Zaide asked.

“Tired,” she replied with a small smile. Her eyes glanced at me for a second before flitting away. My eyes remained on Charlie as though I didn’t notice her gauging my mood.

Thankfully, as Charlie placed a plate of fruit in front of her, we were spared any awkwardness when Elizabeth called out a greeting from the front door. Like a whirlwind, she rushed into the kitchen, sat down, and barely took a breath before diving into the crux of the matter.

“The protector has been dead for two days, but we are already hearing of disappearances. I’ve been liaising with the council, who are talking to the governments and attempting to suppress the news to stop more panic and explain the situation.”

Elizabeth’s face was somber, and her eyes were as tired as her son’s. Her words pebbled my skin as an icy chill brushed over me, while Zaide’s jaw tightened and Clawdia gasped.

Only Charlie seemed immune to the loss of populace, and instead, his curiosity struck. “Wait, governments know about supernaturals?”

“You think they wouldn’t? Why did you think a dragon flying around Sweden didn’t get more news coverage?” Elizabeth raised an eyebrow.

“And supernaturals aren’t in experimental camps or hunted by the government? That doesn’t sound like the human race.”

Her lips twisted. “I’m sure some of the hunters’ funding would come from people in power, however rarely can humans fix a supernatural-made problem. Which is why the council are eager for our plan.”

Charlie muttered before pressing the switch on the kettle. “I bet witches are mud with the governments at the moment.”

Elizabeth nodded. "Our reputation has most definitely taken a hit. Which can begin the spiral of self-hatred, misjudgment, and victimization. To ensure our people are not radicalized, we need to assure them this was not for naught and that they can achieve their goal of saving the realm by helping in our plan to right their wrongs."

In response to his birth mother’s question, Charlie rolled his eyes and sighed. “Are the feelings of witches really the top priority right now?”

I had to agree.

“We need plans for all things,” Elizabeth began. “We need to locate Fafnir and make sure the hunters are no longer a threat. However, this is something we can delegate as long as we have the right plan in mind. Baelen, you’ve been trying to protect the titans from slavers for years now. Do you have any ideas?”

Although I knew she meant no harm with her words, my dark mind and vulnerable state made me feel as though she’d flayed me. I cut her a sharp glance before saying, “I’ve used artifacts since my only power is in blood.”

“What are artifacts?” Elizabeth asked.

“Items with their own innate power. They are a kind of anomaly that occurs when the realm’s natural magic overflows. My fathers have the ones from the human realm, which they were instructed to take after the fall, and I have been collecting as many as I can find in other realms. My ring is an artifact with the power of invisibility.”

Charlie muttered, “I’d hate to be the one to find an artifact that explodes when touched.”

My lip curled. “There is a certain amount of consideration to take when handling artifacts. You should know the power, the history, and whether that history and record of power came from a trusted source.”

“What artifacts do you use to protect the titans?” Zaide asked.

“I use Omphalos stones for protection shields. When these are breached, a firebird feather turns red and alerts the occupants. I also have Eldhrimnir, a cauldron used to replicate whatever is inside it, which is how I’ve created more stones and feathers.”

Eyes bore into me, and silence descended. I felt heat creeping up my face.

“Greek and Norse words. But they were both titan owned?” Elizabeth asked.

I shrugged. “If your myths refer to gods, it’s likely the beings were titan or titan origin.”

“I’ve never heard of myths involving protection shields or a replica-creating cauldron,” Charlie added.

Leaning back in my chair, I explained, “The Omphalos was, according to legend, ordered by a god king to be dropped at the center of the world. It was dropped in a sanctuary where a seer lived and people of all realms pilgrimaged. Unknown to the humans, this sanctuary was protected by the stone, as portals couldn’t be opened within the surrounding area.”

“Like a ward?” Elizabeth asked

I nodded. “The key difference being that the Omphalos doesn’t waver in strength. Firebird feathers continue to cast light when removed, are bright enough to cover a vast area, and are sensitive to beings with ill will or intent to capture. I learned that placing them at the border of the Omphalos-protected area created a warning system whereby the feather flame turns red.”

Clawdia’s eyes were wide with awe. “Baelen, that’s incredible.”

“You are very creative, my mate,” Zaide added as he squeezed my thigh.

Pride filled my chest. My achievements with the titans had been a secret for so long, and other than Darshaw, I didn’t have any support who would celebrate me.

“Firebirds,” Charlie breathed. He leaned forward across the table, his eyes sparkling.

“You didn’t think a glowing bird would be from Tartarus?” I asked jokingly.

Zaide chuckled softly, his eyes glazed with memories as he said, “As I remember, they are very fond of the golden apples.”

“Dralie’s going to have fun chasing them away.” Clawdia nudged Charlie playfully.

“Dralie’s going to want to eat them. Do you think they taste like chicken?” Charlie asked.

Zaide was horrified. “Eat them? They are the sacred animal of Tartarus.”

“They are perfect for his hoard. He won’t eat them,” I assured him.

“I might,” Charlie muttered.

Zaide gasped. “You’ll be cursed.”

“Fine, I won’t eat the glowing chicken.” He rolled his eyes at Clawdia. “Honestly, the things I do for you lot.”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes before pinning me with her stare and asking, “These warning systems are helpful? The people can defend themselves from the invaders?”

I shook my head. “There are very few titan settlements on Tartarus now, but they have quite the underground network to escape detection when given the warning. We also use the same system to protect the armies in Akar.”

“So, there is no defense plan.”

My fists clenched at her dismissive words. “There are not enough titans to defend Tartarus. I’ve visited the settlements and offered to move them to Akar for training to better protect themselves, but many refused. They are old, tired, and don’t want to leave the only home they’ve known, often the home they built and have memories of loved ones in. They’d rather hide. Our armies fight, but there’s no way for the army to come to the aid of the people when the army is in another realm.”

“Why is the army in another realm?”

I ran my tongue along my fangs as my frustration increased. “Because slavers are looking for titans in Tartarus and it’s harder to find them in other realms. They are safe while they train. Eventually, we’ll move back once the army has grown enough and we can properly defend the people.”

Elizabeth must have noticed my anger and grimaced apologetically. “I mean no offense. I’m just trying to relate it to our own situation. It seems you’re lacking in manpower, but we have that. Our spells or potions could replicate the firebird feathers and create wards. With enough of them, we could severely limit the number of portals appearing. Or we could force them all to certain areas, where visitors could be vetted.”

Charlie asked, “Is that why you dragged Lydia here? To help with potions for this ‘save the witch reputation’ campaign?”

“Yes,” Elizabeth said and aimed a glare his way. “I didn’t realize you were so prolific in the witch community, Charlie. I thought you’d only just come into your heritage, but it seems you’ve never been too far from magic.”

He curled his lip in response. “I don’t know what you mean by prolific.”

She opened her mouth to respond, but I jumped in before the conversation descended into chaos.

“Your spells and potions may not be able to replicate the innate magic in the artifacts as the cauldron does. The cauldron was thought to bring back to life a beast which had been roasted for the gods. The gods wanted to eat it again the next night and so the cook used the cauldron. In truth, the beast was not brought back to life, but the meat was replicated.”

Zaide hummed thoughtfully. “It’s very interesting to hear how stories have changed throughout time.”

Charlie nodded. “Just think of how many times we’ve been told the story of Fafnir and Sigurd. Each time has been different. We still don’t know the truth about it. Probably never will now that he’s dead. Even Fafnir has relied on stories evolving over time until they’re distorted to hide his true nature. We just thought he was a dragon that ate magic at the start of all this.”

“Which is why Fate can see the past,” Clawdia added softly as she collected the plates. “So at least someone knows the truth.”

Elizabeth brought us back to topic. “If you don’t believe our spells or potions could recreate the stones and feathers, perhaps we could at least look at the artifacts to help us see the innate magic and determine whether we can touch it.”

“I can retrieve them, certainly.”

Clawdia had begun washing and suddenly turned around, her face alight with hope. “So, Lydia doesn’t need to be here?”

Elizabeth shot her a glare, and Clawdia sagged as she turned back to the sink. "As well as helping with our portal plan, Lydia will also help us create weapons and things that will hold his dark magic at bay. She’s a potions master and has good instincts, so we are in excellent hands."

Zaide got up, his hand leaving my leg, and joined Clawdia at the sink, picking up a towel and drying what she washed.

Charlie brought my attention back to the conversation. “We know nothing about dark magic. Unless you’re holding out on us again.”

“It’s forbidden to learn,” Elizabeth replied quickly.

Charlie let out a frustrated huff. “So we know nothing about it and you don’t want us to, but we need to defend against something we don’t understand? Make that make sense.”

“Forbidden things only make it easier for people with ill intent to use against unwitting others,” I added.

Elizabeth tilted her head. “No. Unfortunately, that is true. I know little about dark magic, but I know witches who know more.”

“Yeah,” Charlie drawled, exchanging an exasperated glance with me. “And they are on the other team.”

Elizabeth smirked. “I’m hoping they won’t be.”

Charlie frowned and sat up straighter. “You can create potions to make them good? Why didn’t we start with that? We could have had Fafnir dolling out soup to the homeless by now.”

“I’m afraid changing someone’s behavior so drastically would be dark magic,” she replied in a dry tone that reminded me of her son. “I have another plan for them, but I want us to start with the portals first, then the hunters, then the witches, then Fafnir. We’ll strip him of his allies before we take him down.”

Charlie chuckled. “Love this energy.”

“You will assist Lydia, Arabella, and myself with our plans. I want you to find out if Fafnir is still working with the hunters and if that’s why they attacked us. I’d also like your ideas for integrating technology into our magic.” She saw the disgruntled look on his face and continued. “I know you and Lydia have history, but I hope you won’t let it impede a working relationship for the greater good.” She turned to look at Clawdia, who was also pouting. “Clawdia, I am saying this to you too. Please do not chase Lydia away. We need all the help we can get.”

Clawdia looked pointedly at Charlie as she replied to Elizabeth, “I’ll be on my best behavior with Lydia, and I know Charlie will too. I trust him.”

Charlie swallowed and nodded once, hearing the threat in the seemingly innocent words. My lips twitched at the sight of his fear of her.

Elizabeth continued unperturbed, “Regarding Fafnir, he’s injured and angry. This is excellent. He’ll make mistakes. This is an opportunity to hit him while he’s down. If he can’t shift, he is mortal. He will be easy to kill.”

“You’ve had your Weetabix this morning,” Charlie added. “I’ve never seen you so determined.”

Again, Elizabeth ignored him. “Clawdia, I’m sure your visions are going to be essential to our victory. Please continue to work on your understanding and control of your new gift.”

Clawdia’s face fell, and Zaide wrapped an arm around her, tucking her against him.

Charlie slapped his knees. “Well, we’ve got our orders, and I’ve got a phone call to make, so send everyone round in a few hours once we’ve got our shit together.” As he guided Elizabeth out of the house, I heard him ask, “Where are Savida and Daithi? Why do they get out of hard work?”

I arrived back in the dimness of Akar, in my bedroom in the palace, and my eyes adjusted to the dark, making me sigh with relief. Days in the human realm were better than days in Tartarus, but nothing felt as good as coming back home and being able to be my true self. I headed straight to my relic collection in the storage room next door and began routing around for what I needed.

I heard my uncle’s steps hurrying toward me long before his voice reached my ears. “Baelen? Is that you? Where have you been? What happened?”

I let out a humorless chuckle as I stood and greeted him. “It’s a long story.”

He frowned. “I have lived a long time. I’m in no rush.”

“You might not be, but I am.” I stooped again to collect the cauldron, feathers, and stones.

Darshaw leaned back against the wall, his arms crossed, disapproval written across his face. “Your soul mates are keeping you away from your family so soon?”

“They are currently attempting to save the human realm from the threat of a vengeful dark witch, supernatural hunters, and otherworlders who are invading and stealing their people. I can aid them in at least one of those matters.”

“But you didn’t bring them with you?”

I raised my eyebrow. “I didn’t realize you were so keen to meet them.”

“I have many stories to tell them of your youth.” I rolled my eyes, but a small smile curled the corner of my lip. His red eyes assessed me. “You don’t seem overjoyed with the blessings of a mate bond.”

I sighed. “You will not leave me alone until I tell you everything, will you?”

He smiled but said nothing. I headed to the kitchens, Darshaw walking with me as I explained everything. Shadows, hunters, capture, shadow realm, drakorians separated from their male, dark magic…

My voice was going hoarse when he passed me a glass of blood, but the smell of it turned my stomach. Nothing would compare to the taste of my soul mates’ blood.

When I was done, I noted the concern in his eyes. “That’s quite the adventure. I’m sorry you are under so much pressure right now, but your future has always been laden with responsibility. It’s a heavy mantle to bear. If I can help…”

“Don’t you have a kingdom to run?” I asked dryly.

His offer of help was always genuine but also out of sheer boredom. It was why he made such a game out of finding my mother and offered to let the titan army stay here. He enjoyed watching them develop like a livestock farmer enjoys surprise pregnancies.

He shrugged. “When you’ve been running a kingdom as long as I have, it runs itself.”

“There’s nothing you could do right now. I’m here to pick up a few things so the witches can help protect the human realm from invaders.” I rubbed my neck. “I do have other news. Recent news. Mother is dying. So are my fathers. Clawdia is taking on the curse of Fate.”

As the blood drained from his face, I quickly explained and watched as the anger turned his face back to normal color. I finished by saying, “You may need to be the voice of reason when I eventually speak to my mother and fathers, because I’m not being rational about it.”

His fangs dropped, and his fists clenched. “If she thinks she can die after leaving me for years without an apology or a goodbye, she is sorely mistaken. I’m afraid my voice may not be much more reasonable than yours, but I will be there. It’s time you spoke as a family instead of strangers.”

“I keep hearing that.”

His smile returned. “Someone very wise.”

“You’d like him.”

“I look forward to the day I meet them. And even more so the day you announce a child.”

I hesitated to mention it, but after everything he had done for me and knowing how much he longed to pass on his burden, I said, “Clawdia has already seen him. And his brothers and sister.”

“Four. One for each of you, I presume?” he chuckled.

“I’m not sure it’s on purpose.” My mood darkened. “As always, Fate pulls the strings.”

“Not a terrible thing when it’s in your favor.”

But I wasn’t sure how true that was.