Page 24 of World At War

“I am so very proud of you, hatchling,” he murmurs, his voice filled with love and pride. He kisses my temple tenderly, his touch grounding me during the swirling chaos that surrounds us.

I lean into his embrace, drawing strength from his presence as we stand together overlooking the tranquil pond before us. “I’m just trying to help our people,” I reply softly, my voice tinged with determination. “No one should be enslaved or made to suffer. Oberon and his people have caused us immeasurable pain and suffering, and they deserve to be held accountable for their actions.”

My grandfather nods in understanding, his gaze meeting mine with a mixture of pride and sadness. “You speak the truth, my dear,” he murmurs, his voice heavy with emotion. “But remember, even in the darkest of times, there is still hope. We must never lose sight of that.”

I nod in agreement, my resolve strengthened by his words. Together, we will face whatever challenges lie ahead. We are united in our determination to bring justice to our people and free them from the tyranny of their oppressors.

As the elders continue their preparations. I feel a sense of determination settle over me like a comforting cloak. With my family by my side, I know we will overcome whatever obstacles stand in our way and emerge victorious in our quest for freedom and justice.

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the land. The sense of urgency in the air is palpable. The elders work tirelessly, their movements precise and purposeful as they prepare for the ritual that will hopefully shield us from the influence of the Fae.

My grandfather stands beside me, his presence a reassuring anchor during the chaos that surrounds us. I know he shares my determination to confront Oberon and the other Fae Kings. To hold them accountable for the suffering they have caused.

My mother, with a fierce determination in her eyes, offers to accompany us on our journey. But I know that her place is here, watching over my children and supporting my mates as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

“Are you ready?” Elka’s voice breaks through my thoughts, her gaze shifting between my grandfather and me. I nod, steeling myself for what is to come. “Yes, let’s get started.”

My grandfather and I move together towards the circle where the other elders await us. They motion for us to lie down side by side on a slab at the center of the circle, and we comply without hesitation.

“We are going to tattoo a protective rune on you,” the oldest elder explains, her voice grave yet determined. “It will shield you from the influence of the Fae.”

I watch as she approaches us, a glowing inscribed obsidian shard held aloft in her weathered hands. The rune glows with an otherworldly light, pulsing with ancient power as it awaits its purpose.

As the elder etches the rune into our skin, I feel a surge of energy coursing through me, mingling with the anticipation that thrums in the air. The sensation is both exhilarating and unnerving, like being caught during a storm.

I grit my teeth against the pain, focusing on the task at hand as the elder’s skilled hands work their magic. Each stroke of the shard sends sparks of light dancing across my skin, leaving behind a trail of shimmering runes that seem to pulse with life.

My grandfather lies beside me, his face set in a mask of determination as he bears the pain of the ritual. I draw strength from his presence, knowing that together, we will overcome whatever challenges lie ahead.

Finally, the ritual is complete, and I sit up, feeling the weight of the protective rune etched into my skin. It tingles with power, a tangible reminder of the task that lies before us.

As we stand, the elders gather around us, their expressions grave yet hopeful. “You are now protected from the influence of the Fae,” the oldest elder declares, her voice ringing out with authority. “May this rune guide and protect you on your journey.”

I nod, a sense of determination settling over me like a comforting cloak. With the rune to shield us from the Fae’s influence, I know we are one step closer to achieving our goal of freeing our people from their tyranny.

Together, my grandfather and I leave the circle, our hearts filled with hope and determination. The time to confront Oberon and the other Fae Kings, to demand justice for our people and put an end to their reign of terror once and for all.

Chapter 17

Tiamat

The moment has arrived,and I stand at the threshold alongside my grandfather, watching as my father and brother begin the incantation to tear open the veil between our world and the realm of the Fae. The air crackles with anticipation, and a sense of foreboding settles over me like a heavy cloak.

Beside me, my grandfather stands tall, his expression grave yet resolute. We both know the risks involved in this journey, but we are determined to see it through to the end.

“Are you sure you don’t want me with you?” My mother’s voice breaks through my thoughts as she finishes braiding my hair, her eyes filled with concern. I smile softly and shake my head. “I’m sure, Mom. I need you here to watch over the triplets and my mates.”

We share a moment of laughter, the tension of the moment momentarily eased by the familiar banter. Indeed, wrangling our mates can sometimes be more challenging than tending to our children.

As the elders finally succeed in tearing open the veil, revealing the otherworldly landscape of the Fairy realm, a mixture of awe and trepidation washes over me. The sight is both captivating and terrifying, like something out of a dream.

“Only trust what your dragon tells you is real,” my father advises, his voice solemn yet filled with wisdom. With a nod, I take a deep breath and step through the portal alongside my grandfather.

We emerge into a vast wilderness unlike anything I have ever seen. Strange and twisted trees loom overhead, their gnarled branches casting eerie shadows across the forest floor. The air is thick with magic, a tangible presence that seems to pulse with life.

“Trust nothing, hatchling,” my grandfather warns, his tone grave as he shifts his arms into his gauntlets, his talons clicking together ominously. I follow suit, summoning my force weapon to dance between the tips of my talons, ready for whatever dangers may lie ahead.

As we venture deeper into the Fairy realm, every shadow seems to hold a lurking threat, every sound a potential danger. I keep a watchful eye on my surroundings, relying on the instincts of my dragon to guide me through the unfamiliar terrain.

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