Page 103 of Within the Veil

"I do not have to ask, for by your faces I already know," he says, a slightly amused tone leaking through for the briefest of moments.

"When one is blinded by their body's responses, when one is a prisoner of their irrational and erratic thoughts, their battle is already lost. Once you weild control over your body and spirit, when you are able to control your body's most basic responses, through proper training and consistent application of that training, you willalwayswin over those who think irrantionally; you will become a master of your body and spirit," he pauses briefly, and nods, scanning the children's rapt expressions, their bodies practically vibrating with excitement to begin training.

"That fire you all feel in your heart and soul, that drive to be better, stronger is fueled by what's in here," he gently places a finger to the little boys head. "Honor is not something given to you by others; it is a flame that you carry within yourselves. King Grayson does not supervise honor, for those who need their honor supervised are not honorable at all. King Grayson, supervises in order to ensure your techniques are adequate, and your moves are precise. Do you know why?"

As he speaks the room hangs suspended in time, his voice barely a whisper, yet carrying throughout the room as everyone hangs on his every word. One can argue that the sheer magnitude of Oberon speaking more than a few words at one time, is the reason for their rapt attention. However, it is beyond something so trivial. His words carry a tender yet decisive passion, his usually dark eyes blazing with unwavering passion as he meets every child's gaze, surveying their breathless excitement as they hang on his every word. No, right now, the people are seeing a side of Oberon where his intensity of speech, the eloquence in which he intones every word match that of the image he portrays on a regular basis. One of aloofness and danger weaved in with a bloodthirsty passion. Only this time, that passion is ignited to teach young fae the importance of honor and taking proper guidance from their instructor.

"Because control without honor mastery of your body does not come without sacrifice. It comes with hard work. Every single movement you make in battle or training, if even one inch off, can mean death. Even whilst training, one must act with honor, you must hone your integrity and character just as one would hone your weapon and body for war. Because CONTROLwithoutHONOR," his voice goes up a few octaves, "means you will be wielding yourfirstweaponwithoutthe means to see through the darkness that awaits you. Instead, you will be a victim of your own making as you invoke the weakness of your spirit. Control without honor is a fragile illusion destined to crumble beneath the weight of its own emptiness. Andwhen one lacks honor, control holds no value, for even if you emerge victorious in countless battles, you have ultimately lost in the ways that truly matter. You will have forfeited the essence of what makes you worthy of being fought over; you will havelostin all the ways that truly count.

He stands and waves his hand toward Grayson, who has been standing, arms crossed, and watching Oberon with a look of pride on his face.

"King Grayson watches over you, not because he believes you lack honor, but to ensure your honor is as sharp as the blades that threaten the very existence of everyone in this camp."

I look down at their little faces, their small lips making an 'O,' as Oberon steps back to my side with a nod of his head.

I think all the moms in here just swooned.Luca says.

Some of the dads, too,King jokes.

Hell, I fucking swooned,Ryder adds.

Once Hudson can drink again, I say we replay this moment and take shots of fairy moonshine for every time Oberon used the word 'honor.' It might put a dent in our immortality, but I'm willing to take one for the team.Jensi's laugh echoes through our bond.

I don't think anyone here has ever heard Oberon use his mouth for anything other than a grunt or say a quip that has him fighting with Hunter like savages.Remi says with a mental eye roll.

I think the most he spoke was when he challenged Hudson within the first few days of our arrival at the rebel camp,Zane says thoughtfully.

That was some inspirational shit right there. I'm wholly impressed. I'll still beat your ass, but I'll watch out for your spirit,Hunter quips.

Oberon, you'll be hard-pressed to avoid Li'Ella now,Grayson ventures.She is going to want you to help train all the children now.

I look over to Li'Ella, who is practically falling over as she leans forward, her gaze intense and unblinking, the green orbs swiveling between Grayson and Oberon before finally settling on Oberon, her face etched with determination. I can't resist the smile that overtakes my face at the look, and even more so, as I sense that Oberon would like nothing more than to help in their training. In fact, the fervor in which his mind starts to draw up a training schedule while marveling at how much he can shape the future of the Fae with his techniques.

That look on her face, I think you are right. But judging by the thoughts running through Oberon's head faster than he can bedazzle a cloak, he is all for it,I add.

Oberon shrugs mentally,I have long been feared. Although that fear is well deserved,he says, his tone heavy with superiority and a not-so-subtle arrogance,it is quite refreshing to be looked upon by the eyes of innocence. For centuries, I have been lonely. Though, I didn't see it as such. With my Whisperers, I have known what loyalty and unwavering devotion is. However, they still fear me, as they should. With you, all of you, I recognize that beyond loyalty there is acceptance. I now how it feels to have a true family and I find that I quite enjoy it.

The bond goes silent but I have the feeling that if we were alone, we would have all jumped into a huge Oberon puppy pile. As it is I swallow past the overwhemling urge to throw myself into his arms and pepper his ridiculously, unnatural handsome face in kisses. But I contain myself... barely.

Li'Ella raises her hand, and I smile with a small nod, "Li'Ella, we recognize your challenge, and you may proceed."

She jumps forward and pulls her small sword from her scabbard, and points it at the little boy Caleb who has a sneer on his face, "I formally challenge Caleb, son of Eiridis, for disparaging my character." I smirk internally at the line, eyeing Oberon from the corner of my eye.

I suddenly recognize the familiar blue eyes and mop of brown hair of the little boy who is the spitting image of his father, Eiridis, who I met not too long ago. I look around and see his father standing front and center; his arms crossed with a stern look on his face. If Li'Ella didn't hand little Caleb his ass, I had a strong feeling he won't come out unscathed.

Caleb, no more than six,sauntersout but, with one look at Oberon and Grayson's faces, corrects his gait and bows at Li'Ella instead, his sneer now gone. Oooh, the dad looks; that will come in handy.

"I accept your challenge, Li'Ella Fèith," he says respectfully, pulling out his own weapon and standing at attention.

Xena, faedes into the room and stands at my side, her luminous eyes glowing a vibrant purple.The dragons want to see the fight firsthand, so I am here as a conduit.She scoffs in my headas if I have nothing better to do than to serve as a television camera broadcasting live from a rebel camp of winged fae-kers.I stifle a laugh, not bothering to point out that dragons have wings, sensing that her annoyance has more to do with a certain sexy dragon than coming here to watch Li'Ella.

I turn my attention to Li'Ella and Caleb, giving them a nod to begin.

Li'Ella's beautiful face turns sinister as a wicked smile curls her lips, and she quickly sheathes her sword and kneels and lifts her hands, bringing them straight down to the floor, palms flat, causing an explosion of thick roots from the ground. The room stands silent at the display of power while Grayson smirks. The fucker knew damn well he had been training Li'Ella on the side. The wall of roots blocks Caleb's vision, but he remains still, eyes locked on the wall in front of him. Li'Ella's face goes blank as she braces herself, choosing not to press the attack.

Are these kids really five? Why the fuck wasn't I playing with tree roots and shit when I was five?I wonder, my thoughts flowing over to my mates.

Your dad said you set the kitchen on fire once,Zane's grumbly laugh echoes in my head.

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