Page 90 of Within the Veil

Okayyyy, so not horror, more like unadulterated, murderous joy.

Dear, Gaia. His first interest in modern music... and it's Nightmare.

I can't fight the laughter anymore, I fall to the ground, and I lose it.

* * *

Hudson

Fucking glorious morning. There is something to be said about an insane, murderous bout of exercise that makes you feel like you're on top of the world. So much so that after I promised the soldiers I would be back later, as originally planned, I showered, threw on a maternity dress, and popped back into the knowledge library with a vengeance. Well, after two large pizzas, anyway.

I realized during all the stabbing that I needed to take a small break from Nici and switch gears to not only finding out about my magic but also looking deeper into the roles of Sentinels and Familiars like I've wanted to do for weeks.

"Dear comrades!" I snicker as I call the library keepers to me. They pop in with a roll of their eyes. They have yet to give me names, well other than Elodia, but since names have power and they were technically in between realms and not beholden to traditional Queen hierarchy, I wasn't going to get cranky about it. Besides, it makes it a lot more fun for me to nickname them by their attitudes. Not out loud, though, considering they are scary as fuck; You have to pick and choose your battles and preferably not with a fanged entity.

"May I have a comprehensive book about Sentinels as well as one about familiars?" I ask, and two texts drop out of the sky to hit with a heavy thump.

"Uh, thanks," I murmur as I reach for the texts and get shot with an influx of knowledge all at once.

I scowl at the brain spike."Sometimes I just want to fucking read, not upload information like a damn computer,"I mutter.

"If I may, Queen Rhiona," one of the keepers comes closer and I look up to meet the startling green gaze of a young female keeper I have yet to meet. I blink, slightly taken aback with her slight, delicate and ethereal features. I shouldn't be, the Fae are incredibly beautiful by default but her beauty makes it so that so looking at her is almost painful.

"If you do not wish to absorb the knowledge, you can simply tug the book closer using your powers and flip through the pages the same way,"Her small voice is almost too sweet as she looks away chastely.

Well, damnit, that makes sense. Why the fuck didn't I think about that?

"And although," she continues, "I caution against removing any books that have information about magic or Fae history, if you wish to take the books out of the knowledge library, you will not have the same effects. Fortunately, as you may have discovered, at least in the alcolve you don't have to worry about that with the books you enjoy for leisure."Thank goodness for that, I muse to myself.

I smile, "Thank you very much. I feel silly that I didn't think of that myself. You can call me Hudson. May I ask you your name?"

She hesitates slightly before smiling brightly, "It has been a long time since anyone has graced the library of knowledge. If the Keepers have bestowed you unlimited access in and out of this sacred place, and Elodia has spoken so highly of you, then I can extend the same trust. My name is Lirael."

"Thank you for trusting me," I nod respectfully, and she moves away shyly. So darn snuggly.

When she leaves, I start to mull over the information my brain was filled with a few moments ago. I admit, despite my curiosity about sentinels and familiars in general, I want to see if their were more benefits to our power union. If there is a way to combine our unique bonds to butt fuck Uranus. Wait-- The God, is what I mean. And, okay, yeah, I want to know about how it will all effect King and I. Guilty. Regardless, two pieces stick out to me the most. The first being;

'From the silent echoes of yore, whispers of Sentinels' transformations have stirred the annals of our lore. Endowed with the inherent might of their charges, they ascend beyond mere defenders to become champions of unyielding resolve and valor. Their courage fuels their metamorphosis, shaping them into the paragons of their bound duty.

And so it is said, as the charge thrives and flourishes, so shall the Sentinel. For they are not separate but a unity, two halves of the same ancient coin. Their bond is the crucible, and their shared trials the fire, forging them into something greater, stronger, and indomitable.

Their abilities, born from this mutual ascent, shall take on new forms. With every challenge faced, every adversary bested, their magic shall become more potent, their strength more formidable, their bond more profound.

The bond between a Sentinel and their charge is not merely one of protection, but of growth and evolution. Together they rise, their destinies intertwined, their powers amplifying one another, becoming a beacon of hope and a symbol of unyielding loyalty.'

* * *

Kalen once saidthat Sentinels are drawn to you due to an innate need to protect you and that they emerge with the awakening of your powers--which, considering that King was marked first and then Jensi and Luca, all of that tracks. But if their powers evolve with and amplify my own and vice versa, can we create a connection of sorts that will allow us to break whatever hold is over the Seelie in a way where Nici is unaware? Or at least break through Uranus's clear and blatant interference.

I write down a few notes as my brain flows rapidly with the information. Theoretically, it is possible. More than possible, considering I already know how I broke her stupid ass mind warp before.

I chew on the edge of my pen as I consider the next thing on my mind; love.

I recite the text as I jot down my notes;

To embark upon the path of love as Sentinels is to immerse oneself in a tapestry woven with the threads of destiny--a tapestry that demands vigilance, selflessness, and sacrifice. In this intricate dance of devotion, they trust that their hearts shall guide them, steadfastly protecting, cherishing, and seeking solace in the delicate balance of love and duty.

Thus, let it be inscribed in the sacred tomes, passed down through generations, that the Sentinels shall tread upon this path, their hearts ablaze with unwavering ardor, mindful of the tribulations that love may bring. May their steps be guided by ancient wisdom as they honor the sanctity of their bond, forever entwined in the celestial dance of love, duty, and destiny."

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