Page 30 of Fated Unkindness
“I don’t think I could ever forget it. Each word seemed to sear into my brain.” His eyes sweep back and forth around us as though he’s making sure we are alone before his eyes lock to mine.
“Blood red skies meet the dark depths of the sea; a storm will bring together those worthy. The last of the fallen will ascend when the moon meets the sun. An unbreakable bond is sealed when the daughter of the moon bleeds by a blade of silver light. A stone of white weeps red, and what has fallen will rise again.”
It hits me like a punch in the gut as the words tumble from his lips. I was right; it has to be a prophecy, and some of it has already taken place.
“Dax… this…I don't think this is just about me. It’s us, and some of it has already come to pass.” We stare at each other for a moment. I can tell he is deep in thought, as am I. “I don’t know what all of it could mean, though. Do you? I don’t see how it could be related to us entirely. I know we bonded, but...” I trail off as my eyebrows stitch together, and I rack my brain. He rubs his fingers through the scruff on his chin, thinking about it before he responds.
“I’m not sure, to be honest with you, but it could be…Since you have yet to ascend, it could mean that you will ascend on the solar eclipse that is happening in a fortnight, but I don’t know what it means by the last of the fallen?”
“I’m the last of my line, Dax. You could be right.”
“I don’t know, but when we get to Loema, there is a seer who we can speak with. Maybe there have been others who have been gifted this prophecy. Perhaps she can give insight into all of it. It can’t mean nothing.” I agree with him, but I also worry about bringing someone unknown into this. I feel apprehensive about trusting toomany people after knowing I was betrayed by Cano, even though I don’t remember what our relationship was like before. Not to mention the mystery that still eats at me about my family’s deaths. Not having my memories is making my trust issues grow deeper.
“I think the biggest question I have is; what could it mean aboutwhat has fallen will rise again?” We are both silent for a few moments as we think that over. Dax ambles over to the horse, and as he unties the reins from the tree, he looks over his shoulder.
“We better get moving.”
As we continue our journey, I continually sneak glimpses of Dax’s pensive stare out of the corner of my eye. I can practically see his gears turning over all the information we discussed. I couldn’t say anything though; it has been close to the only thing on my mind since we discussed it too. My main question is, why? Why would I be a part of a prophecy? What does it all mean? I wish my mom was still around to talk to. She would have more insight about things like this, and I wouldn't have to seek answers from a stranger. If this is a prophecy truly regarding me and possibly Dax, from what I can tell, then we will know if I come to ascend during the solar eclipse. A fortnight isn't long.
Chapter twenty-nine
We travel without interruption,only resting in the darkest hours of the night when the predators are more likely to hunt moving prey. I’m relieved the sun has risen and we are less likely to be attacked by prowling beasts, though the threat is not completely absolved by the light of day. Needless to say, I'm ready to reach Loema. We can devise a plan to get Trent and the others back and attempt to get some answers.
I notice the trees are beginning to thin out again as we crest the hill leading to Loema. With the beautiful colors of the sunset painting the sky hues of orange, pink, and blue, nerves begin taking root in my stomach as we get closer. Meeting more people whomI don't know or don't know if I've met them in the last year. Thinking about our journey brings another question to mind for Dax.
“Why didn’t you just fly us into Loema?” I ask as I look over my shoulder at him.
“That was random,” Dax chuckles, and the deep roll of it sends my thoughts back to the morning when he laughed into the sensitive flesh between my legs. A blush creeps up my neck, and I clear my throat.
“I was just thinking about our journey from the manor to Loema and how it was good that we didn’t see any of Cano’s men or creatures like Raskin. It made me wonder why we didn’t fly, though. I assume it would be quicker.” I wish I could fly. I also wondered what exactly Dax was—fully shifted. He’d only had wings, black with an opalescent navy sheen, like an oil spill. They were so beautiful the one time I’d seen them, but I was also so distracted by the mere fact that I was flying that I didn’t really get to fully take them in.
“We didn’t fly because that is what Cano would expect. He has other shifters who would be able to catch up to us in the sky. We needed the canopy of the trees to cover us from those who could see us. As for not seeing creatures, that was pure luck.” His smile widens, causing the dimple in his cheek to appear. My stomach flips, and the hum in my chest becomes a throb that sinks to my core.
“Makes sense.” I choke out, and his chuckle rolls through me again. Lifting his hand, he points in the direction we are heading.
“Welcome to Loema.” He brings his hand down and gently rubs the upper part of my arm in a comforting way. We dismount our horse and decide to walk the rest of the distance.
“I know this place. I know I’ve been here; I remember coming here with my mother not long before she died and maybe a couple of times as a small child.” Perhaps I could get answers for more than just the prophecy here. Maybe I could get answers about my family too. There was a woman that my mother would meet here every year, but prior to her death, she’d brought me with her. Loema was as beautiful now as it was all those years ago, and right now, looking at it from a distance with the beautiful early fall sunset colors of orange and pink behind the opulent buildings of the darkest stone, it takes my breath away. I would remember this city on account of its beauty alone.
As we close the distance, I feel a ripple in the air around us, and then we are greeted with enticing scents wafting toward us from the different cottages and buildings. There is no wall that I can see protecting the city, but the ripple I felt was surely a protection barrier, and as we step into the street, we are greeted by a legion of soldiers who block our path before we make it past even one cottage or store.
“HALT. Announce yourself and your business in Loema.” A large soldier with golden-brown skin and black-as-night leather body armor steps up to the front line of the soldiers dressed the same. Each one with deadly-looking curved blades at their hips and shields that looked to be as sharp around the edges as the blades themselves.
“Stand down.” A male voice calls from behind the line of soldiers. A wide smile spreads across Dax’s face.
“No fucking way.” I hear Dax say as the soldiers split to allow the male through, and Dax laughs, holding his arms wide open. “Cousin.” Dax’s smile is breathtaking as I bask in the glow of it, distracting me. The male surprises me as he makes a quick stride to reach Dax. He has the same wide smile on his face as they embrace each other in a powerful hug, slapping each other on the back and laughing loudly.
“I never thought I’d see the day when you would show your face here in Loema again, cousin. It’s so great to see you! Come! You’re just in time for supper,” he says as he turns to move back the way he came, but his eyes snag on me standing at the horse’s lead, stroking his powerful neck. “My apologies; I see you have not arrived alone. Who is your companion, Dax?”
Before Dax is able to introduce me, I drop the rein and step forward. I nod my head at him. “My name is Raelle. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He inclines his head back toward me.
“The pleasure is all mine, Raelle. Please call me Maki.” He smiles warmly, then extends his hand, sweeping out toward the direction he came from. “Please, both of you, join us for supper. There is much to catch up on. Pascal, please take care that my cousins’ things are taken to a room in the east wing, the nicest room available, and his companion a joining room.”
“That won’t be necessary. One room will suffice.” Dax cuts in. Maki raises an eyebrow at him but agrees. Without further discussion, the guard begins leading the horse to the stables as we make our way to the castle.
“Perhaps we could have a moment to clean up before dinner, Maki?” Dax asks.
“Oh yes, of course. What was I thinking? Your journey must have been long, coming all the way from Ravendene. Please. Let me have one of the handmaids show you to your room.” Just as he says the words, a beautiful woman with dark brown hair and blue eyes comes around the corner with a stack of linens in her arms. She is dressed in beautiful gauzy pants and a cropped shirt combination, showing much of her ivory skin. It seems pretty risqué for a handmaid, but perhaps with the warmth of Loema, even as the sun sets, I could see how this attire makes sense.
