Moon Raven Rising (The Moon Raven Trilogy #3)

53. Ambriel

Chapter fifty-three

The visions won’t let up their relentless hold on me. Whatever is happening, the fates are changing so rapidly with decisions, and my magic seems to be spiraling with the reality of it all. Maybe it’s that I was looking for answers… Maybe this is punishment for wanting to change the future for my mate… I’m not sure I will ever know, but as I try to catch my breath between visions, my brother is at my side.

“Drink.” Alaric pushes a canteen into my sweating face, and I shake my head. Even the thought of drinking anything makes me nauseous. “You need to keep your energy. We have a war literally on our heels. We need you .” I know he’s right, but I can’t seem to see past the visions trying to control me.

My mother, who has been actively assisting with preparing the regime for the war he speaks of, comes into view. Her petite body stomping through the sea of soldiers like the mini-storm she is. When she reaches me, she crouches down on the balls of her feet. “Your brother is right. If you don’t shut yourself off from these visions, they will consume all of your energy, and you will be as good as dead in a fight.” She takes my arm, turning it so that the war maiden bond mark faces us both. “You must think like a war maiden.” I swallow looking up from the mark.

“I know that in my mind...but Ma, my heart is breaking from what the future could hold.” My eyes fill with moisture as the emotions get clogged in my throat.

“Use what I have taught you. You know how to prioritize the visions. Fate is changing so rapidly right now, you can’t look to the visions. You have to follow what is here.” Her fingers press into the center of my aching chest, and I close my eyes. The tears spill over my lashes as I nod.

After allowing myself a moment to reflect on what could be seen as weakness, I lift my chin and nod once more. More to myself than to anyone around me. Acknowledging my internal debate on what to do next. I know my mother and brother are right, but it doesn’t make this any less difficult.

We don’t have time on our side. A shadow darkens the space around us, and we all look up in time to see Trent as he lands in front of us. He stays in his shifted form, his wings tucked in tight to his body, clad in weapons. The leather armor he is now adorned in is black as night and embellished with the new royal crest. The Raven sitting within a turned-horned moon clearly visible.

“Alaric, Maki has the regime preparing. He’s asking for you on Dax’s orders. You all should ready yourselves.” He says, addressing my family, and then his eyes fall to me. “I’d like a moment alone with my mate if it’s not too much to ask.” His brows drop a fraction as his eyes flick between mine, worry creasing his forehead.

I know it’s not been fair how I have been isolating him since the visions started, but I have been so afraid that he would accidentally be thrust into one or that he may pry and ask too much. The magic I possess is as much a curse as it is a blessing. I want to ensure his safety and tell him about what to watch for, but still fate is not set; if I intervene, things could turn far worse.

One by one, my family says their goodbyes. They give their last show of support, and as a family who were all once warriors becomes that again, I can’t help but wonder if this will be the last time we embrace this way. It’s a glum thought but with everything that I have seen… everything that could be waiting…

“I brought your leathers for you,” Trent says as he sets the black armor next to me. Before he moves too far away, I lift my hand and wrap it around his wrist. My eyes meet his as I stand and walk into him, encasing him in my arms, and he returns the gesture. His hands pull to the nape of my neck, and he tilts my head to face him.

“I wish we could have the bonding ceremony before all of this happens. Doesn’t it scare you?” I slide my hands up his chest and rest them over the center. “The future?”

“No.” His answer is short and quick, and the intensity of his stare catches me off guard. “I have faith that the gods haven’t turned their backs on Aldramani, Raelle, The Moon Raven… Dax and Raelle’s bond… Our bond. It’s all proof of that. We’re going to get through this. You are a powerful warrior. We have good numbers.” He laughs, pointing toward the area in the mountains beyond the caves. “And a fucking dragon ,”

He leans down, pressing his forehead to mine, and we let a moment of silence pass between us as the rest of the regime are bustling around us in a clamor of movement, readying for war.

“You’re right. I let things get to my head.” I press my hand to his cheek, and as I do, I shut myself off from the visions. Only something divine would be able to penetrate the shield I put in place. “Let’s win this war. When it’s done, we can start the rest of our lives.”

His lips fall to mine, and I relish the warm feel of him pressing into me. The warmth that only seems to come from inside when he is around. This is what it feels like to be in love, and whatever happens next, I know that I lived because I found this peace with him, even if only for a short time.

Dax, Raelle, and Osiris have been in the caves nearly all day when the army reaches the first line of defense. They stopped for hours before actually attacking. Maki thinks it was to gather their numbers. Whatever the reason, war is here now . Magic of all sorts rips into the air, and the echo of metal on metal clashes in the distance as the fight begins and works on fighting toward the epicenter of the regime where we protect the cave our royals have entered.

Raelle is certain something is calling her to help Osiris secure the stones for him. Since they told me of the entrance to the chamber revealing itself to her, and Dax tells us all she is right. The feeling of magic that lingers over this place where we stand… so close to the ruins that held the late king and queen’s palace. This is the center of Aldramani, and where so many Fae fought in the previous war. This has to be the magic of the gods.

“Hold your ground!” Cano shouts from where he stands, battle axe in hand and his stance ready to run into the fight. The sound of swords hitting flesh and the clash of metal on metal jars my senses with every resounding clang.

Like a storm at sea, we watch as soldiers roll in like a dark wave—an ominous sense of death and darkness in a cloud that slowly morphs into the sharp edges of soldiers’ blades. The roar of battle cries echoing like thunder rumbling in the distance. Growing closer with each passing moment and every glint of metal like lightning from the reflection of the rising watchful moon.

Trent’s arm brushes mine as he unsheathes his sword, and out of the corner of my eye I watch as he narrows his eyes on the enemy approaching. This isn’t the first battle we have fought together; I know he is a vicious warrior, but if history has told us anything, it’s that even the mighty fall.

Sensing my gaze, his eyes fall to mine before he gives me one last dazzling smile, winks, and launches into the fray. My heart rate spikes as the soldiers come together in a monstrous discord. Pounding of feet and the blood in my ears, the crashing sound of sharp blades coming together is like a crescendo of chaos. I have to forcefully push the thought of the visions away, knowing that it could be the last time that I see the smile on Trent’s face.

I’m both horrified and mesmerized by the brutality in which these Fae fight. Each one personally victimized by the other and taking out their vengeful wrath. My name is shouted over the noise, and I spin just in time to shield an attack coming from behind. Dropping to one knee, I pull my blade along the back of the man’s legs. He screams in pain and drops, allowing the twin blade to find its mark in his neck.

Standing quick, I nod my thanks to Kait, who battles back to back with Maki in a dance of swords and power. Everywhere I turn there is blood and gore painting the scene red.

For a moment, the entire battlefield freezes when a screeching cry echoes through the sky. I smile knowing that Bracarva is coming to our aid, that the battle is going to be short-lived, but when I look up and see the bright red underbelly and large expanse of deep red wings gleaming like a sky-bound ember, the blood drains from my body, and horror replaces any feeling of elation.

Shit. Bracarva we need you.

“Kait, cover me!” I yell out, and she and Maki both move to surround me. Planting my feet in a staggered stance, I look up at the dragon as it opens its massive jaw to release a torrent of fire on the soldiers below, but it’s not ready for our plan. Every air elemental in battle stops at my command.

“Let’s change the way the wind carries this dragon. Shall we?” I project the thought into the minds of many. They gain the attention of the others, who all bracket them in a protection barrier. Each one of them taking the same stance as me and with a cry of might, I throw my hands into the air with all of the others and we unleash the roaring gale that would rival even the cry of a dragon.

The magical air we release blows the dragon off trajectory and causes it to spiral out of control for a moment, but it’s just enough. The dragon has to change course to right itself against the maelstrom of our magic, and the disruption distracts it enough for our soldiers on the ground to catch their opponent by surprise. The death toll surging with a furious cry of effort.

In the distance, I hear another battle happening, and in my distracted state, I take a blade to my side. The knife enters deep enough to cause a severe pain to radiate through me, but as I look down at where I am hit, I know the wound is not fatal. I rip the blade free of my shoulder, sending a spray of blood down my chest, and grit my teeth through the pain.

“Nymeria! You don’t want to do this!” My head whips around in search of the voice that I hear so clearly, but where I stand there is nothing but chaos. “Fight for what you believe right! You have a mind of your own even if it’s trapped. You are stronger than him!” Confusion ripples through my mind as I realize the conversion is being had within its confines.

“He is my mate. You know what that means, just as we all do. I’m sorry that it has come to this.” Another voice now explodes into my brain. My feet begin to falter, and a splitting pain erupts into my head, but I realize when I see the dragons on the ground near the cave entrance that the pain I’m feeling must not be my own.

“STOP NYMERIA! Please! I’m your sister!” Searing fire storms Bracarva, and she screams in pain as she drops her neck to avoid most of the blast to her face. The silver dragon is like a bright star in contrast to the black as night that is Bracarva. The air around me trembles with my understanding that I am hearing a conversation between the dragons.

Bracarva recovers with a shake of her head as the flames stop and charges the silver dragon. A collision like a star falling from the sky rattles the ground we stand on, and the soldiers all around stumble with the violent shake of the earth.

Bracarva isn’t trying to hurt the other dragon though; I can sense her heightened emotions, and her words are a mantra in my head as she attacks with non-lethal blows as many times as she can.

“I don’t want to hurt you. Please. Stop fighting. I don’t want to hurt you, Nymeria.” Another blow; another ground-shaking fall.

“Please don’t make me hurt you! It is not your bond’s command; choose a different fate, sister!” Bracarva charges Nymeria with her head down, aiming to ram the other dragon with her onyx-horned head, and as she does, the silver dragon collapses right through the caves, causing the earth to split and the ground doesn’t stop shaking.

The quake causes men and women to run and scream as dirt and debris vibrate at our feet, becoming more brutal with every second. Frantically, I search for my friends, the family that chose each other. Alaric’s wings spread wide as he launches into the sky. Other shifting Fae follow suit as they realize the best route to get out of harm’s way will be in their shifted form.

Just as Alaric lands, I make brief eye contact with Trent before he continues battling in hand-to-hand combat with Soren’s men. Alaric lands at my side, grabbing me by my hand, and tries to tug me into him.

“Let me get you out of here. Something is happening in the caves. It's not safe to be here!” He exclaims, tugging painfully at my arm, but as I look further up the field, I see a swirling vortex of purple and black that makes my stomach fall.

“Soren—Alaric! Soren is wielding dark magic.” I gasp, and as I make eye contact with my brother, I then turn from the chaos that surrounds us to face Trent. “ I can’t leave . You told me that you would understand and accept my choices in life and in battle. This is one of those times, Trent. I need to be here for Alaric.” I see the conflict across his face, but he finally nods and grips me by the back of my neck and pulls me into a passionate kiss. When he breaks the contact, his eyes bore into mine.

“Until the moment I take my last breath, it’s you.” Trent doesn't linger. He jumps into action, bringing his sword down as more chaos explodes around us. When I turn to face my brother, he too is running into action. He pulls his twin blades from the sheaths at his back, and blow after blow, he clears the space in front of him, lethal and relentless. I run after him, and when I catch him by the arm, the ground around us trembles.

A stone of white rises like a pillar from the earth, the walls coming up to follow, encasing us in a room of blinding white. Alaric holds his onyx blades at his sides, dripping with blood, staining the magically immaculate white marble floors in red, and he steps forward. The man he approaches has his back to us, but I can see the pain in my brother’s face as he gets nearer to both the man and the granite slab altar. I run up behind, reaching for him once again, and while my hand wrapping around his wrist causes him to look me in the face, his words surprise me.

“This has always been my purpose.” He says as his jaw flutters with the clench of his teeth. Concern sinks between my eyes as his arm falls from my grasp.

“As it has been mine.” The man says as he turns around, and my breath hitches as I realize who it is as Alaric prowls toward him like a demon who has come to reap his soul. “The unkindness is full—the rising has begun. Though I know you have always been my son, I’m sorry that I could not be your father. My sacrifice brings you life; now it’s you who must bring balance to the realm. You are the shield in the night, with your dark blades—end this fight.” The man’s voice echoes through the empty room, only Alaric there staring back at him. Alaric shakes his head, refusing the man’s words and what they mean. He swallows hard, the bob of his throat as visible as sweat runs down the sides of his face.

Declan says nothing else but nods, and Alaric begins to lift the blade in his right hand. The sharp point hovering over his father’s heart. The other blade in his left hand falls to the ground with a resounding echo, and his knuckles around the remaining blade blanch with how hard he grips the hilt. His nostrils flare, and tears roll down his face—my own heart nearly stops watching the scene unfold. I know I can't stop this. I can feel the fates turning like gears with each movement he makes.

“I’m sorry,” he says, keeping his tear-filled eyes locked with those that mirror his own pain. Though it happens in the blink of an eye, time seems to stop as he plunges his sword through the chest of his father with a visceral cry of agony.

Alaric falls to his knees as Declan smiles and drops before him. His hand rests over Alaric’s, pressing the blade against his bloody chest. Then his eyes track up over my brother’s shoulder and then land behind me. I turn to look at what caught his final moments. Soren and Thames come through the battlefield like a tornado of darkness, but the feel is nothing like Dax’s shadows. They feel even more wrong than what Thames started with.

Soren is crazed; his eyes are completely black as he approaches. Cano rushes up, lifting his sword at his father, and Soren blasts him in the chest, sending him skidding through the dirt, taking out Fae left and right in his wake. Soren laughs maniacally as his eyes clash with Declans.

The darkness emanates from Soren in a relentless cloud and shutters a spec of white glowing bright at the center of his chest. His eyes drop to the pinhole of light and go round, and his mouth falls open. Nothing could prepare me for the horrific sound that comes from him. Radiant, piercing, and glaring light breeches the darkness that surrounds him. A bolt of white hot lightning flaring through his body as he arches and trembles. His skin growing paler with every second the light burns through him, until he is reduced to nothing but ash. His body combusts as fate takes its payment for the darkness he has cast on the world. When I look back to where my brother is, he is swaying on his feet. The ground before him also covered in gray ash, and I realize in this moment that this is what he meant when he said it was up to Alaric to end the fight.

Thames, though; she stands there watching the snow and ash mixture twirl and wisp away on the wind. A furious billow of shadow magic balls at her fists as she looks around as though she is searching for something— for someone . When she turns fully and her eyes catch on me, she narrows them further and lifts her hands to throw the wicked darkness at me. I counter with my air magic, and though her shadows look deadly and menacing, they don't hold up to my god’s given magic. They fall away when I knock her to her ass. I run for her, flicking the throwing knives from my wrist until I finally reach her and I hold a blade to her throat.

“Where is your bitch queen?” She hisses through clenched teeth.

“No where of your concern; hopefully she forgives me for this though…” I lean down closer to her face and she sneers back up at me. “ I know she would have wanted the honor.”

“Fuck your queen!” She yells in my face, and before she can say anything else, I slide my knife across her throat and I watch as she chokes on her own blood.