Bedlam, Blades, and Babies
Lucas
My heart thudded painfully against my ribcage as I watched Dominic and Juls circle each other like two titans ready to clash. Every muscle in my body tensed, every nerve fired with electric anxiety as they exchanged blow after blow. The clang of their swords echoed a harsh, metallic symphony that underscored the desperation of the fight. Dominic was not just holding his own; he was a force of nature unleashed—a glorious storm. His movements were a blend of rage and precision.
But even as I marveled at his strength, fear gnawed at my insides. Each swing of Juls’ blade that came too close sent a jolt of terror through me. I wanted to look away, to scream, to do anything but watch him in such peril. Yet, like a train crash, I couldn’t tear my eyes from the scene.
“Come on, Dominic,” I whispered under my breath, my hands clenching into fists at my sides. Around me, the throne room buzzed with the murmurs and shouts of other demons, some cheering, some just as anxious as I was. Beside me, Talon stood rigid, his eyes never leaving Dominic. I could feel the tension radiating off him, and I knew he wanted to be in there with Dominic, protecting him.
Dominic yelled a fierce battle cry, swinging his two blades down with such force that he knocked Juls to the ground. I momentarily exhaled in relief as Dominic stomped on Juls’ tail, pinning him effectively. “Yes!” I cheered silently, my heart pounding, hoping this was all going to be over.
“You’ve lost, Juls. You should’ve left us alone and never attacked,” Dominic declared, his voice breathy and tense as he stood over Juls with his sword poised.
Juls’ response was a sinister laugh that chilled my blood. “This is just the beginning,” he sneered.
That laughter echoed ominously just as a low, sinister rumble filled the room. I sensed the danger before I saw it, and my gaze snapped to the doors just in time to see them explode inward. The splintering wood shattered our momentary victory.
Mal’Zak and Martag burst through the wreckage with a horde of snarling demons behind them. The atmosphere shifted instantly from triumph to chaos as they attacked the emperor’s guards. The lions of the Pride transformed in an instant, their roars filling the air as my family joined the fray alongside them.
I stood frozen with fear and watched in dismay as the emperor himself leapt into the battle, his majestic form a blur of motion as he engaged the invaders. Everett, the seemingly mild-mannered witch, rushed to Oz’s side and conjured bolts of lightning, striking down several of the advancing minions. As much as the pair appeared to dislike each other, they fought side by side, protecting one another.
A yell from the ring pulled my attention, and I screamed in terror as Juls exploited the pandemonium to launch a vicious attack on Dominic, who was still trapped in the cage with him. The sight of Dominic struggling to defend himself against Juls’ renewed ferocity spurred me into action. I couldn’t just stand there, frozen by fear; I had to help.
With a shout that surprised even me, I dashed toward the cage, desperate to reach Dominic—there had to be a way to free him. But before I could get close, a firm hand clamped around my wrist, pulling me back with forceful urgency. I stumbled, nearly toppling over, as I spun around to face my captor—panic and confusion clouding my vision.
“It’s too dangerous!” Ez, my demon friend, insisted, his voice laced with anxiety as he yanked me back just in time to dodge a spear flying overhead.
Crouching beside Ez, I felt his arm tighten around my shoulders. “Master Lucas, we need to get you to safety. This is bad, really bad,” he implored, his eyes wide with fear. “Captain Jorin sent me to fetch help from the emperor and to find his lordship.”
“I can’t leave my mates,” I protested, struggling against his grip. “Where’s Jorin?” I demanded, my voice rising in panic.
“Please, don’t make this harder,” Ez pleaded, his voice cracking. “Jorin… he was gravely wounded. We thought he was gone, but he’s still hanging on. You being here can distract Lord Dominic.” He pointed to the ring, and I saw my mate fighting with all he had to destroy Juls. “He needs to focus to win.”
“But,” I protested again.
“Please,” he pleaded as he guided me further away from danger.
Ez wasn’t one for the front lines; his gentle nature and reluctance to fight had drawn us close in the chaos of the nether realm. Now, his genuine concern was palpable as he guided us through the clashing bodies and arcs of demonic energy.
We were almost clear of the main skirmish when a powerful roar halted everyone in their tracks. My blood ran cold. That roar—I knew it all too well. Talon.
Time seemed to slow as I saw him slide across the floor. The giant demon, Martag, advanced towards him with a raised weapon. My heart lodged in my throat, every instinct screaming at me to act.
Tearing my wrist free from Ez’s grasp, I bolted toward Talon with a desperate cry. “Talon!” Everything else fell away—the noise, the danger, the fear. All that mattered was reaching him, protecting him. I needed to ensure that we didn’t lose each other in this nightmarish war. That we made it out of this hell—me and my mates.
My heart thudded painfully as I sprinted towards Talon, my gaze fixed on the danger looming over him. Just as I closed in, my hand found the hilt of a giant sword dropped by a fallen demon. The cold metal felt surprisingly right in my grip, a stark contrast to the warmth of my fear.
Martag raised his weapon to strike at Talon, and I opened my mouth to scream, but only a strangled cry escaped. I wasn’t going to make it in time. Suddenly, a lion from our Pride leaped in front of Talon, taking the brutal blow meant for him.
The lion fell with a heartbreaking roar, his sacrifice buying Talon the crucial moments he needed. Talon rose with a primal growl filled with fury and sorrow. His eyes blazed as he lunged at Martag with lethal precision. In a swift and fierce motion, he ripped through Martag’s throat. The giant demon collapsed with a thunderous thud.
Even though my heart soared with joy that my mate still stood, I didn’t stop; I couldn’t. Another demon lunged at me, his fangs bared for the kill. Instinctively, I swung the massive sword in a wide arc. To my shock, a wave of power burst from the blade, sending the demon and those nearby flying back by the burst of light. I stood there for a moment, stunned, staring at the sword in my hands. It hummed with a mysterious energy, resonating with a power I had never imagined could exist.
“What the fuck?” I whispered before more demons advanced.
Tightening my grip and desperate to protect what was left of our family, I swung the sword again, this time more deliberately. The air around the blade shimmered with energy, and as it struck, another group of advancing demons was blown away, their bodies crumpling under the force of the blast.
I didn’t know how this was happening. This sword seemed unstoppable. Demons fell at its mighty power, and a part of me wondered why its previous owner didn’t use it.
I continued to slash through the ranks of demons with the enchanted sword. We were going to win this fight, and my family was going to be okay. I growled.
Speaking of my family, I was shocked to see all my brothers and sisters locked in heated battles—even Nana was getting into the action. You’d never believe that they were just rabbit shifters. I swung again, this time clearing the enemies in front of them. They turned to stare at me in awe, and I nodded to them before swinging again.
Battle cries and clashing of metal filled the air. Just as I was about to engage another enemy, a victorious yell turned my attention toward the center of the room. Relief washed over me like rain in the desert. I watched Dominic deliver a final, deadly blow to Juls, severing his head with a swift, clean stroke. The magical cage that had confined them vanished in an instant, sending a clear message to the minions who were now scattered in disarray, their leader was defeated.
Dominic had done it. He’d really done it, I thought, nearly in tears.
Before I could take another breath, another shout pierced the tumultuous noise—Mal’Zak charged toward Everett and the emperor. Everett raised his hands to spell something, but he wouldn’t be able to defend them. This was going to be bad. Without hesitation, I raised the sword high, feeling its power surge through me like a current. With a fierce scream, I swung the blade and prayed this worked. A burst of light energy channeled through the sword and swirled through the air, directly hitting Mal’Zak. The impact was immediate and brutal; he was sent hurtling through the air like a leaf in a storm, crashing into the far wall of the throne room.
As Mal’Zak fell, all eyes, including those of the emperor, turned towards me. Surprise was etched deep on Oz’s face, his eyes widening in what seemed like recognition and astonishment. Not allowing the moment to settle, Oz stood, his presence towering as he unleashed a roar that resonated through the very foundations of the realm. The power emanating from him was overwhelming, forcing even the fiercest of warriors to their knees.
“Enough!” Oz bellowed, his voice booming like thunder, silencing the clash of battle instantaneously. His command was absolute, reverberating through every corner of the room. Every demon, including Dominic and myself, found ourselves compelled by his power, brought to our knees by the sheer force of his authority.
The fighting stopped as abruptly as it had escalated, a heavy silence falling over the throne room. Everyone, friend and foe alike, was now bowed before the emperor, waiting for his judgment, his next words to dictate the fate of all present.
“Jul’phanar, Martag, and Mal’zak have fallen. Their attempt to overthrow the crown has failed,” Oz announced, his voice reverberating with a solemn gravity. The word “failed” echoed ominously, causing many of the minions to bow even lower. “Those that fought for them will be punished.”
I was so enthralled by what the emperor was saying, I gasped in surprise as strong arms spun me around.
“Are you okay? Tell me you’re alright,” Dominic’s voice was thick with worry.
I nearly cried at the sound of Dominic’s worried voice. Dropping the sword, I leaped into his arms, wrapping my limbs around him. “Dominic, you’re alive.” I didn’t give him a chance to reply and slammed my lips to his. I had my mate in my arms.
That thought caused me to jump down and scan the room. “Where’s Talon? Is he okay?”
My heart banged in my chest as I spotted Talon kneeling over someone. Who had fallen? My stomach knotted with dread. As I watched, a lion approached them, its form shifting and contorting as it transformed into human form—it was Tessa. She reached their side just as she reverted to her human appearance and cried out in alarm, “Dad!”
Dominic grabbed my hand, pulling me swiftly towards Talon. When we reached him, I saw the grim reality: Talon was desperately pressing down on a gaping wound, his fingers slick with blood that refused to stop flowing. Seb’s breathing was ragged, punctuated by coughs that speckled red.
“Dad, hold on, please. We’re going to get you help,” Talon pleaded, tears streaking his cheeks.
Seb shook his head weakly, a faint smile touching his lips. “It’s too late for me. I’m just glad I could do this last thing for you. I hope it’s enough to make amends for my mistakes—for how I treated you and your mother,” he whispered, his voice fading.
“I love you, princess,” he said, turning slightly to Tessa, who gripped his hand tightly, her eyes brimming with tears.
Then his gaze shifted back to Talon. “And I love you, son,” he managed, his voice a mere breath as his strength seemed to fade.
“Stand aside,” came Everett’s commanding voice, cutting through the tension.
Talon jerked his head up. “Can you help him?” he asked, hope shining in his glistening eyes.
“As long as there’s breath, there’s always hope,” Everett replied, extending his hand towards Seb. His tone was clinical, yet not without a touch of urgency as he chanted softly, weaving a spell with his fingers. Light gathered around his palms, casting a warm glow over the wound.
Everett’s fingers danced intricately through the air as he chanted, his words a soft murmur barely audible over the hushed murmurs of the crowd. The light from his hands intensified, enveloping Seb’s wound in a warm, healing glow. Gradually, the bleeding stopped, and the torn flesh mended, though Seb’s breaths remained shallow and labored.
After a moment, Everett lowered his hands and stepped back, his expression unreadable. “He needs rest and time,” he announced.
“Thank you,” Talon whispered gratefully.
“I’ll add it to my bill,” Everett quipped, casting a smirk toward King Edward, who responded with a solemn nod.
Everett scanned the ominous surroundings and shuddered dramatically. “Man, this place gives me the heebie-jeebies.” He turned to Oz. “Can you open a portal, or do you need me to keep protecting your royal ass still?”
Oz growled in response but complied. He gestured dismissively to the other demons in the room. “All are dismissed except for Prince Dominic and his du?a.” As his hand waved, a shimmering portal appeared where the caged ring once stood. “Does that work for you?” he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
“Perfect,” Everett grinned, his demeanor nonchalant.
“Damn witches,” Oz muttered under his breath before raising his voice, “And don’t you dare summon me again.”
“We’ll see,”Everett retorted with a cheeky smirk. He effortlessly hoisted Talon’s father, his slight frame belying the strength within, and stepped towards the portal. “Let me help you with this guy.”
The rest of the family and the Pride lions moved towards the portal. King Edward paused, his gaze fixed on the emperor. “I expect all my members to return to my pride unharmed.”
Oz offered a sly smile and nodded. “Of course, but I just need a moment with them first.”
King Edward nodded before disappearing into the mystical puddle.
I gasped as Dominic pulled Talon and me into his strong arms. “Thank Fate, you’re both okay,” he murmured, his relief palpable.
At that moment, surrounded by my mates, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders—we were together and safe. “I love you,” I said, pulling back slightly to meet their eyes.
“I love you, too,” they echoed together.
Our moment of reunion was interrupted by the emperor’s deep voice. “Domi’zel, you are truly blessed.”
We turned towards him, confusion evident on our faces. Dominic glanced between Talon and me before responding, “I am. Fate blessed me.”
“Yes, Fate surely blessed you with your du?a, but I’m talking about the baby. It’s not every day a new king of demons is conceived,” Oz added, his smirk carrying a weight that sent a chill down my spine.
“King of demons?” Talon echoed his tone, a mix of surprise and concern.
“Conceived?” I blurted out simultaneously, my heart skipping a beat.
Oz’s fiery gaze settled on me. “You did know you could get pregnant, right?”
“Yes,” I replied hesitantly. “But someone,” I said with a side-eye at Dominic, “assured me a certain potion would prevent that.”
Dominic’s face went through a rapid series of emotions—shock, guilt, then sheer terror. “Um… I may have forgotten to take a dose or two during the chaos with Talon’s mom’s funeral,” he stammered.
“You what?” My voice rose in disbelief and frustration. Before I could berate him further, I turned back to Oz. “And why do you think I’m the one who’s pregnant? Any one of us could be!”
Oz chuckled, the sound resonating through the throne room. “Oh, you’re the one pregnant, that’s for sure. And by his power, he’s even greater than his father.”
The room seemed to spin as his words sank in. I closed my eyes and employed Talon’s count ten method, hoping to regain composure. When I opened them again, my voice was steady. “Please, explain.”
“How did you think you could wield the Warden’s Blade?” Oz inquired, the sword I had used appearing magically in his hands.
“The Warden’s Blade,” Dominic murmured in awe.
“I just picked it up from a dead demon,” I said, pointing at it.
Oz shook his head. “It wasn’t that demon’s. Only a demon king can summon the warden’s blade, let alone wield it. And you, little rabbit, are not a demon king. It only leads to one conclusion—you’re carrying a demon king.”
I stared, stunned, at Dominic, who looked just as shocked, then at Talon, whose eyes were fixed on my abdomen. Instinctively, I covered my stomach with my hands. Holy fuck, I was pregnant.
“Therein lies our problem,” Oz continued, snapping me from my daze. Talon stepped protectively in front of me, growling softly.
“Problem? Your Majesty,” Dominic stepped forward, his voice firm.
“Our Problem. Your child is far too powerful. What will happen when he’s older? Will he try for the throne? But I can’t justify killing you since you and yours defended the crown. It’s… complicated. Hence our problem,” Oz admitted, raising his hands as if unsure himself.
“That’s why you didn’t intervene when Juls betrayed me. You were scared of me. Afraid I would take your throne,” Dominic growled.
“I’m afraid of nothing!” Oz roared back. “Remember your place, Domi’zel.”
“I know my place, Oz”gelon,” Dominic retorted, using Oz’s true name, which visibly shook the emperor. “I know your true name, too. I’m not a child for you to speak to me like one.”
Oz’s face reddened further, if possible. The atmosphere was electric, charged with tension. This wasn’t going well. We just survived one storm just to jump in another.
“Hold on,” I said, hoping to cut through the tension. “Your name is Oz”gelon? I thought I heard Everett use that.”
“Don’t ever use my name again,” Oz growled before leaning back on his throne. “I can’t believe you called Everett. Of all the witches out there, you had to call him? The man is insufferable and the only witch that knows my summoning spell.”
“What’s the deal with you two? You seem like you hate each other, but…Maybe…” my voice trailed.
“Oh, I’m catching strong sexual tension with them,” Talon said, joining in.
Oz sighed, his anger giving way to frustration. “Your du?a are trying my patience. Go rest. We’ll discuss the crowning later.”
“Crowning?” I echoed, puzzled.
“You’re not planning to kill us?” Talon asked simultaneously.
“Not today. Your mate will explain everything about the crowning,” Oz said dismissively, waving his hand to send us away.
Before we could protest, Dominic whisked Talon and me away. I guess we hit a nerve bringing up Everett, but that didn’t matter. I had my mates, and the emperor wouldn’t kill us. That’s all that mattered.
Thank Fate.