Chapter 15
"I shouldn't have let you go," Rhyel said, holding Sana's limp and bloodied form in his arms as fire raged around them in the decimated field.
The dismembered limbs of their friends, his people, and their family lay strewn across the ground as the screeches of ungodly beings grew closer.
"I wanted a true mate so badly that I couldn't see through the lies," he whispered.
"I couldn't see that you were my purpose and I doomed us all. I'm so sorry."
"It doesn't have to be this way, Rhyel," Leko said, walking through the fiery landscape with his iridescent wings wide as he snuffed out the surrounding fires. "Now that you've seen it, you can choose a different path and a different future for this realm."
"Wh...what?" Rhyel said, looking up at the obsidian being through the tears blurring his vision. "Everything's gone. My people and Sana...Sana's dead. How can I change it?"
"You've been on a quest, my young friend.
" Leko kneeled before him. "What you see here and what you've lived through hasn't happened yet and it doesn't have to.
" He slid a hand to Rhyel's shoulder. "You can choose to change it, but you must give your loyalty, your everything to Sana. Can you do that?"
He looked down at Sana, at the gashes on her skin where her blood was drained to create the unsightly beasts that plagued the land.
He closed his eyes and held her to his chest. She may never be the one his heart yearns for, but he didn't need that.
He understood now that she was his meaning and the reason for all the strength and power he had.
Brother, if this is what is to become of us and our people, I have no wish and no need for a true mate. I am willing to give our life to protect Sana.
So am I.
Looking up into Leko's black eyes, Rhyel nodded. "I will give my loyalty and my everything to Sana so no one can use her blood to bring death and destruction to my people or this realm."
"Then you have completed your quest." Leko placed a glowing hand on Rhyel's forehead. "Stay true to your word, Alpha of Darcanos, for if you don't, this future is yours to bear."
A beam of brilliant white light engulfed Rhyel as the harrowing future faded from his vision.
Obadiah's fae chant filled his thoughts and vibrated through his veins while flashes of the life he could've chosen played like a reel in his mind, reminding him of the fate that could befall him and his people.
Rhyel gasped, shooting up in the milky blue water. "Sana!" he roared into the hollow space filled with the sweet smokey scent of the herbs burning in the cavern.
"It's okay. You're alright," Obadiah said as he and Yaena wrapped their hands around his arms and gently pulled him to the edge of the pool.
"I...I have to see Sana," he said with his teeth chattering from shock and cold. "I-I need to know that she's safe."
"She's fine, my Lord," Cori said, bending down to hook her arm under his shoulders and help him from the chilly waters while Yaena draped a warm cloak over him. "I spoke to Zena before I came out here to check on you. Sana is safe."
"Cori?" Rhyel said, holding on to her as she helped him walk into the warmth of her family's cabin. "How...how long have I been here?"
"Two weeks," she said, helping him to a chair by the burning fireplace.
Rhyel's heart clenched in panic. "I need to get back," he said, standing from the chair. "I need to see Sana for myself."
"No." Yaena pushed him back into the chair. "You need to eat first."
His stomach growled at the smell of the warm bowl of beef stew Yaena held before him.
"You've been through an ordeal, my Lord," Obadiah said, sitting beside him. "We won't keep you here, but before we let you leave, you must eat to get your strength back."
I want to get back to Sana too, but Obadiah is right. We need sustenance, brother, and then I want to run.
His wolf grumbled as he stretched and spread his claws inside of him.
Rhyel nodded, taking the bowl. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Yaena said, smiling. "It's good to see you so eager to return to your betrothed. You weren't this sure of her before you went on your quest."
"I...I realized my purpose," he said, eating a spoonful of the hearty beef and vegetable stew. "And I understand why my loyalty to Sana is so important."
"That's good," Yaena said, patting his shoulder. "I'm sure Lady Sana's moth will be happy to know that."
"I'm sure he will," Rhyel murmured as he devoured the bowl of soup in a few spoonfuls. "Could... could I have some more of this?"
Obadiah laughed. "Of course. We made a big pot just for you," he said, getting up and shuffling into the kitchen. "You wolves are always ravenous after a quest like that. Your father nearly ate us out of house and home after he emerged from the waters."
"Really?" Rhyel raised an eyebrow. "I didn't get to ask him much about his quest, but I can't imagine he was in there for very long."
"No, he was in there about as long as you," Obadiah said, as Cori helped him carry the pot over to Rhyel. "He knew Lady Aloysia was his true mate, but I think he was battling with himself about being worthy of her and her gift."
"I see," Rhyel said, sitting the pot over his lap and digging into the stew. "He wasn't too happy that I was following in his footsteps."
"No, I suppose he wouldn't be," Yaena said. "But the curse he cast over you can't stop fate. You may never have the love of a true mate, but you will always be bound to Lady Sana now."
"And not to sound too selfish, my Lord, but I'm glad this happened," Cori said, grinning as she leaned against her mother's chair. "It means one day, hopefully soon, I'll get to have Zena all to myself at the Keep."
"I know." Rhyel chuckled softly. "Zena's already mentioned that a few times. I'm sorry I've kept you apart."
Cori shook her head. "There's no need to apologize. We knew this would happen when we got married and you know our first duty is to the safety of the people of the north."
"Mm, but once they're together all the time, those duties might come second," Obadiah snickered. "So, you might want to drag out Lady Sana taking Zena's place as General."
"Oh hush, Bapi," Cori scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "That's not true."
"It's okay if it is," Rhyel said, scraping up the last few spoonfuls of the stew. "I'm sure when Sana is ready, we'll be fine to take care of the people on our own."
A smile grew across Cori's lips. "Then I can't wait for that day."
Rhyel finished the pot of stew and declined Yaena and Obadiah's offer of another meal.
His wolf was too eager to stretch his legs, and Rhyel was anxious to get back to the castle to see Sana.
He wanted to wipe the memory of her lifeless body in his arms and remind himself that she was alive.
That she was and would continue to be safe in his care.
Not only that, he was eager to start getting to know her. He may never have someone to claim his heart and soul, but after what he lived through in his quest, he craved Sana's friendship and for her to know that he would always be there for her.
The moon was making its ascent into the night sky by the time Rhyel and Cori made it back to the castle. Rhyel shook out of his wolf form and stood, breathing in the comforting scent of his home in the moonlight.
"You didn't have to come all this way with me, Cori," Rhyel said, adjusting his cloak around his shoulders. "I know you prefer to stay away from the castle."
"I do," she said as they walked through the quiet courtyard at the back of the castle. "But Zena wanted me to escort you home and you know I'll never disobey her."
"Of course not." Rhyel chuckled softly. "Thank you for coming with me, but I hope you're not going back to the Keep tonight."
"No, I'll leave in the morning before all the hustle and bustle begins."
The double doors to the castle opened and light pooled into the courtyard as Zena stood in the entrance with a bright smile on her face. "My Lord! You're back!"
"I am. I completed my quest and I'd like to check on Sana, if you don't mind."
"Of course I don't." A sly grin curled over Zena's lips as she stepped to the side to let him in. "She's usually reading in her butterfly sanctuary at this time of night."
Rhyel nodded. "Thank you," he said, walking through the quiet, dimly lit halls with his heart simmering that Sana was using the sanctuary as her own. As he neared the stained glass doors, they creaked open, and Sune fluttered out, halting his entrance.
Alpha of Darcanos, you have survived your quest.
Rhyel bowed his head. "I have, and I have vowed to give my loyalty to Lady Sana."
I know. I can feel it and I am glad. You understand why my little flame is so important now and why I chose her.
Rhyel looked up at the fluttering white moth and nodded. "I do, and I will not fail her."
I can feel that too.
"May I see her?"
Of course you can.
Sune flew out of his way and settled on his shoulder.
She has just fallen asleep. I was going to wake her, but felt your presence and thought it best for you to take her to bed.
"Does she fall asleep here often?" Rhyel said as he walked through the cobbled trail, noticing the overgrown plants were cut back, the grass on the knoll was trimmed and the water in the small pond had been cleaned, too.
The past week she has been. Sana's been taking her training seriously and reading every night to understand her place in this House.
Rhyel's heart thumped as he neared Sana lying on a cushioned couch nestled in a thick cove of towering leafy green plants. A few butterflies swirled around her and some rested on her head with her vibrant red hair spilling across the jade green sofa as a book lay over her chest while she slept.
His wolf and another usually dormant creature stirred inside of him as he gently tugged the book from her hands, careful not to disturb her slumber.
I didn't realize how drawn I'd feel to her once we saw her again and it's...it's not just me.
Rhyel gazed down at the light dusting of brown freckles across the bridge of Sana's nose as he lifted her from the couch and cradled her in his arms.
I know. I feel him too.
Sune pressed his tiny legs against the side of Rhyel's neck as he carried Sana down the cobbled path to the entrance.
Ah, I see the dragon who lives inside of you has awakened to your vow of loyalty.
Rhyel shook his head. "I haven't been able to shift into a dragon since I was a child and he's remained dormant since that day."
Sune chuckled softly as he nestled down on Rhyel's shoulder.
That's because you've never had a reason to shift into such a powerful creature, but now that you're aware of the gift Sana carries, you might find that your dragon will be keen to watch over her, too.
Rhyel frowned as he ascended the stairs to Sana's room. "Why's that?"
Why don't you ask your dragon? I'm sure he will tell you.
"But I've never been able to speak to any of the creatures I can shift into besides my wolf," he said, pushing open Sana's door as he carried her to the bed.
Mm, I think you'll find your dragon will become your brother, just like your wolf.
"You are irritatingly cryptic, Sune," Rhyel said, as he pulled back the blankets and laid Sana on the crisp white sheets. "But I'll do as you say." He brushed a curl from her face as he tucked her in. "I'll do anything to make sure this realm never sees the future I lived through."
I know you will. That's why you've come back.
Sune fluttered from Rhyel's shoulder to rest beside Sana's head.
Now go get some rest, my Lord.
Rhyel watched the rise and fall of Sana's chest as she slept peacefully.
He slid his hand to her cheek and leaned down to her ear.
"I promise I won't fail you," he whispered before standing from the bed.
"Good night, Sune," he said as he shuffled out of her bedroom and looked over his shoulder one more time before he closed her door.
He sighed, leaning against the door with a hand over his heart. He was glad to be home and glad he could wipe the memory of Sana's lifeless body out of his mind, but he was curious about what Sune said.
Why would the dragon suddenly awaken inside of him? Not once did it stir, roar, or beg to fight while he was on his quest.
"My Lord, it's true. You're here."
Rhyel looked up and frowned at Junak walking down the hall toward him. "What are you doing here? You should be at the Lightbournes."
"I know. I'm sorry I've disobeyed you."Junak bowed his head. "Lord Dante sensed me and told me to return here. He said you'd know why."
It must have something to do with Sana and his visions.
Rhyel thought back to what his mother told him, and his uncle must've sent Junak back for his safety.
"It's fine. I'll have words with Lord Dante, but I know why he made you return," Rhyel said, sliding a hand to the young warrior's shoulder.
"Before he sensed you, did you find anything noteworthy about the Lightbournes or Lady Sana? "
Junak shook his head. "Nothing about Lady Sana, but Aneera Lightbourne is going to be wed to Lord Zehev."
Rhyel's eyes grew wide. "That is interesting. I didn't realize Lord Zon's son was looking for more wives, nor did I think the Lightbournes would want an alliance with the east."
"Yes, I thought that was troubling. Lord Dante mentioned something interesting when he was reading if Lady Aneera's marriage would be a good match."
"Walk with me and tell me what you heard."
Junak nodded. "Lord Dante said that Lady Aneera's marriage would be fruitful as long as Lady Sana remains in the north and Lady Aneera doesn't interfere with her life with you."
"Mm, that's an odd thing to say," Rhyel murmured. "Thank you for telling me. I'd like you to pay a visit to Colonel Einar on the eastern border. See if the news of Lord Zehev's marriage has made it to House Venzor yet."
Junak stood at attention. "Yes, my Lord. I'll leave tomorrow," he said as he reached into the pocket of his leathers. "I have a letter for Lady Sana. Lord Dante wanted me to give it to her, but I thought it was best coming from you. I didn't want her to know I was snooping around her home."
Rhyel nodded, taking the envelope from him. "That was good of you. I didn't want her to know I sent you there either," he said, tucking the letter into his pocket. "I'll make sure she gets this."
"Thank you," Junak said, bowing. "Have a good night, my Lord."
Rhyel nodded. "You as well," he said as he continued to the stairwell to his rooms. He wondered what his uncle saw in his visions for Aneera to give her a warning like that.
If anything, Rhyel would be sure to be wary of Aneera and Lyra during the festive season events.
He was sure they'd be invited to the engagements and he would be damned if they made Sana feel like she wasn't welcome during the festivities.