Secrets

Chapter 2 - Secrets

"Nesrin, are you sure you still want to do this?" My mother asked as we finished the last of the preparations for my birthday celebration. I let out a yawn as I forced myself to sit up straighter.

"Of course I do. With Balor finally back to talking terms with us and finding his mate, I want everyone to have the chance to get together."

It wasn't entirely the reason I had to do this. We both knew that, but I could tell something else was bothering her. My mother bit her lower lip as she looked down at the papers in front of her. I could see there was something she wasn't telling me, something she wasn't sure she could.

"What aren't you telling me?" I questioned.

She would typically let her visions occur without a fuss, but if she saw something so horrible that it haunted her, she couldn't help but obsess over it, especially if it regarded one of us.

She shook her head.

"Mother, if it is important enough to cause you to worry, then it is important enough for me to know."

"Can we just make sure that Balor doesn't meet the girls and your mate until after you speak with him?" I frowned.

"So it's about what's to come? Does he know what has happened already?" My mother shook her head.

"No, but he will learn of it. His visions are still blocking out things thanks to those horrendous tonics he was taking." I could still see the rage in her eyes as she reminded herself of what he had done to stop from seeing the future.

I remember how cross she was with me when she found out I had supplied the first few batches for him. I had never been so scared of someone in my entire life. Well, that wasn't entirely true now, not after what I had endured anyway. 

Balor had always been one to create his own path in life. I envied that for a while, but I realized it wasn't something for the faint of heart after everything I faced myself. To test fate was to place a target of tragedy and despair on your back.

"Well, if it's to keep them safe, I'll talk to him." My mother pursed her lips and then nodded, clicking her tongue.

"Very well. How are you feeling? Any changes?" I could see the concern in her sapphire eyes. Her brow pinched together as the pain of what was to come was eating away at her. Her eyes were a little duller, and her skin held a little less of a glow these last few months. The stress of everything that had happened during the previous six years had really taken its toll on her too.

I let out a sigh, blinking my heavy eyes. Everything was exhausting, not just because I had just had twin pups because Elettra and Esmeray were a dream to deal with. But because my magic was always low and simple things, like walking, seemed to take even more effort than it used to.

"I'll be okay. I promise." I gave her a soft smile, one she returned, but I could tell she didn't believe it, not even for a minute.

"Sorry to interrupt," Damon's said, his voice rough, as he entered our mother's office. He gave my mother his charming smile before looking at me. His smile faded as he gave me a nod. He still hadn't forgiven me for what I had put him through, put all my family through. Imelda was a little more understanding. She didn't shut me out as Damon did, but she was still furious with me for not heeding her warnings about the dark realm.

I knew their reactions were nowhere compared to what Balors would be, and the thought of that just made my stomach twist in knots even more. But I wasn't a coward. I had stared death right in the face and laughed at her as she tried to claim me. I would tell him everything once he arrived. He needed to know the truth.

"What do I owe the pleasure to earn a short visit from my favourite Royal Guard." Our mother teased as she gave him a sly smile. Damon let out a laugh before looking at me, his eyes narrowing slightly.

He turned back to our mother. I didn't have to be told to know that I was not privy to this conversation.

"It's something I need to discuss with you in private." Damon's voice was clipped. My mother looked at me.

"Well, Nesrin and I-" I stood up quickly, my vision spotting due to the fast movement.

"We were actually just finished. I will see you at dinner." My mother frowned but got up and kissed me on the cheek. I smiled at her before looking at Damon.

"Will you be there tomorrow night?" I asked. I could see the no forming on his lips. Then, before he could speak, our mother cut in.

"Of course, he will, sweetheart. Your brother would never miss your birthday dinner, especially with Balor coming home with his mate." Damon tensed his jaw before giving me a stiff nod.

"Mother," Damon muttered, raising a brow at me. I got the message loud and clear.

"I'll see you later."

I left her office before she could say another word.

"He will come around," Ahmes mumbled, her voice sounding farther away today. Even though she sounded weak, the sound of her voice made my shoulder relax slightly.

"It's been almost two years, Ahmes. I'm afraid he will run out of time, and then it'll be too late to love me again."

"Then that will be a burden he will have to bear for the rest of his life."

"Let's focus on our birthday and the task at hand. Tomorrow will be a hard day, and we need to be at our best to make sure we do everything right." I nodded.

Tomorrow was going to be a hard day indeed.