Chapter 18 The Battle "Do not leave this circle no matter what happens!" she repeats as chants with the others. Led by Rose StormCloud, my mother, stood united against the evil that threatened to destroy our family and our way of life. The air was electric with tension as the Shamans formed a protective circle around us. Their eyes blazed with a fierce inner light, their hands weaving intricate patterns in the air as they summoned the ancient powers of their ancestors. Rose, her voice a commanding force, called upon the spirits of the land to aid them in their battle against this demon. The earth trembled, and a low rumble of thunder echoed through the valley as the Shamans' magic awakened the primal energies of the land. Shade, worried by the display of power, wondered at the Shamans, his eyes burning with malevolent intent. As he attempted to step forward, a wall of shimmering light erupted from the ground, blocking his path. The Shamans' combined magic had created a barrier,
Chapter 19 Welcome Baby Bella As the days passed, my belly grew, my mother prepared diligently for the arrival of my precious little one, and when the final day arrived, I was taken to the sacred birthing house, surrounded by my mother, Alma, and the other female Shamans. As they comforted me, my labor intensified, the Shamans surrounded me, their gentle voices weaving a soothing melody of ancient chants and encouragement. My mother, held my hand, offering a comforting presence, while the tribal medicine woman, rubbed special ointments, on my lower back easing the pain. With each contraction, my breathing deepened, and I focused inward, as I drew upon the strength and wisdom of my ancestors. Their tribal Doctor stood ready to deliver my baby. The air was thick with anticipation as they waited for my baby to arrive. Lucas stood outside with the men, waiting for news. With a final push, Bella emerged, a tiny, squirming bundle of joy, her first cry echoed throughout the room, of the th
Chapter 20 Near Death As our flight lands, on a rainy night, in the busy city of New Orleans. At the airport, Lucas waves down a taxi after getting our luggage into the car, we head to our home, Lucas telling her all about scuttlebutt. But just as we're about to merge into traffic, a large truck slams into the side of the taxi, sending glass shattering and metal crunching. Bella's heart races as she mind-links with her father, King Kieran, for help. *Daddy! Please, we need you!* she cries out to him in a tiny voice. Kie's response is immediate with urgency but who is this? Then he hears a faint voice he hasn't heard in six years *Kie, please!* I say as I lose continuousness. Within moments, a sleek black limo screeches to a halt beside the wreckage. Kie emerges, his piercing eyes scanning the scene before locking onto me and then Bella, whispers "Daddy" as her small hand reaches for him, everything goes black. He rips the back door off of the taxi, to get her and me, he pulls us
Chapter 21 I Love You, Daddy Kie smiles at her, she looks like her mother as he looks at me. Memories of us, come flooding back tearing at his heart. How can this be? As he stares at Bella. He couldn't take his eyes off of her.. his only child. Heir to his Kingdom. He would find the men responsible for this and wipe them from existence, but for now, he just wanted to watch her in her slumber. Dr. Brooks walked over to her bedside, "The night nurse said there was some movement, but it didn't last long. I expect her to wake up in the next 24 hours." she informed him. Then suddenly he hears her *Daddy?* she says softly through their mindlink. "I'm here," he says out loud. She slowly opens her eyes. "Where's Mom ?" she asked. "She's right there" he points to me as I sleep. "Everything is going to be ok. I'm here now," he reassured her. "I'm Bella." As tears flow down her little cheeks, he gently wipes them away. He says one word "Bella." with a loving smile. "I heard you call out
Chapter 22 Home at Last Once we arrived, Kie personally oversaw the transfer of his loved ones back to our home with added security and comfort in mind, and a team of skilled healers and guards stood watch around the clock. Bella wanted to be with me so he had her bed placed next to mine but He told her whenever she was ready she could have her own room. Brent agreed as he came in to check on us. Sam had taken his old room back and moved in there. Kie had a recliner between mine and Bella's bed. with Lucas's bed across the room As the days passed, Lucas slowly began to stir, our minds and bodies healing from the trauma we had endured. I, too, showed signs of improvement, with each passing day. Kie was overjoyed to see us recovering, and he spent every spare moment by our sides, holding our hands, and talking to us, willing us to come back to him fully. "Kitty!" Bella said as she reached for scuttlebutt. He was more than happy to get pets and belly rubs. She was shocked when Scuttle
Chapter 23 Raven Wakes UpKie's face lit up, his fingers intertwining with mine. "Raven, my love, you're awake!"My eyes widened as I took in my surroundings, my gaze scanning the room, taking in Sam, Brent, Lyra, Lucas, Bella, and Scuttlebutt, all watching me with hope and excitement.And then, in a moment that left everyone breathless, I sat up. I looked at Kie, and my eyes blazed with fierce determination. "Kie, Shade is coming after Bella!" still weak from my coma and unable to determine what was a dream and what was reality. "Not if I have anything to say about it." he helped me to lie back down, "You're all safe now, I won't let him anywhere near any of you." "Daddy, watch!" Bella exclaimed, with a wave of her small hand, she spoke in an ancient language, as an energy dome grew until it engulfed the entire house with a shield of protection.Kie's eyes widened in amazement. I smiled weakly, pride shining in my eyes. "She's powerful, Kie," I whispered as I laid my head back down.
Chapter 24 Niklaus Pays a VisitKen learns that Marie's mother, also named Marie Laveau, was a powerful voodoo priestess who had a secret relationship with the inn's former tenant, Jacques Saint Clair, one of the oldest Vampires in New Orleans. Kie, says that he has heard his Father mention Marie in the past and that he would be coming soon to meet his Grandaughter, Bella.. and they could ask him about her. He asked Lyra to reserve four rooms for them. She goes to her laptop to make the reservations. My heart skips a beat when I hear that he's coming. *********************** Niklaus arrives.. Kie's father, Niklaus, a towering figure with piercing deep blue eyes His long jet-black hair drapes down his back, like a lion's mane, He is powerful and has a commanding presence, He walks into the lobby, where we all are waiting to greet him. His gaze scans the space until it lands on Bella. A soft smile spreads across his face, and he kneels, his long coat billowing around him."Bella, my
Chapter 25 Bella's Birthday The day finally arrives it's Bella's 6th birthday. She wakes up before everyone else and runs to our room. Jumping on the bed she snuggles between us. We both say 'Happy Birthday!' at the same time. Super excited for her day at the zoo, Bella squeals with delight, her eyes shining with excitement. "Today's my birthday!! Can we go to the zoo now, please? Pleeease?" We both laugh, hugging her tight. "Of course, little one," Kie says, "We've got a whole day of adventures planned for you." "And don't forget, we have a special birthday surprise for you later tonight. But for now, let's get ready for the zoo!" I added, Bella bounces up and down, her black curls bouncing with her. "Yay! Best birthday ever! Thank you, Hurry up, get up let's go!" she is bursting at the seams with excitement. As we get ready to leave, Bella puts on her favorite, a bright yellow sundress with white flowers, and her favorite sparkly tiara. She feels like a true princess, she ca