Bitter Truths

Chapter 4 - Bitter Truths

Damon

Two weeks had passed since I stood in the office of the 'Lady Captain.' Still unable to shake the weird feeling I felt from her. Unable to shake the feeling of the strange magic in the air that surrounded her and her ship.

The memory of her eyes, full of starlight, now burned into my mind. The reason for her visit not sitting right with me. The way she seemed to appear on that ship, a ship that was way too nice for someone of her status to own. And the fact that I only encountered one crew member the whole time I was aboard was unsettling.

Odd, everything about her was odd and left me with more questions, more suspicions.

She may not be the pirate who messed with one of my villages. The time of her arrival made it not likely, and that skeleton crew of hers made it not plausible.

In all the last twenty-five years that I have been involved with the capital and kingdom as a whole, I have never met someone like her. And in all my years as the Captain of the Royal guards, I never crossed her ship or person before.

"What has you so lost in thought," A familiar voice drawled, pulling me from my thoughts. Nesrin stood at my door, a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes spread across her face as she eyed me cautiously.

We were still in a strange place. Of course, I would always love her; she is my sister. But a part of me will always hold a piece of resentment towards her for all the secrets and lies she kept.

"Hypocrite," Helix muttered.

"Nothing," I said to Nesrin, ignoring my wolf.

I was a hypocrite for most things these days, but they were my problems to deal with, no one else's. Especially after everything we had all endured not long ago. I couldn't burden them further.

Nesrin shifted on her feet, a look in her eyes telling me she didn't believe me, but she didn't push it further. Her demeanour changed as she entered my office, the office that used to be our father's.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Nes?" I asked, leaning back in my chair. My finger pushed to my lip as I watched her, resting my chin on my thumb. Her eyes tracked my movement.

Even though she was partially blind in her left eye, it didn't interfere with her ability to take notice of every detail, every movement someone made.

When she came back from the Dark realm, she was different. Her eyes now much older than her. She would hold the scars of that nightmare, and we would forever be reminded of the events that set our lives into chaos.

Her hair was almost entirely white now from whatever Dela did to her. She still had so many secrets, so many things she didn't want to relive again. She did once, with Balor, but never with me.

I suppose it was my fault; I shut her out, but I couldn't help the way it stung to know that I was no longer the person she confided in when she needed help.

But that's what I did; after Nesrin disappeared, I became angry. And when our mother died, I pushed everyone away—only letting certain people in, like Lir and Apollo, but even then, they were at arm's length.

Nesrin took a seat on the long leather sofa adjacent to my desk, letting out a deep sigh. I stood from my chair, making my way toward her.

"Nes, you're starting to freak me out," I warned.

"I heard about what you're doing. I hate to admit how much it stings that you weren't the one to tell me that the decision was made two weeks ago, and I am just now finding out. I suppose that's what we have become, strangers. Bonded by blood and nothing else." I took a step back, my hands curling into fists. She looked up at me. Her sapphire eyes burned into mine.

"It's not fair how the council treats you, Damon. It's not right that they won't let you find your mate. Garren is the King of Dragons, and he isn't forced to marry." My jaw tensed, forcing my eyes to focus on anything else but her. I uncurled my fists, forcing my jaw to relax. Not wanting to deal with our personal issues right now Ignore what she said like I have ignored everything else. The weight on my shoulders only getting heavier.

"It's not that simple, Nes. You know that. After everything that has happened, we need a strong front. Something to help build up our kingdom again,"

"I could talk to Garren. I could-"

"The decision has been made. There is no changing it,"

"But-"

"If you have just come here to argue, then leave, Nes. I already have enough bullshit to deal with."

"What happened to you? What happened to your fight, to the fire that used to burn in your eyes," She asked.

"Mother would have never let this stand. She would have fought for you. She would have-"

"Our mother is dead," I snapped, raising my voice. Like my mate, I wanted to shout at her.

I turned back to her, looking her dead in the eyes and letting all my anger and resentment fill them. Resentment for being forced to step into this position. Anger for having to give up more of myself and live a loveless marriage to please our people. Anger at fate, the mothers, and any other shitty thing that has found its way into our lives.

"Our mother is dead, and I am left to pick up the pieces. She is gone and has no more sway in this kingdom. Besides father, I seem to be the only one who realizes that." It was a low blow, but I didn't care; I had two weeks left before my freedom was stripped further away from me. I didn't want to think about it anymore.

"Damon I-"

"I have a meeting. Show yourself out," I muttered before turning and walking out of my office. My wolf started to stir. 

"Don't even start," I hiss to Helix, his presence overbearing as he steps forward. I walk out of the palace and head for the forest line. I don't even bother removing my clothes as I shift, ripping my clothes to shreds as Helix pushes forward. His paws hit the damp earth, and we run off into the forest.

Two weeks and then I have to pick my bride. Two weeks and I have to finally accept that this isn't some horrible nightmare that I can wake up from if I try hard enough.

I let out a deep roar, filled with anger and pain. Helix's howl echoes that pain as we race through the forest into the dark of night.