"I beg your pardon?" Alpha Hunter asked.
"Just an old Wanix saying. Um, great! Thank you for sharing that. How about I get back to you tomorrow about that? So just...uh go home and we'll be in contact yeah?"
"We have no home to go to. The Aleni destroyed it. We are to stay with you while we defeat this evil." Alpha Hunter informed me, stepping closer.
He smelled like pine and firewood. Kinda hot.
"Oh, you're gonna stay...here? With us. Um...Posy, will you lead them to the Great Hall? And I'll gather the royals?" I asked.
"Of course Empress." Posy nodded. "Follow me."
When I tried to walk away, Alpha Hunter grabbed my hand. "You'll be coming to this Great Hall also right?"
"Sure will." I forced a laugh, pulling my hand out of his and hurrying off to find my family.
My parents were thrilled.
"Oh I knew it was the time of The Prophecy!" Mother exclaimed. "My own daughter, the savior of Uquix!"
"Or I could really mess this up!"
"You won't." Zeke assured me. "I'll be here to help you. I can be like your bridge to these werewolves. I understand both people."
"Hm, I suppose you are slightly useful."
"Zelda, we've been waiting for this moment for so long." Father said seriously. "I know you are new to this, but we believe in you."
Glad someone does.
"Alright, we should go speak to the Luan Pack. Be aware, their Alpha is a little intense." I informed them.
"Oh we won't be going." Mother smiled.
"Huh?"
"We are retired, Zelda. This is your and Zeke's fight."
"Well baby birds are getting pushed out of the nest today! Come, Zeke."
He followed behind me, muttering to himself as though he was practicing what he was going to say.
I entered the Great Hall and was surprised by how empty it was. "What's going on?" I asked Posy.
"Alpha Hunter sent his pack to the Throne Room. And he's having their um...slaves set up their rooms for them. He said this conversation was only for certain ranks."
"I see. Let's do this."
We approached Alpha Hunter. He only had two other men with him. One wouldn't even meet our gaze. The other was...stunning! His eyes widened when he saw me, just like Hunter's had. His eyes were a piercing green like the plants I controlled. His dark hair fell over his forehead, I think to cover a scar that I could see near his eyebrow. There was a smile on his pink lips and he had a jaw that could cut glass.
Certified hottie.
"Ah there you are! The man in charge!" Alpha Hunter announced, shaking Zeke's hand. "I am Alpha Hunter. Wonderful kingdom you have."
"I'm Duke Zeke and it's not exactly my kingdom." Zeke informed him.
"Oh a humble leader you are! That's different. I personally like to lead with confidence." He turned to me. "This isn't your wife is it?"
"My sister, Empress Zelda."
"Perfect. Now Zelda I'm sure you are very useful in many ways and positions, but could you wait over there with my Betas while us leaders talk?"
"Oh my!" Posy whispered.
The only people allowed to address me by just name was my family. Alpha Hunter was not family.
"You heard him Zeke, he wants the leaders to talk. Go see about the Betas. You too, Posy." I stated.
"Of course, Empress." Zeke smirked.
"I am confused." Alpha Hunter stated.
"Oh, you thought Duke Zeke was in charge? No, darling, that's me. The Empress rules the kingdom here."
"A-a woman in charge?"
"Well a pig did fly by my window today." I laughed. "As they do every day. So what did you want to discuss Alpha Hunter? And by the way, do not ever refer to me as Zelda again. I'm an Empress and will be treated as such."
"Um...yes, of course Empress Zelda." He nodded, still seeming a little thrown off. "It is the opposite for me, please call me Hunter...it's more intimate that way."
"Huh. Okay. Catch me up."
"The Aleni attacked us three days ago. Empress Zelda, they are vicious hybrid creatures. They started their attack in their human form and when they turned...it was horrific. They wiped out half of my pack. I have never seen my pack so...helpless. When we got away, this appeared."
He handed me a glowing scroll. It was the pact made between the Luan and the Wanix all those years ago.
"So we set off here to gain your help." Hunter finished.
"Do you know who was leading the Aleni? A name? A face?" I whispered.
"They called him Cedric."
"Are you absolutely sure that was the name?"
"Positive. I'll never forget it. And his eyes...they were red like the devil."
I looked over at Zeke and Posy who looked alarmed. This was worse than we thought it was.
"So what's the next step?" I asked.
"Training." Hunter said. "The Aleni will come to Gynem last. They know we have come here and that together we can stop them. But we must work together as our people did all those years ago."
"Only that didn't work so well, did it? Considering your pack slaughtered my great grandfather and many others."
"Empress Zelda, we must put that behind us. There is no room to be petty."
"Petty is my middle name."
"Is it really?"
While Hunter is very cute, there's not much going on upstairs.
"No, it's actually Alanis. That was a joke." I rolled my eyes.
"Oh." He gave a booming, hearty laugh. "You are very funny, Empress! And illuminating. If we're done with business talk, I was hoping we could get a little more personal."
"Oh my! Um, I would love to meet your...Betas was it? Just so we're all cozy and friendly."
"Well of course." Hunter smiled. "Oz, Penn. Please come meet the Empress."
"Your Highness," the one who wouldn't look at me bowed. "I am Oz, brother of Alpha Hunter. Pleased to meet you."
I suppose he did look like a watered down version of Hunter. They both had black hair, though Hunter wore his a little longer and he was also definitely more buff than Oz was. Hunter commanded respect, while Oz seemed to shy away from it.
"The feeling is mutual." I allowed him to kiss my hand and turned my attention to the hottie. "And you?"
"Empress Zelda, I am Beta Penn." He brought my hand to his lips, and heat spread throughout my body.
There was something about the way my name sounded rolling off his tongue that sent me into a frenzy.
"Well if you're Penn, I'll be the paper." I whispered.
"Beg your pardon?" He smirked slightly.
"Um...I said...hm I can't think of anything that rhymes with paper to save myself from this. Pleasure to meet you. Immense pleasure."
"The pleasure is all mine, Empress."
"Then give some to me." I bit my lip.
"Empress Zelda aren't you going to officially introduce me to your handmaiden?" Hunter asked.
"She's not a handmaiden, she's my Royal Vizier. This is Posy."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Alpha Hunter."
"She is not one of you, and yet holds a high rank? This is a very strange kingdom."
"Probably because they let women be in charge." I stated.
"I find a woman in charge...refreshing." Beta Penn smiled.
Okay so I'm picking up some serious vibes from him.
"I love taking charge. In all areas." I grinned.
"Empress Zelda!" Posy whispered. "Stop that."
"Sorry."
"So why doesn't Posy show Oz and Penn their sleeping arrangements, while you and I get to know each other?" Hunter smiled.
"Sure, of course. And Posy, let me know which rooms they'll be staying in. I want to keep tabs on them." My eyes flicked over to Penn's. I gave him a wink before Posy and Zeke led them out of the Great Hall.
"Finally, some time alone." Hunter gently grabbed my hand. "You are a shockingly wonderful leader for a woman."
There was a compliment in there somewhere I think.
"Why, thank you, you seem to have a good grasp on this leader thing too. How long have you been doing it?"
"Only a year. It's been strange leading without a mate...a Luna to support me."
"Really? I rather enjoy ruling alone." I laughed. "Um, so when do you find your mate?"
"I already have. It's you Empress Zelda. You are my mate. I felt it the moment I laid eyes on you. And I, Hunter Alder, accept you as my mate."
"Oh. Um hm. You seem nice, really...but we've just met! I don't even know how you like your eggs in the morning.”
"What are you saying?" Hunter questioned.
"I just think we should slow this down. I'm not really interested in being your mate, Hunter."
"Are you rejecting me, Empress Zelda?"
"Yeah, I think so." I whispered.
His eyes widened and the veins in his neck popped. I think I've made him furious. He's going to yell at me! His fist clenched and his nostrils flared.
I prepared myself for the wrath of an Alpha. This was arousing beyond belief. Maybe being his mate wouldn't be so bad.
Suddenly his face scrunched up and a wail escaped his lips. Hunter wasn't yelling at me...he was sobbing.
My body felt a shock at once. Electricity flowed quickly and then expelled itself out of my body. Was I going to die again? I wondered as I fell to my knees. I breathed heavily as the last of the lightning left. I paused to make sure I wasn’t going to die again. “Zelda!” I looked up and saw Penn running over to me. “Penn!” He scooped me up in his arms and held me tightly. “I thought I lost you!” “How relieved were you?” I joked. He set me down and kissed me. “Very relieved. But now you’re back and I’m miserable again.” I kissed him again. “Are you lying to an Empress? That’s a crime.” “And what would be my punishment?” Penn smiled down at me. “You have to marry me…for real this time.” “You sure I can’t just take death?” I laughed as Zeke ran over to us and embraced me. “Tell me that’s the last time you almost die!” “No promises. I think it’s over now, though.” I smiled.&nb
Posy’s POV I hated her. Why did she do this? Why would she kill herself just to save the rest of us? Why wasn’t she selfish and logical? Why wouldn’t she just let us die for her with honor? Because Empress Zelda Xanatheal was a great leader. No one even cared about Cedric the moment Zelda hit the ground. The Aleni had been struck down and we had no one left to fight. We only wanted to see Zelda. I got to her first. I cried out upon feeling how limp she was in my arms. “Zelda?” I screamed. “Wake up Zelda, now!” She wouldn’t budge. The boys had transformed and put on their pants. Penn dropped to his knees. “Zelda?” He choked out. “Zelda, please wake up. I need you Zelda, please.” He was sobbing as he hugged her lifeless body. Hunter tried to comfort him, but he just pulled away and wailed. “I can’t live without her!” Penn cried out. “I can’t! How do we bring her back? Someone
I stepped towards Cedric in horror. “You killed your father?” I asked shakily. “We both know he deserved it.” “What are you doing here?” “Oh, was I not invited? I’m sorry, I figured maybe my invitation got lost in the crystal mirror.” He feigned innocence. “Cedric, why are you here?” I cried. “You look so pretty in your wedding dress…and I’d make the perfect groom. Everyone’s already here Zel, let’s just do it.” “No, no! We had a deal, Cedric, you swore. Don’t do this!” “Ah the deal…yeah I thought about that, constantly over the last month. I don’t like it. I didn’t go through all of that shit to end up without you. So…the deal is off.” Cedric was many things, but he wasn’t usually a liar. The only thing he had ever really lied to me about was killing Astris and it only took him a few moments to reveal that lie. He didn’t believe in lying, he thought it was a waste of time. He was fine with being rut
“Holy fuck!” I exclaimed. “You’re serious?!” “Very serious,” Penn said nervously digging into his pocket. He pulled out a stunning ring with a gorgeous blue gem on it. “Is that the -” “Gem of Xaxtar from Prince Mako, yeah. I know it was supposed to be a necklace, but I think it would look better on your finger. Posy helped me make it.” He smiled. “So? Can I be your Emperor for life?” “Yes! Of course! Absolutely!” I screamed. Penn got up and kissed me. I wrapped my arms around him tightly, absolutely elated. This was everything I ever wanted. I saved Uquix and I was going to marry the love of my life! He slipped the ring on my finger and I admired it. “It’s huge!” I exclaimed. “Isn’t it?” Posy asked. “I knew you’d love it!” “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me! I mean look at me I have soot all over my face and clothes!” I laughed. “You look beautiful,” Penn assured me before kissing me aga
The lava immediately stopped flowing as golden light shot out the Shadow Precipice. A stunning woman walked out of the light even though there was no ground to stand on. She was stunning! Her long golden hair flowed behind her as the gold light danced off of her dazzling brown skin. Her white eyes were terrifying and yet so warm. She stood between Cedric and I as though trying to decide who the winner was. She turned to Cedric and my heart dropped. I really had lost. But I gave my best effort and everything that I had. I did my best, even if it wasn’t good enough. “You gave a great effort,” She said to Cedric. Suddenly it was just the woman and me. Cedric had disappeared. “Empress Zelda…you are the winner of The Four Trials of the Forsaken Apex.” Wait, I recognized that voice. “Moxdea?” I asked. “Yes, Empress, it is I. In my true form. You have released me from my duty by completing t
We started climbing up the volcano slowly. We figured we should take it slow before things got out of control. The constant rumbling made me incredibly anxious. The volcano could erupt at any point. “Nervous?” Cedric questioned after a few moments of silence. “What makes you think that?” “You’re not usually quiet unless you feel unsure.” “Well...yes I am a little nervous but only because everything we’ve done these last few weeks has led up to this moment. Are you nervous?” I asked. “Yeah a little bit,” He admitted. “About what?” “Losing. Imagine I betrayed my kingdom and killed hundreds of creatures just to lose.” “Wow that would be really embarrassing for you,” I snorted. “Oh shut up.” “What else happened in your weird dream when we went in the quicksand?” I questioned. “It was so strange, but I was really happy. You were my wife. We wanted babies. I thought you we