“He sure did a number on you.” Posy whispered, examining my arm.“Zel, why didn’t you just tell them?” Zeke asked softly. “You didn’t have to be tortured.”“I couldn’t let them win.” I muttered. “I’m-we’re the only ones who can save Uquix. They never could. They weren’t really us. And Uquix comes before anything else.”“I’m sorry I didn’t save you earlier.” Penn hung his head. “I was trying-”“It’s okay. Everything worked out. We faced ourselves and we’re not stuck here.” I stated. “Are you in pain?” Hunter asked, holding my other hand and kissing it. “I’m fine.”Cedric approached us. “Can I clean the blood off your arm?”“Um...I guess.” I answered slowly. “I kind of owe you.” 

Wyatt made me sad.I couldn’t imagine not being loved. Wyatt actually confused me completely. He was very soft spoken and pretty nice and yet he was an Aleni. A creature that feasted on others and was determined to take over the world. I was starting to wonder if what Cedric had said those years ago was true. “What if they’re like me? Just misunderstood.”I think they might be. “Wyatt, what was your life like before becoming an Aleni?” I asked. “Um, pretty sad. Like I said I had issues with my mother. I don’t think she liked me very much. I’m guessing her having to raise me on her own had something to do with that.”“What about your dad?” Hunter questioned.“Oh I never knew him.” Wyatt informed him. “So why did you become an Aleni?” Zeke asked. “Cedric was nice to m

Being Queen of the Aleni was not what I thought it would be. I thought I would hate every second of it, but I was starting to enjoy it. I even enjoyed being with Cedric. Luckily I didn’t have to participate in any of the massacres or raids. I didn’t even care about them. Being Aleni truly does warp the mind. I didn’t care about any of the things I used to except being a good leader. That mostly meant supporting Cedric.“So, how do you like your life as Queen of the Aleni?” Oz questioned. “It’s amazing.” I smiled. “You were right. I understand now.”“Have you heard from Zeke?”I nodded. “I used the crystal and mirror to talk to him. I think he misses you, he just won’t say it.”“Do you think he’d turn?”“No. He won’t. I’m sorry.”“It’s fine.” Oz sighed. “I should

Cedric’s POVI was pretty sick of losing Zelda at this point. I watched helplessly as the stupid fucking Griffon carried her away from us. Where the hell was he taking her?!Posy was falling quickly to the ground. I should save her. It would get back to Zelda that I did and maybe that will make her like me a little more.I was more than aware of her feelings for me now. Leading up to that kiss in the cave I was sure she had no more feelings for me. I thought I had really screwed up, but now I knew there was still a chance for me. She would still be my Queen, I was sure of it. I positioned myself and opened my arms. Posy fell into them. I nearly collapsed. Who knew fairies were so fucking heavy?She sprang out of my arms. “Why did you do that?”“Do what?” I questioned. “Save me?”“So Zelda will like me more.” “Damn it, I should have

The others didn’t seem as thrilled with flying as I did. They all looked terrified, but I knew I was safe with Nerius. Maybe a little too safe with him.I felt bad that he wanted me to stay when I couldn’t. I figured he must be extremely lonely if he wanted me to stick around just after one conversation. The Griffon’s lived in treehouses. They were of course incredibly large because of how big the Griffons were. Szan was accompanying us to dinner to be our translator.The Griffons did not look especially thrilled to see us. I imagine they don’t like people coming to their land and participating in these trials. I’m sure it was a disruption to their lives.According to Szan, Nerius insisted that I sit next to him.“So what do they even eat?” Cedric questioned. “Since you are guests, they have a very special meal prepared. There are seven courses and you must eat all of it to be prope