[The Turning Tide] A Passionate Hunt

Kane slid into the room as silent as ever, is eyes settled on Aishani as he smiled softly. He made his way across the room to begin undressing, his intent to remain as silent as possible.

His intent nearly fell short when a buckle chimed, Aishani stirred beneath the covers though otherwise remained still with the even breathing that he had begun to recognize as deep sleep of his wife.  

He slid into bed sliding close letting his arm wrap over Aishani’s stomach and the children within.

She crooned softly with the familiar presence of her husband, though he felt the shifting of the babes in her womb. Indeed they were restless, but more then that appeared to be playing. 

“Everything is taken care of” Kane whispered softly kissing the back of her neck. “We can rest easy for tonight,”

She muttered something incomprehensible, but blindly sought for his hand amidst her sleep and placed the linked hands over her belly. 

Kane settled in feeling his grasp of consciousness slide, the darkness of sleep closing gin and taking him for the night.

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There was a warmth that rained in through the high windows, a freshness in the air that signalled the arrival of summer. Kane stirred slowly feeling various bones crack in reply to the stretch.

As he woke it was not only to the sounds of summer, it was the fact that Aishani was absent from his side. Her presence only lingered in a haunt, but he recognized that her belongings along side his were still in place.  

A few moments later the door opened and that is when he smelled it. Pungent. Metallic. Blood. Though it was faint, perhaps carried on breath. Yet, it was masked by the heavenly scent of breakfast; sweet rolls, bacon, eggs and crisp fruit, even the robust smell of coffee. 

Aishani was carrying a tray, turning she closed the door softly. 

The scent of blood spun his senses but for a moment before his eyes and stomach settled on the content of the tray, and the coffee.

“You know how to make an entrance my love, and the way to a mans heart as well,” Kane stated with a curled smile.

She considered him a moment, settling in the edge of the bed with the test in her lap. “I found the way to your heart.” Aishani learned forward to press her lips against his, that is when he smelt the strength of blood in her breath. 

Kane smiled and nodded as he melted against the kiss lost both in her and the blood as he felt twinge deep within. As was his usual way he pushed it aside as he leant back, “But you brought breakfast, which is always appreciated”

“Of course. It’s beautiful outside, summer is here.” Aishani said softly, now it was more noted that she had changed and appeared cleaned. Though she arranged the tray in Kane’s lap and stood to open the curtains. 

“I did note the sun, it’s good, something like this ahead of what we face, still today is not a day to worry on such things” Kane smiled “I think today we should find a room for the children?”

“Oh. Yes. I’d like that. I would prefer closest to us.” She kicked her lips for a moment then grinned but sobered suddenly. “When is the last time you have drank? I think that may help loosen you up.”

“Before we wed,” Kane replied with a shrug “I’ll be fine for a little while, we really shouldn’t lower your defence in any way, we do not how that will affect you or the children, I promise if it becomes a problem you’ll be the first to know,”

“The room across the hall, also known as your former room is vacant? The one beside this and the same across the hall, 130 rooms in this place and maybe a quarter are full from staff or guests, so we have plenty of space.” He grinned, “We could put a hole through the wall over there and it would back the childrens onto ours more?”

She watched him in silence for a time then glanced to the indicated wall. “Yes, you will come hunting with me.” Aishani stated calmly. “That is a good idea. To have a conjoined room besides odd for the nursery.”

“Shouldn’t be too hard to punch through the wall,” Kane replied as he began to eat “The room will take some work though, it’s been empty for a while”

“Whose room was it? You make it sound as though it had, some point important.” She watched him eat for a few moments, then gathered the knife to prick her finger. That ruby droplet formed on the tip. “You have been fighting it, I can tell. A small dose before we hunt, Hm?” She waved it before his gave to taunt him.

“It was Aerians when she was much younger, when she first returned to Dentarius as a child after I broke free of Ascondias mind grip” Kane replied softly, he leant forward to lick the droplet of blood with soft moan. “After she left an angry child I locked it and haven’t been in since, so a while,”

“I would like to honour her with a request for us to use the room and her to help. You know she’ll need a distraction once Ascondia is here, it might help if she is a part of it.” Aishani licked her finger but grimaced and set her hand in her stomach. “Be still, it was for your father. You can’t be selfish.” 

“We will be sure to ask her,” Kane replied with a smile, before he released her hand to kiss her stomach “So lively, it’s going to be fun when when you arrive that’s for sure”

She chuckled while stroking Kane’s crown and run her fingers through his hair. “Don’t encourage them. It’s bad enough they are picky eaters…breaking my diet and all.” 

“Mmm how are you coping with yesterday?” Kane asked cautiously but there was a genuine softness and caring in his voice “It’s not always easy dealing with such shifts in who you are”

“It was planned. He was too much of a liability in the end. He pushed a button, though direct blood contact the poison is more deadly.” She commented slowly as though considering her words carefully. “It has not been easy. But giving into the need of the children makes it simpler. I apologise for not taking you on my hunts. I had to be sure I wouldn’t turn on you…” 

“It’s fine my love, it’s been a process for you, been part wolf as well as the children,” Kane smiled softly as he finished his breakfast “And you are correct Bryant was always going to be a liability, and to look at you as toy was maddening to say the least, yet another attempt to interject doubt between us”

“Yes. It’s been hard to say the least, but I will manage. Do not worry about that. You on the other hand appear very tense. So long as you drink from me, in small increments it will be safe. But I think a hint is what you need to not be concerned about harming me or our children.” 

“We are in the middle of a war whereby the rules keep changing, it’s difficult to relax when I am unsure where the next emergency will come from,” Kane sighed softly “And I worry for our family, all of us, a good distraction is all I need, for the moment I am truly fine my love, it’s more the realm around us that has my back up than my vampire half”

She watched him for a moment then smirked. “I see. Well it is a weight on your shoulders but remember you don’t bare it alone. You and I are not used to sharing a burden.” 

“I can safely admit not having to do this alone has helped a great deal, even Hades has gotten himself out of his own selfishness, we are in a better position than the last time our realm went to war” Kane replied with a soft smile, “But you and I are leaders, by choice or otherwise, we do it because we must, but at least we do it together”

“Mhm. This is very true. First things first, shall we head down to the springs to clean up, though I can not submerge as to not boil our children…but it will still relax you. Then to hunt. Which would you prefer first?” 

“I think things would be more sense in reverse? Hunt then clean?” There was smile in the way he said clean as he watched her “I think that would make it far more fun?”

Kane dressed light, his usual choice or loose pants and a shirt which would not restrict his movement. He pulled on his boots and taking his shorter daggers tucking them at his hips made his way down the stairs. Crossing through the main hall and out into the courtyard beyond.

He gave his usual array of orders to guards ensuring they kept their eye for anything off, it would remain quiet he knew that deep down, but it was always better to stay safe.

Aishani stood off to the side as Kane have his orders, offering a brief nod to them as they passed to leave the courtyard. But once they were in the forest she glanced to him with a wicked smirk, but he saw those incisors lengthen. “Keep up.” She challenged him, but tipped up her chin, then licked her lips as though catching prey. Then she was off, surprisingly fast for her condition, easily dodging shrubs and vaulting and swinging from low tree limbs. He hadn’t seen her this carefree in sometime, glancing over her shoulder to him with that wolfish smirk. 

Kane shook his head gently then took off through the under brush, it was with ease he slid from one to the next, vaulting a low branch before circling through, his mind cleared from the stress focused only on the motion from tree to tree, right until his attention missed the branch ahead, he heard the crack right before his feet went from under him and he wound up sprawled in the dirt of the forest floor with a clatter.

“Should have seen that coming” he groaned as he rolled onto his back.

Aishani was at his side helping him up with a smirk, though, he could feel the strain on her body to support his weight in the stand. “Oh, stop it. Come, the scent is close.” She indicated with her finger lifted to indicate on being silent, though, took his hand and lead him quietly through the woods as soon they stopped near a tree by a small thicket. Amidst the grasses was a female doe, two fawn and one buck. Now, this male deer looked strong and stunning, Kane could see by her eyes that this was the target. A far better challenge then the doe whom would flee and the two fawn that would follow the mother, but, the buck would remain to protect them and allow them to escape. 

Her eyes had grown into two twin golden pools, as her tongue flicked across her lips, then glanced to Kane with a nod. Her muscles tensed, preparing to spring into action, when she leapt it was at the fawns first, this startled the mother deer and the male turned in her direction with antlers down preparing to ram her but that is when Kane felt the draw of the air and she disappeared to blink just upon the buck’s back, sinking in her fangs to the neck with arms wrapped around the thickness. 

Kane followed suit, he closed upon the buck his own fangs sinking into its throat, the combined weight of himself and Aishani bringing the animal down to the floor. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d fed upon animal blood but the fact remained it was quickly restoring the strengths that had wavered over the last month.

Aishani growled as though an animal with a freshly caught prey, gripping the massive antlers of the buck, latched to the flesh of the deer’s throat. That is when he saw the claws extend and the mouth retract with a lick upon the bloodstained lips and face, glistening black upon her skin, though, she rounded to dip and rip out ribbons of flesh with her mouth and tearing into the skin with claws. Feasting on the animal while Kane fed and she dined. This moment, appeared to cause a bond within them to strengthen, it was a deeper level and a more primal level, animalistic. 

She finally leaned back with a gasp, as Kane felt the heart stopping the pumping of blood through the body. Aishani’s eyes, both eyes, hummed with the brilliant golden hues, smouldering in the light of the day but she looked like an exotic creature now. Transformed from just the pregnant Drow, but, now a magnificent creature. Carrying children of half-breed, wolf and vampire, herself a wolf. 

As Kane looked up taking in the sight he felt the blood rush, his mind primal, dark as he slid back there was a threat in his motion, the scent of blood and his wife mixed among the scent of fresh air forest, the cold of hunter having struck prey kept sense and right buried deep within. Slowly he circled her watching her feed, it was strange to him to have no sense of control only need.

He now moved as if assessing a threat, a wolf he knew could rip him apart the moment he struck but Kane didn’t care only caring for what he wanted what was beyond that threat, the female, Kane continued to wait, waiting for her to pay attention to him, Kanes own eyes were dark and glazed from his fed but also a primal darkness that rested within each man, he wanted Aishani right here among the trees to mark his territory, he didn’t even bother suppressing down those darkest of desires, he was lost among his own needs much as Aishani was in hers.

She stopped her dining on the flesh of the buck, licking her lips, though, those brilliant golden eyes fixed on him. Aishani in her primal state had acknowledged Kane in his dark demeanour. Those plush lips glistening with blood curled in a guttural growl, though, her clothing was thin on this summer day, he immediately saw the dark buds beneath her shirt perk at the arousal of his hungry eyes. Before he could advance, she darted from the deer, a challenge for him to give chase and catch his succulent prey. She was like a gazelle amongst the trees, grass and limbs. Pausing every so often to see if he was giving chase, a wicked and taunting smirk upon her bloodstained lips and face. 

Kane growled softly, then took off himself through the under growth, this time watching his footing as he hoisted himself into the trees, he could taste her in the air, that primal scent drove him. He waited until he was over her before launching down at her, his hands catching her shoulder, one arm directing her against a tree and pinning her, his lips searching for her hungrily, the taste of blood only making him hotter with each moment.

His plan went perfectly, now her scent was enveloping him and it was as his lips clapped upon hers with the metallic taste upon the surface that drive him wild with desire. A guttural growl emanated from her throat and he felt the scraps of his slick tool against her canines. 

He kissed hungrily as his hands went to work separating her from her clothing, his hands roaming her flesh before stripping her. Despite the primal force at which he worked his control took account of her condition as he drew them to the ground, not caring for who may discover only that he wanted her in that moment.

His kisses now slid from her mouth and over her shoulders, his hands raking and stroking her flesh as he worked his way across her body.

She was truly stunning in her state, the swollen belly and burning golden eyes, her claws made quick escape of his own clothing and we’re unforgiving on his flesh. But those songs she made were unparalleled to anything he had experienced. Suddenly she shifted her position and mounted him, the feeling of her tight passage was incredible. Though Aishani didn’t hesitate on rocking her hips leaning against him while he was gifted with rush after rush of her juices, her dark buds were glistening from the dew of milk. 

Kane growled hungrily as she mounted him, his hands instinctively searching out her breasts, before reaching up to pull her down into another deep kiss, it was raw and dark, the thrill of the hunt driving the thrill of their passion. Each time she sank down against him he would snap his hips back against him driving himself deeper within her swollen passage, a growl with each sting of hips meeting.

To the administer of his hands to her breasts, the milk squirted and trickled down his hands while her lips hungrily crushed against his. Each growl. And each moan were swallowed in the depth of the kiss, her hips sped against his as the first witnessed the carnal song of flesh against flesh. 

He shifted, it was sudden and yet controlled as he landed her on dirt beneath them, his hands raising her legs to his shoulder before driving down into her with repeated force, as concern was momentary quickly replaced with the lust and want, each thrust intent on sending himself deep into her.

A few minutes and he shifted her again, this time urging her into position, as he knelt behind her he growled hungrily before biting the flesh of her ass with force, then sliding back to his height he pushed himself back into her returning to the same hurried forceful rhythm of before.

She was lost on this carnal lust the deeper he sunk the louder her sounds became. Aishani clawed at his back, urging him deeper within her ripe passage. He felt her juices rush again only adding to the lubrication, in his transition a growl parted her lips with a glance back to the bite upon her half moons. Aishani lifted her hips to present herself in the claim he took, buckling back against him. The two were wild with the most primal need to mate, to be claimed and claim. 

Each thrust was with more force than the last, his hands raking the flesh of her back before he lunged forward to grab at her hair, pulling her hair back as he drove into her harder and deeper, his own growls now carnal and guttural echoing around the forest and themselves.

Passion was lost to the sheer lust that drove them, the wetter she got the harder he drove into her, before he drew back removing from her before watching his grip on her hair loosened just slightly as he smiled darkly before targeting the tightness of her back passage easing into her using her own wetness to help his penetration.

The valley between her cheeks offered him the new target as a delicate starlet, but her hands lurched forward claws digging into the grass and dirt just as the plop of his entry was announced. As he would pause to give her body moment to adjust it wasn’t going as Aishani bucked back and he sunk fully into her with a howl of delight. 

He growled as she swallowed him deep within her back passage. His hand landed hard against her ass with a smack before he drew back, the first few thrusts were slow but deep thrusting with force. A few more as she surrendered around he quickened rhythm with another resounding smack on the opposite cheek marking her with angry red hand prints.

To each violent assault on her half moons they jiggled against the speed he took her. Sinking his tool deep with the dark flesh was a beautiful contrast, while he seemed her need for him only increase. She was howling and screaming in sheer ecstasy now, as the depth was molten, he felt her juices flow more and saw her digging more into the grass. 

He growled against her now quickening his rhythm as his lust met force his hands forcing her hips back into him with each thrust. He was growling with the pleasure that ran through him, the more pleasure the deeper he plunged himself, before sliding a hand beneath to dip his fingers into her, feeling the heat of her juices as they spilt onto his invading fingers.

She seemed to spread her legs more to accommodate the appearance of his digits to her dripping flower. He felt her quiver as a smooth rush of juice saturated his hand and Aishani stirred with new vigor. Ripping out soil and grass to attain a new platform, the back pipe tightened and her flower began to throb, this was a new height as she was reaching a point to be overstimulated. Growing, moaning and howling in pleasure this was a new best to reach of them. Surrendering to their nature. 

He grunted and tensed as his nails bit into the flesh of her hips a low deep growl of lust cut from him as he felt himself twitch before erupting deep into her. He was shuddering from the sheer height they were in that single moment, his whole body prickled with a deep intense lust to remain in that moment as he slowly slid from her crawling toward her drawing her back to the ground and searching for her lips.

After the powerful moment that left him lounging to remain in that moment Aishani collapsed in pants and crooning, she was trembling as their lips met in a tender and passionate kiss lingering in the aftermath of their carnal selves being lost. It was the two of them now, shreds of clothing strewn about them. But she curled against him kissing him every so tenderly, quivering. In the glow of the previous event, she seemed even more fragile with her swollen belly and bosom with buds glistening from milk. “I love you, Kane.” 

Kane felt the haze clearing as her words filtered he smiled softly “And I love you Aishani, more with each day we are together, I think you are the only woman I have ever allowed to see these darker corner and know you both understand and welcome it”

He kissed her cheek softly letting his hand rest on her stomach gently “Another of the reasons I limit my hunts, I get a little …” His voice trailed off as he searched for the word “Well the vampire gets free of my control” Kane found looking back for a moment he couldn’t find a moment he felt so fulfilled from a hunt.

She smirked to him with a playful nip to him. “You realize…we will have fun entering the estate without clothing.” Aishani laughed and the way she did so, Kane saw her fangs receding to be tucked away beneath the gums of her mouth though they were a little longer then before. 

He watched her for a moment, with a smile, still half covered in blood, she was still the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.

“Fortunate for us there is more than one route into the Mansions lower areas, we can use the caves that the pools feed” He reached back to take her hand before leading her into the forest, and down through the river. And into the caves that were oddly warm from the spring waters below.

Quietly the walked and then he led her down a little moved, as he tapped the water it shimmered and vanished, as the stepped through it was replaced. Beyond now the hot springs they knew so well.

She chuckled, while moving through the forest to the pond. As the water disappeared a smirk curled in her lips. “This place never ceases to amaze me.” 

Though once they were in the hot springs, Aishani settled in the edge with her legs in the water and cupped water to begin to wash her face. It was true the heat of the water was not good for a female in her condition to submerge in. 

Kane watched for a moment before he made his way to sit beside her. For a moment he watched then slid into the water before her, and he sunk beneath the surface before emerging.

“Thank you, I think I needed this, more than I realised”

Aishani offered him a smirk as he re-emerged, curling her legs around him to bring Kane close. “We both needed to do this together, my love. I apologize I can’t join you in the water but it is far too warm.” 

Kane looked up with a grin “That can be fixed you know, one of the benefits of these pools being heated mostly by magic”

“Oh, really now?” She chuckled. 

Kane smiled as his hands slid to her hips, his motion motion coaxing her into the water with him, the water warm but far cooler than usual, his eyes met hers as his lips also found hers.

“How’s that?” He whispered gently

She didn’t refuse his guide into the waters, while still warm but not too hot. A smirk coiled on her lips after the kiss parted, hands in his shoulders. “Much better. I remember…our first time here…”  

“As do I,” A smile curled his lips “Hard to believe that was a year ago my love,” Kane replied “It’s been a busy year for us both,”

She cupped some water in her hand, while allowing for it to drop on his shoulders, watching the flow silently. The surface of the water concealed her swollen belly though her milk filled bosom was much larger barely containing the endowment. “Yes. Very much. Admittedly, I wake during the night…wondering if this was all a dream and I’d be on my own again. Good with the bad, I am happy.” She chuckled lifting one hand to her belly and caressed it. “I know…I’m not Ascondia, not Stacy in another world…Do you regret anything?” 

Kane looked up as he raised a brow, before he returned to washing himself down “This last year has allowed me to reflect on much, see things change for the better, Ascondia and I were built on lies, the feelings may have been real, but she was in my head, had me believe I was created,” Kane spoke soft yet there was a tremor in his voice “It was never going to last, I will do what I can to watch her back, keep her alive, try to rebuild the bridges she so spectacularly burned down with our daughter, as for Stacy and I, that was another world entirely, a time line that never happened, and honestly I’m glad of that, everything that has happened I am truly grateful for, I can say with hand on my heart, I regret nothing, except the pain and discomfort that being pregnant causes you”

He slid behind her his hands now working to wash her down, taking his time, “How about you, you left home to avoid politics, found a man who is constantly embroiled in them, despite not wanting to be, bit by a wolf, married and then pregnant with twins, oh and Queen of the Drow here, thrown through time by a would be betrayer for their own reasons, see busy year”

She caught his hands in hers and lifted them to her lips. “Never. Never say that. Our children are a gift. Yes, it can be hard at times. Though what pregnancy is a breeze? I am blessed each day. I love you and our children. I will continue to fight to make not only our realm but my kingdom safe. I ran not from politics but from the blind view of my mother trying to kill me for gifts. Gifts that are not prosecuted here.” 

“We are all different in some way,” Kane shrugged softly “What you do with your gift is what defines you, the realm encourages you to be who you want to be, and if needed it helps you along the way,”

Aishani proceeded to begin cleaning him, a few times her belly bumped him and she chuckled. Then when finished she pressed her cheek against his chest. “My beloved…you do want this? Our family?” 

“My family is what I want my love, and you are part of that, as will these two come to be,” His hand ran gently over stomach, gently he leant to place a kiss “I’d just rather this not be in the middle of a war with so many volatile elements, still we are strong and we will survive,” this was the first time in some time that Aishani would hear the conviction in his words, a reset to Kanes resolution.

She chuckled as his hands roamed over her belly but Kane could feel the tiny hands that pressed against his, almost as though acknowledging his words. “War or no war there will always be issues being as whom we are. I’m glad to hear that tone in your voice again. No matter the circumstances do not lose it.” 

“I never lose it my love, just ignore more than I should” He smiled before drawing her close into a deep longing kiss.

[The Turning Tide] The Pieces We Have

Kane knocked upon the door of the grounds cottage, the home of his daughter and her partner. The air was cool but not as he let his mind work through the events of the evening. Again his stomach growled a reminder of blood, and his need for it, again he pushed it aside, now was not the time to be distracted.

He knocked again and waited.

A few more knocks and he heard Virra’s voice shout to him from the other side. “Keep your pants on!” Just then the door opened and she stood there in just ask oversized tunic. “Oh. Hey! Firefly! It’s your Pops!” She stepped back to let him in and closed the door behind him. 

Aerian sat looking as Kane made his way in to their front room “You’ve made it a home here, I’m impressed” he started softly.

“What’s going on, you’re here at this hour?” Aerian replied firmly, she knew better than to let her father avoid an issue all too long.

“You’re father is dead Virra, seems his last attempt at freedom was an attempt to bed my wife” Kanes words were measured hiding the boiling frustration beneath them “She extracted information and then, well she bit him” It was still odd to Kane in her actions, strangely even as he understood them.

Virra remained frozen though her eyes flashed dangerously, while she moved to Aerian’s side with a hand set on her shoulder. “I do hope the information was worth it. You did not just come here to tell me that Aishani killed my father, what else was learned.” 

“Things we already knew or suspected,” Kane replied as Aerian slid her hand into Virras gently, “When Ascondia arrives, Aerian please stay away, she is a direct threat you, you already know that, but even removing her from Elvera does not negate the threat, I’m sure anything you need from her Virra can retrieve, ask, speak to on your behalf”

Aerian remained quiet as she watched her father there was a strange air about him, something was troubling him deeply that she was certain of.

“Their end game is to tip the balance of power, drain Aerian and Ascondias powers and deliver them to Z’ress”

Aerian interjected her opinion now as the threat was suddenly revealed “They want to draw out Stacy, they know she’d have to act, she’d be weak, alone, and they would have direct control of the realm”

“Only if you’re dead or they are able to retrieve Ascondia from us” Kane replied softly

“Mom can open portals clear across the realm dad, it wouldn’t be that hard if that witch is in her head, kinda aware of that remember, Virra had to knock me out just to get me away, you then had to lock me up for over a month to break her hold, and I’m still not certain we have,” there was panic coursing through Aerian now, “This war just got a whole lot worse,”

Virra glanced from Kane to Aerian, offering her a squeeze at their laced hands. “Z’ress does not know whom she is dealing with. If I have to, I’ll knock you out again, Firefly. I am not going to have you leave my side. Besides, with the split of powers and the cushion I offer, it will be both of us.” She inhaled deeply. “Perhaps, we should go to the Emerald City to join Stacy.” Virra tugged Aerian up from her seat and settled down to pull her back into her lap, this was an offer of support and strength. 

Aerian settled into Virra as she watched her father “So what are you holding out on us?” It wasn’t a question so much as an observation, she knew Kane well enough to note the unusual tenseness in him.

“We should for the moment stay together, our best chance is to remain together, we have the power advantage here for the moment, the dragons will ensure we are well protected from external threats. They don’t know where Stacy is and right now that works better for us, and even if they do Aishani has sealed all external access to Emerald City until this is over” Kane replied softly

“Your hiding something, so out with it, you promised Virra her dad would see a court for his actions and he hasn’t so now we should know why Aishani chose to murder him instead” Aerian replied firmly “And Virra is right for her to take my power she’ll have to kill both of us now, something else they are unaware of”

“Which would explain why Haunted had you do the ritual, even the afterlife is covering its own ass, fine, Aishani is also included in their plans, we just don’t know how, most of the Billote gang were killed in the attack on the Mansion, the rest I would assume scattered to the winds, there may need occasion for Aishani to look like she is not with us, we need to support those actions”

“She’s pregnant Dad, you should know better” Aerian snapped

“And she is far from vulnerable, just as you had your head scrambled and were still as dangerous as ever, we don’t stop fighting because it’s inconvenient Aerian you know that” Kane stopped “I don’t like, but we can’t beat all this unless we are united,”

Virra was silent listening to Aerian and Kane, though placed a hand on the thigh of Aerian in more a protective manner. “I do not fault Aishani for her actions, he had it coming and to be executed is a fail of honour to being as we are. Though, the fact that you are asking us to sit back while Aishani puts her neck out for us…Though, I see no need for Aishani to fight this alone. Pops was the only one besides us that know what she did, he won’t be speaking anytime soon. So it is safe to say that she doesn’t need to do more, considering her current…state. I suggest you keep her close, Kane. I know she isn’t vulnerable, though, regardless, Aishani is pregnant we can not discredit that. Even you said, you do not know the reason that she bit him…” 

“Admittedly that’s a concern, and I will keep her close, but we all know she wont just sit by and let us fight without her, we will do what we need as the need arises,”

“Is it her wolf, or the childrens vampire? Or both? Is she OK about it?” Aerian spat the ring of questions quicker than she’d meant to as Kane looked up, the answer was simply he didn’t know, something which troubled him deeply “Wolf, Vampire hybrids are insanely rare it’s often been one way or the other, but they have existed, most of those bit by both go insane and tend not to survive long, these are born of a natural order so we will see, but as for how that ultimately affects Aishani? Only she knows” his words were pain filled and slow as his shoulders slumped.

“Stop it, Kane. Straighten those shoulders. Aishani knows that she loves those children. Wolf. Vampire. Hybrids. She is a strong woman, though, her downfall is she is far too strong for her own good. To me she doesn’t ask for help or wish to be viewed as anything but a capable woman.” Virra rubbed Aerian’s legs a slight. “Consider that we all have this war to deal with, yet, doesn’t want to put any extra weight upon you, Kane. I know, she wants this, I can see the way she holds herself and her belly. She is a tough cookie that won’t break. You have questions…you need to come out and talk to her. I think she is struggling but doesn’t want to bring more of a burden.” 

“I think you might be right” Kane replied softly, I should let you two get on with things, I still need to speak with Hades on things, “But thank you, both of you,” He smiled softly and made his way to the door as Aerian kissed Virras neck gently.

Virra watched as Kane left, though, looked up to Aerian. “Trouble in paradise? Or hormones?” 

————————————————————————————————————————–

Jade sat with Hades upon the roof, a hand on his thigh, while her cheek leant against his shoulder. It was a moment of peace and savouring each other’s company since it had been rare in this day and age with the war. Her legs were folded over his lap as her bottom sat on the roof. “Things are tense….” She murmured.

“We’ll be OK, we always are” Replied Hades with a smile, as he curled his arms around her drawing her toward him.

“Bryant is dead” Kane stated firmly as he reached the roof “Aishani got what we needed then bit him”

Jade nodded to Hades, lifting her cheek from his shoulder to close in on a kiss, though, the moment was interrupted by Kane’s appearance. She returned her cheek to his shoulder and looked to Kane with a warm smile, though, it was his words that troubled her. “What do you mean…she bit him?” 

“I mean here wolf got the better of her temper and she kill him” Kane replied the same troubled tone “At least that’s my understanding, between her transformation to wolf, the pregnancy and such I think she is out of sorts, and him trying to bed her may have hurt his case more than he realised,”

“It was always a risk, you knew that Kane, she is part of our world now, just remember that, but more importantly did she get what we needed?” Hades replied his tone pointed to keep Kane focused now

Jade straightened from Kane’s tone, but, tilted her head to watch him. “She did it seems…though, Kane is troubled by something. Kane what is it?”

“Nothing more than we already knew or were able to surmise, for the most part. I just wonder if all this is pushing her too hard, she should be resting, and we barely have time to do that” Kane shrugged softly “I’m worrying, and over protective, and possibly over tired at this point, he deserved his death”

“You don’t think it should have been on her, just like with Hareavor and Aerian, Kane you can’t take every death upon yourself, he made his bed, he made his choices, now the others will deal with him and we will deal with the living world” Hades firmly stated replying to Kanes thoughts.

“Kane, you have done nothing wrong.” Jade assured him. “She is a strong and resilient woman. Just physically be there for her and talk to her. I think, the two of you have so much that you are trying to not place on each others shoulders that it is weighing each of you down. You are both going to be parents soon, whether you are ready or not, even the world. So we all need to make sure it is ready when the bundles of joy arrive.” She glanced to Hades, then to Kane. “What exactly was it that Z’ress has planned for Aishani?” 

“That part we don’t know, only that Aishani is part of Z’ress’ grand plan” Kane replied softly “And that Ascondia is likely to try and kill Aerian, another thing we must keep our eye on when she arrives”

“Ascondia trying to kill one of us, cos that’s new” Hades replied with a laugh “Admittedly Aerian is a new twist, you think she would?”

“Aerian killed a man she’d known since she was a child becuase her head was scrambled by Z’ress, so yes I think it’s more than possible” Kane replied firmly

Jade nodded solely. “I have heard of the hold Z’ress had upon Aerian…What is to say that it has been vanquished? Furthermore, should we let Ascondia should Z’ress not have broken her down?” 

“Which is why we will have her under heavy guard and Aerian is to go nowhere near her, at least until we have broken the hold” Kane replied softly “We don’t need to take chances with any of our lives, especially with so much at stake”

“If Z’ress got hold of Ascondias power we’d be in enough trouble, it’s better she’s in our hands” Hades added as he held Jade tightly “We should keep Jade away, the less they know the better”

Kane simply nodded in agreement “Sounds fair”

“Keep me away? I don’t understand. Is it because of my abilities?” Jade looked between both brothers in confusion. “While I do agree, yet, at this point it may be inevitable of knowledge. You can’t keep me locked up in a room.”

“Handcuffed to the bed maybe” Hades reply with a smile “But I’d rather not give away too many of our advantages, I know you much like Aishani aren’t some weak pet, but that’s not to say I have intent to put another target on our backs, Kitsune are extremely rare, you already know that Jade, it’s for our good as much as your own”

Jade inhaled deeply, though nodded. “I know…it’s just I want to help. I can’t hide the fact that I’m who I am. But I would not like feeling restrained either. I understand and will do my best. It does however make things easier to know what is going on. Promise me, the two of you will not keep me in the dark.” 

“We know you want to help Jade, and you will as you have,” Kane smiled softly “We will keep you informed you are part of our family now, the burden we carry is yours as well, and you can not do that without all the information, besides your husband to be wouldn’t allow it”

Hades looked up at Kane “How the hell?”

“I’m not blind Hades, congratulations to you both of course,” There was a smile from Kane that even at their darkest hours there was a light that would inevitably guide them. “I would appreciate that perhaps Jade prepares Ascondias meals, there are enough people in the realm with an axe to grind, and the Queen dying in our custody wouldn’t sit well for any of us, if you are agreeable to such things of course”

“Me?” She appeared shocked but then nodded slowly with a blush on her cheeks that beautifully accented the exotic allure of her features. “Oh, I’d be honoured, given the circumstances and reasons behind such. I hope she will eat what I make…I may be able to create a tea to help soften the bond to Z’ress.” 

“It makes the most sense, you’re the only one of us without an ulterior motive against our dear Queen” Hades smiled softly “Which means he trusts you the most out of all of us, which is probably the smartest decision he’s made in a while,”

“I will instruct the guards, only you or Virra are allowed in there, aside from Hades and I of course,” Kane added softly

“Aw come on I don’t wanna talk to her,” Hades groaned

“You mean me to be alone with the Queen? Thank you, Kane for trusting me this much. I will not let you down.” Jade laughed in the sweet silver chime and playfully jabbed him. “Oh come now.” 

“I don’t doubt that for a moment Jade, now I must get myself back to Aishani” He bowed gently and extracted himself from the rooftop.

“He still seemed tense…” Hades remarked quietly

“It can’t be easy for him. He has a wife that is a werewolf now, plus two children with the blood of both. I worry for Aishani…my fear and I’m sure it is his as well…will she live through the pregnancy?” 

“Stacy won’t let her die, but she has had a lot to deal with in such a short space, she has proved she belongs here, despite not been of our world. She is strong, and with Kanes strength at her side they will both pull through. We will of course do what we can in the meantime” Hades smiled gently.

Jade watched the last location Kane disappeared from sight, though cast a sideways glance to Hades with a smile. “Oh really now? I wonder whatever that could mean…” 

“Well now,” Hades smirked softly before kissing her deeply.

[The Turning Tide] Playing Games

Bryant Billote had always been smart enough to avoid involving himself in affairs that were unprofitable. He had used his daughter in the worst ways for the best profit. The slave trade had been good to him, it had afforded him a life he enjoyed.

That all ended when he was forced into hiding and in turn to work with Lord Ceremon, kidnapping his grand daughter had set in motion a downward spiral. Now he found himself alone in a cell of Elcarus Mansion. It was cold, and bitter, and he knew in his heart no one was coming to save him, not even his daughter who now slept in the bed of Aerian, the self same grand daughter of Lord Ceremon he had kidnapped raped and tortured to insanity for nothing but fun.

He lay himself down with a groan feeling the cold as it penetrated his ageing joints “Where of where did I go so wrong” he murmured darkly.

Just then a voice spoke from the shadows, calm and in a rolling purr outside the cell. “Keep your friends close but enemies closer. That is where you went wrong.” That is when he caught the smell of hot food, since all he had eaten was cold slop. 

The growl of his stomach would likely be heard by anyone close enough, as he raised his head slightly “My biggest enemy was my daughter, how much closer could I have kept her?”

“Ah, but you treated her as nothing. From what I gather, her betrayal was because she was constantly having to prove herself to you. But that is neither here nor there.” She stepped forward with a steaming bowl of stew, her silken dreads blending into the shadows and the golden and white eye held in contrast. “You are hungry.” Aishani moved with the bowl and set it down within the space adequate for such. “Hurry and eat. I have to take the dishes back.” It was a struggle for her to rise up but she managed. 

He looked at the bowl, his eyes then looking to her “So I die by poison? Seems a little weak for the Elcarus’. Cowardly even.” He sighed as he watched her, he kept his place, while he knew she was struggling to move he also had enough sense to know attacking her was a very bad idea.

“It is you that is the fool. Assuming makes you an ass. I have no reason to poison you. In my mind, your daughter is an ungrateful brat. I don’t stand for betrayal of any kind. Yet, you think I wanted to be in this position? Pregnant and on the wrong side of this war?” She watched him silently. “Push the bowl back. I’ll eat some to prove to you that it is not poisoned.” 

Bryant watched for a moment, before he finally gave in sinking the spoon into the food and eating. “Even you are not cold enough to kill a child,” He smiled darkly “But it’s nice to see you have your senses about you, though from where I sit your family holds all the cards, you have the power, though Ceremon has the numbers, it would be best to let them fight it out and pick up the pieces.”

He ate quietly for a moment “How did he managed to bed someone so damn pretty, never fails to impress” his words were a thought out loud than an actual statement now.

Aishani chuckled with a smirk, he had accepted the food, it was a step in the right direction. He was tentatively eating from her hands so to speak. “I have my reasons. A wild card in this that could tip the scale. Why is it you say the Elcarus hold the cards?” 

“Because they are methodical, Ceremon and Z’ress are rash, over confident, and out only to subdue, good will always win in the end” He shrugged softly before placing his spoon in the now empty bowl. “They have each other, while Ceremon and Z’ress seek only to further their own agendas”

“You seem to not favor the fact of their own personal goals. I could be wrong, though given an opportunity to take down the Elcarus foundation…would you take it?” 

“You seem to be forgetting my current plight?” He pointed at the cell door with a shrug “They wont just let me walk out now will they, and while I’m sure death is my end. I’d rather not risk it coming earlier than needed.” His eyes settled on her now as he watched “Why exactly are you here, if not to kill me, or for my traitorous daughter?  Why waste your time on me?”

She chuckled now at his words. “You are right. They mean to kill you…but me on the other hand…I am a fellow business woman much like yourself. Right now, I have two insurances that I am safe.” Aishani displayed her ring and caressed her swollen belly. “What do you have? Think wisely before you speak.” 

“I watched your husband cut down his brother in cold blood, but you are safe and I have very little safety and certainly no way of saving myself this time” He let his shoulders slump “I am resigned to my fate, so I wonder if you’d pass something to your husband, and ask if I may have his wife for the evening, last wish of a dying of man” he smirked darkly his eyes on hers as watched her reaction.

“Hm. I’m not sure I’d want to spend the evening with a man that has given up. I don’t surround myself with weakness. Right now you ooze such…give me something that may have me reconsider. Because as I view it, you are a dead man of course unless, I can convince him otherwise. You know, if you prove useful to them, you would not met such an end. Consider it delaying the inevitable, Hm?” 

“I know enough to know that nothing I give them will be enough to save my own hide. I haven’t given up, just resigned to the fact I have no more aces to play. As a slaver I was always in control, always that girl to play to get me out of trouble, though I do know what Lady Z’ress plans with our dear Queen”

“Interesting. That Queen…is nothing but a spoiled brat that was born with a golden spoon in her mouth. I got gratification of doing that which she could not. Bare two children.” She motioned for the bowl to be placed at the slot. “I came of my own free will, after all we are of like mind. I do as I please. As for my presence this evening are you willing to exchange information? I hold your get out of jail card, so it would be wise for you think this over. No one knows I’m here.” 

“I’ve already named my price, you, but admittedly I wouldn’t mind getting out here, disappearing among the night” He mused softly “Perhaps when this is done we’ll both need to disappear, Elcarus’ don’t take too kindly to traitors in their midst, just ask Heart,”

“Fair enough. Your price will be answered by the toll of midnight. I will see you then.” She leaned down with a soft grunt to gather the bowl and melted into the shadows one again. 

*********************************************************************************************

Kane was pacing the hallway, Hades and Jade presumably departed to their room. The prickle through Kane was one of nervousness, something he hadn’t felt in some time.

Despite it been his own plan, placing his wife near a criminal was not sitting well with Kane at all.

Aishani dropped the dishes in the sink of the kitchen before returning back to Kane’s scent was strong. 

“I have him believing I am against the Elcarus. The price I have to pay for information on Ascondia and what Z’ress has planned…is to spend an evening with him. Not what I would like but a small price to pay in the larger picture.” Aishani stated upon entering.

There was surge that boiled deep within Kane, a dark anger “I should have killed him along with Hareavor, the idea of him …” He steeled himself “I can not Aishani, even for the right reasons” he growled in frustration before settling himself once “Why can’t he just want to escape like the usual head cases we lock up”

Aishani watched Kane in silence before moving to gather his hand to place upon the swell of her belly, as though to remind him this was for the future of the realm. “The taste in my mouth is rotten from this. Though he is a man that believed he is walking dead, holding information that could break the plan of Ceremon and Z’ress. Trust me. I can handle myself.”  

“I don’t doubt that for a moment my love, and as our options are limited it doesn’t sit well. But the situation at hand, and all things considered I trust you, completely, but he cannot think it is anything other than how it presents itself, kind of bothers me” Kane kissed her head gently “I’ve never doubted you for a moment, be rather foolish to start now” He stroked her stomach with a soft smile “But if you need me, I’ll be close by at all times”

Aishani nodded to him and inhaled sharply as Kane felt a kick from one of the children. “I will need a bottle of liquor and dinner to take to him. Though I have to make a truth serum in order to place within. I have to spend time with him…I’m intending to make it count. But I have time before I appear.” 

“I’ll ensure the kitchens are aware, I’m sure there’s a few bottles of something around, it’s not like we don’t have a whole bar or anything” He smiled softly “Though I wouldn’t be surprised if he changes the rules as he goes along, just be careful with him”

“I’m well aware. Though a man such as him would like a drink that is were the serum takes hold.” 

“Remind me never to get on the wrong side of you” Kane chuckled softly before kissing her hungrily “You are my everything, even though I know you can handle yourself, losing you scares the living daylights out of me, I’m just being overly cautious”

She chuckled to his words with a smirk, one hand in his chest. “That you never have to worry about, my love. I’m by your side always.” 

*********************************************************************************************

The cells were oddly warm that night as Bryant sat listening to the sounds, it was oddly very quiet. Even the critters that normally ran through the rooms beyond were quiet, he was admittedly nervous now.

That is when he freely a presence, it wasn’t in the cell but just outside. First it was that heavenly smell of spiced meat and cooked vegetables that pierced his senses, then he saw the golden eye that was like a smouldering ember in the darkness. She stepped forward in a thick robe, tied just beneath her swollen bosom with milk and bump of her belly. Balanced in one hand was a tray that garnished not only food but a bottle and glass. Quietly she placed it down and knelt to methodically pick the lock in order to enter. 

He waited silent and patient, the fact he was about to get a second decent meal was strange to him, it had been some time since he had had the luxury to eat so well.

She grunted softly in her rise after the lock clicked and the door opened, adorning the tray. Quietly she entered the cell and set the tray down at his side, opening the bottle to put the contents. “I can’t have you eat that slop. I’ve taken food and liquor for you. Unless you are going to complain?” 

“Of course not, just surprised you returned” He shrugged softly feeling his mouth moisten as his senses were drowned by the scents of food.

“I told you that I would.” She stated simply, gathering to the food. “Eat and drink. I figured you haven’t indulged in liquor.”

“I don’t tend to drink, makes the senses a little foggy” He shrugged softly as he drew the plate toward him,”So exactly how do we plan to get out together? Would expect the guards to be heavy been a war and all that, and you leaving with a prisoner isn’t going to look too good”

His eyes strayed over her body slowly, shifting slightly as his mind wandered for a moment, before he snapped it back to eating.

“Right now. No. It is not wise. The guards are thick. But I do know if you prove that you turned sides, then it would give you a window of trust.” 

Bryant remained quiet for a moment before he looked at her “You give me reason to believe you’re on my side and I will reveal something, though I’m curious to know why your so interested in what I know if you only serve your own agenda”

“You look good by the way, even with your current problem, you look good, your beauty goes understated around the realm” He shrugged and returned to eating.

“You are correct. Trust is earned not given. Though unfortunately I have nothing but being here than with my husband…” She crinkled her nose at the word. Aishani lowered her gaze to her swollen belly pronounced by the tether of her robe, which clearly gave away she wore a night gown beneath. 

“Well I would ask you to kill your husband, but that would put us both in a predicament worse than the one I’m in now,” He words were pointed and devoid of emotion, a complete truth in them “So I’ll settle for something I haven’t had in a long time, a view of a woman I actually wish to see naked, don’t worry I promise to keep my hands off you”

He watched her reaction silent the same dark void of emotion “For now at least”

“Trust is earned and never given, such is the same with you. Terms and agreements. I’m not a woman to allow such things, it is distasteful. I will grant you such a reveal if you keep your hands to yourself during and after.” She gestured to the drink. “I went through much to bring that to you. One drink would not fog your mind too much, besides it will compliment the food.” 

He looked for a moment thoughtfully “Perhaps you are right, though you did agree to spend the evening with me, you will help me out of this hole, so the thought of a drink with a beautiful woman isn’t a bad idea”

He picked the cup up before taking a drink a soft smile curling his lips “Well now that is good, and not the cheap kind most inns serve, you are spoiling Miss Elcarus, spoiling me indeed”

She chuckled with a smirk while watching him lift the glass but then looked around the cell idly. “You do indeed know how to flatter, Bryant. Of course, as I said, I went through a lot if trouble to get the bottle to you. It is chilly down here, so I’ll remove my robe. The fabric of my night gown is anything but concealing. I do hope you understand.” 

“Well it’s a sight warmer than it has been down here, I would take it that’s your doing,” He replied softly “I am grateful for the company and the willingness to play in our little game,”

“Oh. I enjoy playing games.” She said calmly, though stood. Aishani began to methodically remove her robe. It was true, the night gown she wore was very transparent against her ashen skin. This revealed her bosom, swollen of milk with pert buds at the ready to be feasted upon. Her hips had widened to accommodate her large belly, as her legs remained to be lean and petted from the high slits. It was true, she was a stunning beauty, even as a mother. 

“Damn,” He murmured softly “Well I suppose I should return a little favour, your mother has an eye for power and seemingly has found a way to take what she wants from others, much like Ceremon has done over the years,” he stopped looking to her then the drink “Apparently that is finer liqueur than I gave credit for, your turn why do care if you serve only your fine sexual self?”

Aishani sat next to him, picking at a vegetable to eat, after a moment of silence she sighed in a partial lean back, this recline exposed her belly and swollen breasts a slight more. “Yes, well. Z’ress is my mother after all. Like all children we want to please a parent. Make them proud. Simple. Yet, I saw an opportunity by watching Kane to jump at the chance to make nice with someone that doesn’t abide by the rules. Ceremon is far too insane and doesn’t garner the consequences.” 

“Half of Ceremons problem is his need to destroy his sons, the other half is he only wants power for himself, he doesn’t care for those of us in the firing lines of others” He shrugged softly admiring her body, his eyes taking her in slowly “I never wanted to please my father, he ran a slavers trade for a generation like his father before him and I after, we made good money. Until your husband began to change the laws, outlawed it here in Dentarius. Despite the fact he has a house full of servants and claims to dislike slavery? Then goes and knocks up his wife making her slave to children, very selfish of him”

He pushed the plate toward Aishani as it now only had a few remaining vegetables “Thank you for that, best meal I’ve had in probably seven or eight years,” he shrugged softly as he moved a little toward her “Ceremon offered me almost 750 thousand gold for my daughter to marry Hareavor, I planned to take the money and leave, she wouldn’t have survived that monster. It’s no secret the realm is better off without him. Just like it would be better off without the Elcarus’ ever being part of the equation, they control everything, even the bloody Queen bows to his every demand, the High Council tried to rule with fairness and for sight and he undermined every chance he got. If you ask me Kane is the real danger to the realm”

She accepted the plate, while plucking the last of the vegetables from the plate, though, leaned forward to set the empty dish on the tray. Aishani glanced to him now as he moved closer to her, though, made not move herself. “Yes, though, you told me that you had information on Z’ress and the plans for the Queen. I believe you are skirting the terms we agreed upon, you see, I need to understand the motivation in order to proceed on my end to benefit that of my mother.” Aishani hesitated then added with a chuckle. “You know, you could always denounce your allegiance to Ceremon and give shift to the tides and be on this side with me. It would save your head from the Elcarus’ but I can not promise from your daughter.” 

“I could, but I’ve long been an enemy of this land, long before I sided with Ceremon, I’m wanted for slave trading, rape, assault, murder and more” He shrugged softly “I would not sit well as a pet of your husband, I don’t like sharing my women, and he has a woman I would like to make my own”

“I can see the conflict. Though, have you learnt nothing? Keep your friends close and enemies closer…you are in a ripe position to turn the tides and release the hold upon your head. As I have seen, Kane will not change his mind without a little persuasion, of course.” She inclined a brow glanced to him from the corner of her eye. “Let me get one thing straight, Bryant. I am not a possession. To you, nor to him. Lest you forget, I am a Queen of the Emerald City.” By now, the truth serum would have kicked in. “Tell me more of my mother’s plans, I want to work my own into that of hers so she can understand my standing. I’d give nothing more then to slit that red head Queen Ascondia’s throat. Such a spoilt brat…” 

“Ah so the rumours are true? Our dear Queen was rather mad at that, as it seems is your mother, she plans to take Ascondias powers from her, as soon as Ascondia is done ripping her daughters from her, which is why the trap has been set” He smiled darkly “They know sooner or later you’ll try to break her out and Z’ress plans to have Ascondia murder Aerian and take her soul, then give all that power to your dear mother”

He shuddered at his words “She would have absolute power”

“Yes. Such is the truth. She means to destroy both…? Interesting but Z’ress had forgotten that she had literally melted Aerian into a puddle of confusion…why bait her?” 

“Because only Ascondia can cause the transference, Aerian will never allow it, she like’s being different, which is a teenagers way of saying she thinks she is more important than the will of the realm” He shrugged darkly now

“Tell me, Bryant. What is in this all for you, hm?” Aishani turned to face him, allowing for her figure to distract from the actual depth of the question, when she knew full well that the truth serum was in his veins. “Do not say, me. Because, that did not arise until recently.” 

“Revenge” He replied firmly “Your husband took my daughter, and cost me the price of her contract, so I planned to ensure he lost his daughter, and any one else we could take out with him, you on the other hand I planned to sell back to your mother for quite a price”

“She has grand plans for you my dear, grand plans indeed”

Aishani tilted her head with a brow inclined, otherwise her expression showed nothing, though, beneath she was raging at his words. “Hm. Here I thought, you wanted me for yourself. Little difficult with Z’ress in control of such magnificent power. Truth is, she wants nothing but to torture me herself, I am an abomination to the Drow goddess Lloth in her eyes. Yet, I am quite the opposite.” Though, she leaned forward with a wicked smirk. “Tell me the things…careful, for a female such as I, I do enjoy torture…I get wet just thinking about it.” 

“And I would enjoy making you wet, incredibly wet and feeling like the world was only us” He scratched the back of his neck his mind in a battle between the truth serum and his own plan “You get all the details and I still lose my head and a chance at that very fine body of yours, I don’t see you as a possession but you are a prize, possibly one of the most prized in the realm, it would be foolish of me to let my own fall by the way side? I’ve had experience with truth serums though this one is among the better, but in doing so I have a tolerance for them, to some degree having already revealed more than half my information of use, and you have all that and me harder than a man should be left with”

“Sounds like, it is not only the serum but your masculinity.” Aishani stood to lean down and gather her robe, offering him the angle of her bottom. “You are a man after all. No, you should have stuck to your goals and ideals. I do have my own motive, though, the truth behind it, you will never know, dear Byrant.” She folded the robe over her forearm, lifting the tray and leaning down to press her lips against his before drawing back the skin to bite viciously upon his neck to inject the venom of not only her werewolf but also that of a potion that held a poison into the wound that was hidden in a pocket of her robe. “I would not wish for any other to tamper with this moment. I am giving you your dignity, Bryant. Your death will be quick as the conflict of poison and wolf swim through your veins.” She cradled his head against her bosom, caressing his hair. “This you are not tolerant of…I should know, I am the only one that knows it. Sweet dreams.” She then turned to leave the cell, closing the door behind her, while watching him silently from the other side. 

He looked stunned in the moment, the clouding of his mind sudden and quick as she left he knew he’d lost as his eyes closed the darkness drowning him now.

********************************************************************************************

The scent of blood clouded Kane feeling the deep growl in his stomach he shoved it down with frustration as he forced his way through the door, looking to Aishani then knowing what was in the cell beyond, he smiled softly.

“Had me worried for a moment, scent of blood threw me a little”

She remained still, looking into the cell, even as Kane appeared. Now, in just her night gown, it was clear by the dimness of the dungeon that Aishani was cold, slowly she turned to face him with a smirk on her lips stained with blood on the front of her night gown, staining the white fabric. “Come…we need to have this cleaned up. His blood tasted horrible, rotten. We have somethings we need to discuss.” She led the way from the dungeon, struggling a slight on the stairs and to the kitchen. But, once within, she went to a meat locker and began to shuffle around within. This was unlike her and perhaps the craving for blood was too grand now with the demand from their unborn children. 

Kane waited as he tracked down a bowl and hot water to help clean her up, his mind still drown in the scent of blood for a moment. As she returned he took the cloth beginning to clean the blood gently.

“Hungry my love?”

She left the locker, stopped by Kane, whom began to clean her neck and face, though the dangerous dip of her neckline offered him the spillage of the crimson upon her swollen bosom that was perched on her large belly. But, she didn’t speak only tore into the raw steak, closing her eyes and moaning softly, Kane saw her begin to tremble and even the fangs that extended to her indulgence of the bloody meat. 

Kane dropped the cloth into the bowl with absence that splashed water across her, he knelt before her.

“Are you OK? He didn’t harm you?” Kane knew better but the question came all the same, the scenarios in his head hadn’t helped as he’d paced that hallway waiting on her “You know I’m here always”

She blinked to him suddenly, while licking her fingertips from the blood, tilting her head as though his splash of the water and words of concern brought her back to the present. Then she dropped the meat and backed away, turning her back to him, while trembling. “I’ve been…fighting the urge…to feed…I just…I apologize, my love. The taste of blood…and…I just couldn’t contain myself any longer…” Aishani was referring to her vegetarian diet, that now was no longer. 

He slid his hands against her shoulders gently “It’s fine my love, something you will in time, is to find a balance for, if you need to.” He absently referred to his own needs and the fight to find a way to control things that weren’t always possible “The wolf, it’s going to send you crazy if you don’t,”

He kissed the back of her neck gently a reminder he was always with her “I take it our prisoner pushed his luck too far?”

She crooned softly as his lips touched the back of her neck, as the sweetness of her flesh taunted him, though a hand lifted to place upon his and Aishani turned to face him. “I now, know, what it is that Z’ress has planned with Ascondia. Under no circumstance is Aerian to go after Ascondia. It is a death trap, not just for our daughter but for the entire realm as we know it. Z’ress means to draw Aerian by using her mother, then transfer the soul of each into her….thus giving her incredible power. Such should not be done in one individual it is too unstable…” She licked her fingers again. “Z’ress has plans for me, apparently so much so that Bryant was going to monopolize on capturing me to sell to her at a high bid. I know that wouldn’t happen, it isn’t a concern but he was a liability and knew too much. This way, we can still be involved in this. I am not done fighting.” 

He smiled as she refereed to Aerian as their child, a reminder she was indeed part of their family completely “I never thought you were, but” he paused for a moment his grip on her shoulder tightened ever so slightly before he spoke again “She intends to throw the balance, Ceremon knows an act like that would force Stacy to act, draw her into the open and well we can assume they seek her power as well, she is barely even part of the realm, with her soul the realm would think Z’ress the healer”

It wouldn’t be difficult to detect the shudder that pulled through “Damn, we’d be wiped from existance, and without even able to defend what would come. Sadly for Bryant he was unaware we already knew what awaited Aerian in Elvera, hence we are here and our plan to remove Ascondia from them already in motion. But we should keep them apart, there is no telling the damage Z’ress has already done, our daughter will not fall to them.”

She nodded solemnly to him, curling her hand within his and guiding him from the kitchen. “Yes, I did not like the way he talked to me…like a piece of meat. I wanted to strike him down then and there but I had to wait it out.” Aishani chuckled, giving Kane’s hand a squeeze. “I am not exactly sure how, you can find me being in this state attractive…I do understand that my breasts have increased in size…full of milk now.” Though entered their bedchambers. “He wanted to see me naked…tasteless. But, he is dead and will no longer breath again. I do know, that I am definitely part of Z’ress’ plans, this may include our children. In either case, I am exhausted, my love. Will you meet with the others? I can not…” 

“Try not to worry on things, we will handle each as it comes together as we always have” He kissed her gently as he helped her into bed, he leant over her “And to me you are as a beautiful as the day we met, nothing will change that”

She adjusted until she was comfortable, lifting a hand to caress his cheek, a small smirk on her lips. “I could never allow anyone to touch me…only you, my husband.” Aishani grimaced, buckling and lifting her hand to her swollen belly. “I think they liked the blood…” 

“They have wolf in their DNA, and Vampire, they are not going to be easy to teach” Kane smiled softly “But we also can’t forget you have your own ways so again we need to find a balance, but for the moment rest my love.” He kissed her gently before heading out of the door closing it behind him.

[The Turning Tide] Always A Plan

As Virra, Aerian and Zia entered the main hall, Kane and Hades were deep in conversation, Aishani and Jade were still sat by the fire. The moment caught sight of Zia he was across the hall toward her only to have his path blocked by Aerian.

“We need her,” Aerian snapped, there was a force in her voice that she wasn’t in the mood to be second guessed.

“She did pick his pocket,” Kane laughed darkly before intervening and forcing Hades to stand down, “But let’s hear it all the same,”

Aishani glanced from Jade to the entrance of the three women. “Someone pick pocketed Hades? That’s impressive.” She chuckled rising with the help of Jade to move over to slip into Kane’s lap. Jade took position near Hades a hand placed on his shoulder. To the tone in Aerian’s voice, Aishani looked to the red head. “You have something to share?” 

“We need to get mom out of Elvera, and non of us can go,” Aerian began “Zia can get in, and out she has all the skills needed, she’s as good as I am, she can do this. I need her to,”

Aishani considered this in silence, while those mismatched eyes fixed on Virra. “You believe if any of the Elcarus go it will be a trap.”

“I know if we go one or more of us will die,” Aerian replied softly “Virra saw it too, but we can’t leave mom in their hands, Z’ress messed me up, with mom’s power they could cause all kinds of hell, if they get mom on their side even the dragons wont save us,”

“She has a point, between the power to bend time and the fact she is Queen, that power alone could lose us this war,” Kane nodded in thought.

“So we just throw Stacy at them, no one in the Everlands has more power, Stacy can bend the very realm itself,” Hades bit back darkly

“She isn’t a warrior, and the Healer has always been impartial, we cannot allow that change for the sake of a war, it would damage her position, and ultimately the realm itself, Aerian is right we need to remove Ascondia from their arsenal, and before you even suggest it Hades we’re not killing her, she is Aerians mother.” Kane’s words came quickly only to met with a growl of frustration by Hades.

“Then it is settled. I do hope you can be as reliable as Aerian deems you. Because I will tear you from loin to strum should you betray us in any form? Mark my words, this is not a threat but a promise.” Aishani stated calmly, darkly, eyes fixed on Zia.

“Oh another Elcarus, with yet another threat, you girls are just trying to make me wet now,” Zia smirked in reply before she flexed her hands “I got this covered, I’ll get her back, but then I want guarentees my demands will be met, I promise I’ll keep them small.”

Kane looked up his eyes settled on Zias for a moment “Just get her clear of the dungeons, she can get you back much quicker, bring her back alive and safe, then we will talk,”

Aishani remained silent while a hand rested upon her swollen belly but any that knew her would recognise the calculation. Jade remained beside Hades while Virra kept still but protective neat Aerian.

“I will alert the spiders. Who will make the dires, unicorns, and dragons aware of safe passage.” She said calmly, while a shadow moved in the room and Shadow revealed herself. Aishani stood and moved over to the spider, there appeared to be an understanding as the creature lifted a leg to pat at her belly. “She is ready.”

Zia eyed Shadow for a moment before she nodded, with a soft smile “Alright, guess I should get my fine behind on the road,” and with that, she was out of the room.

Aerian sighed softly before looking to Virra “I’m going to lay down, apparently I don’t feel so good”

Kane looked to Aerian, concerned now in his eyes, Aerian smiled softly taking Virras hand and leading her from the room, leaving just the four of them.

“Something in all this isn’t going to end well Kane,” Hades remarked darkly.

“I know,” was all Kane had in reply.

Virra looked to Aerian now, while nodding and leaving the room with her after Zia and Shadow left. 

“There is only one reason that Aerian wouldn’t go herself,” Jade commented idly, Aishani nodded in agreement. 

“She didn’t say it, but I have a feeling that she had a premonition…” Aishani fraud from Kane’s lap. 

“I would guess so, one enough to stumble her resolve, which means it’s one of the women in our lives or her that was to fall ill of death. She is trying to protect everyone and that’s no easy task as we all know,” Kane sighed softly

“Agreed. By the way, she acted and Virra standing by her side. It seems to be Aerian. But only time will tell.” She caressed her belly calmly. “The children stirred more to that and they can only feel the shift in the realm…”

“Let’s hope there is a realm left for them after this” Hades muttered softly before he let his eyes settle on the flames of the fire.

“We need to take them apart piece by piece, remove any big pieces of their plan and the rest will fall” Kane replied softly

“Don’t talk like that, my love…” Jade scolded Hades. “We have only just begun to fight. Don’t throw the towel in before it has started.”  

Aishani nodded while creasing her swollen belly. “You are right, Kane. we need to take a look at the map and positioning to better are chances of this goal. Do either if you know what exactly Ceremon could be after? The one thing he lacks.” 

“It’s always power with Ceremon, more since Z’ress arrived” Kane replied softly “The throne has always been his end game, complete control as our family allegedly once had, generations ago”

“When our family was a bunch of murderous psychopaths?” Hades sighed softly “Hard to lose that label with Ceremon still alive and kicking, and yet neither of us can seem to find the want to kill him,”

“He’s still our father, as much as that fact is a pain in the ass it’s a truth, even killing Hareavor, doesn’t sit will, only that it had to be done, for Aerians sake, that’s blood she doesn’t need on her hands.” Kane stood as looked at the map that now spread on the table, real time created in magic.

“Our best choice is to drive them back in Elvera, then attack, once we have Ascondia of course,” Hades pointed over the outer cities and towns.

Aishani slipped from Kane’s lap in his rise, moving to stand at his side to inspect the map. A hand possessively upon the swell of her belly while going over the map then nodding to Kane. “Hades has a point. Yes, the only thing standing in his way is us. I imagine he would do anything to break us. In that, we have to be smart. We need a plan B. Always the second plan.” 

“Plan B is always the same, we fight until we fall” Kane replied “Hopefully it wont come to that, though I wonder how easily Z’ress will give up such power, we can force Ceremons hands, at least under ordinary circumstances,”

“How does she feel about dragons,” Hades smiled darkly, “I say plan B is we burn Elvera to the ground if we have to”

“Z’ress and dragons don’t mix. She hates the creatures, as well as unicorns. Perhaps that is why Ceremon hasnt involved them. Quite honestly, she prefers the dead being a necromantic healer. There is always a price to pay for her.” Aishani smirked to him. “I think we need more information from Virra’s father. He must need some…persuasion…” 

“Perhaps, but Ceremon has a legion of Necromancers, as well as his own ability to bring forth the dead, that is what will be waiting for us, though they tend not to do so well under flame,” Kane shook his head with a sigh “And which female do we send in to persuade him? Virra would sooner cut his throat than speak to him, the damage he has done to Virra is enough of a reason for Aerian to end him,”

“Jade is out of the question, he is far too dangerous to allow him that close to my lover” There was a force in Hades voice that was seldom there about much else.

“And you’re pregnant, and the only person I would trust not to kill him on a whim, but that is not really reason enough now is it?”

Aishani glanced to Kane with a furrow of her brow. “I’m not fragile, my love. But what option do we have? I can make them believe that I didn’t want the children…Z’ress would melt into the thought of bending unborn to her will after birth. She is well beings the ability to give birth herself…though, there are my sister’s. Granted they envied me in the beginning…” 

“I wasn’t planning on turning you over that far, but that does not say that you couldn’t pry into Virras father, Elcarus children he could sell, I’m sure that could get his attention, a hot girl just waiting for the right moment to stab her husband in the back,” Kane sounded unsure in his words the thought of offering the woman he loved to some one was truly troubling him “I know you’re far from fragile my love, but that doesn’t change how I feel about you, we would, in the end, have to stay out of the entire scenario”

“It’s all well and good but he has the whole problem of the fact once this is over he’ll be losing his head, so he isn’t going to be too co-operative in that is he?” Hades reminded them.

Kane looked to Hades then to Jade before back to Aishani “Then he has to believe he has a chance and that you have indeed turned things to your own advantage as was the plan all along,”

Aishani glanced to Kane, then inhaled deeply standing with her had on her swollen belly. “It had to be done. Though I ask every one of you to trust me no matter what you hear…or see. Can you do that? Extreme times call for extreme measures.” 

[The Turning Tide] I Need Your Help

Aerian wiped the tears away, it had hit her hard at just how much had been involved the last few days, and how much she had to accept as simple fact to the world as it was now. She wiped her face before finally steeling herself for the coming days, she was allowed to break down it had been a long time coming.

The door to the bedroom was open and in Aerian’s internal thoughts she hadn’t noticed the shadow lounging against the door frame. It was Virra, wrapped in a towel with another lose around her neck, finally, she entered the room. The added weight caused the wood of the bed to groan, her arms went around Aerian, drawing her close to kiss away her lover’s tears. No words were spoken, only the warmth of Virra to lean upon and the crisp smell of cleanliness. 

“Hey,” She whispered softly, “Just having my emotional meltdown now, the really sucky side effect of who I am, of course, me being me I sit on it until,” she shook her head with a chuckle.

“So how are you doing, having your dad so close? Knowing I may wind up dead,” There was a defiance in those words as she said them “Feeling what I feel every time the realm tries to split my head open like a melon?”

“I’m content. We all know the realm has its magic, but, one good thing came from all the chaos…that was me finding you. Right now I couldn’t ask for more.” Virra leaned back to cradle Aerian’s face. “It is okay to cry and show emotion. But holding it in until it explodes…can be dangerous. You have to remember, you are not alone.” She lifted Aerian’s hand to display her ring and with that her own. “You have family that loves you. I love you. That being said. Talk to me…or we can always spar if you are frustrated. What I’m saying is there are outlets.” 

“Mmm I know, just hard breaking age long habits, these visions suck like hell and dealing with them one by one is just a waste of time, usually because we’re busy dealing with whatever it is they are trying to show us, it’s actually easier to just have meltdowns now and again and then move on,” She shifted curling tightly into Virra “I know I have ways to deal and I am, but I love you for everything you’ve done and are doing, but the want to help goes both ways, I’m here for you too”

Virra held her tighter even still running a hand up and down Aerian’s back. Quietly she perched her chin on the fiery crown, it seemed to be time that went on for a time. “I’ve never been loved before…I finally have a place. A home. I never was treated with any type of affection from my Pops. He’s a sad man, pathetic really. I almost feel sorry for him, making the decision to side with your Grandad. I know I have to wait for justice…the law. But I want to end him.” 

“It’s rare Dentarius ever executes anyone, unless they are a direct danger, but if he is to be executed then you can trust my dad to let you be the one to do it, he took out Hareavor because of anger and hatred, he was everything opposite of what our family stands for now, we didn’t even have that before my grandfather, we were hated, the Elcarus name .. It’s the only good thing my mom ever did” Aerian smiled softly “And if our family can be redeemed, then you can be too, you chose a side the moment you led my dad into grandads dungeons, and of course hit me in the head” Aerian burst into a fit of giggles the tension of her words simply disappearing in that one single act.

Virra glanced to Aerian at her fit of giggles and smiled softly, a rare expression and Aerian the only one to have neared witness to such. “Hey…someone had to knock some sense into you. I’m glad it was me.” 

“Yea, kinda had my head all scrambled” Aerian smiled softly, “I guess I’m just a very lucky girl, finding you, putting the pieces back together, I regret none of that”

Virra leaned forward to tilt Aerian’s chin up and pressed her lips gently but firmly against hers. “As I regret nothing, Firefly. I devoted my life to you now and forever.” 

“See that’s why I love you, not a second of doubt,” She chuckled to herself again before looking at Virra “Not sure your dad was too pleased he caught you between my legs, though or was it because he knows you’re happy without him I wonder?”

She sighed softly as she pressed herself against the only person she truly trusted “It’s strange, you lost your Mom, and got a shitty deal with your dad, both my parents are still around, my dad loves me, but mom, she is so far inside herself she hardly ever sees the world around her, her darkness is what led us here, she doesn’t trust anyone, she magically held my dad under her control and called it love, but it wasn’t really was it? She loved him so she subjugated him? He sent her away when she was pregnant with me but I caused chaos in the human world so they sent me back, dad has always raised me, so I always back him, even when I know he isn’t right, family is a strange thing to wrap your head around?”

Virra chuckled with a shake of her head. “Family was a figurative word until I met you and the Elcarus’. Even Jade and Aishani. Is it true? You had the hots for her?” 

Aerian felt the flush creep through her cheeks “Yea, but to be fair I did see her first, and killed the bounty hunter hired by my mom to kill her,” She smiled softly looking to Virra “But no need to worry my attention for anyone else disappeared the moment you first kissed me, it’s also worth noting in another version of our universe I tried to kill Stacy too, apparently I have issues with women in my dad’s life”

Virra nodded to her, while releasing a sigh, though caressed her hair. “That’s all I need to know. Stacy? Really? You mean in another universe? How?”

“It’s OK it gives me a headache too, but after dad and Aishani went back in time they altered the time line, if they hadn’t then Aishani I wouldn’t have come here and dad would have ended up with Stacy instead, no wonder time travel magicks are as restricted as they are, that kind of power in Ceremons hands would not end well,” She shrugged softly. It was at that moment it dawned on her as she looked to Virra “We’re going to need to get mom out of Elvera,”

She met Aerian’s gaze, longer for a moment as though contemplating things silently. But sighed softly, bringing Aerian tightly against her and kissing the fiery crown. “I was afraid of that. We have to be smart about this. The realm showed us, a vision. It is a warning. Nothing is set in stone. We need to talk to your Pops because I believe she is bait to you.” 

Aerian nodded softly “That’s why we’re not going, the risk to us just isn’t worth it, and I have no intention of leaving you alone in this world, I have a friend, she’s almost as good as me at the work I do, the problem is she is currently in the cells and that problem we can fix,”

Virra tilted her head in question at the mention of another female, reflexively holding her tighter. Though reluctantly released her hold. “I’ll get dressed. Let’s get this started.” 

It wasn’t long before they were in the cells once more Aerian made her way through looking to Virra for a moment “I meant what I said before, you’re the only girl I want, so try not to kill her,” She smiled softly “At least not yet”

Aerian slid the key into the lock and with a loud snap the lock opened, she pushed open the door, the cell was better kept than the rest, a little more luxury as the figure within looked up, her hair dirty but still clearly blonde as she saw Aerian a smile cut across her face “Well hey there sexy, ‘bout time your fine ass came to see me,” It was then she caught sight of Virra “A 3 girl party? Didn’t think you were the kind Aery!”

Virra remained near the door, inclining a brow calmly to the blonde’s words, but leaned against the wall with arms folded. “Keep dreaming, sugar pants.”

“She’s feisty, you sure do know how to pick ‘em hot stuff” The girl laughed before she spun her legs over the edge of the bed, “So who am I making cum first?”

Aerian rolled her eyes and shook her head softly “Not here to play Zia, besides Virra beat you to it, she will make an honest woman of me,”

“Aww but Aery! Such a waste, OK fine why are you here then? Tell me your Dad is finally gonna cut off my head?” The light seemed to dim as she spoke, her voice trading to a much more somber tone.

“He was never going to execute you, actually you’d have been out of here already if you hadn’t stolen the keys off Uncle H and tried to escape, not really bright to poke an already pissed off bear?! No, I’m here because I need your help, you’re not aware of everything going on, but you should have gathered enough to know things aren’t good”

“I know your fighting a war you can’t win” Zia stated firmly

“That’s a matter of opinion,” Aerian shrugged in reply “But I need a thief, someone who’s good at taking things that don’t belong to them and bringing them back here, or rather bringing her here.”

“You want to add more girls to this party?” Zia laughed darkly

“Oh knock it off, do you want out or not?” Aerian bit back frustration creeping into her voice now. Zia had for the moment kept her gaze steadily on Virra as she was sizing her up, wondering on the intent on the girl who had remained so silent while listening to every word.

“What about you hot stuff? Why is she not asking you to risk your neck for this treasure of hers? Better yet why is she not doing it herself, the whole realm knows there’s no one better at our line of work than her?”

Virra remained silent as those dark eyes were fixed on this woman. “Because, they expect us. At least an Elcarus. It’s risky and riddled with danger. That should be enough to wet your dusty pussy. If for nothing else to stretch your legs. You miss it don’t you? The danger. I suggest you take her offer. It will benefit you unless you are too chicken?” 

Zia stood slowly, her frame well built, the stretch of her shirt straining to contain her breasts beneath, she was one of those girls that were all legs, athletic and yet just as dangerous. “My pussy was wet the moment you opened your mouth honey,” She smiled darkly, crossing to stand before Virra, her eyes fixed deep upon hers “I’ve never seen her back out of a job, and danger is kind of in the Elcarus job description, so what’s this really about?”

“If I go it’s highly likely I’ll end up dead, and as Virra said they are expecting us, I need you to go get my Mom out of the cells, we need to take Moms power away from them for the sake of everyone, you’re the best there is so please as a friend I’m asking you to do this,” There was a pleading in Aerians voice that was a child asking for her mother to be safe, for everyone she loved to be safe. Zia looked to Virra with a soft smile before she turned to face Aerian.

“I don’t think your wife to be, likes me very much” She chuckled softly “But fine, I’ll do this but it’s going to cost you, far more than my usual rate,”

“Aerian, odd coming to you as a friend, I understand your point of sale.” Virra tilted her head while pushing from that lazy lean, a sudden wicked smirk on her lips. “Negotiations? Hrm. You complete this job and we will see what WE can do given the times. Prove you are far more valuable than in this cage.” 

“I can be a lot of use to you, honey, in more ways than one,” Zia replied with a smile.

Aerian had retrieved Zia’s weapons handing them off to her, a playful spin and she slid into place at her thighs, a second pair slid into the edge of her boots. The final peace a long coat as she winked to Virra and stepped back “It will take me a few days to get there, so you will need to be patient,”

“Time is more of the essence. Do take that into effect. After all, there is a war.” Virra stated simply curling an arm sound Aerian possessively. 

“Time is always of the essence, unfortunately, I cannot bend the laws of space and time, so I will be as quick as I can” Zia replied with a grin.

“Just bring her home, unharmed, then we’ll see about your payment,” Aerian spoke firmly and yet with a smile all the same.

Virra chuckled with a nod while looking over Zia with an impartial expression. Then glanced to Aerian. “We need to get her clearance, let’s go talk to your Pops.” 

[The Turning Tide] Taking Time to Get Ahead

Hades was sat on his legs in front of the fire, watching the flames as they burned brightly, processing the events of the last couple of days, the dull ache in his head wasn’t helping matters either, but they had breathing room, something he intended to make full use of before more chaos ensued.

“It’s funny having time to breathe in the middle of a war” Kane stated as he and Aishani entered the Main Hall.

“Yea, but you came through, and we survived, so there’s that” Hades replied with a nod.

“It was a risk, but one we have to take, with the Dragons we have the upper hand, while Ceremon has necromancers and can raise an infinite number of undead, we can put them back in the ground just as quickly”

“Ugh fighting skeletons always makes me uncomfortable, they just don’t like to stay dead” Hades retorted firmly

“Does anything in the Everlands?” Kane replied with a chuckle

“Well I hope Hareavor does, or I might resurrect him just so I can end his miserable existence as well, for the record, you did the right thing” Hades nodded “One less thing for us to worry about, which doesn’t shorten the over all list by much”

Jade was ever by his side, laying with her head in his lap enjoying the warmth three fire brought and the sense of serenity. She had made them tea, empty cups and pot in a tray near to them. But when Kane spoke she sat up to look at him then to Aishani, but quickly gathered the tray to rise and take into the kitchen. 

Aishani listened idly to the two brothers talk but inclined a brow to Jade’s quick leave with a questioning expression to Hades. “What was that all about?” 

Hades was just as confused as he looked to Aishani “You’d have to ask her, can’t say as I’m too sure myself,” Hades watched after Jade for a moment before he smiled “She’s amazing”

“She’s good for you,” Kane replied with a nod

“Yea, she really is” Hades folded his hands before looking to Aishani “Not that I have a clue about women, been a while since, well the last women I liked threatened to kick my ass in cave when I wasn’t quite myself and the one after that ended up dead, something I won’t allow to happen to Jade, but what they are thinking from one minute to the next? Not sure we’re ever supposed to work that part out”

“No. You are right about one thing, you only need ask. Seeing how she left when we arrived it would have to be you as the one to talk to her. If it is personal of nature, you are the one she’s closest to.” Aishani glanced to Kane with a lean against him the hand over her swollen belly. “To learn ask, that is all you need know in women. Be persistent. The word ‘nothing’ means the opposite.” 

“Yea took a while to figure that part out” Hades smiled before extracting himself from the room follow after Jade, as he entered the kitchen he paused watching the single person he cared for most “Everything OK Jade?”

He remained just by the door and simply watched “You disappeared quite quickly,”

When Hades entered the kitchen, he found Jade without tray and speaking to the cook. She laughed in the special way of hers.  But as Hades entered, her back was to him, he didn’t see her expression, not the way he needed to. Her shoulders slumped a slight and Jade turned to face him as the workers left the kitchen to give them privacy. 

“I’m sorry…it’s just that…I’m envious of Aishani. Not in the way you may think. But she is with child. I’m not even sure a kitsune with another can–” Her words caught in her throat, as those warm brown eyes glistened with contained tears. “What if…I mean to say…would you remain with me, even if I fail as a wife?” 

Hades smiled softly watching her “You could never fail as a wife, or anything else you so choose to be,” He crossed now, stepping behind her his hands sliding around her waist, “As for us having a child, the one thing I learned very quickly about the Everlands is anything is possible, if it’s going to happen, then it will and that child will grow up loved and incredible, just like their mother”

She seemed to relax to his words, while leaning back against his chest with her arms and fingers caressing up and down his forearm. “I want to try…I mean when this is all over and we are married.” 

He kissed the top of her head softly, before leaning against her ear his words soft “I didn’t realise we weren’t already trying, I haven’t exactly behaved myself in that department”

There was an edge to his voice, deep and intense in the belief they would raise children of their own in time, and that the realm had a plan for them, a new generation who would protect the Everlands just as fiercely as those before them.

Jade inadvertently curled her nails against his forearm, though he heard the smile in her voice. “Oh, is that what it is all about?” She teased in a playful manner it seemed that his presence and coming clean with her thoughts lightened the mood considerably. 

Hades smiled softly “Practice is the fun part part,” he purred against her ear “And you make it so much more pleasurable my darling. Still those things aside for the moment seems we have things to discuss and as a member of the family, you are requested to attend,”

There was a softness in his voice now as he watched her for a moment, taking his hands from her front to capture her own hands and lead her back to the Main Hall.

“Everything OK?” Kane enquired a soft amusement in his words

“They are” Hades replied “Aishani doing OK, all things considered? Bad time to have kids in the middle of all this?”

Jade opened her eyes as his voice and tone had aroused her, for a brief moment or appeared as though his mention of family and request to join surprised her, even still. She nodded simply and took his hand to follow his lead. 

Aishani was sitting in a chair by Kane’s side as they arrived. “They are fighters…not to mention greedy buggers. On more then one occasion I’ve almost given in to red meat. Sitting and growing more restless…” She grimaced a slight and offered her hand forward to Jade. “Would you like to feel?” 

Jade glanced from Kane to Hades, then stepped forward to reluctantly take Aishani’s hand, guided to her swollen belly. But gasped and laughed softly, kneeling now. 

Kane smiled softly watching Jade, “Our family has always been strong, we’ve over come war before, we will do it again,” there was a strange softness in his voice.

“Yea, the realm is stronger than it’s ever been” Hades replied with a soft smile “As is our family, we’ve been fortunate up to this point, and your alliance with the Dragons, Aishani having the drow under control, things are on our side, at least until you consider the necromancer forces and the unending legion of undead between us and Elvera”

“It was never going to be easy, we should take the lands back that surround Elvera,” Kane replied softly “We can take time to plan things properly, we don’t need to rush in and waste lives, Aishani will have the drow secure the Dentarian borders, the dires, spiders and Unicorns will keep the unwanted out of our lands, and those that get too close, well they will make a nice meal for the dragons,” there was a sarcasm in his voice.

“Take our time in a  war that is going to get a lot of people killed, I’m sure there’s an irony there somewhere” Hades shrugged softly.

While the two spoke, Aishani listened intently as Jade had pressed her ear to her swollen belly listening to the unborn twins within. 

“There will always be something, Hades. It is time we set our feet down and stand ground. I will not let Ceremon, much less Z’ress rule. But this bodes, the topic at hand. The Council. They are the source of turmoil in Everlands. During the fray in taking back, easily finding them to dispatch would be easier. But this can not be turned back on us…I had considered, since Virra had her father’s blades…that could divert the attention from us.” 

“I will handle the High Council, they are after all my responsibility in the grand scheme of things” Kane sighed darkly.

“How we’re you supposed to know things would turn out like this, you put men in a position of power, they tried to grab it, it’s on them not you Kane,” Hades snapped in reply.

“It was my idea to put them there, take the pressure off Ascondia and it created the very power struggle I was trying to avoid” Kane sighed softly

“And now there is one because our whack job of a father and his psychotic love whore have control of the entire fucking realm, that’s what we need to focus on, let’s deal with what comes next, then after we deal with them” The frustration boiled in Hades at Kanes need to fix everything, even things he couldn’t or shouldn’t, “On top of all that we don’t even know what they’ve done with Ascondia, or where she is,”

Jade looked to Kane and Hades sharply. “The tension in the room is upsetting the little ones.” She pressed an ear to Aishani’s belly, placed a kiss and stood to move over to Hades. “We need to focus one step at a time. Getting ahead of ourselves and planning ahead are two different things.” 

Aishani chuckled while both her hands during caressed the unborn bundle in her swollen belly. “She did make a point, my love, as does Hades. For as much as I’d rather punch Ascondia in the face, for Aerian’s sake we need to get tabs on her. I can presume that the answer lays with the rat behind bars.” She grunted, it was clear that it was growing more and more difficult for such a petite frame to carry the weight of unborn twins. “Now. How about food…I’m eating for three, which means I’m starving.” 

[The Turning Tide] A Moral Code

Kane sat with his feet drawn to his chest as from the rooftop of the mansion he could see the last few fires that burned, but more than that he could see all the way to Dentarius, now safe under the protection of the dragons, a risk that had in the end paid of thanks to his wife’s willingness to stand by his choice.

Arak’neth kept her side of the deal and kept anyone who wasn’t supposed to be in Dentarius out, this bought them what they needed most in this moment, it bought them time, to think and plan ahead. Kane was grateful for that, there was still blood on his hands, something he was a little less thankful for, act of murder, an act against everything he preached, it was a bitter pill in these dark times.

Aishani glanced to the cell with Virra’s father, since Kane’s scent was weak, she knew he wasn’t within. Speaking nothing to the man she left. But began to follow the scent of her husband until finally reaching to roof. She had s little struggle moving to sit beside him, placing a hand in his knee to ease her settle. She gathered his hand in silence, watching the view if the fires burning out and being tended to the last remaining. It was silence, though never uncomfortable. She was there for him to offer strength. 

Kane smiled softly “I should be careful where I wallow in my own pity, I should not be making you chase me all round the mansion” it would have been humour had it not come out so darkly, “I’m just trying to figure out how to live with my choice, I take it Aerian is alright? Else you’d be there and not here?”

She looked to him for a long time in silence, but guided his hand to rest upon her stomach, a subtle reminder of their children as eagerly they moved to his touch. “You put a lame dog out of its misery, my love. There is no need to wallow in self pity over that fact. You made a promise to your daughter, it had to be done. A life taken is never easy. But this is to secure the life we need for our children both growing and Aerian. She no longer had that lingering fear of Hareavor in the world any longer.”

“I preach we should let justice run it’s course, let those that commit crimes answer for them,” he sighed softly “Hareavor knew what he was doing, and I played right into his hands, he never wanted to answer for what he’s done, he would have been executed and he knew that,” Kane shook his head before leaning to kiss her stomach gently with a smile “But then I swore I’d end him the last time he touched my daughter, I guess I’m just creating my own conflict, which isn’t going to help us with this war”

He shifted now facing her fully before his hand flittered through the air, a shimmer and a map of the realm hung before them, clearly showing the lines they had under control now, and the rest of the realm darkened by Ceremons grip. I want to have the Spider, Unicorns and Dires hold the lines, keep Dentarius safe when we take the dragons to retake Elvera, but those numbers are thin as it is, we may need help from Emerald City, another request I hate to have to ask, seems to win this war I need to bend more than just my moral code and that doesn’t sit too well”

She smiled softly as his lips landed on the swell of her belly and a hand created his cheek. But when he displayed the map of the realm it seemed as though things were bleak. Aishani nodded to him with a smirk. “That is why before I went to Aerian I had a letter written to Stacy and Heart. Stating just that, we need my people in order to secure our world from those that wish to monopolise it for their own means. Of course this means Stacy will no longer be in hiding. My people will listen to the Healer of Everlands. Shadow is in her way as we speak. I also have given her instructions to gather the spiders of her kind on the way.” 

“My duty is to realm in one sense, but first it’s to Dentarius, if we take the dragons it leaves them vulnerable something I’m not willing to do, but we will need them to retake Elvera” Kane stopped as he looked to Aishani “I want to destroy any chance of this happening again, which means we’re going to have to kill the High Council, and I need a Royal Order to do it”

There was something in his words as he watched her for a moment “Ascondia is Queen of the Everlands, recognised and put there by her people, put there by my sword and that means I’m sworn to uphold her laws, at least until she is no longer the rightful power, which means my loyalty to her or Elvera is no longer a consideration, it also means power reverts to the Original City, to the Drow City, and in turn to you,”

“Wait are you telling me…that I have to put forth the decree as Queen of the Emerald City?” She appeared confused with this talk of Ascondia and the order. 

“You don’t have to do anything, they just need to think you did, my feelings on the High Council are well known, they have subverted the crown at every chance, but Ascondia would never have them removed, it wouldn’t have sat well, but now they have directly put the Everlands in danger, it is their hand that let Ceremon and Z’ress take control, the dragons will help us win the war, but the moment it’s over the Council will try for complete control, I would rather they didn’t get that chance,”

He sighed darkly “It’s a dark place to be, but if I issue the orders to take out the council then it’s another act of revenge, or attempt to turn Ascondia to my way of thinking, not that she doesn’t see my reasons anyway, that’s why Dentarius is a free state, but this isn’t about my personal opinions it can’t even look like it is, no other city is standing right now to even try to fight back, except for Dentarius and Emerald City, it is all rather precarious and I’m scrambling for answers, we have time to work this out, but we need to eliminate the High Council one way or another they have been a thorn in the realms side for a long time, maybe it is just personal grievances they are the ones who turned me into an Elveran lap dog in the first place,”

She considered Kane’s words but chuckled with a smirk. “Too bad we can’t send Virra’s father in to gain his freedom as an informant. He can’t be trustworthy…but with the fact that you killed Hareavor it may have turned him just enough to talk.” Her expression was blank as her mind went over the scent of blood to propose salivation again in her mouth. “My love…when I smelt the blood in the jail…I craved it as I believe the little ones do as well…it is growing increasingly hard to resist the urge.” 

“I was hoping the vampire wouldn’t pass down to them, it makes sense I guess, as for Virras father I’d rather not give him a chance to either harm Virra or tip Ceremon of our plan, we will take back Elvera, but only after we cut their supply lines, I think an age old siege may be in order, they can hide within the walls of Elvera but only while they can feed themselves,” Kane flexed his wrists with a smile “They’ll have to come out at some point and we will be waiting with dragons, Arak’neth seems to be keeping her side of our bargain so I see no harm in keeping ours, but we have time to make sure things are right, and above all else time for you to rest my love”

“I’m not sure if it is the vampire or werewolf or both…it could be just the primal nature too.” She lifted her gaze with a chuckle. “Me? Rest? You talk to the little ones. Kicking and shifting around. It’s like they are wanting to be part of all this and can’t wait. It’s a good thing they will definitely have a fighting spirit.” 

“With you as their mother how could they not be ready to fight?” Kane replied softly, his hand now resting on her stomach as he enjoyed the feel of his children inside, “But the fact remains that dragging you around the realm isn’t healthy for you or them right now, so we will take things a day at a time for now, make sure our next move is the right one for the right reasons”

She inhaled sharply as Kane even felt the kick, while Aishani looked to her husband. “I suppose you saw through the difficulty it was in our travel to the heart of the realm…something’s, my love need to be done and regardless of these difficulties…they have to be done. I’m not fragile and can still fight. Regardless of my current state. I have to for the realm, you, my people and yours…even our children.”

“You can still fight, but I wouldn’t be much of a husband if I didn’t try to limit the need for you to do so, I love you Aishani and having to drag you through the realm and up a mountain is one thing, but when we have time to breathe, even amidst the chaos, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I didn’t take it” He stood now taking her hand helping her to her feet, kissing her cheek gently “Come on let’s go find my brother and then we can eat?”

She chuckled to his words and accepted the assistance to rise. It was difficult at this stage in her pregnancy to sit so low but she took it with pride. At the mention of food, Aishani placed a hand over her belly with a smirk. “I’m not the only one who is hungry.” 

[The Turning Tide] You’re Family Now

It had been a battle, but as the last fires burned they had retaken the Mansion, Kane sealed the gates, and restored the protections that would keep the mansion safe. Hades had locked both Hareavor and Virras father in the dungeon, they were to be used both as leverage and punished for their crimes, though Hades would have happily executed the pair of them.

Aerian was simply glad to know her family were safe, as she sat in the cottage watching them handle the fires. With a sigh she began restringing her bow, it had been a while and her aim had been oddly off with the old one, but they had survived and that was the important part.

The dragons had settled around the hills, a warning to any who would be fool enough to try and attack again, for the moment Dentarius was safe.

Out of the corner of her eye Aerian saw movement and Aishani appeared with Shadow faithfully at her side. The motherly bump was concealed beneath dark and lose fabric, but as always she dutifully wore her weapons. Never was she seen her with out the daggers that Kane had given her. Shadow remained by the door as Aishani entered to settle down with a sigh. “Virra wanted me to keep you company. She’s helping your uncle put out the fires. Personally I think she wants to be the first face that her father sees from behind bars.” She planned injured hand on her pregnant belly and looked to Aerian. “How are you doing? You know with all the stuff that has been happening.” 

“Shouldn’t be worrying about me, you have enough on your plate” Aerian smiled softly looking to the bump, a future brother or sister, or both. “I should be asking how you are doing, but to answer your question, I’ll be OK, having Hareavor anywhere within the grounds scares the shit out of me, and the other half wants to walk in there and cut his throat, so yea I’m OK”

She followed Aerian’s gaze to her belly then chuckled with a caress on the bump. Her skin though ashen was a beautiful hue, the motherly radiance but her mismatched eyes still were stunning. “Twins.” Aishani replied as though reading her mind. “I’m fairing well. Difficult to keep to my vegetarian ways while feeding for three. Lucky I can eat fish. They have been restless, moving and kicking. Would you like to feel? It’s been very hard for me with all the traveling…I keep my angst to myself. Don’t need your father worrying needlessly. But I have to make the realm safe for our family, you included.” 

“You have a strength, we have all seen, but even if Dad told you to stay put you wouldn’t” Aerian chuckled softly “I’m just glad you’re home, even if I think dragons are a bad idea”

Aerian sank down next to Aishani laying her head gently against the bump, oddly intimate even for her.

“We had to go to this extent to ensure the safety of the realm. One that proves we are not going to take Ceremon or Z’ress laying down.” She looked down to Aerian as she held this intimate position but a rare smile formed in her lips. A hand lifted to caress the fiery threads. 

When she laid her head against the swell of Aishani’s belly, that is when she felt the movement. Before she could escape Aishani gathered her hand to place on the protruding roundness. That is when Aerian felt two hands press against hers add thigh trying to figure out the other through the womb. 

“I’ve talked to them about you…” Aishani whispered softly as though her very voice would shatter the moment. 

“All good things I hope” Aerian whispered in reply, as she smiled before disconnecting herself from Aishani.

“I know  you wouldn’t allow dragons without a good reason, and dad wouldn’t resort to it without cause, but people are going to be unhapppy, they still haven’t forgotten, they will never forget what it cost us in the end” Aerian shook her head gently for a moment before she looked to Aishani “But we’d be dead had you not, so I’m thankful for that”

Aishani jumped and grimaced in pain as Aerian removed herself, though chuckled with a caress over her swollen belly. “Seems they like you… when you moved back.” She shifted her gaze to Aerian. “Think of it like this…in the Dragon Wars, each side lost many…this is their chance to redeem themselves and have a place to call home. To fight for a good cause, sometimes enemies forge alliances that will strengthen in the end. To become allies.” 

She took Aerian’s hand in hers, inspecting the ring. “It’s beautiful. I find it amusing, while in times of turmoil the best of events can happen. Tell me…circumstances aside. Are you happy?”

Aerian stared at the ring for a short time before she looked to Aishani “They are magic, it splits the visions, makes them hurt less, but at the cost of hurting Virra, so how can I be truly? And in the same instance how can I not? She is willing to give her life for me, so I am happy, I am blessed, and just so you know my curse comes from my mother so the little ones are safe from this fate”

“Aerian, you have been gifted. I know you struggled with your father and I a time ago. Then let me say this, I am truly happy for you and Virra. She is willing to do anything for you and that in itself is a true gift. Virra knew the cost of this ring, the pain. Perhaps she views it as so much more.” She grinned to Aerian now in that gentle motherly way. “I better not see you give in. You need to fight, if not for yourself but everyone around you that loves you. Besides, I think the little ones would much rather be around their sister and to meet her, not as some phantasm. We are working to better this realm for the day they are brought into this world.” 

“This war has even the undead uneasy, which is odd in itself they don’t usually interfere in the living world, so don’t worry I have no plans to join them, I gave up a long time, but with you and Virra and well everyone is just plain happier. I think I found my reason to go on” Aerian smiled softly, returning her attentions to her bow. “I really am glad your back, now I just hope Virra doesn’t do an thing stupid”

***************************************************************************

Hades slammed the second cell door, looking in at Virras father for a moment before smiling darkly.

“Make yourself comfortable, you’ll be here a while”

“Don’t delude yourself, more will come for us, lots more” Virras father replied

Hades looked to Jade with a dark smile “Did they miss the horde of dragons, that just cooked their entire army and are now sat at our gate?”

Jade smiled sweetly to Hades with a roll of her shoulders. “Seems he may need to check his vision.” 

Virra remained back, deathly silent but her expression was dark. By the flex of her hand near to her daggers, it was clear the thoughts were incredibly horrendous. Those black eyes intense and cold. 

Hades checked the door one last time with a smile before looking to Virra “We need him alive” he threw a glance back through the door then looked to Virra “For now, he will pay for what he’s done, just not right now,”

For a moment he watched then walked to Virra offering the key “You can go in there and take your revenge, or you can trust Kane and I when we say he will pay, after we secure the realm and we can’t do that without you, if your freedom worth his life? My niece needs your strength just as we do,” He eyed the ring before placing his hand on her shoulder “He hasn’t been much of father, I get that, I’m the failure in my fathers eyes, but trust me when I say killing him wont make that hatred go away,”

Hades made his way to the jail exit his hand, slipping into Jades “I’m only going to ask this once, you’re a member of our family now Virra, don’t do something we will all regret” Hades exited the cells and closed it enough to hear beyond now.

Virra clutched the keys given to her so tightly in her hand that the knuckles were white, but she remained stiff and silent. Though when Hades left he could hear her footsteps move to the table that kept watch over the cells of Hareover and her father. 

Jade looked up to him as they left. “Do you think it wise to leave her alone with them?” 

Hades looked over his shoulder before looking to Jade “Probably not, but if she still feels she’s on the outside then this is her chance to make a choice, we see her as family, she needs to make the choices that remind us we are right. While I don’t doubt she loves Aerian she wants vengeance, it’s not a good place to be and the choice is hers. It took a dragon to bring Hareavor down, so she wouldn’t be stupid enough to take him on alone, but her father, he has to answer for his crimes, what he’s done to her is unforgivable, so it’s vengeance versus justice. Either way, she will face the consequences on her own” He breathed deeply “I trust her to make the choice right for her, how can I not?”

His stare was ice cold as he watched Virra from inside the cell, a dark calm in Hareavor, in the cell opposite was Virras father, it was a strange thing for him to be locked up and worse the magicks that sealed the cells also sapped any of his remaining power, leaving him all but defenseless.

“You should have killed me when you had the chance girl” Spat Virras father angrily “I raised you better than to let vengeance go unanswered, and now you sit at the lap of Elcarus’ like a tamed puppy!”

Hareavor laughed darkly before returning to sit on his bed and let things unfold, Virras father glared at his daughter from within his own cell now.

Jade walked with Hades while listening but she inhaled deeply to his words. “I suppose you are right. We can only trust her.” 

Back in the dungeon, Virra was calmly sharpening her daggers as her father spoke. “I’m no lap dog. I finally have a family that trusts me and believes in me. That’s more then you ever gave me, Pops. All I keep thinking is what would mom say, of she could see you now.” Her words were cold and sharp.

“You could save my father the trouble and kill him, he has left you with nothing,” Hareavors voice carried a dark glee to it as he spoke “End him, he failed his assigned task, I promise my father will reward you when he arrives, it’s why Hades left you here after all, with the keys no?”

She glanced to Hareavor then to her father. “Yes. He failed. But he failed more then just good assignment. He failed as a father. He was only a tool to Ceremon, even you for that matter. Both of you have committed crimes. It is time that justice takes over. The keys are a sign of trust. Like hell if I will release him, more over you, Hareover. You are a creature with no remorse and it is pathetic really. Your own flesh and blood and you rape and beat your own. You both are finally where you belong. Behind the bars.” 

“Only because Hades hasn’t the balls to do it himself, so he handed the keys to a loose cannon, blinded by lust and the tight pussy of my niece, he knows you will crack and you will kill, and he doesn’t need to do the dirty work himself,” Hareavor shook his head with a chuckle as he sat back “We’ll see who’s left standing when my fathers armies come to burn Dentarius to the ground, and I will kill Aerian and you will watch her die before I cut your throat and you can join her in the afterlife”

The instant he spoke of Aerian, that is when Virra snapped. Leaving her dagger and keys at the table, gave calm but that rage was a torrential storm beneath the calm surface as viewed through her eyes. “You are pathetic. Testing the waters and trying to talk me into releasing the two of you. It will NEVER happen. I can’t wait for the gravel of justice to come down in the both of you. I betrayed Ceremon, first and foremost. He will kill me as well as the two of you for letting him down.” 

“It wont matter when your all dead, but make no mistake they will abandon you at the first sign your no longer useful to them” Virras father snapped coldly as he watched his daughter, “Just like they do to anyone who doesn’t fit their little world, Ceremon may not care about those around but at least there is no pretense, you were of value when you were on your back like the whore you are, and now your just a whore to their rules, so what changed for you Virra? Really!”

“Everything” Kane snapped as he entered the jails, his eyes calm and yet dark as he looked to Virra for a moment, “It amazes me that even with his life in the balance he will not admit he got things wrong, as for Hareavor pay him no attention, he never did do well been trapped like a rat, though again not much has changed there”

Kane took Virras hand leading her back to the table, his hand guiding her to sit as he sat opposite, “Whatever they will tell you, this is from me, you saved my daughter, when no one else was willing to help you threw yourself into a fight that had no concern to yourself, everything you have done has been for Aerian and I love you for that, as a daughter, you became one of us the moment you chose to put Aerians life above your own,”

Virra father muttered something below his breath which only resulted in Kane launching a thunderbolt at the cell door sending him into the wall beyond from the shock through the steel, he smiled at Virra “Its my jail I get to bend the rules, but my point remains, let them say what they want, your place is at my daughters side,” his finger tapped her ring with a look of concern, one of true fatherly concern “You know the cost of this link, and you took it willingly, make no mistake you are loved as a member of this family, and once we end this war I ask that you help me finally put your father away once and for all,”

Kane stood as he stepped to Hareavors cell, drawing his blade and tapping the bars “As for you, there will be no trial, there is only one judgment for you, you have harmed my daughter not once but twice, something I will not forgive, your life was forfeit the moment you laid a hand on her, so when this is over so are you”

“Oh there he is, the big hero, daddy to the rescue, couldn’t save her while she was begging me to fuck her though could you Kane” It was enough as the door opened and seemingly one motion Kanes blade ran clean through Hareavor, there was a cold darkness that surrounded him his words were dark “I guess I wasn’t clear enough” Kane didnt waste time and simply drew his blade back a second time this time through the heart”

Kane’s appearance couldn’t come at a better time, distracting Virra long enough to snap out of her blinked rage. She glanced to her father as words were spoken and a grin smile formed in her lips to Kane considering her family, much more then her father ever had. It was a harsh reality that came down in her, since Kane had always been a pillar of strength. 

She stood as Kane entered the cell and the blade flashed, then went for Hareover’s heart. “The dead never stay dead long…we have to make sure he never appears again…Aerian needs to be the one to end his life as a sense if closure.” 

Kane was eerily calm as he wiped Hareavors blood from his blade, the darkness that was there a moment before was now gone “She doesn’t need to live with murder, not this one anyway, killing Hareavor would bring her no more peace than you killing your..” Kane stopped for a moment looking toward her fathers cell for a moment “Abuser,” the word he choose was deliberate, “Don’t worry about him returning, the fates will ensure his fate remains sealed, he has avoided even their hand long enough. He should have been tried and he would have been convicted and sentenced to die either way, but he’s had this coming since the first time he laid hands on my daughter, he neglected to consider I would kill him because I could, this was for Aerian, she will understand that in time, at least she is safe from him”

“Do you see how it works now Virra? Its his laws as he sees fit, he killed for the sake of killing, no trial, no justice just murder, thats the side you chose?” Spat Virras father darkly, an edge of panic in his words now.

“Shut up! You have never been a father to me. I don’t know if it is because you blamed me for the death of mom. But in with case you better figure out where you alliances lie and come to terms with all the things you have done wrong not just to me but mom…after all, you have plenty of time.” Her dark eyes flashed dangerously to her father. But then looked to Kane. “Give me his weapons…it is time I give Aerian the news. I did not wish to overstep and take his life, though I should have. One less idiot to deal with.” 

Kane handed her Hareavor and her fathers weapons “Let her know I love her, and I’m sorry but it had to be me that ended him, I’ll get this mess cleaned up”

Virra nodded to him, accepting the weapons and sending one last glance to her father and left. She couldn’t seem to get to the cottage fast enough, but entered and found Aishani sitting at the table with Aerian stringing her bow. 

But moved to her fiance and dropped the blades in the table to kiss her deeply, in a remorseful way. Parting showing her the view of Hareavor’s weapons, in hopes that no words were needed in this time. 

Aerian stared at the blade she knew so well, one she didn’t doubt still had pieces of herself upon it, as she look Virra there flashed the same darkness of Kane, “Tell me you didn’t Virra…” Aerians voice had gotten high pitched almost panicked at the thought.

She shook her head with a lower of her gaze. “I kept myself in line, your Pops, is the one that crossed when I could not. He justified the murder being as Hareavor would have been executed. He did not want the weight of the murder to not be on your shoulders, nor mine. My Pops awaits trial. I refused to go against the trust given to me from the keys.” 

Aerian looked to Virra her hand sliding to her face “It’s OK, Dad swore to kill him after the first time, swore to protect me from him no matter and he failed, or he would have had you not saved me, now he saves you from that too,” She looked to Aishani “You should go find him, he isn’t a killer, but this … it wont sit well,”

She looked back to the floor with a sigh “I’m glad I don’t have to see him again, it’s over for me,” her words came absently now, as did the tears of relief.

Aishani was in the process of rising, as Aerian addressed her and simply nodded, needing no information of his location to trust her nose and instinct. 

When she left Virra moved to take Aerian in her arms in a kneel and wiped the tears. “That part is over. It took everything in me to not do something to him or my Pops. I earned the trust of your family and I intend to not break that. Not now. Not ever.” 

“I know” Aerian smiled softly 

[The Turning Tide] With Dragon No Less

The cell was cramped as Aerian sat in the corner her arms wrapped around her knees, quietly she waited on word to bring down the defences of their home. Quietly she hoped there was a plan beeter than simply bringing down the defences that had kept their home safe for so long.

Aerian was not alone, Virra held her arms wrapped around her fiancée with their hands together, ring against ring. She would periodically press get lips against her neck to offer support, while it was bleak, cold and damp; though made up for such with the body heat of one another. All they could do was wait, it was agony for the two young lovers. The unknown devouring them like a ravaged beast, they did not know if Hades and Jade were safe or fighting. 

Hades watched the hall for a moment before leading Jade along it and down through the hidden passages to the cells, pressing Jade to the wall he crept along the low ledge, one short leap had him behind the guard before cutting his throat and lowering him to the ground.

Quietly he motion for Jade to unlock the jails main door before working on picking the cell door. It took time but he got it in the end the lock clicking as the cell door opened he tossed in Virras blades and Aerians bow.

“Up for a little Jailbreak ladies?” he voice low but with a smile “We have this under control, your dad is on his way and is bringing re-enforcements we just have to keep Hareavor and his goons busy until he gets here”

Jade easily kept up with Hades, while the delicate flower was just as strong as the gemstone. She gathered the keys and opened the main dungeon door showing for Hades to enter while keeping watch. 

As the cell creaked open Virra released her arms from Aerian, tense initially but once her blades were thrown in and Hades spoke, a cruel smirk appeared on her lips. “What took you so long? Reinforcements are good.” She kissed Aerian on the neck but gathered her father’s with a spin on the palms of her hands. “What reinforcements?” 

“Oh this you’re going to love” Hades chuckled with a smile, “But for the moment we should go before you’re daddy realises I’m no longer locked in the library”

Aerian grabbed her bow and pulled the quiver to her shoulder “What’s the plan, to just stay alive? That’s really dumb!

“No we fight, on the ground, keep their eyes on us” Hades smiled softly “He will be here, but right now I need you to drop the defences”

Aerian suddenly looked to the dead guard then to Hades “Wait if they’re still up, how did you …”

Hades shrugged with a soft smile “Doesn’t extend down into the cells, can’t really torture folk while they are up, we just don’t share that fact” Hades shrugged now “It makes sense and you know it”

Virra fixed her sheaths to her hips while adjusting them to fit securely. She grinned wickedly to Hades then took Aerian’s hand. “I think this is what we have been waiting for, Firefly. Drop the wards. Let’s have some fun. But you owe us an explanation, Hades.” 

Jade moved to the cell door, peering in. “We don’t have time. Come, we have to go.” 

Aerian hesitated, her eyes looked to Hades then to Virra, before she closed her eyes and a short flick her wrist “OK they are down”

The screams above told only the misery as Harevors forces poured in through the gates, Hades had already evacuated the young, the woman and the elderly into the hidden ruins beneath the mansion, the wards there would take some breaking, or finding for that matter, the staff above fought and weren’t so lucky.

“We stay close until Kane gets here,” Hades smiled softly as he led them up into the Mansion, undead and vampires alike were now attacking anyone insight, Hades caught one with a right hand before dispatching a second with his blade, a third caught him in the right arm only to have his head slammed into the pillar they were behind.

“You OK?” Aerian whispered only for Hades to wave her off with a frustrated nod wrapping the wound quickly, “Let’s go”

Virra grinned wildly, clearly she was going to enjoy this. She fought along with Hades, driving her blades to spend blood of vampires with half decapitation and making some undead immobile with daggers plunged ripping into legs. Jade too had a blade but this was unfamiliar to the lands, specially made with a gleam that appeared to be alive with a strange power that appeared not only fuelled by her but the energies of the very realm. 

As the vampire was slammed with his head against the wall, it was Jade that decapitated the creature. Her warm brown eyes glowed with a slitted almost canine ferocity, baring her teeth now displayed points to her canines. 

Hades nodded to Jade as he threw open the doors, Hades watched the chaos outside before his blade snapped to his chest to deflect Hareavors attack, “Why will you not just die?!”

“Oh where’s the fun in that!” Hades laughed coldly, before slamming his hand into Hareavors chest driving him back. Hades led their small group into the crowds of enemies, a well placed arrow took out a Vampire just about to drive his blade into Virra. Hades moved with purpose, throwing enemies with deliberate intent into the waiting blades of Virra and Jade alike, he had intent as they moved toward the gates.

It was as they reached a small alcove Hades grabbed a man kicking the back of his knee and bouncing his head off the wall rendering him unconscious “Him we need alive,” He smiled and pulled Aerian, Jade and Virra beneath the stone wall above them “Aerian mind giving us a little cover?”

“What’s going on?” Aerian whispered her foot pushing the man over to reveal him to be Virras father.

There was a roar beyond that drew their attention as dragons swept down raining fire over those within the court yard, Aerian quickly threw up the spell to keep them alive and uncooked in the alcove, the flames of dragons roar against the barrier that now held them.

Virra kept at it, fighting through the hordes of enemies. She was just as cold and vicious as Hades, it was though apparent in her actions the trust she placed in not only her fiancée but in those around her. 

Jade on the other hand was graceful and elegant in every move, add though it was a practiced dance with the sword as an extension of her body. Even her aura began to change into that of a fiery orange. 

By the time everyone was in the alcove, Virra sneered at the unconscious form of her father, though it was not long lasting after all weapons hidden and other had been removed from him that the deafening roar was heard. The spell went up just as the world erupted in flames. 

Jade, whom held her Katana blade down to the ground clutched to Hades’s arm, staring wide eyed at the sight of the dragons. Some swooped down to pick up enemies just to drop them while others were burnt to a crisp. It was difficult to tell from their angle as to whose side the large beasts were on. 

“You’ve gotta be kidding me…” Virra groaned. “Dragons? Ceremon had fucking dragons?!” 

“Oh no those are on our side” Hades laughed darkly “For now anyway”

Aerian dropped the defence spell allowing them back out into the court yard, Hades dispatched several burned Vampires with ease, his eyes searching the darkness that had now descended, ahead a wall of flames as a figure walked through.

“I told you not to burn my house down!” Kane laughed softly as he slid behind a Vampire snapping its neck with precision and ease.

“Bah you’re late as usual, and dragons no less?” Hades retorted as he held Jade to him now.

Aishani moved through the fire now while standing at Kane’s side with a smirk and a hand on the bulge of her belly. “Admit it. You had fun dispatching the enemy, quit your bitching.” She chuckled. 

While Jade was held close to Hades, subtly her hand was touching his wounded shoulder. As he felt a pinch of pain as it seemed the flesh was weaving together in a heal. “Oh my…you are showing, Lady Aishani…” If Hades didn’t know any better, being as close to Jade as he was, it almost sounded like envy. 

Virra chuckled darkly, though kept her eyes on the unconscious form of her father, while holding Aerian’s hand with their rings glinting in the firelight. 

Kane simply smiled in reply before backing toward Hades “We hold the Mansion, force them back”

“To where?” Hades snapped in reply “In case you hadn’t noticed there’s bloody dragons in the sky!!”

“To Elvera!” Kane growled in reply “They will make a stand and we will break them down”

Kane and Hades both took down a vampire who was headed their way, the flames of the dragons now directing the remaining forces away from the mansion, any attempt to go another route was met either by dragon or by fire.

Aerian was impressed at her fathers resourcefulness as she leant against Virra, her arms slid around her waist with a smile “He brought dragons to save us”

Aishani smirked to Aerian as though hearing her easily with the gift brought by the werewolf in her but also the glanced down to her hand in Virra’s that exposed their rings. Then to Jade and Hades with a tilt of her chin to Kane. “Seems everyone has been busy…” She mused. 

Virra remained with Aerian, while Jade pushed from her lean with a kiss to Hades as him and Kane took out a vampire. He felt a lingering sting, but overall maneuverability of his arm has returned thanks to Jade’s inconspicuous healing. 

Now with the backing of the dragons, there was more hope in the changing of the rides to this war.