Aries

A/N: Did you like the previous chapter?

If so, please don’t kill me after reading this.

*sighs* Even if you don’t kill me after this chapter, I bet you will find my house after chapter 25 with pitchforks to kill me. I won’t blame you.

Enjoy... As much as you can. The ride is about to get bumpy and I will not guarantee any safety.

Morning blared through the windows. Despite the veil, the clouds offered, the sun harshly shone. The birds had begun their song about an hour ago and the sea was the only thing that had been consistent from yesterday.

Rhaze knocked on my door. “Lyra! Wake up!”

As if I needed someone to wake me up this morning. As if I slept. The frustration kept me awake. Who would take a female out on a date, bring her back home and then try to kiss her and say that he had to tell her something but he was not brave enough to? Aries apparently would. While my brain did try to understand that something was stopping him, my heart just plainly understood it as a rejection and bled for him. This pain was even more than what Ethan caused me.

If I met Aries the next time, I would make him delirious until he told me what he should have said last night. Even if I had to seduce him. And from the look, he had given me earlier, it would not be a difficult job.

Groaning, I threw the sheets off me and got up. The layered dress was torn at my waist. Only after he left did I notice this tear.

Aries was sure rough.

And that did nothing to quell the fire in my blood. If anything, it spurred me on.

Tearing that layer of the dress, I opened the door to see my sister, who appeared to be another version of a racoon holding my phone.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Glad you asked.” She opened the door further and came in.

I dreaded this. Rhaze was a strong wolf. There was a reason why she was my Beta. It was not only because she was my sister.

Her sense of smell was strong. While we had held our scents back during that campfire, we had not in this room. This room was permeated with both our scents entwined with each other.

“What the hell do I smell?” Rhaze asked, her nose flaring.

I shrugged. “How would I know?”

She sniffed again. “Don’t lie, Lyra. It’s clearly your scent.”

I snorted. “Don’t you know that your nose accommodates for a smell after smelling it for long?”

Her lips pulled up. “Mingled with a male’s I have never scented. His scent is concealed like I am missing something.”

“What are you trying to say?”

She shot up. “Your scent is mixed with his as if you heavily made out. And the last time I checked, Varian and Nash are mated and Miguel was drunk and we found him in the kitchen this morning. Who was with you? Where did you go after I left to sleep?”

Heavily made out? I wanted to laugh. Loudly. Only if he had made out with me last night instead of leaving me frustrated.

I bristled. “I don’t see why I should explain to you.”

She narrowed her eyes at me. “You are defensive. Who did you invite?”

“No one,” I mumbled.

“Lyra,” she warned.

I sulked and plopped on the bed. “He left, okay? When you and Brent interrupted me last night he left. We did was not even a kiss. Don’t get me started.”

Then my sister began to laugh. “Are... Are you frustrated? This is so cute!”

I glared at her. “It is not! And who said that I am frustrated?”

Who was I lying to?

Her laughter intensified. “Oh, Lyra! It’s all written on your face. It’s like a kid who has been denied candy. That guy left you after teasing you. It’s not fair. I will admit that.”

I was too irked to blush. “Whatever. It’s not like he would choose me on a sober day. We were just caught up.”

“Yeah,” she drawled. “Whatever. Perhaps that was the reason why after having five cups of coffee, Aries was so snappy. Varian was the brave soul who volunteered to take the threat out.”

Aries was snappy? Then did he feel what I felt? Why the hell did he leave?

Then it struck me. “I never said his name.”

Rhaze shook her head and hit me on my head. “As if there would be another male for you out there, Lyra. While you think that I never notice, I have always had my eyes on you. You are my sister and my Alpha. I must be in tune with you. And the random bursts of warmth I get from the bond we have? I strongly believe that it has something to do with that male.”

I gulped. “So... everyone knows?”

This was terrible. Absolutely the worst.

“Yep,” Rhaze affirmed. “While Ant was the first to deduce this, I joined in second.”

Where was the faith? And to think these people had actually gossiped about me. I could feel my heartbreak. Traitors.

“Don’t give me that look,” Rhaze said, waving the phone she had in her hand. “We need something to talk about when Aries was training you separately. It was nothing serious and it was purely fun. We made up nice stories. We can tell them if you want.”

I blinked. “What the fuck?”

“Yeah,” she drawled. “Then we began to notice.”

I blinked again. “N-notice what?”

“Many little things, Lyra,” she said, shrugging. “And it is those little things that count.”

I licked my lips. “Like what?”

She smiled. “For one, when you both are training with us, there would be a smile on his face. Always there when you were around. The second you would go to the house for a break or something, his infamous frown is visible again. And not to mention, you are the only one person he allows to touch him. You are the only one he lets in his personal space. It was sad really. To know that you both are the last to know. That Aries is the last to know about this.”

We were the last to know? What was this about?

“What?” It was all I could manage.

Rhaze shrugged. “We had a bet. And it seems like Ant and Kaina won.”

These people bet on me? On me and Aries?

“Ant and Kaina said that Aries will behave weirdly after Alpha Eric. Miguel, Aislynn and I said that he won’t,” Rhaze said. “Seems like they did win. After all, did you both not take a detour last night?”

I frowned. “That’s not fair. And how did you know that we were out last night?”

Rhaze smirked. “I said, Lyra. I keep an eye on you. I just noticed this. At least we know that there is something between you both.”

Then she began to laugh.

“What is it?” I snapped, folding my arms across my chest.

“Nothing,” she wheezed. “Ethan rejected you because you were weak, now you are claimed by one of the strongest in the universe. It’s so funny.”

I exasperated. “He did not claim me.”

“And I was born yesterday,” she snorted. “I can smell him all over you. He purposefully left his scent over you. If you did out, people will think that you have mated. Aries does have creative ways to show that you are his without even marking.”

“Born yesterday?” I wondered out. “So, what is the deal between you and the witch?”

Immediately the teasing expression on her face disappeared. Her laughter lines melted to a blank paper. Her eyes became guarded, and so did the bond she had with me.

“Nothing,” she said curtly. “Nothing between us.”

I rose my eyes. “And I was born yesterday.”

She shrugged. “Whatever.”

Then she handed me my phone before I could say anything else. “Aspen called. That’s why I even came.”

When I did not accept my phone, she threw it on the bed and left.

What was with her?

But I knew better. If I pushed her too far, she would take ten steps back. I had to let her go for now.

Sighing, I unlocked my phone to see Varian sending me a bunch of texts saying how I should be preparing him a funeral if Aries was to kill him. And that he wanted Casa Blanca flowers for his funeral.

I shook my head and saw that Aspen had sent me a text.

Ring park in East Tribe’s lands is pretty good. I have asked my friend permission for the entry of a few people. My friend happens to be the Tzade of the Tribe. I am bringing my sister. If Nash wants to meet her, bring him.

I blinked at seeing the message. It was indeed three days since we saw them and Aspen had kept her word.

I typed a ‘yes’ and hit send.

I glanced at the bathroom and contemplated taking a bath to get rid of his scent that was all over me. But something in me revolted against that idea and to be fair, I did like his scent over me.

Taking a deep breath, I left the confines of my room.

Out in the hall, Miguel was sitting next to a consoling Nash and Aislynn was watching them both. Kaina was in the kitchen cooking something, while Rhaze was perched up on the counter, eating an apple.

And from the water sound I heard, I knew Ant was taking a bath.

Upon my arrival, all the heads snapped towards me. While Miguel’s and Nash’s jaws dropped, Aislynn merely smirked. Kaina coughed a little and hummed a happy tune to herself.

“Welcome,” Aislynn said.

I frowned and took a seat opposite to her. “Where?”

Her smirk widened. “To the mated club, of course.”

By the Moon! These people thought we had mated. Did Aries leave a scent so strong on me? I was tempted to smell myself, but I resisted.

“I am not mated,” I said slowly.

Aislynn blinked at me. “You aren’t? But your scent tells me otherwise.”

I gritted my teeth. That male had not even kissed me properly, yet he leaves his scent like this? When I meet him next time, I would have a deep conversation with him.

“We did not,” I said.

Miguel gaped at me. “That’s Aries’ scent? I bet this is not the scent you smell. He did hide his scent while its on you. But still. You... you managed to get Aries to claim you. I know him and the others for so many years. And I have never seen anyone be romantically involved with anyone. They see so many of us beneath them and to be frank, we are. Only Pieces sometimes takes a lover. Other than her, no one even craves for a warm body. They are literally celibate. How did you manage to convince Aries of all? If other stars come to know this, do you know how many enemies you would have?”

That moment, the main door opened and two males entered. While one was had a pleased look on his face, other was looking at me as though I was his saviour.

“She will not have any enemies, Miguel,” Aries said, taking in a deep breath. “I will make sure of it.”

I was about to snap when his scent reached my nose. He had worn my scent on his skin with pride. To be honest, my scent on him was just as strong as his scent was on mine. Was this why they had assumed otherwise?

If he did like me, then why the hell did he run away? The memory of him walking away from me crept up and I was hurt again. I had no idea why even the thought of him walking away could hurt me so much while Ethan’s rejection had not.

I turned my head. I was being petty, but I could not help it. I could not even understand what I was feeling towards him. He did once tell me to think our emotions and only then we could grow. What could I do if I can’t even know what I am feeling, let alone think about them?

“Aspen called,” I said and that did get everyone’s attention. I turned to Nash. “She is bringing Mina to Ring Park in East Tribe. She asked if you want to go.”

Nash grinned as he shot up. “I would love to.”

With that, he raced up to his room to get ready.

Aislynn beamed. “I am coming. I want to see my son’s mate.”

Footsteps echoed behind me. I turned to see Ant who was drying her hair with a towel. Her hair that she had chopped off was now her shoulder length. She had a lazy smile on her face.

“I heard,” she said, throwing the towel on the sofa. “I will come to. I want to meet Mina and Aspen again.”

Aries gave her a sharp look. “You are not going out anywhere.”

“Who are you-” Ant stopped her sentence midway.

She then took a deep breath in. Her eyes widened and her face split into a smile. She literally squealed and jumped.

Then she gave me a suggestive look. “Who was the first to give in? And... oh By the Moon! I thought that the restrained one would be the most passionate lover. You were in this house, yet I heard no sound. Were pillows that effective?”

Pillows effective?

It took me a minute to get her statement and by that time, everyone else was smirking and turning their face away from me. My face burned. Was everyone’s aim to rub salt in my wound?

“What-” I began to protest.

“-we do have nothing to concern with you,” Aries said looking at the princess. “And whether I am a passionate lover or not, it is for Lyra to find out. Not anyone else.”

I gulped. I did not know whether to glare at him or blush. He could not do this to me. This was unfair.

I huffed and got up. I was well aware of his gaze on me. Ignoring that, I made my way to the kitchen where Kaina was trying to control her laughter upon seeing me. I went straight to the water can, filled a glass and drank.

Had a good night rest? He asked suddenly in my mind.

I nearly spat the water in my mouth. I glared at the poor water.

Very well, I said. So well that I could not wake up today morning.

Then why can I imagine you glaring at the water you have in your hand?

I stopped looking at my glass of water as though it was not my enemy.

You have great imagination power, Aries. Very great.

He chuckled. I can sense a very bad mood.

Wow! You can know what I feel, right? Then you should know.

Know what? He said, and even in my mind, I could feel his voice change from light to deep. That you wanted me next to you last night?

I hurriedly finished my water. “I will get ready to leave,” I said, raising my voice. “Those who wish to come, be ready in half-hour.”

I rushed to my room and locked it behind me. He freaking knew. That stupid star. That cockiness of him.

But to my surprise, I realised that his words had been nothing but a turn on for me. And sadly, I had no mate bond to blame on. It was all me.

My blood was roaring in my ears. For some reason, I wanted to go to the hall and kiss him senseless even if we had an audience. I wanted to shred the clothes-

Stop, he begged. Keep that up, I will barge in.

Stop peeping into my mind, I snapped as I went to the washroom.

I am not peeping, Lyra, he said. You are projecting your thoughts to me.

No way.

Yes, Aries said.

Whatever, I said, slipping off my dress. Then block me.

You are not someone I would block in my life, he said. And Lyra, I had to leave yesterday. If I had not, I would have ended, more than just marking you and you already have enough to deal with. I cannot drag you to the mess my life has.

He cut the link and I gasped.

And just like that, I was hot again. And this was definitely not the heat.

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

By the time I came out, Aislynn was in her blue jeans with a white crop top. Nash was in his black leather pants and jacket while Ant had chosen a peach hoodie with ripped jeans.

“Let’s go,” Aislynn said standing up.

I frowned and looked around. “Where are the others?”

“Who?” Ant asked with a teasing smile. “Your-”

“Ant!” I warned.

Then my sister laughed as she came out of her room. She came near and hugged me.

“Don’t worry too much,” she whispered in my ears. “Ant did a lot of grovelling for him to accept going out with you. Aries, Miguel and Varian had gone out to see any further information they could gather about Rionach’s daughter. They are meeting with Silas Verda.”

I blinked. A little information to me would help.

“Silas?” I asked. “How is his mate, Zahra?”

Ant quipped. “She is nice. Can we head out now?”

I pulled away from my sister and turned to see the young royal. “What is it?”

Kaina who came inside with a bucket of clothes grinned. “This is like her last outing. Aries has put strict rules about her going out. And she can go out only after she takes my concoction.”

Ant nodded and waved at the witch. “I have already taken it. Let’s go.”

I shook my head. “I will speak to Aries about this.”

Antlia grinned at me. “Yep. That’s an amazing idea. You will be the one person he would agree to do anything. Please convince him. Use any method.”

I gave her a withering glare. This was getting out of hand.

Before I could take the keys that Varian had left on the dining table, Aislynn snatched it. She twirled it.

“I am driving today,” she said, walking towards the garage. “You might be tired, Lyra.”

I was going to kill everyone. Every single one of them.

Without saying a word, I followed her, while Nash and Ant laughed behind me at my misery. I really wanted to see what they would do if they had to take a cold shower. I could not wait for that day. And judging Mina, I knew Nash would be sleeping on the couch outside many times if their mating was a success.

Aspen had indeed told me how Mina could be irritated easily, and knowing Nash, his aim was to irritate others.

I waited outside the house and took a deep breath. Nash and Ant were discussing songs as they waited beside me.

The sun was indeed bright today, shining through its veil. Birds of different feathers lit the canvas above. And for some reason, my heart thrashed in my cage. I felt restless and it was then I realised that what I had been feeling from the morning was not all because of Aries.

I gave Ant a sideways look to see her wearing headphones. Before I could open my mouth, Aislynn came up with the car and honked at us.

Nash rushed in and took the seat next to his mother. Sighing, Ant and I got behind and sat down.

“Do you know the location?” I asked Aislynn.

She nodded. “I saw it on the maps while you were getting ready. And I have gone to Ring Park about a hundred years ago. I remember something.”

I hummed and fidgetted with my phone. I bit the insides of my cheeks and pushed my mind wide and afar.

Was I like this because Aries was so far away? Or was my intuition telling me something?

And to my surprise, I could feel a thread linking me and Aries. Had we always been linked or did this just appear out of the blue?

A-Aries, I called out hesitantly.

Yes? His reply came immediately.

What had I called him for? What was that I wanted to tell?

I... I feel that something bad is going to happen, I said.

What?

I felt stupid. I did not know the first thing about relationships and what was I doing?

Nothing, I said. Forget it.

It is not nothing, he said. I want you to inform me if anything goes amiss. Or text Miguel or Varian. We are going to the Sacred Library to see anything further about Rionach. Our link may be paused while we are in there. Text either of them. Varian will have his phone out.

Okay, I said.

Don’t worry, he said.

With that, our link became blank.

I took in a deep breath and rolled the windows down. The winds that passed me, paused to whisper a well-guarded secret of theirs in their language. As much as I did not understand, I listened to the elegy they were singing.

Before I knew, Aislynn stopped the car and turned. “That’s it. We are here!”

I peeked out to see a park in front of us. It was quite a faraway place from the main city. Some cars were parked in the parking lot and I could see many Magycs in there.

Some witches were having a casting contest and whom I presumed as their mates, were sitting on the sidelines and were betting who would win. From what I could see only two children were there and they were playing on the slides.

Smiling, I got down after Ant. I pressed the unlock button to see the time. And to my surprise, it was a one and a half hour journey. This place was quite far away.

As we were stretching, Aislynn went ahead to park the silver sedan.

After she came with a parking ticket, I called Aspen.

"Hello?” she said picking the phone in the second ring.

“I am here,” I said. “In the park. Where are you?”

“In the east sector,” she replied.

“Okay. We will be there,” I said and saw Ant removing her headphones and Nash logging off the game he had been playing.

Before I could cut the call, she said, “Your pack members, Brent and Andrew are here.”

What the hell were they doing here? I never shared the location with them.

“What?” I asked.

“They came for fresh air,” Aspen said. “Seeing us, they stopped. Apparently, Brent and Jed are friends.”

Brent and Jed were friends? When did this happen?

“Jed gave them the location,” Aspen said. “I had no idea.”

I could not blame this female.

Through the phone, I could hear Mina grumble.

I sighed. “It’s okay. Let’s see. We are here for Mina and Nash. And Nash’s mother is here with us.”

Aislynn gave me a long look and I waved my hand at her.

“I thought he had no parents,” the ex-alpha said.

“His mother,” I stressed. “Is here.”

“Okay,” she said. “I do want to meet her.”

I cut the call and shrugged. “They are in the East Sector. Let’s go.”

I was pretty sure my three companions heard the full conversation, yet I could not help but say it to them.

“Brent and Andrew are here?” Ant groaned. “I dunno why. I hate that Andrew guy.”

Nash rose his hand. “Same!”

I shook my head and allowed Aislynn to lead. “He was my good friend. I cannot judge him based on what his mate has done.”

Ant snorted. “That guy wanted to claim you.”

I pursed my lips and walked ahead. Some people were just impossible.

*********

Before Aislynn and I could enter the clearing, Mina shot up from her chair and rushed past us. And to no one’s surprise, Nash ran towards her and they caught each other.

Aspen was sitting on a chair, sipping green tea. A few tables away, Brent and Jed were talking about some sports. Andrew was gazing at the tree above like he did not belong here. I could see the scars Brent said he had.

Shifters or werewolves healed fast, but that healing could be made slow by various means. And one glance at the scar that ran down Andrew’s arm, I knew that bastard wanted to die.

I did want to go and comfort him, but what he had told me hurt. Had he been my friend, he would have understood. He would not have called me a whore.

He might have mate problems and so did I. One delusional Alpha was chasing me to breed for him. As if. As if I would allow anyone else to touch me. As if Aries would let anyone else touch me.

I did not know where I got that thought from, but for some reason, it comforted me.

I took my seat next to Aspen as Aislynn too hers next to mine. Ant took the last seat of that table, while Nash and Mina went and took another table.

“Aspen Ruiz,” Aislynn said. “I am Aislynn Fall. Nash’s mother.”

Aspen gave her a wry smile. “A shifter, I presume. Like Miguel?”

Aislynn grinned. “So Miguel told you?”

Aspen’s face lost colour. “Showed me, more likely.”

Varian’s mate helped herself with a cup of tea that was laid before us. “Like... his fire?”

Aspen shrugged. “I did not believe him at first. So yeah, he did.”

Aislynn sipped her tea. “Perfect tea. And yes. I am a shifter.”

Aspen nodded. “I brewed tea. Thank you for your honesty.”

Ant and I looked at each other. She motioned the tea with her eyes and I shook my head. I hated green tea. Black tea was something I could drink, but definitely not green tea.

And just like that, we both came to a conclusion. No matter how good the tea was, we both were not going to drink it.

Both the female began to talk and to be honest, Ant and I were bored, but we did listen to the conversation. They spoke about Nash and Mina and the future and who would join whose pack.

I frowned. Even if I gave Varian beta title, Mina still ranked higher. Nash would be the one to go to that pack and I was not ready to part with any of my pack members.

As I was playing with the ends of the top I wore, I heard a sound. Sound of footsteps. At least twenty were approaching us. From all directions.

My eyes met Ant’s and she frowned before she heard them too.

“Aspen,” I said, getting up. Ant followed me. “Are you expecting anyone?”

Aspen shook her head and opened her mouth, only to close it when she heard the noise. She shot up from her chair. “What is that sound?”

Aislynn got up, but she immediately went towards Nash and Mina who were frozen. Brent and Jed came close towards us. I could not help myself when I pulled Ant behind me.

Aries! I screamed in the link, but it was dead from his side. I did not have time to text Varian as the footsteps approached us faster. I unlocked it as fast as I could and I could find Miguel’s name before Varian.

Trapped! Ambush! Was all I could text and hit send to Miguel before a warlock walked towards us.

Rhaze! I called my sister.

Lyra? Her voice came panicked.

We are ambushed. Call for help.

I cut the link between us. No matter what happened here, I was not going to let anyone hurt any of my pack members.

I growled in my throat as Aspen snarled. There was something more primal that woke up when I wanted to protect what was mine.

Andrew walked forwards and greeted the warlock. “You came as requested.”

“East Tribe and West Pack have good connections,” the warlock replied before winking at me. His blond hair reflecting the sunlight. “This female does look exquisite. No wonder the Alpha wants her in his bed.”

“Andrew?” I called. “What is the meaning of this?”

“Alpha Ethan gave me an ultimatum, Lyra,” Andrew said. “If I were to show your location to him, he would let Nira go.”

Brent-to my surprise, snarled. “I should have let you die yesterday.”

Andrew gave a cold laugh. “You can’t escape anywhere. You are all locked here. About fifty Magycs surround us.”

Aspen smirked. “This warlock. You hold no rank in your tribe. You may be a part of East Tribe, but you hold no rank. If your Zayin was to know-”

“He ordered us,” the warlock snapped.

Aspen gave her Beta a disgusted glare. “Only if you could have kept your mouth shut.”

Jed lowered his head, but he growled all the same.

Brent hissed. “It’s my fault. I should have known.”

The blond warlock shrugged. “Lyra, if you come with us, we will let your friends go.”

He did not address me with my title and that pissed me off. But I had to be calm.

I contemplated. More than my life, Ant’s mattered more. No one could know her heritage. No one. At least until she was of age.

Before I could reply, Brent came in front of me. “For that, you will have to go through me.”

“If that’s your wish,” the warlock said as he rose his hands with green sparks twirling in his fingertips.

Andrew came forward. “Brent. Think for once. Do you think that Alpha is going to help you in any way? She is just another slut. Sleep with her, maybe then she might consider you.”

Aislynn growled at him.

Andrew frowned at her. “Who the fuck are you?”

She gave him a sadistic grin. “Someone you should not have messed with.”

Andrew snorted. “Says, everyone.”

Before that warlock could strike, Brent shifted into his grey wolf. He growled at Andrew.

Andrew turned to the warlock. “They don’t like the peaceful way. Do it the hard way.”

As the Magycs closed on us, I glanced at Aspen. “Leave. This is not your fight.”

Aspen gave me a grin that would have made winter shiver. “Not mine? We are a family now, Lyra. My sister is Nash’s mate. Someone of your pack. Not to mention it is because of Jed that we are caught. This is mine as much as it is yours. And true females don’t abandon other females in times of need. We stick together.”

If I had not liked her before, I definitely did now.

The Magycs began to attack us. From all directions. While some had weapons, some preferred their magic to be their defence.

Brent growled and let at Andrew who shifted in the last second. Nash and Mina shred their human skin and adopted their wolf. Aislynn was the only one who was able to hold against the Magycs to their equal.

She was not a mere werewolf and her speed and strength were equal to a Magyc. Seeing her, the blond warlock made his way towards her, but she managed to morph her hand into a paw of a tiger and pull his trachea out, letting him die.

When Andrew saw this, he gasped at her and Brent used that momentary distraction to have Andrew by his neck.

Aspen shifted next to me and took on a few Magycs herself, while Jed defended us from behind.

My prime aim was to protect Ant and that was what I was doing. While Ant could fight, I was not willing to take any chances.

And those who came near me was found dead. I did not hold back. All my training sessions finally had a purpose.

To my surprise, my power had indeed increased. With a little more training, I was sure, I could take these people down. After all, I was an Alpha. Or by what Mizar said, I am was not a creature of Earth.

Chaos ruled.

Blood splattered.

Death came.

Only when something sharp raced through my heart, did I stop fighting.

Everything paused when Mina screamed. Everything.

Nash had a huge gash running down his shoulder up to where his heart would be. By my little knowledge of anatomy, I knew his heart must have been involved for me to feel the pain.

Aislynn rushed towards her son.

More Magycs were coming and I found that I did not have any more fight let in me. I had promised myself that I would not go to war. I had lost my father and my best friend. I was not ready to lose another one close to my heart.

But seeing Nash gasping for air, I lost it. Who was I kidding?

The fight continued, but Aspen and Aislynn were forced to defend Mina and Nash. Mina stopped her fighting and dropped next to her mate.

While Jed and Brent were indeed trying to protect me and Ant, they simply could not. So many Magycs came and a witch was healing Andrew.

Never had I felt hatred so raw as I felt for Andrew.

Just as I was about to attack a witch who came near me, something stuck my back.

A sharp cry left my lips as the Magycs separated me and Ant from the rest of us.

My eyes began to droop and my mind began to shut. That witch had used a drug that would shut down my brain.

In the last seconds of my consciousness, I saw felt them throw me and Ant into a truck.

And before I could lose my conscience and the door could close, I saw Aislynn calling her second skin.

A falcon took the place once where Aislynn once stood. And it flew as fast as it could with a high-pitched cry leaving its beak.

The Magycs who saw that were stunned and they did recover from it to flee.

I will bring help, Lyra, Aislynn swore.

But I did not have an ounce of energy left to reply to her.

The last thing I heard before darkness claim me was Ant’s moans of pain.

These bastards would regret touching her.

A/N: What do you think of this chapter?

Any idea what would happen to Nash and Mina? About Aries, Miguel and Varian?

Would Aislynn get help?

Any comments on Brent, Jed and Aspen?

Theories are welcome!

~Quill