United. (Book 5 of the Lupus Antiqua Series)

Clara, Lara, and Atrania sit in their salt circle where they've been spending most of their time since they arrived at the war college. Most people don't even know their actual names, merely referring to them as, 'the sisters.'

It's an easy thing to do, think of them as some sort of sentient spyglass but they are all women, individual, feeling people. Their gifts more of a curse than a blessing.

But in times such as these, it happens to be coming in handy. Atrania's rhythmic swaying increases in tempo as Lara's subsides. Since arriving here, their collective eye has been focused in one place, and one place only. The Nephilim Queen. Cadee Conway. They take the seeing in shifts, two supporting while one watches.

Now it is Atrania's turn to look.

**

Cadee

She's standing at the window when she feels the room grow cold.

“Hey, Vairos.” She murmurs. He walks over to stand next to her.

“Cadee.” He acknowledges. She tears her gaze from the window to meet his. His eyes are entirely black, and he's handsome in a Romanesque sort of way. He has long jet black hair and radiates power. Then again, since meeting Ramaah, her concept of power has broadened somewhat.

“They aren’t going to leave are they?” she asks.

“No. And they grow increasingly more agitated as you do.”

“What do you mean?”

“What do you know of Nephilim, Cadee?”

“Not much.”

“Truly? With a destiny such as yours, you never wondered?”

“Honestly, I’ve been desperately hoping my fate was someone else’s, and everyone was just confused.” She shrugs. “Silly I know.”

“I suppose. I understand it.” His eyes go distant. She knows he's thinking of Yekaterina, Aunt Joy’s Aunt. That nostalgic longing expression is one he wears often.

“Vairos, what did you mean they grow more agitated as I do?”

“Your bond with Ramaah is more than just prophecy. You are his destined mate, and would be powerful in your own right if you chose to embrace your gifts. He is linked to all of the other Nephilim, as such; so are you. They feel your emotions, just as he does.”

“All of them?” She whispers.

“All of them.” Her eyes widen.

“But, my mom and dad are mates, and they can’t do that.”

“I never said it was normal. As far as anyone knows you are the first to be born as a Nephilim’s mate. No one knows what will be different.” She nods. He looks down at her. “Have you met Yekaterina?”

“Yes, when she was at the Society teaching Joy how to fight.”

“Did you learn as well?”

“Only a little.” Cadee pauses. “She talked about you.”

“Oh?” His face and body language scream disinterest, but Cadee knows better. She knows their story. “Yes. Just thought you’d want to know.” Vairos looks down at her and smirks.

“You’re cheeky.” He ruffles her hair affectionately, and she makes a face at him. She’s been often to this castle to visit the Prince; especially since her father is his Enforcer.

She wouldn’t say she's close to Vairos, but they have a fondness for each other. She looks out the window again sighing. All of them are still out there, but rather than staring they are milling around speaking to each other.

Cadee makes her way to the front door and pops in her headphones, turning on the music high blast; not even wincing when the heavy metal blares through the earbuds.

She moves out the front of the castle and makes her way to the courtyard, aware of the Nephilim following her. She ignores them, trying to focus. They all seem to realize this because none of them approach more than two feet from her.

“My Queen. What are you doing?”

“Asmodeus. I was wondering where you’d gone.” She murmurs. “And to answer your question, I’m taking a walk to clear my head.”

“I was attending Ramaah. He needed to lay low for a time.”

“Where did you take him?” She asks softly, concern overtaking her sense of betrayal. He’d been in horrific shape.

“Your home.” She turns to look at him, eyes wide. The other Nephilim have drawn nearer, and she smiles at them. Most of them nod in return; a few even wave.

“My home? In America?”

“Yes.”

“Why there?” She's genuinely confused.

“It is the only place I know of that has enough of your energy to be of comfort to him.” She studies his face for a moment and then she realizes what's causing the guilt on his face.

“You put him in my bedroom?”

“Yes.”

“And then left him there?”

“Well, there’s been an issue.”

“What issue?”

“He doesn’t know how to use anything. The last time he was free most of the things you have weren’t even possible.”

“So show him.”

“I cannot.”

“Why?”

“Well, I am... male.”

“Okay?” She draws out the a in okay.

“He is a bit of an alpha personality.”

“Maybe you could show me?” Asmodeus nods and opens his mind to her. She watches as Asmodeus attempts to help a prideful, snarling Ramaah. It doesn't go well. “You think I’ll have more luck?”

“I know you will. I realize your feelings are mixed on him, but please help him. None of us can, and no one else would care.” She feels sadness at how alone he must feel. She shakes her head.

“Okay. Let me tell my parents.” He nods, and there's a murmured approval through the crowd of Nephilim.

Telling her parents is easier than she thought it would be. They accept it without much fuss though they're both worried about her.

An outsider might believe that they're all taking this too well. But this event has been a long time in coming. They've all been expecting it. She changes her clothes quickly, into a pair of jeans and a comfortable sleeveless shirt, and she's ready to go.

She recovered from the teleportation quickly and stands up, taking a deep breath, finding comfort in the familiar scents of her home.

Everything looks the same, but nothing feels the same. He's upstairs, and he most likely knows she’s arrived. There's no point in delaying anything. She climbs the steps and makes her way to her bedroom. She wonders if she should knock, but thinks better of it.

**

Atrania blinks rapidly as she comes out of the vision. Ramaah is right here in the states. But even in his diminished state, he is still far too powerful to try and take on.

Still, the high council is wise, and they would not be defending humanity if there were not valid reason for it. Still, she cant help but feel for Cadee. A lamb in the sights of a wolf.