The Mystic Academy

Chapter 5

*Night Urania Was Taken*

(Urania's POV)

The pain radiated through my body as I begged the moon goddess to save me. I wasn't sure how long I had been trapped in this dark hole but I knew I wanted to escape. Why was I so weak? Better question, why wasn't I dead yet? Life has never worked in my favor before, always struggling in ways no one else had to experience. A whirlwind of failures and mistakes. I was nothing more than a flaw within the kingdom and now I would be lucky if anyone came for me.

The darkness was blocking my vision, as if a dark curtain was draped over me. This is when I wished I was more like others, normally I didn't mind being different. I didn't mind being the outcast, the unwanted. I was alright being alone, I was fine caring for everyone else around me as I got nothing but negativity in return. I only wished to be able to see and hear like them for once, to be able to save myself from a place unknown to me.

My hearing wasn't much better. I could hear the dripping of liquid that I prayed was only water and not blood. Urania, don't think that way, stay positive. I heard a slight pitter batter that may be a small animal or another person scraping against a wall. I couldn't smell anyone's scent, the musty, moldy smell stopping me from being able to identify any other smell.

I sneezed, trying to be as silent as I could, not wanting anyone to know I was awake yet. The rusty chains shackled to my neck and ankles, rattled from my movement. I slightly cursed within my mind, hating my weak body for the umpteenth time in my life. I finally thought I could accept myself but only being in ratty living conditions for a few hours and I was already developing a sickness. My siblings never got sick like me, no one I knew did. So why did I?

"Looks like the little bug is awake. I hope my men didn't hurt you to much." A deep, scratchy voice spoke within the darkness. I could see a blurred dark image of his silhouette, he seemed tall and intimidating to my small frame.

"Why are you doing this mister? Are you that unhappy with your life? The Goddess would not approve of your actions. I can help you, I can show you the light of your world and bring you back to reality. The pain you feel is consuming you, its slowly taking over your mind. Do you not feel the control you are feeding it?" I asked softly, his emotions overwhelming my every thought. I wanted to rip these shackles off, run towards him and take his pain away from him. I wanted him to feel the love the world and the Moon Goddess had to offer him. His life wasn't over.

"STAY OUT OF MY f*****g HEAD!" The man shouted in frustration, demanding me with his every word. He must have power behind him, a previous alpha or ruler maybe. I wasn't sure what his breed was because of how far away from me he was. With me making him angry, he stormed out of the room, not giving me any answers as to why he had stolen me out of my bed and from my family.

Goddess, please allow him to see reason soon. I need to survive this.

*One Year of Captivity*

The man I called mister, walked into my cell. I looked up at him, my body aching as I even moved in the slightest. "You are fourteen today, I will take you for a walk in the forest for your birthday."

"No thank you mister." I told him dismissively as I lied my head back down on the wet blanket beneath me. The damp cell soaked the blanket by the end of the week, but mister did change it once a week and he fed me three meals a day, though I only ate one. He didn't have the medications I needed which was one of the reasons my body was progressively worsening with everyday that passed. I wasn't sure I was going to make it much longer. Another reason was because of the living conditions, I had colds and infections occurring one after another. I couldn't catch a break. Going outside sounded like a blessing, feeling the sun on my skin, the heat against my body and the grass between my toes.

"You need to get out of this cell for a bit little bug." The man said softly. See, I found out why I was taken. His daughter was killed by his own mate, he went mad and killed her in his rage. He didn't regret killing his mate but the pain of losing his pup and then mate had caused this dark cloud to blind his mind. I looked like his daughter, she was a human and grew smaller than most. She had golden hair like it was dipped within a gold coating, like mine. She had ocean blue eyes that shined almost completely white, like mine. She even had a white pupil like mine, I had never met someone with the same eye condition as myself. He found comfort in having me around, but I could feel his grievance growing as he watched me slowly deteriorate in front of his eyes. "Please little bug."

His begging broke my heart as I forced myself to stand. If a walk in the woods if what he wishes for, I will abide. "Alright mister."

He walked towards me, sighing because I called him mister again instead of daddy but I needed him to differentiate reality and fiction. I wasn't his daughter, though I didn't mind spending time with this man. I even considered him my friend, one I would sacrifice many things for, despite what he has put me through. I just prayed my family was well. He unlocked my shackles, trying to be as gentle as possible as he rubbed the red rings my fair skin was developing.

"Are you alright?" He asked softly, taking me within his arms. I wrapped my arms back around him, knowing how much he need this right now. His warm tears hit my shoulder before I pulled him back slightly. I took my tiny thumb, reaching up on my tippy toes as I wiped his tears away gently.

"She loves you. You were the best daddy she could ever have. She will be beside you until its time to be reunited. You are her hero." I whispered the words he needed to hear. I felt his emotions calming. He took a deep breath before taking my small hand within his and walking me out of the cellar. We walked up twenty stairs before I couldn't move any further. My body was on fire and my legs were jelly. I knew, my days were numbered and I only prayed I broke through his terrorizing cloud of guilt and rage before I left this world. I wanted him to realize his daughter doesn't blame him, he did nothing wrong and it was time to move on. "I can't."

The man whipped around, staring at me with concern. His tall six foot seven frame dipped down, scooping me into his arms. I felt his muscles hold me snug against his body as my tiny three foot body looked like a doll against him. "It's alright. We will go see the forest now little bug."

Another thirty steps at least before I felt the moon shine down on me. It seemed it wasn't day time like I thought. I wonder if I have my days and nights mixed up, didn't I just wake up? I stared at the moon, basking in the energy from our Moon Goddess. Her loving eyes were shining down on me and I couldn't thank her more for letting me save this man before I had to leave this world and stand beside her, giving my life purpose.

"Breathtaking." I breathed out, as I stared up at the moon and stars. I could be content doing this for hours.

"Do you like it little bug?" He asked softly, staring at me lovingly.

"Yes mister. Thank you for the best birthday present I could ask for and thank you for spending my birthday with me." I told him sincerely. I would always be here for him, just like his daughter. By his side to guide him even when I leave.

"Let's get you bathed and fed. Please try to eat tonight. I think I have one more gift for you, let's try keeping your shackles off tonight. Just remember never to wander or leave without me." He said lovingly. I nodded obediently, there was no way my weak body would be able to leave anyways. Plus, I needed to help him.

*Two Years of Captivity*

"Good Morning Nia. How did you sleep?" The man who finally told me his name, Joel, spoke to me sweetly. Today was the first day he used my real name. I looked at him in shock, wondering if we were finally making a break through. "Today is your birthday, I thought I could take you to the beach and then I will show you to your new room."

"That sounds nice Joel, thank you. I would that for my birthday." I told him softly, realizing I was getting closer to healing his soul. Soon Moon Goddess and then I will be ready to meet you, I thought happily.

Joel came over to me, helping me off the bed. I limped over to the toilet, relieving myself. "I'm done." I told Joel as soon as I finished. Joel came in to wipe me and then change me into a swim suit. He bought a rainbow two piece swim suit that showed about an inch of my stomach. After I was changed, Joel scooped me into his arms to carry me out of the cellar.

"We are going to take the car this time." Joel said in excitement. I smiled at his happiness, as I leaned my tired head on his shoulder. "Are you tired? You just woke up little bug."

"No, I am fine Joel. Thank you for asking." I told him softly. I was tired, I was always tired even after sleeping all night. Just going the bathroom made me ready for a nap. I could barely walk on my own anymore. If I moved wrong, my bones would fracture themselves. I was so used to the pain now that I just ignored every time it happened. I didn't need to worry Joel, as I knew my death was going to be hard on him. Joel placed me into the car before buckling me in. I watched him walk over to the driver seat and I leaned my head against the window. The cooling sensation bringing down my fever. I had the flu again, something that seemed to reappear every few months.

"I cannot believe you are already fifteen years old. Where has the time gone? You are so tiny too, no one believes your older than ten or eleven years old. I am just so happy we get all this time together. I remember when you were just three..." Joel babbled on before I decided to cut him off.

"Joel, Ariana loved you dearly, she cherishes every moment she had with you and doesn't blame you for her death. You are with me Joel, Nia. Your friend and family but not your daughter." I told him softly, giving him loving words while slowly letting him down about the fantasy he was starting to produce.

"I know my dear Nia, I just mixed up my words. Let's go." He said dejectedly as he opened the door and walked around to carry me out of the car. I held onto him, snuggling close. The warmth help calm his emotions and the turmoil spiraling through his mind. His mind likes to play tricks on him and I think it has something to do with how closely his daughter and I look.

As we approached the beach, Joel gently set me in the sand. The hot sand warmed my skin, as I sighed in appreciation. I closed my eyes, letting my senses adjust and soaking up all the last moments I would experience. The sun heated my skin, as I scented the salty water with my nose and tongue. It was as if the salt was floating around in the air, entrapping me in the enjoyable moment that would land in one of my top ten favorites.

"Thank you Joel." I said softly, not opening my eyes. I could feel his presence back beside me. It seemed this time with him has improved my senses, a little to late.