Skye POV
He was the comfort I desperately needed when I felt disoriented and adrift. I was genuinely grateful for Chaos, grateful that he listened to me and made an effort to remain composed and understanding.
Being honest, when I first sensed him as my mate, although I could detect a sweet and caring personality hidden within him, I had feared he might be harsh, especially considering the circumstances he came from.
When we were ready, we knocked on Colson's door, and he came back into our room. He took a moment to scrutinize me, his gaze lingering, before asking, "How are you doing, kid?"
"The best I can right now." I admitted. Then, I glanced at Chaos, deciding it was best to be open and honest with Colson. I trusted him, after all, as I had brought him from a completely different world to assist us.
"Do you want me to explain what you learned?" Chaos offered.
"No, it's okay. I can," I said, taking the time to narrate the entire experience. Colson's eyes darted back and forth between me and Chaos, absorbing all the information.
"So, he really is a supercharged furball, not just a Lycan but one with powers. Well, I guess I'm not surprised, considering that's the definition of your entire family, kid," Colson remarked, glancing at Chaos once again.
"So, in other words," Colson said, his voice filled with urgency, "many crave the power that your kind, Skye, has protected for so long. And now, Chaos here is the vessel for that very power."
I could feel the weight of the situation settling in as I admitted, "I don't fully understand everything, but I know my duty is to keep Chaos safe."
Colson's smirk was visible on his face as he reached for the map, his fingers brushing against the crisp paper. He handed it to me along with a pen, their coolness contrasting with the warmth of his hand.
"Then we will fulfill that duty," he declared, the determination evident in his voice. "Vampire bodyguard at your service."
Grateful for his support, I looked into his eyes and said, "Thank you.”
I carefully traced the locations on the map in my mind, marking them with precision. As I presented my work to Chaos and Colson, a sense of accomplishment filled me. "A unicorn's memory does come in handy," Colson remarked, prompting a small smile from me.
"Now, I hate to add to the stress, but we should sneak out during the late hours. Since it's a new day now, I suggest leaving when most people have turned in. But don't worry, I'll keep an eye on things for us," Colson admitted, his voice reassuring.
"I am apparently the final key, but we'll need the others. The challenge will be gathering all of them," I said, contemplating the task ahead.
"If we had a dragon, it might be easier. You know, your uncle keeps some warriors here to guard the old kingdom, which houses many dragon relics. If we can somehow gain access to the fire dragon kingdom, we could receive aid. Though we must remain cautious. We also need to find a way to alert your family. The dragons may come to Jade's aid as well," Colson explained, laying out our potential options.
"The kingdom is a two-day journey on foot, but it's protected by a strong barrier. Even on foot, it will be difficult to get their attention," I warned, recalling my earlier knowledge of the barrier.
"Yes, it's challenging on foot, but you can fly, Skye. The dragon warriors know you. I know it's risky, but if you shift and they catch sight of you, they're bound to come out. I'm sure they're already monitoring the situation with Jade's kingdom under attack," Colson pointed out, weighing the risks and benefits.
"Have you seen her unicorn yet?" Colson inquired, turning to Chaos.
"No," Chaos admitted, curious.
"Well, you're in for a surprise. Unlike looking like a giant walking rat, no offense, she actually looks magical. And not just that, she takes after her adopted mom with a special skill," Colson began, causing me to shake my head, my cheeks turning red.
"What skill?" Chaos asked, his eyes fixed on me, a mischievous smirk forming on his face.
"It's not special," I muttered, letting out a sigh. "I get easily exhausted in that form. I just need better control. But when I get tired, my unicorn shrinks into a baby size," I mumbled, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"Trust me, it's cute. She may be embarrassed by it, but it's cute," Colson laughed, attempting to lighten the mood. I knew Colson well enough to understand that he was just trying to bring some levity to the situation.
"What do you mean by baby size?" Chaos asked, his smirk growing, as he observed me.
"You can hold her unicorn in your arms. Her mother, Rain, has a terrifying dragon form, but she also has a small dragon form as well," Colson explained, revealing yet another family secret.
"You really just want to share all the family secrets, don't you?" I playfully said to him.
"I'm just messing with you, kid. But hey, it got you to smile," he said with a chuckle.
My head throbbed slightly, a familiar sensation when I was stressed. Excusing myself to the bathroom, I closed the door behind me. "Skye, are you okay alone?" Chaos's voice echoed through the door.
"Mate is trying his best to comfort us," Nyx chimed in happily.
"Yes, just a little headache. I'll be out in a minute," I replied, knowing that splashing cold water on my face might help. I turned on the faucet, feeling the cool water cascade over my skin as I looked into the mirror. To my surprise, my horn was glowing, and as I stared, my headache intensified.
"Something's wrong, Nyx," I muttered.
"The key connected to us. They found one, and it's calling to us," Nyx explained. I grabbed hold of the counter, feeling as if my body was being pulled away. "Whoever has it knows we're connected, Skye. They're using the key to call us, to get us. I can feel it," Nyx said with concern. My horn started to burn on my head. "It's the key in the woods. It's close by, Skye. Warn Mate fast before we disappear," Nyx pleaded in my mind.
"Disappear," I muttered aloud, but I understood that I had no control over this damn power, and I was about to be teleported to the key. I ran to the bathroom door and flung it open, the pain in my head intensifying. Both Chaos and Colson were startled. "Key, the first key. It's calling," was all I managed to say before I felt myself being ripped away. "No, Nyx, stop it," I pleaded, but it was too late. As I blinked my eyes, I found myself in a completely new place.
"Find her. She's in this cave somewhere," a familiar voice, Rook's voice, filled the cave.
"Skye," Chaos's voice filled my mind, bringing me some calm. Hearing him through the link, even in this strange place, reassured me.
"Chaos, my power..." I started explaining through the link, but his voice interrupted my thoughts.
"I understand. I know you had no control. But I'm going to find you. Where are you?" his voice reassured me.
"Cave, I think. With the key. It was calling me. I hear Rook," I explained to him.
"Okay, Skye. I need you to focus on hiding for me. Keep our link open if possible. I may not be next to you, but we are still connected, and I promise I'm not letting anything happen to you," he reassured me. As I looked around, I spotted a small crack in the cave wall, big enough for me to hide in, but not for Rook.
I moved cautiously, my heart pounding in my chest, as I ventured deeper into the darkness. The musty smell of damp earth filled my nostrils, and the sound of my own breath echoed in the narrow crack. "I'm hidden," I whispered to Chaos through our telepathic link.
"Okay, Skye," Chaos reassured me, his voice soothing in my mind. "I know you're capable of fighting, but for now, I need you to stay hidden. If you're near the first key, it'll take me a few days in my Lycan form to reach you, but we'll try to get to you faster."
Fear gripped me as I realized the enormity of the situation. I had foolishly believed I could handle everything on my own when I first embarked on this journey, but now I knew I was wrong. "I'll stay hidden," I promised Chaos, my voice trembling through the link.
"Skye, I understand it's difficult for you," Chaos responded, his words gentle but urgent. "But I need you to focus on your powers while we make our way towards you. Try to guide us to your location, or perhaps summon someone else you trust."
"I'll keep trying," I assured him.
"Stay connected with me, Skye," Chaos urged me, his voice filled with concern. "I won't shut you out of my mind. I can sense your fear, and I share it. Seeing you vanish like that drove me wild. But we will overcome this, I promise you."
My voice trembled as I spoke my next words through our telepathic link, tears welling up in my eyes. "Chaos, I love you," I confessed, my voice filled with vulnerability.
"I love you too, Skye," Chaos responded, his voice filled with sincerity. "I have loved you from the moment our eyes first met. But you stole my heart even more by showing me kindness, something I had not felt in a long time. You accepted me even before realizing we were destined to be mates. The vampire will help me find you. Keep me informed about everything that happens, tell me how you're feeling. Just keep talking to me. I never want you to feel alone, because from now on, we are always together. Do you understand?"
Tears streamed down my face, but I remained silent, not wanting to give away my hiding place. I ventured further into the crack, finding a small space to sit. I pressed myself against the cold rock wall, hugging my knees tightly. I knew I was strong enough to fight, but Chaos was right. I couldn't risk myself recklessly. I needed to be smart, considering the unknown number of allies Rook had and the tricks he might have up his sleeves.
"Skye, I know you are here," Rook's voice echoed through the cave. "Hiding won't help you. I will find you," he continued. The sound of dripping water echoed in the distance, creating an eerie ambiance.
"The key has now shown itself, confirming your presence, little unicorn," Rook taunted. "And now it will lead me to where you're hiding." Confusion filled my mind as I tried to comprehend his words.
"He has the key, Chaos. Rook has the Key," I urgently warned Chaos through our link.
"Okay, Skye. We will get it from him," Chaos responded. "Colson and I have made it out of the village. We are making our way to you. Your mark is lighting up on my wrist. Do you know why?"
"I'm afraid I don't know much about my mark, nor does Nyx," I admitted through our link.
"That's OK, Skye. Just keep talking to me, keep this connection. I need to know you're OK to stay calm. I won't let you down," Chaos responded, his voice soothing and comforting through our link.
"Nyx, we have to get them here. We need to connect to the power within us. You have to help me," I pleaded with her, desperation evident in my voice.
"Boss, she is in here," I heard Malachi's voice, slightly muffled, as a beam of light shone through a crack in the wall. I pressed my hand against the wall, feeling the rough texture against my palm, and focused on my earth power. Rocks started to crumble and fall trapping me in.
"Dig her out and restrain her. Keep a watch for the lycan as well. It is clear he is more valuable than we believed. I want both of them," Rook's voice echoed.
"Yes, boss," Talon responded, his voice filled with obedience. They knew Chaos was special, and I had to protect him at all costs. My mother's warning echoed in my mind, urging me to fulfill my destiny.
"Nyx, we must get control. We have to focus. We must bring our mate and Colson to us and stick together to protect each other," I said to her, determination coursing through my veins. I could sense Chaos doing everything he could to keep me calm and come to me. I had to match his strength and remain composed.
"We can do this, Nyx," I said, closing my eyes, blocking out the world around me. Even though I was sealed within the wall, now trapped in the cave with Rook, I knew I was closer to the key. I would find a way to bring Chaos and Colson to me, safely.