Skye POV
The walk through the dense forest felt never-ending, each step taking us deeper into the unknown. Despite the overwhelming effects of the poison coursing through my veins, being wrapped in Chaos's strong arms provided some solace. As the poison tightened its grip, I could feel the tingling numbness spreading, but the warmth of his touch dulled the pain. "Just a little longer, Skye," Chaos whispered, his voice a gentle reassurance.
"We're almost to the village. If the area is safe, we'll seek shelter at Jade's place. He keeps it ready for his travels. Skye will need several hours for the cure to take effect." Feather explained. The words faded into the background as my consciousness wavered, threatening to slip away. I fought against the pull, not wanting to burden anyone.
Suddenly, I heard a voice, muffled and distant. "She's burning up," the words carried a deep concern. Then, a cool touch grazed my overheated skin, instantly soothing. It was my mother's touch, her icy powers offering relief. "Skye, fight this for us," she urged, her voice like a gentle melody. As her powers worked their magic, I found it harder to stay awake, my consciousness slipping away like a fleeting dream.
My birthmother's lullaby serenely enveloped me, and I found myself standing in a place that felt truly enchanting. The air was filled with the gentle scent of golden flowers blooming on towering trees, while the emerald green grass beneath my feet felt soft and cool as if real not a dream. Before me stood a magnificent castle, gleaming in the warm sunlight, surrounded by vibrant gardens overflowing with fragrant flowers. Above, birds soared through the sky, their melodic chirping resonating in the air. This must be the Unicorn Kingdom, a realm entirely distinct from the world I knew.
"You, my daughter, possess my memories. This is your rightful home, the kingdom you must awaken," my birthmother's voice echoed around me. A mysterious mist enveloped me, momentarily confusing me until I realized it was a cloud. The kingdom itself floated in the sky, its ethereal existence explaining why it remained hidden from the knowledge of others.
"Our kingdom is a place of great significance, a part of all realms," her voice echoed once more. I observed a woman who bore a striking resemblance to my birthmother emerging from the kingdom. Her belly was swollen. Beside her walked another woman, holding the hand of a young boy who couldn't have been more than a few years old. Could this be my birthmother's memory of the past? Was I witnessing her joy during her pregnancy with me?
The little boy gazed up at my birthmother with adoration. "Can I feel?" he asked, his eyes fixed on her belly. With a loving smile, my birthmother knelt down and allowed him to place his tiny hand on her swollen belly. "I am your knight, little princess," he declared proudly. I focused on the boy, realizing the significance of his presence.
"I know you will keep her safe in the future, just as she will for you," my birthmother spoke, her words carrying great weight. Was this little boy Chaos, it meant he had been subjected to a spell that froze his aging process as well. And if he was here, where was his brother? Was the lycan he referred to as his brother truly his kin, or was there more to the story?
The soft whisper of my mother's voice echoed around me, as if carried by a gentle breeze. The dream shifted, and before me materialized a magnificent golden throne. Even in my slumber, I could feel the weight of its power, a palpable aura that surrounded it.
"A love that formed even before birth," her voice resonated. "A prince who vowed to be your protector, a prince who is meant to be the king of all."
Her words hung in the air, as if suspended by the gravity of their meaning. The image of the throne shimmered, as if infused with ancient magic. "A power only one is capable of wielding," she continued, her voice taking on a grave tone. "A power protected for the true king. A war is coming, a future that will test not only you, but all you hold dear."
I could sense a shift in the dream, a looming threat that cast a shadow over the scene. "An enemy unlike any you have faced," my mother's voice warned. "One that will require the Kings and queens, as well as the true king of all."
Her words resonated within me, a heavy responsibility that settled in my chest. "It is your duty, my daughter," she declared, her voice filled with unwavering faith. "To ensure the lycan sits on this throne, and it is you who will help awaken the power within him."
As the dream began to fade, reality seeped back into my consciousness. The lingering echo of my mother's voice enveloped me, a comforting embrace that carried the weight of a thousand lifetimes. I knew then, that I carried the knowledge of this realm within me, a trust bestowed upon me by those who came before.
And with that knowledge, I accepted the daunting journey that lay ahead, knowing that difficult choices awaited me. Choices that would shape the fate of all. But in that moment, I held onto my mother's trust, and I knew that I would not falter.
I felt a comforting warmth embracing me as my eyes slowly opened. The soft glow of candlelight illuminated the room, casting gentle shadows on the walls. Chaos, my mate, was holding me on a plush bed, his presence bringing a sense of security. "Skye," he whispered, his voice filled with relief as he realized I was awake.
My mind was fuzzy, struggling to grasp the reality of my surroundings. "Where am I?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.
"The fire dragon Kingdom," he responded, his voice soothing and calm.
I struggled to comprehend how I ended up in the dragon kingdom. "But how?" I whispered, my confusion evident.
"The poison caused you to get a high fever. Your mother used her ice power to help relieve you, but it also put you into a deep sleep. You have been asleep for several days. We obtained the cure in the village, but even with that, you needed to sleep and recover," he explained gently.
As I shifted slightly, I realized I was naked, a vulnerable feeling washing over me. "I'm sorry I undressed you to try and help. I was hopeful that skin on skin would keep you calmer," he apologized.
"It does, thank you," I said gratefully, appreciating his efforts to care for me.
I looked at Chaos and noticed the dark circles under his eyes, a sign of his sleepless nights. Concern filled my voice as I whispered, "You have been staying awake?"
"I wanted to watch over you," he admitted, his love evident in his tired eyes.
Moved by his dedication, I brushed my lips against his, feeling the warmth and tenderness of his kiss. Our lips moved in perfect harmony, lost in each other for several blissful minutes.
As we broke apart, I gazed into his eyes, a sense of urgency overtaking me. "Chaos, can I show you something? I had a dream that you need to see," I said, gripping his hand tightly.
Through our unique bond, I shared the vivid images from my dream, showing him the truth. "My mother," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I don't remember any of this, but that's my mother, and that woman... she looks like you."
"She is my birth mom. She is pregnant with me," I revealed, hoping he would understand the significance of my words.
He was taken aback. "So, I met you while you were in the womb," he said, his surprise evident.
"Yes, but not just that. You met me before the end of the Kingdom, Chaos. It means you are a lot older than you think," I explained, revealing the hidden truth of our connection.
Chaos pulled me closer, and for a moment, I could feel the warmth of his breath against my skin. "So I've loved you even before you were born," he whispered, his hands moving gently against me.
"Yes," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. "You vowed to protect me."
"I felt like I had seen you before, or someone like you. It was your mother, but the memory you revealed to me from your dream is not one I have.” Chaos admitted.
"It seems that some of your past has been erased, just like mine," I said, my words hanging in the air. "You were frozen in time at some point. I would like to use my power to reveal the truth, but first, you need sleep." I sat up, feeling a sense of urgency.
"Get some rest," I urged him, gently pulling away. "While you do, I will find my family so they know I'm okay." His hand tightened around mine for a moment, a silent reassurance.
"I hope you're feeling better now," he said softly.
"Much better," I whispered. “Being in your arms. It helped me fight the pain." With a final lingering touch, he released my hand. I noticed a dress laid out for me, and I seized the opportunity to shower and dress and then left the room.
Navigating the halls, I encountered a familiar warrior. "Hello, Skye," he greeted me warmly. "I'm happy to see you're up." He guided me to a sitting area where my parents and Colson awaited.
"Hello, sleeping beauty," Colson greeted me with a smirk.
"Looks like you're feeling much better now. Chaos refused to leave your side. I doubt he slept much at all. He is a very loyal mate." My father said.
"I know," I replied, glancing at my parents. "I told him to sleep now."
"It would seem there is something on your mind," my mom said, her voice filled with concern. I nodded my head in agreement and joined them. As I began explaining my dream, they listened to every detail.
"The dragons have sensed unusual activity," my mother revealed. "They can almost feel an evil force. However, the portal that connects us to our realm has stopped working so they were unable to report anything."
"We may soon face a battle," my father said, his voice strong and determined. "But together, we are unstoppable." I could feel the warmth of his hand as he placed it reassuringly on my shoulder.
"For now, this kingdom will serve as our base," my mother explained. "The dragons will assist us in obtaining the keys. They have knowledge on Rook, the one who has been hired to uncover the kingdom. However, they don't yet know who he works for. It seems they may be aware of the power that belongs to Chaos."
I took a deep breath. "It is important that we keep Chaos safe," I emphasized, my voice filled with conviction. "While I appreciate your desire to protect me, our main focus should be on him. My birth mother warned me that he would need protection."
"We will ensure his safety," my father assured me, his voice filled with unwavering resolve. "Once he has rested, I would like to bring him to the training area. Not to overpower him, but to better understand his skills. Training may help him harness the power he possesses and channel it effectively."
As my father spoke, I could almost hear the crackle of Phoenix Fire, his rare power, and feel the energy it emitted. I knew his expertise in sensing and controlling his own power would be invaluable in training Chaos, helping him tap into his own dormant abilities.
I felt a wave of relaxation wash over me, as if the weight on my shoulders had lightened. The sight of my loved ones standing beside me, their encouraging smiles and nods, filled me with a renewed sense of hope. The sound of their comforting words echoed in my ears, providing solace and reassurance. Although I knew the road ahead would be arduous, I felt a surge of readiness coursing through my veins. I was prepared to face whatever obstacles awaited, confident in my ability to emerge victorious.