Fated: The Belted Series

Chapter 7:

After thoroughly searching the house, we decide to check the garden, and see if there is any trace of who might have taken the O'Malleys. I look up at the sky as I'm leaving the house, and the day just seems so dark and weary. We needed to stop the Valkaries.

"So now what?" I ask Hunter.

"We keep moving. I need to get you to a safer realm, one of our allies, then I'll come back and look for Callie." His response sends rage right through me.

"Excuse me?" I blurt out. Unphased by my little notion, Hunter keeps sharpening his blade, and calmly responds.

"You are the Princess. You need to be safe, I took that job the second I shot the Valkarie behind you and got into the tunnel. By the way, thank you would have been nice to hear."

"I'm not leaving MY realm, MY people or Callie! And I'd thank you if you weren't being so smug about it." My rage has hit a boiling point. "I'm not some helpless princess, running to a "safer" realm." I yell while walking back into town. Hunter quickly puts his blades away and darts in front of me. Grabbing my arm and stopping me in my tracks.

"Princess, I didn't mean to offend you. I don't think you're helpless, but I do think that you are the target. You need to go somewhere where you'll be safe." I look into Hunter's eyes, my pulse still racing from his unbelievable remarks.

"If I am the target, the Valkarie will destroy our realm and follow me into the next. This is my fight too." My voice sounds calmer this time.

"I'm not going to let you march yourself straight into danger, because you think we need you to. I'm taking you somewhere safe. End of discussion." I move closer, not shying away from the conflict.

"I didn't ask your permission, guardian. The Valkarie have invaded and instead of trying to hide, I will give them what they want. Sebastian betrayed not only me, but the trust of all our allies. They need to be warned. I won't leave my realm, but I will find a way to prevent this battle becoming a war." I turn with my back facing Hunter. I open my heart pendant, inside is a note. I take it out and start reading the names.

- King Albert of Sentai

-Queen Arrabella of Taigo

-Sir Owen of Golton

-Prince Sebastian of Waikai

I shudder at the last name. I go over to the white lillies growing in the O'Malleys' garden, and light it on fire.

"Rulers of Sentai, Taiho and Golton. I bring you news. Prince Sebastian of Waikai has betrayed us all. He has led the Valkarie into Calfai, and has slaughtered many of my people. Guard your realms, release your armies and pray to God for mercy. Princess Insignia Gaia, Calfai." Hunter stares at the smoke spilling over the garden.

"I've never seen anyone send a fire message." His voice reminding me of the serious battle ongoing in my realm.

"I've never had to use it before. The other realms have been warned. We need to find Callie, and we need to find a way to end the Valkarie." My training as a ruler has always been something I was proud of, but in this moment I felt ashamed. I let my people down.

"We need to find a way to contact the council, and find a way to end this."

"I might know of someone that can help." Hunter says quickly. He pulls out a little navy blue bag from his belt, and unties the golden lace keeping it intact. Hunter then dips his hand into a grey powder-like substance and starts sprinkling the dust in a small circle. Once he completes the circle, he cuts a piece of his hair and throws it in the middle.

"Hear me call, Storm. Follow my voice." The piece of hair he cut starts to spin in a little whirlwind. Up, higher than the clouds. He was calling his belted animal. I have never met one before. Once we choose our paths in life, we get a spirit guide to follow us into our endeavors, be it love or duty. I state into the sky impatiently, wondering what magical beast I'll get to see. Faeries have always been connected to the spirit world, but since the love has been lost,our ways have changed too. My heart hurts with the thought. The clouds above turn a dark grey, roaring with thunder. I hear a screech coming from above, the loudest roar I have ever heard. Behind the daunting clouds came the most beautiful griffin. My face filled with excitement, the griffin darts down to the circle, landing gracefully before bowing to Hunter. Hunter bows in return, a way to show respect to each other. I stare at the magnificent beast before me. He didn't look like an eagle, nor a lion. He looked like a griffin. His eyes the most beautiful almond, his feathers white and dark, almost black. His legs are dark brown, covered in fur, with his tail having a pale white tip. His wings are what attracted me the most, the were the most beautiful pair, strong no doubt. He carried himself well, and I was honored to be in his presence.Hunter moves closer, placing his hand on the griffins cheek. The griffin responds by falling into his hand, eyes tightly closed. Hunter's face is filled with the most beautiful amount of joy, and for a second I feel like I'm already belted to him. Hunter chuckles as the griffin purrs and throws his body around him, egging Hunter on to scratch him.

"Princess, this is Storm. My belted spirit animal." Storm immediately stop licking Hunter, his tongue still on his hand. His eyes focused on me. He quickly tilts his head and jumps closer smelling me. I stand my ground, well aware of how protective griffins are of their belted. After a few second of sniffing, Storm stops and looks me in the eyes. He quickly presses his head against mine, eyes not moving. A giant tongue comes across my face and before I know it, I'm covered in griffin spit. I quickly step back giggling at the griffin, Hunter laughing too. He steps closer, and ushers the griffin back to him.

"He's so beautiful, Hunter."

"Thank you, I think so too. Storm is an amazing spirit animal." His smile almost childlike.

"Are you ready to go, Storm?" Storm excitedly jumps up and down, before lowering one wing and expanding it to me.

Hunter climbs onto his back first, then extends a hand to help me get on behind him.