Part 3 Tears Under the Moon

The missing is found

Cypress was a beautiful realm. It was so colorful it made Ophelia think of rainbows. Entering the dome she was greeted with so many lovely colors. Then within the blink of an eye, she was surrounded by the imperial army.

"What is the meaning of this?" Ophelia said with alarm.

"Queen Ophelia you were not expected for another several weeks.

"No, that is not right. Here is my letter for passage." She handed the letter to the guard.

"My apologies Queen. All passage was supposed to be rebuked per King Milas. He sent a courier out several days ago."

"Well, we must have missed each other. Is there something I should be concerned about?"

"No ma'am all is well. Come follow me." The guard said leading the way.

Her small army followed behind his huge army all the way to the palace gates. She had attended many meetings before and security was never this extreme.

"Queen Ophelia how are you darling." Ophelia smiled as she was greeted by Queen Natasha. She was so beautiful Ophelia thought with her flawless skin dark as night. She looked like a porcelain doll. Ophelia's eyes fell on her round tummy. Natasha was the only one she had shared her pregnancy with and now she regretted it.

Natasha reached to rub Ophelia's belly and she resisted the urge to shove her hand away.

"Just think you are going to get as fat as me!"

"Well, I hope I look as beautiful as you," Ophelia said warmly, she always ha a soft spot for Natasha she was one of her dearest friends.

"I can't believe your not even showing."

"I know right? I bought my ultrasound picture. I keep it with me all the time just to prove to myself something is in there. I swear he has his daddy's head."

"You already know the s*x?"

"No they said it was too soon but I know Blaine would be pleased with a boy."

Natasha wrapped her arm in Ophelia's and led her out to the terrace. "Are you too tired to visit awhile from your trip? I was so excited when they said it was you that broke through the barrier. We canceled all visitors because-"

"Broke through, I did no such thing I had an invitation, Natasha. Is that why I was met with so many guards?" Ophelia looked insulted.

"No no I'm sorry I did not mean to insult you. It's just" she looked around and whispered, "Salazar."

"Salazar," Ophelia whispered. The name sounded familiar. Natasha started to cry. "Oh Ophelia it has been awful he managed to escape from the prison we had him locked away in and has since been terrorizing our land. He vowed to punish the people of Cypress all because he blames us!"

"For what?"

"The death of his daughter. He has gone mad."

"Why would he blame you for that?"

"She was last seen entering the palace and was never seen leaving. He thinks we did something to her. Sacrificed her for more power it is insane!" She cried, "but he is dangerous and we have not been able to capture him."

"He has threatened so many evil things even the death of my child."

Ophelia gasped in horror.

"What kind of monster would threaten an innocent child." Aphena popped into Ophelia's head as soon as the words spilled from her lips.

"If only the Cho- if only there was someone more powerful," Natasha said frowning nervously she had almost said the Chosen, and Ophelia knew this which means this kingdom was aware of Blain's tarnished reputation as well. There would never be honor in stabbing Catori in the back.

Ophelia blushed red with embarrassment. "I'm sure everything will be fine surely the king is more powerful than some second-class citizen."

"He is not a second-rate citizen." She leaned in and whispered, "he is very powerful. He has royal blood." A pain hit Natasha and she closed her eyes

"Should I get someone?"

"No, I am fine. I am not supposed to be talking about this it stresses me out."

"Oh, Natasha you poor dear. I will stay and attend to you as long as you need."

"Oh, would you Id like that Ophelia?" She said with excitement

"Why of course."

Ophelia did enjoy Natasha's company so she stayed past her stay. Little work was actually done; the two women spent more time gossipping than anything. It was not the first time they had met that actually happen while they were away at Lineage University it was where the most powerful girls of royal blood attended to hone in on their magic.

Ophelia and she had met then and became fast friends especially once Natasha's brother Nasir came to fetch her and all the girls began to swoon over him. He was a beautiful specimen to watch. Ophelia kept an eye on him at every annual competition she drooled over him but being a proper lady she could not keep his interest she was saving herself for the DemiGod. So he quickly lost interest. So when he appeared in the doorway smiling at her once again she nearly swooned.

"Nasir, you remember Queen Ophelia don't you?"

"Of course, I do the prettiest girl at Lineage next to my beautiful sister," Nasir said as he took Ophelia's hand and kissed it.

"Ophelia could I interest you in a walk later this evening."

"Why of course as long as you are a perfect gentleman Nasir I am spoken for."

"Ah yes, Natasha might have mentioned that."

"Might have! I absolutely did tell you Ophelia was an honorable woman." Natasha said in a scolding tone.

"Tell me Ophelia how is it that a dishonorable man made an honorable woman out of you?" He said, narrowing his eyes. Natasha gasped, "Nasir I will not have you insulting my guest. That was rude!" She scolded him yet again..

Flashback

"Mama, why do you smile at the second family if you dislike them so?"

"Oh, my dear Ophelia always full of questions. My goodness I you believe you notice everything don't you?"

"I notice that you smile differently when they are around."

"Well, dear my mother use to say. Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer."

"But why would I want to keep my enemies close?"

"So you can see every move the snake makes. This way you are always one step ahead of them."

Ophelia giggled as her mother pretended to be a snake sticking her with her hand and then tickling her belly.

Ophelia smiled her brightest smile and said "What honor do you find in insulting a man behind his back? Be brave enough to say these words to his face and then we shall have a conversation about honorable men. Nasir of Cypress." She said sweetly batting her eyes because they both knew even with what Blaine did he still held more power than him.

Nasir arrogantly stood silently finally he said, "I look forward to that walk." And strutted off with his head high. Ophelia had never noticed how he walked like he had a stick up his ass before.

Ophelia went up to her room admiring the view and accommodations. She took her a nap following a good cry as she rubbed her tummy.

She woke as one of the servants tapped on her door.

"Queen Ophelia dinner awaits."

"Yes, I will be down in a moment."

She freshened up a little and as she left her room she noticed a guard at her door.

"Evening Queen" the guard bowed.

He was quite handsome, Ophelia noticed. "What is your name?" She asked

He looked surprised that she even cared to know.

"Marco ma'am." The guard said. Ophelia noticed his wavy black hair and smooth natural tanned skin. He had deep brown eyes and seemed almost exotic to her.

"Where are you from?" She found herself asking.

"Earth." The islands of Puerto Rico. My mother was from here, Madame.

Ophelia liked his voice; his accent was different than anyone she had heard before. "Madame, may I escort you to the dining hall?"

"Oh, there will be no need for that Marco. I will be escorting Madame Ophelia." Nasir said coming up from behind them he boldly placed his arm around her leading her away.

The guard resumed his position.

Ophelia was disappointed she could look at that guard handsome face all day. Dinner went by fine. She sat listening to the men discuss politics while she ignored Nasir and laughed along with Natasha. Everything was going smoothly until a loud crash came from the kitchen followed by a horrible scream.

"Get the ladies to safety!" The King ordered and Ophelia, Natasha, and several maids and servants were ushered into the library.

"What is the meaning of this?" Ophelia asked.

"I have no idea," Natasha admitted

"Salazar!" A maid said in tears, "a black smoke appeared, and then there was Salazar. He blew black smoke on poor Ladawn and her skin started to burn off. It was horrible. She is just a girl. Barely old enough to work. Her mother is sick, they will be in the streets." The servants were all huddled together. Except for the one fanning Natasha who looked like she would swoon at any moment.

"Things are getting worse now he has entered the palace. Nowhere is safe." Natasha cried.

Ophelia looked around the room. She spotted the book of Cypress. "Why do you not use your book to cast out the evil man?"

"Oh no! No, we only use the magic in the book to protect the realm it is too dangerous. The last time someone tried to access the book…"

"My Queen we are not to speak on that remember." One of her maids said looking at Ophelia like she was an outsider.

"Ophelia is a friend," Natasha said squeezing Ophelia's trembling hand yet she did not continue her story.

"How are your nerves surviving this? " Ophelia whispered as they all stood cramped in the library. They were there for nearly two hours before the guards allowed them to leave.

"How is the maid," Ophelia asked the guard.

"I'm afraid she did not survive." He answered.

Natasha hit the floor. The servants began to weep and Ophelia… Ophelia saw black spots and then...

"Ophelia wake up!" a strong voice demanded.

Ophelia's eyes fluttered open.

"How are you dear?" A maid was asking.

"What happened?"

"You passed out." Another woman that held a rag to her head responded. Ophelia's cheeks burned red.

"I have never done that before, I do apologize."

"It is okay it was quite a stressful situation," Nasir assured her coming to her side.

"Yes indeed under the circumstances I believe it would be best to cut my trip short."

"But my sister would be so disappointed. Stay another day or so please for Natasha."

"I guess one more day would not hurt," Ophelia said flatly.

"Excellent" He walked over picking her up bridal style.

"What are you doing? I can walk!" Ophelia snapped.

"Yes, but being the honorable man I am how could I allow you? Under the circumstances, I am sure your King would appreciate it."

"Very well." She said as she lay her head on his chest. Back in her school days she would have loved being carried by this man but now whatever attraction she had was gone long ago.

Once he arrived at her door and went to open it she intervened, "Excuse me, you can put me down now. Unless you are King Noble my bedroom is off-limits. Thank you." She said curtly to Nasir. Marco stared straight ahead like a stone statue not daring to look his way or show any emotion although he thought it was quite funny.

"I just thought-"

"I think I know exactly what you thought," Ophelia said twirling around and slamming the door.

Nasir growled looking at Marco the guard who stared straight ahead. With no reaction on his face. Nasir huffed and went storming off. Seconds later Ophelia cracked open the door, "is he gone?"

"Yes My Lady," Marco said still staring straight ahead.

"Why do you not look at me when I speak to you?"

"It is considered improper to look royalty in the eye on Cypress unless you have a title."

"That's a shame." Ophelia stepped in front of the young officer and she felt he was peering into her soul. "You have the most gentle beautiful eyes I have ever seen. What exactly is your job, Marco?"

"To protect the queen with my life."

"Natasha is a lucky girl."

"I meant you, queen."

"So you must protect a woman you are not to look at in the eye?" Ophelia asked.

Marco averted his eyes immediately

"Well, now that is ridiculous how are you to know if my head is cut off if you are looking down." Marco briefly smirked.

"Oh, I saw that you smiled."

"I did no such thing, Queen."

"Do you enjoy the view downward Marco better than my face?" She leaned in pressing her chest to his so her cleavage would be more exposed. Marco blushed and Ophelia was delighted. "She ran her fingers over his face "I rather like it when you watch me, Marco. I'll make sure to put an extra sway in my steps just for you." She said seductively as she boldly pressed into him.

"Have you married Marco?"

"No Queen," Marco said as he struggled to not become excited.

"What are you thinking about Marco?"

"Nothing my lady."

"Nothing at all, maybe I should be insulted."

"Uh um no my Queen. I don't wish to insult you."

"Tell me what your role is again."

"To protect and please the queen."

Ophelia gave him a wicked smile. She boldly reached down and began to stroke his manhood.

"Very well I will remember that when I need pleasing Marco." She giggled in his ear. And thoroughly enjoyed the shocked expression on his face.

She abruptly turned and went back into her room.

She undressed and lay in bed thinking to herself she had lost her mind. She had just had a handful of a man's c**k and it was not her husband's. Why should she not have fun too? She could still hear the eager moans of pleasure between Blaine and Tabatha. Humiliating her in front of all of Zerion

She refused to be his perfect Queen when he'd done nothing but mistreat her from day one. First standing by like a coward after the Chosen had stripped her of all power, then allowing the woman that took her mother's life to live in the palace insulting her constantly, and then with a knife to the heart by having s*x with Tabatha right in the very hospital when she was just a few feet away recovering from losing his child. She loved Blaine with all her heart she did but it would be a cold day in hell before she would lay back idly while he had all the fun.

Tabatha looked up to see Amber walking over to where she, River, Zara, Richard, Dedrick, and Ryan stood. "Ryan I will be taking your place today. Kade says he has another use for you."

She wrapped her arm through Richards and Chloe let out a low growl. Zara looked over at Tabatha, "You okay girl? You look strained. You going to be able to keep up today?"

"Yes, I just never noticed how much I hate her scent." Tabatha laughed. Zara laughed along with her. Tabatha tried not to stare as it appeared Amber and Richard were arguing. Then she took off running and he chased behind her. "Just like her little puppy," Zara said nodding in their direction. As she took off taking the lead beside River. This pup is already wearing me down.' Chloe said.

'Yes, but we have to keep up. I don't want anyone to know until he breaks it all the way off with Amber.'

Tabatha struggled to keep up and eventually fell behind. 'its a beautiful day today, I love the smell of fresh air. I bet it will snow soon.'

'Yup, I bet it will too.'

'Holy smokes Tabatha a deer!' Chloe said.

'Where oh I see it. You think we could-' before she could answer her Chloe took off after the deer running at full speed. 'I'm going to get her, I'm going to get her!' Chloe jumped and clamped down on the buck's neck. Tackling it, but out of the woods, a beast emerged tackling the buck at the same time. "A Vargis!" Tabatha jumped back s**t she had dropped her backpack with all her weapons. Tabatha tried to remember all her training. She looked at the Vargis though what the f**k did this one use to be it was huge. Tabatha took off running and she knew the Vargis was chasing her. When she spotted her backpack she grabbed it and quickly shifted into her human form. She ducked behind a tree. Shifting quickly she pulled her weapons out. Click click click she heard the sound the Vargis made as it got closer. Tabatha picked a rock and tossed it in one direction and when the Vargis turned and her back was facing Tabatha, she ran at it 'HERE GOES NOTHING CHLOE?' Tabatha dove onto the back of the Vargis. It flared up and now stood on two feet. Tabatha screamed as it slung her around.

"Oh come on Amber why are you making a big deal out of this? We had fun and now I want something more serious." Richard was explaining to a relentless Amber.

"Oh, I get that Richard I'm just trying to understand why it's not with me. I thought that if you didn't find your mate you would choose me." Amber who was normally a cold-hearted b***h to most other females actually had a softer side around the guys. She was fun most times but Richard never saw anything serious with her. He had made his mind up long ago that if it was not his mate it would be Tabatha and now that she was his he could barely tolerate being in Amber's presence.

"Something is going on Richard. There is something your not telling me."

"Fine. You are right. Amber, I'm seeing someone else." Richard was saying when he felt a strange sickening feeling. What was it, he looked around and did not see her. He walked off leaving Amber standing there.

"Wait where are you going, Richard? Who damn it who is she?"

Richard toned her out. He began I slow jog at first scanning the area and looking for his mate. His anxiety started to build and fear began to take over.

'Where are you baby?' panic began to build, 'talk to me, baby!'

Richard heard Tabatha's scream in response and he started running at full speed. 'I'M COMING BABY!'

Tabatha could hear Richard but her focus was on the Vargis that was trying to shake her off, with one hand she held on to its hard shell and the other hand held her knife she swung but kept missing. Then the beast roared and sounded like an elephant. She could hear a clicking noise when arms began to emerge. Tabatha growled it was now or never. She used all her remaining strength to pull her body up. "If we go out b***h we're going together!"

The beast had sharp metal-like claws and it was about to start slicing at Tabatha but when it heard her voice it froze. Tabatha took the opportunity to plunge her knife into the side of its neck. She quickly raised her hand to swing again when she heard in a low raspy voice "Tabatha nooo" Tabatha froze and Richard came from nowhere he dove into the air clamping down on the beast's neck and yanking forward the beast fell forward. The beast roared again pulling itself up Tabatha jumped back. Richard was about to pounce again but Tabatha yelled "Wait!"

Richard looked back at Tabatha confused. The beast was roaring but it did not come at them. Wings that looked like that of a bat came to form and it began to take flight. It had barely got its feet off the ground when Zara did her signature flip catching it by the neck. However this time the Vargis used her wings when she flipped her.

Flying into the sky she caught Zara with its sharp talon and slung her into a tree splitting it in half. Zara recovered quickly and jumped up going for it again but the beast slapped her knocking her back down.

"Get it Zara!" River yelled. The beast turned to his voice. It stomped its foot but still was not attacking, more or less just defending itself as they attacked it. Tabatha scrambled to her feet and ran toward the beast.

"Tabatha- no!" Richard yelled

"DON'T HURT HER! DON'T HURT HER!" Tabatha screamed as River jabbed at it with a sphere and over pack, member showed up swarming around the beast.

River through the sphere hitting the beast in the neck

"No!" Tabatha screamed

Zara blew her breath and began to freeze the beast. It began to squeal in pain. Tabatha was waving her hands and screaming like a mad woman but Zara and the others paid her no mind. Tabatha was left with no choice she tackled Zara knocking her over. Throwing herself over the beast. "Leave her alone!" She hissed.

'Kade,' she cried 'come quick it's her and she's s hurt.'

Tabatha said to Kade in a mind link

'On the way!'

"Vanessa talk to me. It's okay baby I got you." Tabatha said holding her hand to the wound on her neck.

"Hurts." Was all she could get out as she began to transform before them.

"Holy f*****g s**t!" River yelped

He too drops to his knees in front of her. "I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry." Richard took his shirt off and covered Vanessa as he examined her wound.

"Got to get her to the pack hospital quick."

Richard was about to scoop her up when out of nowhere a thunderous growl came from behind him. Quamir dove at Richard. He was surrounded by pack members it took them all to subdue him so they knew he was an Alpha and a furious one at that.

Kade who was being escorted by Chastity appeared in the middle of the fighting. Glared at the alpha and asked lifted his head by his hair "who are you and why are you attacking my people "

Quamir looked over at Vanessa laying stiff on the ground," She is mine and you hurt her."

Kade dropped his head stepping back he walked over picked Vanessa up he held her against him."She was mine first." With that, he carried her to Chastity and they flew back to the pack hospital leaving them alone with a very pissed-off Alpha. The warriors came to help escort him to the dungeons

"Are you okay?" Richard helped Tabatha stand then he looked down at her teeshirt that was not doing very good at covering all her lady parts as it had been ripped in the fighting.

Before Tabatha could answer Amber came running she lept onto Richard's arms.."Oh, my Goddess are you okay I was so afraid for you?"

Richard grabbed her waist and pulled her away from him.

Tabatha just shook her head and walked away. 'I'm just about tired of blonde' Chloe growled.

'You! I wanna hold her down and wash the dye out of her hair.'

'Seriously that's the best you could come up with.' Chloe hissed.

'I have no fight left in me.' Tabatha admitted.

River walked over to Tabatha "How did you know it was her?"

"She said my name and only Javoni would have known that and I saw his beast."

"Sorry about your friend," Zara said.

"Are you?" Tabatha snapped, "you didn't seem to be when I was yelling at you not to attack."

"Sorry, all I saw was Vargis."

Tabatha rolled her eyes and walked off. River followed behind her sulking, he mumbled "We have to call her mom."

At the pack hospital, Dr. Arden was examining what used to be a wound. "She has healed herself. I have her sedated so she won't wake up anytime soon. Which will give me time to run some tests."

"Let me know the details immediately," Kade said to her.

"These burns are not healing so fast." Dr. Arden said examing her body. "It can't tolerate extreme cold or heat."

"She." Kade snapped.

"What?" Dr. Arden asked.

"She can't handle extreme cold or heat. It's Vanessa Dr. Arden please remember that " Kade reminded her.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to be insensitive. Where is the doctor I'd like to speak with her?"

"The dungeons where else would she be?" Kade pointed out.

"Take me to her."

Dr. Arden was led down to the dungeons where Dr. Mars. had shared a cell with Demetri since the night the lab was destroyed.

"You found her?" Dr. Mars asked excitedly.

"Yes, she is sedated." Dr. Arden said Dr. Mars began to laugh.

"What's so funny."

"You have no idea what you're dealing with. I hope you didn't leave her alone." Dr. Mars tried explaining.

"She could have harmed more people when we brought her in but she did not." Kade snapped.

"Most likely because she had fed. She can't control her hunger. She is more of an animal than a human." Dr. Mars began.

"Shut up, you don't know her!" Kade snapped.

"Know her," Dr. Mars laughed "I helped create her and I am telling you the girl you know is gone when that hunger kicks in she will feed and you better hope you are not around."

"What's his deal?" Dr. Arden asked pointing at Demetri.

"He hasn't been quite right since she evolved. Her DNA keeps changing. About six months ago he disappeared and she build a cocoon. We thought she ate him but uh no."

Dr. Arden's eyes narrowed.

Demetri who was in chains began to scream in horror. Dr.Mars walked over to him. "It's okay it's over Demetri your free." Dr. Mars looked back at them, "she encased him inside and used him for feeding and mating."

"What?" Kade growled

"Yes, when she came out the b***h had wings. There is no telling what other abilities she now possesses. I can assure you though if you sedated her and you gave her the dosage you would be a human girl. You made a big mistake. The first time we sedated her we realized it was like giving her candy and unfortunately we lost one after the other in total she had 17 kills under her belt of innocent people."

"No, you are lying!"

"AND YOU ARE A DEAD MAN WALKING!" Dr. Mars spat out just as they were dragging Quamir inside.

Quamir smelled his brother's scent and began to resist. "Demetri, brother!"

It took several men to force Quamir into the cells. "One prison to the next Quamir you can't ever seem to catch a break." Dr. Mars said as Dr. Arden look over at the Alpha that they had brought in shackled. She kept staring at him. "Impossible."

"Dr. Arden, do you know him?"

"Yes, no, maybe I don't know but he kind of looks like him. If he is who I think he is." She said then walked away.

Kade went marching out behind her, "Dr. Arden if you know something I need to know."

"Kade, do you remember when Catori first came here? Her mother Mrs. Pickney was a lone wolf living among humans."

"Yes, I remember that vaguely."

"Rumor was her husband had murdered the alpha to take his place. He claimed it was a set up and was later found guilty and put to death by the council only later to find he was truly innocent."

"That's horrible"

"Well, what was worse is he had an heir among the humans. They only knew his name, his first name, what are the odds that we just found the missing heir to the Red blood's throne? If so he is the rightful ruler. He should be with his people and not in a cage."

"He tried to attack our pack!"

"He was protecting the girl. Is this personal Kade?"

Kade growled and stormed off.