Whisper Bloodrose

Chapter-16 Coward

Chapter-16

Coward

‘You have great friends, Rebel.’ Whisper commented, not making eye contact with the Rogue beside her. The jagged ground kept shaking the carriage giving occasional nudges to the werewolves in it.

‘I did not know that they would refuse to help.’ Rebel answered staring at Whisper with an annoyed expression. He had never expected Ulferd to refuse, but he was not blaming him. Ulferd was only keeping up with the expectations of his people.

‘What do we do?’ Whisper questioned anger clear in her voice. The revenge inside her was slowly burning any patience in her. She was on the edge all the time, blaming herself for every little second Lucien was living.

‘We calm down, that is what we do.’ Rebel answered. He was beginning to lose hope. Sometimes Rebel couldn't help but wonder that Whisper was fighting to loose. Like all her efforts was the flapping of a man drowning in the middle of a sea.

‘What I loved the most has been taken away from me. I have taken so much torture, that I have nightmares about it. I lost my purity. My father is dead, perhaps my brother is too.’ She whispered loud enough for only Rebel to hear. His heart shivered at the things that she had been through. But that aroused his confidence in her again. Rebel had seen it that day that she won't be at peace until Lucien lost his everything. She was willing to give up anything for that cause. ‘Tell me to calm down now.’ She looked back at Rebel. He was loss of words, taken aback by her reply. Minutes passed before he spoke again.

‘Whisper, we need to wait. You need to breathe. You have been through too much. Trust me you are not ready for war.’ Rebel held her hand comfortingly, he was expecting a strong reply but instead she leaned her head on his shoulder. He turned his face to press a kiss on her head, which made her eyes close in relief.

‘I am at a war with myself every single minute. Don't tell me I am not ready.’ She mumbled her voice soft from weariness. Her eyes were dropping and she was fighting to keep them open. Rebel chose to be silent and let Whisper have her fair share of sleep. As she started slipping into a state of fleeting peace, a smile took over Rebel's lips. He wrapped his arm around her waist, and stroked her side with his thumb. Rebel wanted to live in that moment forever; he wanted to see that calm on her face every time he looked.

His intentions had always been different from Whisper's. All he wanted was her. He just wanted to cherish her presence, to fall asleep with her and wake up with her in his arms.

On the other hand Whisper was still burning. Rebel was everything to her, but he was not enough at that moment. She still needed her revenge; she still needed the lot, the death of Lucien Nightshade, the throne of the werewolves under her control and the end of the Nightshade bloodline. But because Rebel's only need was Whisper, he was doing everything he could, to keep her.

The moment of their peace was interrupted when the carriage came to a sudden halt. Whisper didn't wake up from the discontinuing of the constant motion. She woke up from Rebel's voice asking the coachman the reason of the sudden rest.

‘You should see this sir.’ The coachman replied. Rebel looked at Whisper, whose eyes contained no sleep. He nodded and climbed down the carriage, followed by the sleep-deprived yet alert Omega.

Their eyes widened at the view above them. The sky was colored in a deep fiery orange. Like it was spewing fire. Rebel and Whisper had never seen such phenomena, not until the scattered colors started taking shapes. It was a faction of Fierce Rise, at least a fifty.

The matrixes of colors were taking shapes, and were becoming birds. Each one of them soared in the sky above, which was now losing the orange color. Soon there was saffron colored, and read winged birds around them. The three Rogues watched with confusion, while Whisper appeared to make a presumption about who it was.

Finally they landed, making a circle, feet away from the spectators. The flock started humanizing. Feathers turned into red and orange hair, eyes turned a blue and gained their humanity. The sparks aroused in the atmosphere, coming from the men and women who worshipped fire. They were all dressed in the colors of fire and before Rebel questioned one of them a particular Fierce Rise landed in front of them. They assumed it was the leader of that faction. She started humanizing, and Whisper recognized her within seconds.

She had beautiful feet long, red hair with piercing blue eyes and a red dress that was dancing in the air without even the winds blowing. It gave an illusion of fire. Her form was more solid and opaque compared to the last time, Whisper had seen her. She was the reason, Whisper was falling and breaking, Dazzle.

‘Hello, Whisper.’ Dazzle greeted. The three Rogues looked at her, who stared at Dazzle with a more violent fire in her own eyes. Suddenly every creature in left surprised, when Whisper strikes towards Dazzle and pushes her against a tree.

The whole faction started to charge towards the Omega, but stopped when their leader raised a hand. Rebel is left at surprise and stopped steps away from the two women.

‘Whisper I understand your rage.’ Dazzle started with a soft and apologetic tone, but was cut off when Whisper released an animalistic growl.

‘It is not rage, it is revulsion.’ Whisper yelled. The faction remained frozen under the orders of their queen while Rebel tried to find his way out of his astonishment.

‘I can help.’ Dazzle was begging. Whisper understood that the guilt was weighing down on the bird and she needed a way to fix her regret. Whisper was not going to give her one.

A gasp escaped Dazzle's face, when a dagger was stabbed into the tree inches beside her face. It was Whisper's knife that fortunately missed the target. She was not expecting to involve weapons, she underestimated her wrath.

‘You could help.’ She shook her head slowly. There was strong wrath in her eyes, the wrath of a wild fire or a flooding ocean. ‘You could have saved me so much pain.’ Whisper added, her eyes full of life threatening fire.

‘Whisper, step back.’ Rebel insisted. He trusted her fury, and knew what she was capable of when she was furious. He was unwilling to let her kill a Fierce Rise leader and make themselves another enemy.

‘Not today, Rebel. I will be more than happy to kill a coward.’ Whisper smiled wickedly, her fingers wrapping around the knife that was inches away from Dazzle's cheek.

‘I was a coward. I betrayed you and I am pleading for forgiveness. I want to fight Lucien beside you. Let me help and repent for my sins.’ Dazzle appealed. Her piercing blue eyes were being surfaced by water, mocking her heart of fire.

Before Whisper could reply, she felt two hands grab her shoulders from behind and pull her back. She didn't protest, but her eyes were still boring holes into Dazzle. Her back crashed against Rebel's chest as he gently held her back.

‘Whisper, darling, calm down.’ Rebel whispered into her ear and she started leaning into his touch. ‘We should talk.’

…………………………….

Rebel and Whisper went behind the carriage, majorly because Rebel was in too much misperception. He had comprehended that Dazzle had betrayed Whisper on an occasion, but her needed to know the entire story.

Whisper leaned against the wagon, and sighed deeply. She was not expecting an encounter with the Fierce Rise that had spoiled her life just as much as Lucien had. One thing about Whisper was, she hated people who deceived her, and forgiveness was not her cup of tea. She looked at the ground, her anger sinking back into her heart and preventing a slaughter.

‘Whisper, who is she?’ Rebel asked and crossed his hands against his chest. Whisper looked up at him; after seeing confusion in his eyes she replied.

‘Remember the thing Lucien was hiding. It was Dazzle and she had been forcefully captured.’ She started the story. ‘When I found her, I promised to free her, if only she was ready to tell the council about her abduction.’

‘She changed her claim in front of the council, didn't she?’ Rebel predicted, hitting the accuracy mark. Whisper nodded in reply.

‘She is here asking for forgiveness, by joining forces and that is not happening on my watch. I am not reliving her of the guilt.’ She declared grimacing and pointing a warning finger towards him.

‘I know you will think I am siding with her; but we need allies and she is one.’ Rebel kept his point. He believed that with The Fierce Rise on their side they would have a greater chance at victory. The trouble was, Whisper wouldn’t agree. From what he knew about the ferocious Omega, she was tough to move and more than furious when she was deceived.

‘She has betrayed me once, she can do it again.’ Whisper stressed, anger rising up in her voice. She was expecting Rebel to cross her decision and he did it.

‘Reasonable, I agree.’ He smirked and walked closer to Whisper. ‘But she is all we have, if we have her, we have The Nomads.’ Rebel quickly added. Her face softened, and she actually analyzed her situation. If she wanted The Nomads, she needed another ally and nobody in the Forever Forest would have dared to stand against Lucien.

‘I am not forgiving her.’ Whisper declared angrily. He sighed deeply.

‘You don't have to, it is just a compromise. Her repentance and your revenge.’ He answered. Whisper was astonished at herself, when she refused to look past her personal good for the sake of the greater goal. That never meant that she was sure about, Dazzle as an ally. When you get your trust broken for the first time, the cheater is at the blame. But if you get your trust broken again, you, the fool, are at the blame.

…………………..

The couple walked back into, the area that was occupied by three Rogues and a faction of Fierce Rise. Dazzle looked up immediately; she was desperate to listen to Whisper's decision. Jedrek and Darlene were confused, realizing that there were issues that they weren't aware of.

Rebel and Dazzle were equally eager, both unsure of Whisper's intentions. Dazzle wanted nothing but a way to get her revenge on Lucien and decrease the guilt that her betrayal brought.

Rebel had known Whisper long enough to know that, nobody could ever be sure with her moves. He tried making assumptions of her verdict, but failed. He was unable to comprehend what was superior for her, protecting her pride or providing punishment.

Whisper was not sure. It was not easy for her to trust people, and in that case, the person had deceived her once. Her major concern was what if Dazzle did it again; when there was no room for mistakes. But if she accepted her help, she would only get herself one ally but two.

‘Whisper?’ Dazzle asked in a humble voice, which was dripping with impatience.

‘Tell the Nomads that we have an ally.’ Whisper declared in a firm voice. She was sure she saw a smile on Rebel's face and tears in Dazzle's eyes.

…………………………..

Whisper and Rebel safely returned back to Fragment, making Astera thank the Lunar goddess for their well-being. Ulferd and Vance were preparing their people, for the greatest war of the Forever Forest. The Fierce Rise faction had returned to their home to prepare themselves and come back to Fragment to fulfill the war spaces.

The night had started covering her children in a cold blanket of darkness. A blanket that was full of stars and a bright moon and while Fragment fell into peace, the palace of Seba shivered with the wrath of an Alpha.

………………

Lucien hadn't slept, his eyes told the stories of a sleepless night. But he called his Betas to help him rehearsal with his sword. Only if the Betas knew, that it is never casual with Lucien.

Lucien took no mercy, as the young Beta placed his sword in front of his face in defense. The king's eyes were red, and they were not sure if it was because of lack of sleep or the rage in him. The entire palace didn't sleep disturbed by the sounds of clashing metal.

Lucien's attacked the blade of the Beta's metal sword, with the tip of his own. His attacks were greatly accurate and fast, there was a constant clang sound echoing not only in the training area, but the hallways. He gave no time to the Beta to even recover from his attacks. The only defense he had was when he kept stepping back, and he did until he was out of the arena.

He expected the Alpha to leave him, now that he was no more in the arena and the combat was over, but he was wrong. Lucien sneered, his eyes turning wolf-like. Lucien came close to him and swung the sword from his hands. The weapon fell on the gravel floor with a loud clank sound, which immersed in the growl that escaped the lips of the Alpha.

The growl didn't last long enough, and was taken over by a blood curdling scream as the blade pierced the heart of the young Beta. He gasped in one last attempt to live, as the life left his eyes.

Lucien didn't stop there; he struck again, and again, and again. Until, his skin was turning into bits of flesh, and the wound was turning into a hollow hole. Blood was flying towards Lucien's face from the impacts he was putting into the stabbing. Finally he threw his cursed weapon away.

‘True are a few things they say, love can hurt you in the most awful ways.’ He sighed tiredly and walked away, as if bored.

………………………………

A shining silver blade, cut through the air and the moonlight made it shine in an angelic glow. Long slender fingers strategically wrapped around the hilt of the sword, which was decorated with a red emerald. The light white material of her dress swayed with her movements, complimenting the white shine of the moonlight and the blade. One of the many things, that Saige had taught to Whisper was, that you never chose sword, a sword chose you. She swiftly raised her sword; the hilt of it was only an inch away from her face. She placed her empty hand at the bottom of her back to singlehandedly use the weapon.

The sword that Whisper used to use was an original, one of kind. Christian was the sword smith behind that masterpiece. The blade was made from Chromium and was later polished to perfection, until it was twinkling like the stars above. Its hilt was Iron, like her heart, coated in gold. An angel was engraved on the hilt, because Christian believed that angels were warriors.

She placed her feet together and lifted her sword over her head, the tip now directly pointing behind her. She took a step forward with her foot, while slicing downward. A whoosh sound echoed in the room.

There was sleep in Whisper's eyes but not even a little sagging in her movements. She knew she won't sleep until Lucien had slept forever. She would give anything, blood, sweat and tears for that to happen.

With an illusion of Lucien in front of her, her movements became more violent. She raised her sword and waved it in a circular motion above her head, then swung it downward in a furious motion. She kept repeating the routine, violent sounds of whoosh echoing in the room.

After almost an hour she stopped, stabbed the tip of her sword in the sandy arena and breathed deeply. She fell to her knees and allowed the beads of sweat on her forehead cascade down. They fell on the dry sand floor like dew drops in desert. Her eyes were shutting from the vigorous routine, but she was still not willing to let herself fall in the luxury of sleep.

Whisper's eyelids shut as she breathed deeply, allowing her lungs the much needed air. She felt her presence in front of her, a sudden warmness in the cold training area. It was the soothing heat that only an Omega's blood could radiate.

‘Your body is begging you let it sleep. Why won't you listen?’ Astera whispered. The tired Omega could hear a motherly smile in her voice that was laced with the vigor of a warrior.

‘I am trying, but every time I try, I end up shivering.’ She answered and looked Aster in the eye. Whisper had let her walls down very easily. Something about Astera terribly reminded her of Edith's comforting vibe. But the fact alone never persuaded thoughts out of Whisper; it was the look of bravery in Astera's eyes. A look only a fighter could have in their eyes. It was an expression that said that one had been through enough; if not too much.

‘Everybody has a war to fight, but none can be won if you start losing yourself. In a war the only one you can trust is you.’ Astera placed a comforting hand on her tired shoulder. ‘Lucien tortured you, now you are doing the same.’

‘Can I tell you something?’ Whisper looked at the ground, eyes heavy from the water she was holding back.

‘I am a very good listener.’ Astera grinned, and Whisper mirrored the expression half-heartedly.

‘What I saw in Lucien's eyes, I wish nobody else does.’ She shook her head, squeezing her eyes tight. ‘It made me feel vulnerable, and naked, like I had lost a war. Like he was unleashing evil spirits into my veins. I wished on death when he looked at me like that.’ She gasped. Almost like the words had taken up more energy from her, than the vigorous routine had taken.

‘You will be fine at the end, like all of us are.’ Astera carefully ran a hand through Whisper's hair, in a soothing gesture.

‘You have a story too, don't you?’ Whisper finally questioned, unwilling to share anymore details than she already had. Perhaps, a fair exchange of stories would make her feel better.

‘I was born into a warrior family, Astera Blueblood.’ She started. Whisper had heard of the family, but their legacy was broken during Lucifer's reign. ‘I was born an Omega, so weapons and the art of war was a luxury. I always had this fascination for swords. Whenever father was gone, I would sneak into his room and touch it. It always felt amazing; it would leave my hand shivering from pleasure.’

‘I know how it must have felt.’ Whisper said. She had experienced that euphoria was touching the proud metal of a blade, for the first time. It had left her in sensations, in a state of bliss nobody could break.

‘I had a friend, she was a Beta. She taught me how fight and swordsmanship. The only life I had was when I was in my room practicing what she taught. But one day, I was mated.’ Astera sighed, Whisper could already tell where the tale was going.

‘So you ran.’ Whisper predicted and Astera nodded in agreement. She smiled wide, like running had been the best decision she ever took.

‘I didn't know where, I just ran.’ Astera accepted. ‘Then I came here, and lived like a warrior. I hope I die like one too.’

‘It was a good story.’ Was all Whisper said, unable to decide on a proper comment.

‘Tell it to my grandchildren.’ She replied with a slight laugh that suddenly lightened the entire atmosphere.

‘Whisper.’ Rebel's desperate and afraid calls boomed in the training room, grabbing the attention of both the Omegas in it. It was coming from the hallways and from the sound of it, it was clear that Rebel was looking for her.

Astera and Whisper booth stoop up and looked at each other, exchanging confused stares. The younger of the two, walked towards the door to reply to his calls. She looked towards her right, at the staircase that led them to the next floor, from where Rebel's noise had erupted.

‘Rebel.’ She hollered, answering the continuous chants of her name. A few hasty steps were heard, and soon he is standing at the end of the staircase staring at Whisper with wide eyes.

She was surprised as Rebel ran towards her, and engulfed her in his arms; a deep, relieving sigh left his lips. Whisper could feel a heavy burden and stiffness leave her lover's soul, in a gentle manner. She noticed how tightly Rebel's fingers were clutching his sword, like he wouldn't dare let go.

She returned the Rogue's action, and wrapped her hands around his neck; as if assuring that she was there. He was scared; he didn't need to show it, for Whisper to know it.

‘What happened?’ She buried her face in the crook of Rebel's neck and her fingers brushed through his hair, in a soothing action.

‘Where were you?’ Rebel finally questioned, unable to unwrap his arms and let the Omega go, just yet. His lips kissed the side of her face, as he started taking her presence in.

‘I was here, the entire time. What happened, Rebel?’ Whisper mumbled. A few seconds passed before, he pulled away and stood only inches away from her. He dreaded that if he stood too far, she might disappear.

‘I woke up to a few soldiers yelling that there were spies in the palace. You weren't in the room the door was ajar, I thought something happened.’ He sighed and rubbed his temples, to relieve his body of all the stress that he had taken in the short moment.

‘What about the spies?’ Whisper asked. She was afraid that those spies belonged to none other than Lucien, who had predicted war and was preparing for it. One thing she knew about him was, he was a warrior; a strong one. Not only in the context of attacking and defending, but he had impeccable and unpredictable strategies.

‘A Beta wolf, perhaps. There is a panther with him.’ Rebel answered and that was all it took for her to recognize the certain Beta, who was anything but Lucien's spy.

……………..

Whisper ran into the council hall, where Darlene had captured Talon and Ace. She was followed by Rebel and Astera, who were puzzled about the situation. Truthfully, those days there was nothing Rebel was not puzzled about. It appeared as if Whisper knew everything, and others knew nothing.

Talon and Ace were standing in the middle of the hall, surrounded by a group of Rogue soldiers. As Whisper started climbing down the stairs, she hollered at her brother to gain his attention. On hearing the familiar voice of his companion, the panther growled in all its glory.

‘Talon.’ Whisper called with joy evident in her voice. The said Beta looked up at the sound of his name, and smiled brightly at the sight of his sister. He was confused about the entire story, starting from what happened with Lucien to how she ended up with the Rogues. But his confusion couldn't overpower his delight. Not even his tiredness and the pain from his wounds reduced that delight. He had joyous tears in his yes.

He was engulfed by Whisper, who almost knocked the weary Beta off his feet. They both sighed contentedly when they found each other alive, if not safe.

‘You never sent that Eagle.’ Talon chuckled and Whisper laughed. It was the first honest sound of bliss, the Omega had released in days. Rebel smiled at the honest happiness of his lover.

‘I missed you, Talon.’ She whispered and he softly rubbed her back, with a gentleness that only a brother could provide. As soon as he pulled apart, Whisper was pushed on the floor on her back, by a certain black animal.

Ace licked her face, affectionately overwhelmed from her presence. She returned the compassion by running a gentle hand through his soft fur, to which he purred.

‘I could very much use an introduction.’ Rebel commented followed by a nod from Astera. Whisper looked up at the confused Rogue, and smiled.

‘It is my brother Talon.’ She introduced and the two males nodded at each other in acknowledgement. ‘And this big cat is Ace.’ She patted the animal's back softly.

‘They have come in the right time, we need help.’ Rebel retorted almost amusingly.

‘You are right.’ Whisper declared. Talon furrowed his brows in confusion. Astera smiled and Rebel waited for Whisper to give the verdict. ‘The war is coming, send the message.’ She commanded and the war had begun.

……………………….