The Alphas Queen

The Vo-Suie's Dilema

Cindy kicked out her left foot and sent her opponent soaring to the opposite wall before his back hit against it and he started to slide down. In a twirl, she blasted him with an energy ball just as he blasted one at her. He stood up after firing five other shots which Cindy avoided before she threw out a knife; aiming for his shoulder. Suddenly, a long vine rose from the ground snaked up her foot and to her calf before pulling her down onto the ground. Crying out, Cindy fell with a thud, groaning at the jarring impact. She blinked in shock as she saw a fireball coming her way and she put up a force field around herself just as the fireball hit the blue transcendent field before disintegrating.

“Well done both of you” Professor Goodwell said, as clapping could be heard 

Cindy got up, blowing out puffs of air as she tried to catch her breath. looking over, she saw Jocker, her opponent; also trying to stabilize his breathing. As he walked towards the table at the side, he grabbed a bottle of water and chugged it down in seconds before reaching for the second one. 

“Now, can anyone tell me what Miss Henderson and Mr Lock did wrong?” The professor asked as he turned to look at the class who stood to the side. Yes mr Thorn”

“Well Cindy had an opening to maim Jocker when he was levitating near the tree so he could use the branches to attack her. But instead, she only dislodged him”

“And” Another female student said loudly “Jocker didn’t use enough of his natural powers”

“Correct Miss Saunders” The professor said before turning back to Cindy and Jocker “Mr Lock, do not be afraid to use your natural powers. We are elves. Our natural talent for using the earth and her beauty around us is what makes us dangerous. In a real battle, one doesn’t often have the chance to see what skills their opponent has Mr Lock. Had this been an actual battle, it is most likely you would have been dead long before now” Professor Goodwell said

“Miss Henderson” He addressed Cindy “Why didn’t you use your knife. I recall seeing three incidents where you could have ended it”

“Because he was hiding something. While in real battle I wouldn’t have hesitated to use my knife to attack and maim him if he was a threat; I also need to be vigilant that my expected action isn't going to cause me a fatal mistake after” Cindy explained confidently

“When we were fighting by the pond earlier and he ran ahead of me to try to trap me in the sinkhole which I didn’t fall for; he took too long climbing a tree he could scale within seconds. While I didn’t know of his duraid skills, I knew he was an elf. He shouldn’t have needed that long to scale a tree. He laid out a trap for me”

The professor smiled and nodded his head while rubbing his chin; proud of her answer. He looked pointedly towards the tree that Cindy spoke off and back at an embarrassed Jocker

“I uh...well ye” Jocker said sheepishly “I was trying to set up a rocking branch so that I could command it to swing from the tree and hit her. But her fireball threw me off before we battled on the ground”

“I was waiting for you to throw what was in your side left side jean pocket” Cindy replied

“His pocket?” The professor asked, frowning

“How’d you know about that?” Joker asked, shocked. Reaching into his pocket, he took out his closed fist and opened it slowly to reveal a small black ball; no bigger than a marble.

“That's a black mist ball! “Shouted someone

“That’s not allowed to be used when training!” Another shouted angrily

“If he’d had used that, she would have lost for sure” Someone else said loudly

“Mr Lock!” The professor shouted as he walked towards the elf and snatched the ball out of his hand “Deadly weapons are prohibited for use when in training! And this particular one could have been deadly, not just to the student’s out watching but to you also”

 “That’s why I didn’t use it sir. I wasn’t going to really use it. I just have a habit of keeping it on me...you know...just in case” Jocker said with a shrug.

“You mean to tell me that you walk about in the academy with THIS in your pocket?” Professor Goodwell asked in a deadly voice his eyes flashing fire

“I...well..” Jocker stammered, his bulking frame trembling with fear at the professors look

“How did you know he had this Miss Henderson?” The professor asked as he turned to look at her

“First I saw him touch his pocket everytime he got up after falling, or jumping about from tree to rock. As if checking to make sure it was still in the pocket. That’s why I didn’t hit him too hard with anything. I didn’t want him to accidentally break it and for anyone to be hurt. But the smell was giving me a headache and I tried to distance myself as much as possible”

“Smell” The professor whispered “You could smell this?” He asked as he held up the ball

“Yes. It’s like a metallic smell. I could practically taste the lead in my mouth” Cindy replied

“And that is why Miss Henderson, you are the Queen’s Vo-Suie. You’re logical thinking and attention to details is uncanny. A skill which will come in aid when you call for it. Tomorrow, I want Mr Leaderman and Mr Toringham to fight using only the nature around you. No weapons, so I will see you all at the grove gardens. And I would recommend that notes be taken as there will be a written exam the day after on what you saw and what could have been used instead” The professor said “Class dismissed”

The groaning of students on hearing about the exam was loud as they spoke among themselves, while turning and walking away from the clearing. When Jocker reached out his hand to take back the black ball, a white clear glass bubble wrapped around the ball and floated up from the professors hand before disappearing

“Don’t worry Mr Lock. Once your classes have ended for the day, you will find that back in your room. But not until ALL the classes are done for the day. It will also remain in that safety bubble until such time it is needed” Professor Goodwell said

“Yes sir” Jocker said, his black hair falling over his eyes a little as he nodded and moved his bulky body towards his retreating classmates

“Oh and Mr Lock” The professor said. Jocker stopped and turned to look at his teacher, his mind already knowing where this was going “Please see the dean before the end of the day to discuss your panchet for keeping dangerous items on your person. I’m sure he will have a fascinating discussion with you on that”

“Yes sir” Jocker said, wincing at that subtle reprimand and demand to confess his actions to the head of the academy. When both Cindy and Jocker turned to walk away from the training ground, The professor stood still behind them and called out

“Not you Miss Henderson” Professor Goodwell said 

As Jocker walked away, Cindy took a deep breath and looked at her professor with a puzzled look, unsure what she could have done to be asked to stay back. Staying back was usually for those the professors needed to speak to about their performance or any concerns they had with that student. As the rest of the students were now out of sight, professor Torry Goodwell started to walk the opposite direction of the students and Cindy followed him quietly for a while as they passed the healing pools and planthouse before speaking

“Professor, am I in trouble?” Cindy asked “Did I do something wrong? I mean I know that I didn’t use my knives-”

“No not Miss Henderson. Not all” The professor said as they continued walk “But there is something we need to speak about”

“Excuse me professor but where exactly are we going? I have a herbalist class soon” Cindy explained as she followed her professor

“This is more important than the herbalist class. I assure you miss Henderson” Professor Goodwell said.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Carrie, have you seen where my blue tie is?” Liam asked his mate as he walked into their bedroom

“Honestly Liam, you're worse than the boys at times” Carrie gripped lightly before moving around the room and lifting things to search for the tie.

“Ah ha!” Carrie said in triumph as she pulled the blue tie out from behind the bed 

Liam chuckled as he stood in front of his mate with the shirt collar up and encouraged her to put on and set his tie for him. He grabbed her waist and puller her to him as he ground against his mates then nuzzled her neck, placing hot kisses there as she giggled like a school girl

“God Dad, I don’t need to see that!” Kyle said as he walked towards his parents, covering his eyes with a hand

Liam moved away from his mate and laughed as he saw his youngest son. His eyes lifted to take in his once young boy now a large, strapping man. Kyle had grown in the last three years, his height now the same 6’3 as his father. His brown hair styled short and in a fashionable new way to frame his brown eyes. His face was clear from this morning stubble as he had shaved for the occasion. While he wasn’t as muscly as his brother Ben, he wasn’t much off. While Ben had gone through beta training and accumulated body mass and bulging muscles like Max; Kyle had a more toned and athletic body, more like that of a swimmer or athlet. 

Kyle had finished his training along with Mark, Max’s younger brother; and both the boys had now come back to be with the pack. While Mark had been training to be the Gamma of the pack, Kyle had discovered that he had been gifted the skills of father. Ben may be the beta, but Kyle would be the keeper of council. He would be the right hand man to Gemma when it came to the book of Fae and her confidante, just as his dad had been to Lily’s line.

“I thought we were going to go to the pack house for a book awakening ceremony? Not  to see you two make out” Kyle groaned

“When you find your mate son, I’ll remind you of the inappropriate random s*x that you impose on us and this moment you interrupted your mum and I” Liam said with a laugh

“Liam!” Carrie gaspsed, hitting him on his arm

“Dad!” Laim gasped out “So inappropriate!”

“Let’s get going before we are late. Remember, Gemma can only be there for a short period” Carrie said as she ushered them out of the house and into the car.

“I still don’t see why she couldn’t come here in person” Kyle gripped “it’s not like she’s not allowed, I mean - She’s the freaking Astrid. She tells people what to do, not that other way around”

“I know son. But, according to the council, the attacks have suddenly started to pick-up. Because no-one can hurt her if they have ill intent when she is in the protected dorm, there is no place safer than that. Her coming to the pack safe house is a danger in itself” Liam explained as he started to drive

“But she can’t live like that forever dad” Kyle complained

“It’s not forever, it’s only until whoever is out to get her makes themselves known. And we all know Goine is out their, planning with whoever else wants her dead” Liam said, his voice taking on a harsh tone

“But that could be months! Years even! I mean it’s already been three years since the last attack. What are they waiting for?” Kyle said in frustration

“It gives us a chance to get better.To prepare ourselves” Liam said as he glanced at his son in the rearview mirror

“Something just doesn’t add up dad” Kyle sighed

Silence filled the car as Liam drove nearer the pack safe house. Carrie stared outside the window, keeping her face neutral as her brother listened into the conversation

My nephew is smart Chris said as he listened 

He is. He knows something is not right Carrie mine-linked her brother

He has a good intuition but he doesn’t understand it. He doesn't realise that I have able to listen into the conversation for years and that this twin ability is what will be the demise of the Astrid Chris laughed in her head

But once we are at the safe pack house and down in the room, magic will protect everyone in it and will cut off our link Carrie reminded him

Yes Chris spat out angrily The only other place apart from the dorm that I can’t access. Once again, it will be up to you; dear sister, to relay the information back to me when you are in there. 

Chris, can’t you at least tell me now who your contact is? Who is it that we are doing all of this for? As twins, and one who is essentially betraying her pack and her mate might I add; shouldn’t I have a right to know Carrie pushed and don’t say all in good time. I’ve been hearing that for years

On the day that the Astrid became complete, the three moons of Astra aligned and our guest was reborn. Essentially, while before that; our true Astrid was behind everything, the power that is to be theirs; well...let’s say that it grows when certain people die and their essense is then taken.

Chris, that doesn’t make sense. Gemma will never see our way. We have been killing her line since we joined the pack and once she reaches her peak, when we attack; she won’t come our way Carrie said

I never said it was Gemma though, did I? Chris laughed 

What! Carrie screamed in her mind

Pay attention sister as you have just reached your destination Chris laughed before cutting the link

“Hey, Are you ok?” Liam asked Carrie

Turning to him, she realised that they were indeed outside of the pack safe house and had clearly been for a while since Kyle was now out of the car and speaking to Mark; their voices drifting back to her about his being the keeper and how they both intend to catch up with their games now that studying and training was over. She saw Heather standing there, looking towards them worriedly as she gave them a small smile and a wave.

“Carrie?” Liam asked again

“Uh, yea...sorry, just….a lot on my mind” Carrie replied.

“I know you are worrying about who it is that is betraying us and what is going on with these seemingly random but low-key attacks. We will figure it out my mate” Liam said, pulling her in for a kiss.

When he felt her relax against him, he pulled back and smiled. Encouraging Carrie to leave the car, he locked the doors and walked over to his alpha female and kissed her cheek before walking into the house. The buzz of activity lightened his mood immediately as he saw many members of the pack walking around, shouting out greetings and congratulations in loud voices. He nodded to many members and took his mats hands as she clasped his own after finding him inside. When Liam saw the alpha looking at him from across the kitchen, he walked over to him, his eyebrows hitting his hairline at the amount of food placed in the kitchen

“That’s a lot of food” Liam said

“Most of the pack are here. Gemma has placed a charm against the door so most of the pack can see Kyle be given the new role but not be inside. The guards and enforcers will be outside and around to protect us. That’s like a hundred and fifty people right there” Jon explained

“Plus we are wolves...so we eat a lot” Heather laughed

“Plus there's that” Liam laughed.

“Alpha, Beta, We are almost ready. Could you please come this way?” 

They turned towards the voice and nodded to Pontus who was there and indicating them to follow his lead. Heather announced to the rest of the group that they should start to make their way down to the basement and that those who weren’t closest to the door where the book was kept; would be able to see what was going on by watch the tv screens as Gemma would be using her magik to display the coronation of Kyle as the book keeper and guardian. Jon, Liam, Kyle, Mark, Heather and Carrie stepped through the open door and once inside, Pontus put up the ward as the rest of the pack members stood outside, watching the plain room change from cold grey stone walls, to one of white stones with gold organza curtains draped lavishly in cloud like style. The scones on the wall alight with golden fire, both illuminating the room and warming it. 

In the middle of the room, a wooden platform was raised with the book stand in the middle. As they all looked on, a glass staircase started to spiral upwards as the wooden platform changed to a frosted glass one. As the stairs rose, on it; green vines decorated the banister with white flowers in open bloom, their heady, perfumed smell creating a relaxed atmosphere. Another glass podium was created on top with a glass throne with an intricate silver and gold bejeweled background of stars and flames.

“Welcome all to the Council of Fae keeping. The queen Astrid will shortly grace us with her presence. As you all know, she sent me here herself first, to prepare this for her. As you know; the danger our queen is in has not yet been rested so her presence here will be short and brief as was suggested by her own council” Pontus explained “Now young master”

Pontus held out his right arm, asking Kyle to step forward. Kyle walked towards the Elf and nodded to him in a sign of respect. As the rest of the people in the room sat to one side on the golden chairs provided, the pack members who were outside the door were able to take in the magnificent view inside. Kyle stepped close to the podium, his foot raised to step onto the platform when suddenly, a glass pedestal rose up from the ground and raised him up to the platform

“A most auspicious sign, young master. You are blessed” Pontus said with a smile

“Yes he is” Gemma said.

Everyone started to speak at once when all eyes turned to look at her. Gemma had just opened a doorway and came through it along with Cindy, Max, Maddie, Ben and a member of each species - The council. 

“Astrid” Kyle whispered, his eyes widening before he bent on one knee and expressed his loyalty. Everyone else followed suit as did those who were outside of the room, their eyes taking on the difference in her appearance. Her once black locks were now tinged with flecks of gold. Her winged eyeliner made her eyes look big and her once blue eyes now had a ring of green and yellow in them. Her ears had a slightly pointed look and the golden grecian style dress that she wore with a blood red cape made her skin glow and look flawless

“To you I am your sister. While it is the Astrid who has come to sanction this transfer of power, it is your sister who welcomes you” Gemma said lovingly “Now take your place at the podium”

Kyle stood in front of the empty book stand and looked out to the crowd, his heart beating erratically. Liam stood up and walked to beside the podium and placed his hand up and out as if in a open hand prayer, his own brown eyes glowing with a yellow light

“I call upon our council to bear witness that Kyle Henderson is the rightful heir and son to Liam Henderson. That Liam Henderson has always been the Book Keeper of the Fae and the Guardian of the truth. Who has given protection and comfort in time of need above all else” Gemma said in a clear voice “Let it be known that two years ago, Kyle Henderson was given a gift. A seal etched into his skin to show his next stage in life of being the keeper. Two years earlier than most keeps for which I can only assume is for the betterment. We, the Astrid, are happy to sanction this transference of responsibility with the stipulation that he must learn from the current master and keeper. He must pass all the teaching requirements the keeper deems necessary and must understand and learn the dedication that is needed for this role. And so I ask you, Liam Henderso, Keeper of books of Fae, the rightful guardian - is he worthy of this role?”

“I, Liam Henderson; testify that he is worthy and will be the most loyal and knowledgeable Fae keep there ever was. He has heart, courage, strength and determination. All which are good qualities that a future Fae keeper needs to have. I will always and by blood, be a Fae keeper. Guardian. But I would be happy to share and eventually pass this power onto him so that he becomes the future Keeper of Fae” Liam said in a clear loud voice.

Gemma sat on the throne and Max took his place on the right while Cindy stood on the left. Ben and Maddie walked down the glass staircase, their hands carrying was needed to be placed on Kyle.

“Call forth book and give it your promise of blood so that it may be bound to you” Gemma encouraged

Kyle cleared his throat and in a loud voice, asked the book to appear in front of him, to promise his devotion and loyalty to it. When nothing happened for a few seconds, he tried again, his eyes widening in panic when it didn’t appear. Murmurs would be heard outside from the crowd and even Liam frowned, his head moving around in the room as if trying to locate the book

Calm Kyle Carrie mind-linked her brother

Why is it not coming? What have I done wrong? Kyle asked in a panic

Don’t let them see your panic. Stand strong and bold. Look as though you are calling the book to you Gemma said

“What is going on?” Max whispered to Gemma

“He can’t find the book” Gemma explained

“How is this possible?” Ben asked “I thought he was selected”

“He has been” Cindy said quietly “But the book needs reassurance”

“Reassurance from what?” Ben whispered

“That whatever betrayal is about to come, he will not be fooled by his heart to keep a secret” Cindy explained, her eyes sad as she looked at her brother

“I had a feeling this would be the case” Gemma sighed quietly

Sitting up straighter, Gemma opened her mind and her three beings came forth as everyone looked on in surprise “I summon the book of Fae to its rightful keeper if it should deem him worthy. Let you, the book, decide your fate as you have been entrusted to do from the age of time”

Liam looked on in confusion, unsure what was happening as he had never heard of the book ever having the power to choose its own keeper. He looked at those in the room with him who all looked at each other in worry, unsure what to do. As the rest of the pack waited for something to happen, Kyle suddenly heard a voice in his head. A female voice, soft and powerful

Young keeper, are you honestly ready to learn from me? To know the secrets even your own father doesn’t know? This time when I select the keeper; it will be for life

Life? Kyle asked I don’t understand

The Astrid is here and therefore, she will always require a keeper. And while your linege will always have been there as an apprentice, YOU will be it’s only keeper in life. 

I don’t understand Kyle said

Immortality. As the Astrid lived. So shall you. Your bloodline will be it’s apprentice but there will be many secrets that only you will be able to see. But with this comes great responsibilities. You will outlive your children and grandchildren and so forth. The only one you will not outlive will be your mate. But know this...treachery is among you and this book is the only priority. Even if that means not sharing anything with those around you. This book will require blood sacrifice because the treachery is deep and comes from all places. So I ask you again, are you truly ready to be a keeper?

Treachery - you mean to say it is someone I know. I can...can’t believe someone that I know would hurt the Astrid

And yet it is the truth. There will be many truths that will shock you and shake the very foundation beneath your feet. But you will learn how to overcome it and make the chosen sacrifice, even if it shatters your very heart. So tell me young master; are you truly ready?

Kyle stayed silent as he took in the book's words, shocked that it could even talk; never mind talk to him. As soon as the thought occurred to ask his father about this, a flame lit within him, causing him to cry out and almost stumble. As Liam tried to rush forward to help him, Gemma lifted her hand to stop him. Liam settles back, worry and tension expanding from his pores as he took in the stressed face of his son

“What’s going on?” Max whispered again

“The, she is testing him” Gemma replied

“The book’s a female?” Maddie asked, shocked

“It can do that?” Ben asked

“Yes. But we need to wait. There’s a reason this is happening” Gemma said quietly

“Not a good reason though Astrid” Cindy spoke

“What do you mean?” Ben asked her 

“It’s said that the book will ever really question the keeper if there is an issue of loyalty. If it doesn't feel it will be safe in their presence” Cindy said quietly

“That’s ridiculous. Kyle is trustworthy. If he wasn’t, then surely it wouldn’t have selected him?” Ben said heatedly

“Exactly” Cindy said, looking at the group in front of her “So that could only mean one thing. That the book is worried about those around it and Kyle”

“I don’t follow” Ben sighed

“Cindy means that the book knows of a traitor or traitors that Kyle either knows or is with” Gemma whispered “And the only reason it hasn’t shown itself to Kyle is because it is trying to determine his full loyalty…..And it would only do that if there was an imminent threat” 

“Meaning?” Maddie questioned

“That the traitor the book is worried about is here, in this very room with us” Cindy said 

“B...But that means - “ Maddie swallowed in shock

“That the traitor is one of us, one of our parents who are in this very room” Cindy said sadly