The Alphas Queen

Preparing The Troops

“What have you done?” Goine asked

Whirling around, Conner looked at Goine in surprise.

“What are you doing here?” Conner asked

“What...Have..You..Done?” Goine asked again in anger, his steps measured as he walked closer to his sibling

“I don-” Conner cut off when Goine threw a blue energy ball towards him.

Ducking down just as the energy ball hit the wall where his head was, Conner shouted out in surprise; the sparks from the energy ball falling around his head

“What the f**k Goine?” Conner shouted before he threw up a shield before throwing a blue ball at Goine of his own

Goine twirled round in a circle, the ball sailing past his face before hitting into the shelf behind him and scattering the silver pots in various directions. Just as both half brothers threw more energy balls at each other, the air around them froze. Their movements slowing down as if time itself had stopped, the balls now going towards each other slower than a snail pace. They both looked out from the side of their eyes as feet sounded coming towards them. Julianna walked into the room and waved her hand with a quick word and the energy balls collided before denigrating. With another flick of her hand, both brothers were flung away from each other before time righted itself.

“Not in my home” Julianna said to them both

“Your son is a traitor” Goine shouted as he pointed a gloved finger at Conner

“I haven’t betrayed anyone!” Conner shouted as he stood up, his fits clenched in anger

“You really think you could fool someone like Chris? Who has those around him that even we don’t know about? Powerful people?” Goine shouted “Did you really think we wouldn’t know that you changed? That you want her for yourself?”

“I have still been doing what was needed of me! I haven’t betray-” Conner was cut off

“Wanting her is still a betrayal!” Goine shouted

Staying silent, Conner tried to control his breathing as he looked at Goine. His anger a living, breathing entity.

“You want her essence. Yet why is it that everyone else can have what they want but I can’t?” Conner asked

“Because in order to have her essence, she has to die!. There’s not another way!” Goine shouted

“And if there was?” Conner asked quietly

“You-”

“IF THERE WAS?” Conner shouted out

Goine stayed quiet as Lilianna walked closer to her son, putting her hand on his arm to show her support. When Goine didn’t say anything, Conner laughed, his voice full of pain and hurt

“You won’t even consider it because you hate her.....her line so much. All because your line is not as strong” Conner spat out

“You hated her too” Goine stated

“I did. For a while I did because she seemed to be the root cause of everything wrong and bad that was happening to me and in my life. And when she fell for that..Max, I hated her more then” Conner said

“What changed?” Goine asked, frowning

“Did you ever think Goine that maybe, instead of being against her, if we helped her; we could have everything we wanted?” Conner asked

Goine laughed out, his disgust at his half brothers attitude evident as he looked at him; disdain on his face, his lips curled up in a snarl

“You are pathetic! Weak! Why would I want her alive when her being dead means I live longer and get to control as I please” Goine asked

“You really think Chris and whoever is with him, would let you keep her essence?” Conner laughed out “Are you really that blinded? He’s using us! H-” Conner cut off as Goine threw a red fire ball towards Conner

“NO!” Lilianna shouted out, her hand flying up to defend her son

With both hands, Goine threw out five fireballs one after another just as Conner threw out a fire ball of his own as he tried to erect a clear bubble of protection. Lilianna threw a powerful spell at Goine’s way which flung him backwards, tumbling down onto the floor. But not before Goine threw another fireball towards Conner, his hand throwing out a dagger right after it. As the protective bubble started to come down over both mother and son, Lilianna stepped in front of Conner and obliterated the coming fireball; only to gasp out in shock as the dagger hit the middle of the chest, the protective bubble coming down a few seconds later, as if in slow motion.

“NOOOOO!” Conner shouted as Lilianna fell backwards

Goine got up in shock as he realised that the dagger hit Lilianna instead of Conner. Getting up, his clothes and hair in disarray, he moved backwards against the wall; his mind whirring at having possibly lost a powerful source. Conner grabbed onto his mother and helped ease her down onto the floor, his eyes shooting hatred at Goine before flickering back towards his mother’s pale face. Seeing the blooming of blood seeping through her clothes he raised his hand over the wound, trying to stop the flow of blood.He chanted for a second, his palm lighting up with a blue light but still...the blood flowed

“What do I do?” Conner asked when he saw that it wasn’t working

“Run” Lilianna whispered

“What?” Conner whispered

“You have made the choice and are on the path to death” Lilianna whispered, blood trickling out from the side of her mouth

“Y..You saw this...knew this would happen” Conner gasped

“Only if you chose it. I don’t blame you. Love is a wonderful thing, a precious thing. I...have...always wanted...you to know” Lilianna said in between gasps of breath as she struggled to breath.

“To know what?” Conner asked, his heart hurting

“What love is. How powerful it can be. It could make us do the best of things...it can make use do the worst of things” Lilianna said sadly

Goine took a step forward, his heart racing at what he had done. This changed everything. Now; they would be blind! Lilianna was their eyes and now….if Chris found out! Goine shuddered.

Hearing Goine step forward, Conner threw a fireball out of a small opening of the shield which Goine tried to avoid. Just as he moved to the side, the fireball clipped his left shoulder, flinging him backward against the wall before he slumped down, a cry of pain leaving his mouth as the fire buried through and seared his shoulder

“You only helped them because of my hatred” Conner said in realisation

“Yo..u always looked for love in the wrong places. I..tried to guide you...to see...but you-”

“Are stubborn” Both Lilianna and Conner said together

Conner sniffed, his eyes watering. Goine stood up on unstable feet as he took in the scene before him, worry and pain making him delirious as their voices sounded far and distorted in his ears. Blinking rapidly, he cast a spell to take him back to his own home just as Conner threw another fireball towards him. Holding his burnt and painful arm, Goine looked at Lilianna in sadness as he acknowledged his mistake, knowing that a part of him regretted what had happened here as another person who acted like a parent was taken from him. As he disappeared, the fireball flew by, hitting the damaged wall behind him before creating another hole.

“I..” Conner cut off, unsure what to say

Suddenly, Lilianna’s eyes whitened fully, a vision coming to her. Gasping in shock her voice became distant as she spoke in almost a robotic voice

“Essence of three, shared as one. Created in pairs like the moon and the sun. While one flourished, the other was undone; but from it comes betrayal of the blood. Her essence can create life, the plane of all will live; but given to the other means death and destruction from within. For the hatred is great and the lie too sweet; that all was forgotten and was unseen. Love of pure hate and love of pure soul, will allow the astrid to defeat and grow”

Saying that Lilianna’s eyes return to normal as more blood trickles from the corner of her mouth, her breath choppy as she struggled to breath

“What does that mean?” Conner asked

Opening her mouth Lilianna tried to speak before choking, her body bowing up in half as pain racked her body. Conner tried to hold her steady, her body shaking as black veins appeared all over her body. Gasping one last time, Lilianna slumped; her life draining out of her, her eyes turning glassy as Conner shouted out in pain at losing his mother; his cry echoing around in the damaged room as he bent his head over her still body

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All around the forest, grunts of pain and exertion could be heard as the council trained with various students and teachers practised combat. When Max and Gemma couldn’t find Jorr three weeks days ago, Max had told the dean and Nait his suspicions and insisted that training and preparation for the coming battle be stepped up. Since that time, Jorr had not been seen or heard from and Max was sure this was due to Jorr knowing he had been found out.

Almost immediately provisions had been put into place and everyone alerted to the situation. Stronger wards and spells had been put up around the academy. While some professors charmed and spelled areas around the academy and individual dorms; others secured the portals and investigated every individual room, broom cupboard and space to lock any unauthorised point of entry or potentially dangerous locations

Cindy grunted as she took a kick to her side, flinging her back to hit against a tree. As Serena continued her attack on Cindy, she encouraged her to use other tactics as she advanced, now holding a sword. Ben jumped in front of Cindy as his left arm came down in a swoop, his own sword hitting against Serena’s as they fought. Cindy jumped up and called her twin hook swords to her as she took a running jump towards Serena who was now deflecting both Ben and Cindy as they worked together to bring her down. Grunting at the exertion, Cindy and Ben cornered Serena who fought with ease without sweating too much.

“Enough!”

Gemma and Aurrora’s voice boomed out loudly around the area of the forest where training was taking place. Immediately every stopped as harsh breathing could be heard and the clanking of weapons sounded.

“What are you doing?” Max asked in surprise as he took a hold of her arm and turned her around to face him

“Max, we have been at this for almost three weeks! Everyone needs a break! It’s been constant!” Gemma asid

“Is that what you are going to say when we are all fighting? Lets take a break, we have been fighting for a while?” Max said in anger, his face red

“All we do is fight and spells, fight and spells! We sleep at night only after almost collapsing from exhaustion. If we had an attack, they would win because we are almost fried!” Gemma whispered furiously

Looking out at the hundreds of people who were waiting for her to speak to them, Gemma turned and Aurrora took over, her eyes changing along with her appearance. With a calming and encouraging voice, she spoke

“Go back to your dorms and rooms and rest. There will be no training for the next three days”

Shocked murmurs could be heard as the crowd looked at each other, unsure what was happening and why. When the council slowly approached her, Serena spoke first

“Astrid” Serena said “With the knowledge of the betrayal and knowing that there are others out there, surely it is imperative that we practise all that we can”

“And will that help when all the warriors are exhausted and drained? The body and mind needs to sleep and rest in order to be fully prepared. Yes we need to train and you are all doing brilliantly; but, like anything in life - becoming extreme in one way means we lose in another” Aurora said gently

“But my Astrid” Professor Stanford said “There is still much to do, much to become proficient at-”

“We can only prepare. There will always be something to become better at, a more efficient way to combat. But our body and our brain need the time to learn, to understand it. It will only do that when it has the stamina to do so. My council has done well. You are preparing them but do not break them” Aurora said as she smiled at everyone

“They need to practice more! Did you not see how Cindy was hurled against a tree, or how Sta-Notien took a little longer to respond back in fight. Those types of delays will get them killed in battle!” Max hissed out

“Did you not see the tiredness that delayed their reaction? The fact that a merman took time to respond in fight with water should tell you that he has reached his exhaustion level but due to his loyalty to me, did not utter a word of complaint” Aurora said as she caressed Max’s cheek

“Gem-” Max started as he sighed

“If they can display that much loyalty to me, then is it not my duty to care for them and their needs?” Aurora asked

“You...I know but” Sighing Max closed his eyes before looking at her “What if we are not prepared enough”

“Do you really think we have not done enough? Do not ask yourself this question as my mate, but as Malakaie” Aurora said

Malakaie’s eyes flashed as he looked at his Fae mate and he quietly nodded before he retreated and allowed Max to come back. Max sighed loudly and with a confidant voice, he spoke to everyone

“Do as your Astrid said. Return back to your rooms and dorms. Rest. Sleep, Play games if that helps or in some cases...bathe” max said with a small smile, some of the crowd chuckled “But know that we will pick up training again in three days time”

As the council guided everyone and made arrangements with staff about providing extra food and drink, the warriors all looked towards their Astrid with smiles of relief and eyes full of gratitude. Aurrora’s eyes connected with each of them, her mind connecting with theirs to thank them for their dedication.

“You will truly be a magnificent Astrid” Nait said as he appeared beside Max and Aurrora

“Nait!” Aurora said with a smile “How is she?”

“Growing weaker” Nait said softly “We almost have everything ready. But I see it taking a toll on her”

“I won’t let mother do this on her own. She needs us, she needs me!” Aurora said vehemently

“She does. But, like you; she is sure she knows best” Nait teased

“Are you saying I don’t?” Aurora asked, her left eyebrow raising in enquiry

Nait chuckled as Max shook his head. When Cindy and Ben approached them, Nait schooled his features; his body alert. Ben wiped his brow and caught the bottle of water Max threw at him; taking a deep drink

“Talking about timing!” Ben said after a few seconds

“I had her” Cindy said with a scoff

“You did not. You were almost drained” Ben said with a roll of his eyes

Gemma came back as she smiled at them. As one group, they started to walk towards the academy. When Gemma looked down from the podium that they had stood on, she could see the council placing further wards as tired warriors made their way in.

“Nait, please make sure my arrival will be expected. Max and I will be there for two days” Gemma said before smiling saucily at Max “I think we deserve the break too”

“You know” Cindy said with an unhappy face “I still don’t know where you and Max go and feel it is safe to be away from me. I have yet to see this place and i’m your Vo-Suie!”

“You will know in time. I promise” Gemma said with a smile “But right now, I’m dreaming about a long hot soak, bubbles, pizza and enough junk food to get a sugar high!”

Ben groaned in appreciation at the mention of pizza as he expressed his sadness at the lack of junk food. Since training, everyone had been eating healthy and only what was necessary in order to stay both in shape and with enough energy to use for training. As Ben and Cindy argued about their food choices and options, Nait bowed and disappeared to go to Lily and make the appropriate arrangements. Max smiled and pulled Gemma to him, kissing her on the forehead before taking her lips in a searing kiss, walking with her to their dorms.

As they got closer to their place, Gemma noted how empty the halls looked as the majority of the warriors seemed to have taken to their rooms for the much needed rest. A few stragglers were dotted about or those that were reinforcing the wards, smiling at her and bowing their heads in respect.

“Right...I will see you guys later. I know wherever you guys are going is gonna be safe since Nait is with you and that dude has some serious power” Ben said, yawning “My bed is calling my name….as is Maddie”

“Ewwwww!” Cindy said, her face twisting in disgust “At least shower first before you descend on the poor girl. You stink!”

“It’s called a man smell” Ben teased her

“No mate!” Max said, his nose scrunching in disgust “it’s just stink” Before he shoved Ben who punched him back on his arm

As Cindy and Ben walked towards their own dorms, arguing as brothers and sisters do, Max opened the door of their dorm, his hands pulling Gemma behind him. As he was about to lean into her, they both froze as the smell of blood hit their nose….. A lot of blood. Max held a finger up to his lips as he walked in front of Gemma, his eyes now flashed with Malakaie as Maxsius let out a chilling growl, his hands forming into lethal claws. Gemma’s eyes changed as Aurrora took over, her body mimicking Maxsius as both mates walked slowly into the living room, their steps cautious as they took in their surroundings. Just as they walked around the large sofa in the middle of the room, Maxsius crouched as he readied himself to launch at the bloodied figure curled up on the floor.

When Gemma heard the figure’s shallow breathing, she took a step forward and gasped when it lifted it’s head, it’s eyes seeking out her own. Gripping Maxsius wrist to stop his attack, Gemma uttered the one word she never thought she would have said here

“Conner!” Gemma gasped