Cast Aside Without a Mate

Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Fate

Chapter 6: Desmond's POV

"Well, I think it is time we kept up our appearance and headed off to the dining hall, don't you?" I smiled wickedly at my brother, letting my Menyaka to the surface, who also stared at my brother. My Menyaka has practically loved my brother since we first met each other. My Menyaka's name is Odin, and I continued showing him a side of me only he can know, just as he does with me. Dante's smile slowly grew until it was almost psychotic while something glimmered underneath his unique eyes, and I liked it. Dante had a very regal and ethereal aura around him. It was a golden light, but it seemed like Dante had yet to awaken his full strength. I was excited to see who would become more powerful. I loved it; we were stronger than we told people we had a perfect plan. No one will resist an offer like ours. We wickedly smiled at one another, knowing that if our plans worked out, we would be kings and bow to no one, not even each other. I have never met Dante's Menyaka, nor do I know if he has one like he says. Dante has never told anyone about his Menyaka, nor does he talk about his beast. He has told me he exists, but whenever I have inquired about his beast, he tells me that his beast is always sleeping, so I cannot meet him. My heart clenched as I wondered if Dante would be sick again this year. "Dante, are you going to be okay after the ceremony?" I inquired. "Of course, Des, why wouldn't I be?" Dante reassured me as he ushered me out of the room. I knew he did not want me to be worried about him, but I could not help it. He was my best friend and my only brother.

Exiting Dante's room, we both dropped our intentions and focused on getting through today according to our plans. I was holding on to a pure silver dagger and a goblet in the other hand while Dante was carrying what looked like a locket and a vile containing red liquid. We stepped down to the landing of the ground floor and proceeded to the dining room just as we had done the previous year. Two warriors posted on either side of the doorway leading to the dining hall. With each step closing the distance, the stone-like warriors began to open the doors for us as they chimed, "Welcome your highnesses to the fifteenth birthday breakfast ceremony. Blessed be, and may the light always be in your favor." they were in perfect unison. If I did not know them, they might also be twins.

I looked at Dante one final time before we entered the grand hall, and I still do not know what I saw. My brother, who told me every secret he owned then, was not my brother. His face was unchanged, but his golden yellow eyes were bright with blinding light like lightning, his sapphire blue was red, and he looked like a walking corpse with black veins. I would have screamed, but I hesitated at the doorway, watching as my brother's back became my only sight. "What did I see?" As we walked into the grand dining hall, all eyes were on us, or more like me. Since Dante's little stunt last year, no one has paid him any mind. I do not know if that was what Dante wanted when he decided to do this, but whatever his intentions were, that was the only part of his secret I wanted to know. He knows I can be impatient when wanting to know everything. He constantly says I should wait if he told me everything, someone may find out about our plans and try to get in the way. I agree with Dante, which is why I have not been upset. I have to wait to know his intentions, but at least he let me in on his plans.

I suddenly did not feel good after sitting at the grand dining table across from Dante as I sat in my assigned seat. I wanted to start yelling to tell Dante that he should tell them his secret. What I saw was terrifying. I was too scared to look at Dante. Too afraid to know what I saw. I shook it off and tried to consider it our birthday and birthright, which meant we would be absorbing an immense amount of power at once later tonight, so it is normal to see things that are not necessarily real. It is normal because every year Menyaka ages, their energy flows into them like a steady stream, and whatever they did not absorb before the ceremony happens at the coming of age gets injected into them through the birthright ceremony. Too much power can lead to complications on their human side due to the ability of their Menyaka holds.

"Are you okay, Des?" Dante's voice was laced with concern. I quickly looked over at him and saw that what I saw was no longer there. Dante stares at me with a frown. He is worried something has happened to me. I shook my head at Dante and shot him a "Don't worry look." *Ding* *Ding* *Ding* The roaring bell drew our attention, and we knew it was time for everyone to gather for the breakfast ceremony. Dante and I turned and faced each other face to face, and as we steadied our bodies, minds, and energy, we began to absorb our powers silently as we would need to start today's morning tasks. It was time to move silently. This would be our second-year ceremony, and only three remained after that. Then we take over the kingdom and run it our way. In a silent bond, my brother and I look face to face, place our right fists over our hearts, rise to our feet, and prepare our hearts for the ceremony.