Cast Aside Without a Mate

Chapter 13: Family Strength

Chapter 13: Desmond's POV

Watching as my brother gathered his belongings off the dining table, I turned my back and walked towards the buffet where people were still plating food and mingling. My mother and father were seated at the head of the table. Our spots at the table were empty as I approached the buffet and went in line. Upon seeking me, one of the warriors quickly grabbed a warm plate and began gathering food on my plate. I was almost standing behind him when he whipped around and spoke to me "Prince Desmond, your food is ready and your parents await your arrival. Congratulations." He bowed before he stretched his hand out and held my food. I smiled curtly and grabbed the plate. "Thank you, Marcus, you are truly a kind man. May the light be in your favor."

Finishing the conversation, I took my food and headed to the royal table that sat closest to the thrones of the king and queen. I thought about how my brother was going to pull off the next part of the ritual, and I still needed to find a way to slip out unnoticed before Dante finished the ritual he was performing. I sighed inwardly as I sorted out an excuse when my father's gravel voice interrupted my thoughts "Desmond, where is your brother? What took you so long to join us for breakfast? You should have been first." He ranted about how I was late for my own special breakfast. I scoffed lightly and looked aloof. "Relax Papa. Dante did not feel well. He went to his room to meditate so he could adjust to his new strength." I put down the plate, pulled out my chair, and looked at my parents with a tall confident aura. "Dante would be back as soon as he is well before the garden lunch. I made sure that he said he would make it on time." I took my seat and began to eat my food slowly. The food that hit my taste buds was a sausage, ham, and Monterey Jack cheese omelet and the soft Texas toast that melted in my mouth. I gave silent praise to the chief in charge of tonight's banquet and would definitely request to meet them once I was finished with my meal. Everything was still fresh and appealing.

"Should I go and check on Dante?" My mother spoke softly as she looked over at me. I took a drink to clear my mouth before saying, "No, there is no point, Mama. Dante said he was going to take some medicine and meditate." I said slowly and carefully, not to cause any suspicion from my parents. "Do you think Dante's Menyaka is finally about to surface? I saw him glowing earlier and had been waiting to ask him." Dad looked disgruntled as he remembered Dante glowing. "Perhaps Dante will have a Menyaka after all!" Pride swelled inside our father as I put down my cutlery. "Papa, it could take until we are of our proper age. There should be no rush if he gets his Menyaka when I do or on his own time. "I know we will both make you proud." I smiled at my mother, who has always supported us no matter what. "Fine. We will discuss this matter later." My father waved his hand to dismiss me from the table.

At the chance, I stood up and said, "As you wish, Papa." I bowed curtly and took a step away from the table. "Also, do not forget that your brother and you must change clothing before lunch. You have an hour until then. The sooner, the better." As my father's sentence registered, I was reminded that I needed to leave, and now I did not need an excuse. "Very well, father. I will go notify Dante, and we will be changed before lunch." I walked to my mother and kissed her on the forehead. I nodded at my father, who nodded back at me approvingly.

Turning on my heels, I walked confidently out of the dining area and headed straight toward Sanctuary. With each step, my heart pounded. If I was right, I had just enough time to get inside with Dante to finish his casting ritual and then slip out with him unnoticed. I clenched my fists together and sent a silent prayer to the gods. "Please let everything be okay. Please tell me Dante is okay." I kept repeating the thought with each step until I was interrupted by another gruff voice, "Calm down. He will not vanish into thin air." Odin hissed at me through clenched teeth. He had enough of my praying. "Odin, if you say one negative thing, I am shutting you out." I shot back my words. This was not the time to harbor negative emotions.

I was nearly there when I saw the headstones come into sight. I breathed a sigh of relief. I was almost there. "I would not take negativity into Sanctuary. Listen carefully, Desmond; something already feels off. I do not know what Dante is doing, but we should be prepared that something may have gone wrong." He paused as he breathed deeply. "Dante has done something. I sense an incredible amount of power." Odin's gruff voice sounded concerned and a bit puzzled. I was finally at the last two headstones and paused briefly. I was breathing heavily as I let go of my sorrow. I wiped the tears that threatened to leave my eyes. I took centering breaths and thought of everything that brought me joy. I thought of Dante, who was carefree and in love with life. I thought of my parents, who cherish the two of us. I overwhelmed my senses with the love of everyone who supported me.

After clearing my energy and deep meditation, I was ready to enter the Sanctuary and finish Dante's planned ritual. I reached the dazzling, shimmering door. As I reached for the handles, a woman's voice was heard inside my head. "Do not let fear blind you to the truth. See for yourself the truth you seek." I quickly scanned my surroundings. It was deadly quiet, and I could hear my own labored breathing. "Whose voice was that? I have never heard that voice before." Shivers ran down my spine. Even when I realized I was alone, I was still uncomfortable. Fear was trying to spread inside my veins as I gripped the handles to Sanctuary. No matter how hard I try to shake this bad feeling, it always creeps back up on me. As I opened the doors, I was ready to break out in a cold sweat, and they made no sound as I entered the vast room. The sight almost took me aback upon entering the Sanctuary. The glow of the birthstones spread throughout the room, bringing a harmonious, exotic glow. Different colors glowed close by and off in the distance. This vast area housed the birthstones of everyone in Sanctuary. I would find our birthstones, and we could get things rolling.