Phoenix rising

Encounter

*****Night King*****

"Is this a..." Wrath tried to find the right word "...night club?" he believed that was the right one for this place. For one it looked like an abandoned gothic church in the middle of NewYork, for another, it's entrance was guarded by two large weres in suits and earpieces and there were quite a lot of people forming a line at the entrance. He also heard pounding music bleeding out of the building.

"Yes, your majesty..." Patricia explained as she got out of the limo throwing the keys to a random man. A man, which, mind you, bowed to her before he drove the car away. He had the scent of a nightdweller, a faint scent, which meant he was at the very least the son of a Halfblood. 

"Wouldn't this expose your Coven to the human population?" Wrath asked genuinely struck by their audacity to stand in the light so carelessly. Haven't they learnt from their past mistakes? It never ended well for them!

"Humans, Night folk, rogues, covenless, mongrels of all kinds are all welcomed to spend their dimes in our clubs, your majesty." Patricia smiled at him coyly "We provide the entertainment, they provide the means, the legal and media cover we need to operate in the shadows of the society. All part of Kayla's rule."

Wrath was growing more and more skeptical about this new Phoenix of theirs. The Small Council abhorred the mere mention of her existence and he couldn't say he didn't understood their reaction. So far, this Warrior Coven stepped over their every rule.

"Naturally, none of us Feed, shift or use our gifts in the human level. We do it on the Night level and some of our Coven live in what we like to call the Dark quarters. All which are cloaked with heavy complex cloaking and memory spells as far as the human populous goes." Patricia added half amused "As such, your majesty, should you wish to find your entertainment here, we would kindly ask you to follow the house rules." 

"Is there another entrance to your Dark quarters?" he asked before she had a chance of inviting him to the mass of hormones, throbbing Veins and too loud a music. This world was too noisy! 

The woman pinned him with her green eyes for a while and wondered if he was worth her trust or not. Knowing his subject's mind was never an issue of his. Made betrayal that much more difficult. He could already see the way forming as a thought in her mind. He needed nothing more and so he begun his stride to the promised land.

"Uhh... wait!" Patricia struggled to follow him. It would happen, he had quite the advantage! 

Standing tall at 6.5 ft, he easily towered over anyone and his massive built was easily impressing even the toughest were out there. That and his scared face covered by that shoulder length white hair of his was enough to have even Patricia's brave heart think twice before angering the King. She may be unsure on how the Coven would react with him barging in without an invitation, but then she should've known better. Royals hardly, if ever had any consideration for such matters. 

Wrath took a turn at the corner of the church and without so much as a thought he pushed the iron gate open with Patricia soon to follow. He felt the surge of energy prickling his skin like slim pins as he passed the Spell barriers meant to protect the residents. He had to commend whomever made the barriers. Had to be quite the magic to have this effect on him. The other royals or nobles wouldn't be able to enter it, let alone pass uninvited!

Inside laid a rather large courtyard, as if he passed to another realm of another time just by entering the gate. The night was quite dark, lit only by torches. There were some people walking down the alley in the middle, their dress code varying from the modern to those he used to see in his time. Most of them gathered to the right, were a rather beautiful flower garden lit by soft lights laid and quite a few children played. To the left, further down to a wide open clearing before a thick forest, they used as training grounds for the warriors. He could see a few of them working out, target practicing or doing some circuit they had planned out. 

Some of the women greeted Patricia with respect, handing her some flowers. The woman took them gracefully, though she was in a hurry to follow him, for he wouldn't wait a second longer. After all, Wrath traveled half the world to get here. His patience was running thin and only the beauty and familiarity of this church they've turned into a castle of their own swayed his temper by a little. 

When he walked inside the church, he knew this was more of a castle than anything. What a wonderful blend of the old and the new. Within the collection of artifacts on display, technology laid interlaced harmoniously. The large hall had a throne, but it didn't look like anyone used it for quite some time. Not just any throne, but this was his throne in the old days, the Night Throne, a seat of power, now covered in dust and cobwebs as if to show how little interest they had in it. Sweet irony, made him smile at the thought.

Several long tables were laid where the Court should assemble, candle lit and prepared to serve dinner, by the looks of it. Some of the staff used their magic in setting the table, others their hands. He noticed how witches, warlocks, vampires and werewolves worked together in harmony. There was no bickering among them, just age old friendship and goodwill. Victoria would've enjoyed this sight quite a lot. There was a sense of peace and tranquility among them, one which had him calm down as well.

He noticed a massive stone circle further back. It had all sorts of markings on its edge. Using his superior sight, he could see what they were and he had to admit to being impressed yet again. Extremely old warlock teleportation spells. They found a way to travel much faster. He only wondered how far would it take them and how precise it was. Teleportation has never been an easy feat for them.

"Ah, Tris, you've arrived!" a large lump of a man spoke as he walked towards them taking the surgery gloves off his hands. There was blood on them. "With company..." he added eyeing Wrath with a frown "Does Blackfire know?"

"He has no idea..." Patricia answered him and now his frown burrowed deeper "And neither does Kayla. Is she around here?" she asked and the man shook his head.

"No, she's off doing whatever Kayla does." he answered with a sigh, but then he smiled at her "Anyway, Blackfire would need you in the council room. There's been an attack on the Greyback Pack, their Packmaster died during the attack, their Alpha is heavily wounded, just managed to stabilize him and their Beta is foaming at the mouth in there. By the sound of it, he or his warriors didn't much appreciate Kayla's order to have them all brought here for testing."

"Did Blackfire bother to explain this is standard procedure and they can leave in the morning?" Patricia asked and the man shrugged as the woman sighed deeply "I swear sometimes these two should have their heads banged together! No crowd control! Don't lose sight of him, Kayla won't want anyone she doesn't know about wondering around the compound!" she pointed at the king and marched forward, leaving Wrath with the man who failed to introduce himself.

Well, Wrath was more interested in what happened in their council room than anything else, since this Kayla wasn't around. He'll have to occupy his time somehow, won't he? 

"Wait... who are you?" the man asked quick to follow him as Wrath followed Patricia's steps.

"Your King." he answered leaving him behind as he took another corner to the left and passed the wooden door to a narrow hallway, which was once again laced with barrier spells, this time they were stronger still, but meant to block unwanted nightdwellers in the area.

"My... what?!" the man followed nearly running after him "Wait, you shouldn't go in there... Damn it!" the man tried, but failed to stop Wrath from pushing the same door he saw Patricia enter just now. This time the barrier was enough to cause him a small headache. He'll need to Feed soon...

"Just who the hell do you think you are ordering us to stay here?!" a young werewolf raged as he stabbed a finger in the air towards a much older and bigger one than him. Wrath figured the young was the Beta, while the old was Blackfire. He looked a tad bit older than he remembered the man. Black raven hair and hardened by age, Blackfire, was no bigger than the Beta pup barking at the wrong tree there. Blackfire's nose sniffed as his eyes followed the scent and laid on Wrath. Surprise was in his eyes, but then he smiled as if he had seen an old friend.

"Your majesty!" Blackfire bowed his head to show his respect, all relaxed, unphased by the chaos in the room, while the rest went quiet and ogled Wrath with wide eyes and gaping mouths in some cases. Wrath simply walked towards Blackfire and hugged the man.

"Good to see a familiar face!" he greeted the man releasing him from their old salute "Tell me, old friend, what's this debacle about?" Wrath wanted to know as Blackfire sighed.

"This pup fails to understand they might be infected by the Demon's venom and we need to keep a watch on them after the priest comes to bless them. That priest won't come until tomorrow." Blackfire answered.

"Who needs a blessing?! We need to track those bastards down and destroy them!" the Beta raged infuriated.

"Boy..." Wrath turned and watched him like a stern father would "If you had Demons among you, there's no telling which among you are affected. A priest's blessing would be able to determine that fact. Should any of you be afflicted, an exorcism might save your packmember's life." he explained calmly the situation they were in.

"Exorcism?! We have children among us!" a woman spoke in outrage. Wrath guessed that was the Pack's Luna. Strange that she wasn't around her Alpha. "Their lives are at risk!"

 "I regret to inform you, Luna Gabrielle, but your children have been at risk the moment the Demons found their way in your pack." Patricia spoke gently, but strong enough to have them understand their dire situation. "This way we can ensure you will not suffer anymore losses and should you chose to stay a while longer, we could ensure your safety."

"How, by locking us here?!" the Beta snapped at her.

"You will not be prisoners, Beta Jack. You'll be our guests and you may continue your pack's activities at your own leisure, respecting our Coven's rules as well as so many before you had chosen. This is sacred ground, Beta Jack. Demons won't be able to enter it and we are protected by countless spells..." Patricia begun her mediator role "Now, if you wish to leave as soon as the blessing are concluded, then by all means, do so. However, you should be aware of your following options and I urge you to consider them.

"We could facilitate your pack's relocation to a safer area. We can retrieve whatever's left of your belongings and have them delivered to you after they've been inspected, ensuring there's no Demon Curse left. 

"Should you not wish for your belongings, we can provide for the means you need to put your pack back in order. A contract will be signed between our Coven and your pack. There would be a clause which states simply that as we offered you harbor, you will offer us the same courtesy when and if the time should ever arrive. Many had chosen this option as well.

"Should you refuse our help or our contract, then we would still provide you with temporary homes, some protection spells and blessings to ensure your pack's safety. These would be provided free of charge, no strings attached. It's the least we can do after the damage caused to your homes during the battle." Patricia explained.

"Keep in mind, your belonging will not be returned to you until after we've finished inspecting them." Blackfire added fuel to the fire and Patricia almost had them swayed! The woman glared at Blackfire, but he hardly paid her any heed.

"You..." the Beta begun growling showing some of his were traits...

"Contain yourself, pup!" Wrath boomed and they all went quiet once again "You and your pack will remain here until the blessings. When they're done, you will come to me and state which option you've chosen. The Warrior's Coven decisions regarding your pack are now under royal decree." he was done with the negotiations and saw the young pup glares intensify.

"He really is the Night King, pup." Blackfire smiled at him amused "Your Alpha would confirm it when he wakes." he added and looked at the young man which followed them inside "Tell me how's Alpha Greyback?" 

"Stabilized, for now, but I think he'll need Kayla's magic to awake. He took quite the damage. Without her magic he might not wake from his coma or walk again for that matter." the man answered and Blackfire swore under his breath.

"I'll report it to Kayla when she returns." Blackfire announced then looked at the woman "Luna Gabrielle, you can join your Mate now, the negotiations have concluded and you've major decisions to make come morning." he added then looked at the pup "And you, Beta Jack, you'll do best to sit and wait for her decision. She's your Queen, the Alpha is not dead yet and you'll hardly want to explain to our Coven Leader how you're making decisions and speaking for your Queen."

"I am the Alpha's Beta!" he boomed and Blackfire snickered mockingly.

"Try telling that to Kayla and see how she reacts." the man gave a stiff smile, then looked at the woman again "You ought to voice your opinions when she arrives or this negotiations we've tried here would fail and you will be left without choices. I suggest you use your freedom wisely." he added and dismissed them as some of their guards escorted them out.

"Look at you being a politician." Wrath smiled at him amused as Blackfire shook his head showing just how tired he was. "When had the Demons appeared?" he wanted to know and the man shrugged.

"We've heard reports of their emergence for quite some time, but it was only three decades ago that we've encountered them. We tried bringing Seether to the fold, but the man chose the human life and he refused to join us. When he left the Night Kingdom, he was stripped of his magic. 

"We thought him and his family safe. This was Seether, the Demon Hunter, the terrible Warlock after all. However, two decades ago we've heard reports of an attack near his home and when we arrived, we've seen his daughter, the only survivor. Everything else was ash.

"I took the girl under my paw... brought her here and I wanted to offer her the life she should have as Archduke's Seether only descendant. Brought the girl to the Court, before the Small Council and requested they'd release her father's belonging to her as is her bloodright. They refused and did so in a manner in which they made me regret my decision to ever expose her to such..." Blackfire bit down his anger and Wrath could hear in his thoughts how the Small Council treated the poor girl who just lost everything she had or was. He also saw young Kayla's violet eyes brimming with boiling wrath as she remained silent and stood proud before the Small Council, not cowering one bit! 

However, Blackfire's memory shifted to something else as he told Wrath how he brought her back and how she chose the warrior path despite his best efforts to keep her as far away from harm's way as possible. Something else Blackfire misjudged about the girl, for she proved to be her father's daughter in all aspects. Not only did she had a terrifying intellect, but the sheer force of her willpower made her from the weakest among them, to the most proficient within a decade of arduous training and constant hunting.

It was her unyielding determination and her nothing short of revolutionary ideals which had the entire Coven recognize her as their new Leader. She didn't like the title at first, but there was little she could do about it when she had been chosen and Blackfire himself stepped down from his duties. Kayla and Blackfire had been at odds with each other since the decision was made, but all could agree she was the better choice.

After all, it was Kayla who brought them the prosperity and harmony they had today. They went from a small Coven made out of rogues, to biggest and richest Coven among them all. In one decade alone, Kayla's leading had made them a force to be reckoned with. While not all of them enjoyed her somewhat tyrannical control over the warriors of their Coven, over their strict training, they could all agree it was exactly that hellish control which made them stronger than the rest of the Covens. 

Their power only grew, while the rest of the Night Covens failed. As such many younglings or members abandoned their Covens to join the Warrior Coven. and when they arrived here, they all experienced a new way of living. A place where the old meets the new. Where there are no differences or judgements passed no matter which Coven you come from or how diluted your blood might be. The only difference made was based on your skills alone. Rewards, ranks and positions were given only to the best of them.

Blackfire showed Wrath the rest of the compound, letting him know that he'll ask Kayla upon her return to grant him permission to walk freely among them. Blackfire saw him as the ally and friend he'll always be to the man and Seether's only child. Just as they were about to head out to dinner, that portal was activated and all of those in the Courtroom stood up, some of them tensed, ready to spring should anyone dare and enter their home. 

From the portal came a woman with long multicolored hair mimicking the galaxy. Her short leather jacket half opened, tight black pants revealing those beautiful long legs, she took off her sunglasses and revealed a pair of striking violet eyes. Kayla, Wrath heard in everyone's thoughts. That was their Leader, Seether's daughter. However, there was something else bothering him at the moment... It's been ages since he felt it, but there was no denying it! The Mate bond tugged at him, lighting a fire in his heart he thought long dead!

She must've felt the same for her eyes and smile vanished as she stopped petting the child's head at her feet and looked up directly in his eyes. Anger tugged at her, he could smell it in her that spicy scent of hers! So different from his Victoria! Victoria was gentle and kind, this woman was violent like the Inferno and as cold as the ice of the Arctic! Victoria was humble, this woman was pride incarnate! He had never seen such confidence in a noble, let alone a halfblood! Only Seether has displayed that confidence on a number of occasions and not even he had it wrapped around him like a second skin! This woman wasn't a Night Queen because she was his Mate, she was one of her own making!   

What the bloody hell would he do now?! If there was one thing he couldn't do was deny the Mate bond! He could already feel that wild beast locked in him awaken, coil and rage at him Mate! MATE! Like a bloody dog in heat! f**k! What was the Moon Goddess thinking?! Awaking him from his slumber, leading him to such a Mate!???

*****Kayla*****

"Hope I'm not late for dinner..." I said as I stepped out of the portal unfastening my jacket. Place was too damn hot! I had no idea what the hell was wrong with me in the past days, feeling like my skin was about to catch fire at any point now! Thought the battle at the Greyback pack would settle the Phoenix's fire, but I couldn't be more wrong. If anything, it got only worse! 

Shit begun about the same time as the rumors of that bastard Night King emerging out of thin f*****g air, so I guessed it had something to do with him. After all, father has always been by his side and while I don't have all the information at hand, one thing was for sure the Warlocks of the Phoenix bloodline had always been around the Night King throughout the history. Maybe there was some connection there only the Moon Goddess and this King knew about. But, I knew better than go and ask that f*****g Small Council anything regarding it. f**k knows how that King would turn, but his Small Council said anything, I was sure I didn't want the b***h anywhere around me!

"Aunty Kay!" one of the children of the Coven just raced towards me. He was one of the orphaned ones we've taken on one of the hunts. Kid was stuck to her like glue whenever she was in the compound and not for my lack of trying, I just couldn't turn him away anymore. He struck a chord in me, had the same devilish grin as my older brother when he was up to no good.

"Krilin!" I grinned at him in response, petting his head as he hugged my leg looking up with those big black eyes of his sparkling. "What mischief have you been up to tonight?" asked enjoying his presence as much as I could. There was something I couldn't resist about the innocence of a child. 

Okay, fine! Truth was, I f*****g loved kids, especially when they went crazy doing all sorts of stupid ass s**t. They were just full of life, laughter and joy! What's not to love about these balls of joy?! I'm entitled to my weaknesses! I don't have many of those, might as well have this going for me.

However, that's when I felt a powerful presence in the room and my Phoenix just clawed at me to explode! Took everything I had to keep the damn fire down! My good mood went out the window when I looked up in that direction and saw this huge massive man standing near Blackfire, making the odl werewolf look tiny in comparison! His eyes were like ice, so light a blue it almost looked like white and for some reason he was ogling me too, but then I heard the Phoenix screech Mate at me and that was it for me. Anger boiled in me something fierce!

"Aunty Kay... why are you angry?" poor Krilin asked slightly frightened and instead of looking at the kid, making sure he didn't get the wrong idea, I just couldn't peel my eyes off that stranger! That extremely dangerous stranger, I might add! If dude sneezed we were f****d and maybe, just maybe the Phoenix would revive me afterwards, but I wasn't too sure of that.

"Not angry at you, kid." I told him hoping he didn't take my cold tone personally "I'll catch you later, Kril." said and walked towards the danger wondering for a second if killing my Mate on the spot would earn me a curse from the Moon Goddess. Everyone knew how our Goddess loved her Mate bonds... I for one, didn't need that rotten deal! Especially not in this world! Not where women barely had a word of their own without their man allowing it! And I really hope I'm wrong, but the closer I got, the more the dude looked like the graving of the Night King every nightdweller had in their home!

Shit! s**t, s**t, s**t!!! I should've run away! f**k! I should just pack the hell up and go as far away as I could before the dude catches a whiff of the Mate bond between us! f**k, my freedom! No! f**k you, Phoenix! Over my dead body! 

Battling your inner beast is seriously f*****g hard! I never really control it, nor do I have any reason to contract the Phoenix, but... damn! This...!!! I never had to go through this before! How the f**k did these people control themselves on a daily basis?! Get your s**t together, girl! You're they're bloody Leader! They all look up to me! I can't afford to f**k up now!

Yes, but then what's wrong about taking advantage of the Mate bond to have the King change things for all nightwellers?! All these people, all these Souls under our command could easily find themselves reintegrated in the society they long for! They won't have to stay in their compound! Hell, I won't need to worry about a single damn thing in my life! I'll have the Night King wrapped around my little finger!

There was that... Just some of the things the Phoenix raged at me. Not that the beast was completely wrong, but... honestly now? Why?! Just why?! The Coven had the power to take down the rest should we want it. 

Yeah, but with the Night King on their side...

Ended up sighing internally. There was no telling if he was the Night King or not! The jury was still up on that one...

"Kayla!" Blackfire greeted her with great umph "I would like to present to you, his majesty, Wrath, the Night King..." he added. So much for my hopes... That bridge burnt to crisp in less than two seconds. How awesome was that? Can you taste the irony? Because I can...

"Your majesty, this is Kayla, the Warrior's Coven Leader and daughter of Archduke Seether." Blackfire announced his most royal highness, King of all Night Kings out there! The true immortal and all those other titles. Thank the Goddess, Blackfire refrained from enumerating all that crap. This would've turned into an episode of GOT.

"Mhm..." was the only grunt I could muster in my current state and the King ended up stifling a laughter as he, for some unforsaken reason took my hand in his, sending sparks all over my body and kissed it in a show of respect... The touch of his lips had a zoo rumbling chaotically in my stomach! 

SHIIITTT!!!! If there ever was a moment to panic, this was it! My heart went haywire and the goddamned Phoenix purred! Can a bird even f*****g purr??!! SHITE!!!

"A pleasure to meet you, Kayla." his voice rumbled deep as he looked up, straightening out in all his 6 feet whatever! Well, fuck... dude already knew about the goddamned bond. 

Good luck, b***h! You're on your own, I'm team Wrath, the Phoenix was already on first name basis with the King. Oh, joy...

"Pleasure's mine, King." I uttered through almost gritted teeth snatching my hand away and regretting the act as soon as it was done. Felt so damn good! Wonder how everything else would feel! Damn, girl! Enough! Stahp!!! "Blackfire, mind explaining why the King's here?"

"I can..." Patricia offered right away. The ever handy Tris! What's not to love about this woman?

"I came here to meet Seether's daughter and pay my respects to your father. I understood you have a crypt for him." Wrath spoke and the meaning of his words were almost lost. I was too busy fangirling over his looks and imagining the most perverted thoughts. 

Honestly, I won't last long in this battle against the bond, would I? No, you won't, the Phoenix answered laughing at my pathetic attempts. But, you're welcomed to try. Would only make it better! He likes the chase.

Anything else you'd want to tell me about your boy-toy there, I asked the Phoenix keeping a straight face.

For one, he's no toy or boy and secondly, I don't remember us ever having fun with men, so we might as well start at the top, the Phoenix made some sense, I guess... If you could have a Mate, why not the King? I guess I should be honored. The Goddess might've blessed us...

Ah, man, this was pointless... This time I really did sigh shaking my head.

"Are you alright, Kayla?" Blackfire asked worried and that had me blushing like a motherfucker.

"Perfectly fine!" answered on autopilot and man, talk about getting caught red handed! Even the King looked at me amused "Come on then... Let's go to their shrine. There's no crypt... there was nothing left to bury." I added focusing on worse memories just to keep afloat. At least this would keep my head in the game, where it belongs! I won't wave that white flag yet!