The Exiled Prince and His Siren

Chapter 12

Axel fixed his gaze to the road in front of him. Making out of Nihiltra was as taxing as entering it. Silence was a constant companion with their kind. It heightened their senses and made them dangerous but it also made them prey to commands.

He couldn’t remember a time when they weren’t working for the dragon king and his family. It started with a debt to pay, and his kind always pays their debt.

The price was loyalty and they gave it.

Over the years, they got used to fulfilling the orders of the king. He had a job to do and that was wired into their heads early on.

He had confirmed the prince had been hiding in Nihiltra, but he wasn’t alone. He could smell the human off of the half-blood he was running with. There were four of them and he was going to deliver them to the king.

Arissa reeled back after the vision ended. Maleroy furrowed his brows as he studied her reaction.

“They know we’re here. They’ve already entered the road towards Malhelm.” She said, slightly out of breath.

“They’re coming.” She said to the two men waiting on her next words.

“We need to gather the allies fast.” Callahan said, just in time for Max and Violetta to walk into the room.

“Where do we start?” Max asked, having heard their conversation from the outside.

“We–” Arissa started but was interrupted by a loud crash from outside.

They all rushed to the door to see the gate get splinter into pieces, revealing five menacing looking hunters the other side. One stood out among the others and he was drilling his dark soulless eyes into the five people standing shock still.

Axel danced his eyes between the people on the opposite side until they locked on the half-blood. He then shifted it to the man partially standing in front of her. He caught sight of the insignia that told of his heritage, and he knew that was the prince.  He didn’t waste any time and pounced. He was a few feet in front of them before they could blink. The rest followed his cue and soon someone had someone they were fighting.  

Axel struck first, intending to weaken the half-blood, but Violetta fought back. He was internally surprised at the force she had. He didn’t expect she would match his speed. He understood then how she managed to best his brothers.

Although it shouldn’t have come as a surprise since they were both creatures of the water.

Maximillian was right next to her, battling it out with a hunter as well. He could see how this group was different from the one he faced. They must be the king’s elite group. From the side of his eye, he could see Violetta and the one leading from the front earlier going toe to toe.

She was holding her own incredibly well he felt his chest swell with pride. His beasts were proud to have someone like her by their side but it also didn’t sit well with them that she was in harm’s way.

Especially since it was becoming quite clear she was their primary target.

His beast was clawing through the surface, his arms transforming into talons and with a quick swipe, it dug into the hunter’s skin, going all the way through the back. Black viscose liquid oozed from the cut, the smell reaching Violetta making her want to gag.

She needed to end the fight fast. Summoning her beast, she drew water from the pond and drove it toward the hunter’s chest, throwing him a couple feet back.

Free from an opponent, she started running towards the water.

“Get to the water!” She yelled out. They all started running no questions asked.

As soon as they touched the water, she encased them all in a ball, effectively shielding them from the outside. She then dove them all into the pond where Arissa immediately conjured up a portal. They all went in and just when Violetta was about to step into it, a clawed hand wrenched her out, the sphere breaking in the process.

Axel held her to his front and clamped his hand on her mouth with the intention of getting her out unconscious. She tried to shake him off, making them spin in circles as they fought.

In desperation, Violetta created another sphere. This time around them. With her hands free, she was able to wield the water to her advantage.

Like the last time, she sucked the air out of the circle, depriving both of them of oxygen. Axel gritted his teeth as he struggle but refused to let go. Violetta was beginning to feel the effects of it herself but she wasn’t giving up.

When she finally felt the hand on her mouth fall loose, she spun herself out of his grasp, throwing him back a second time. Then with incredible speed, she swam towards and into the portal where she saw Max trying to claw out but was held back by Callahan. He caught her just as she landed.

She was breathing hard when she landed on what looks to be a shore of a lake this time. Max held her against him, patting her back. They were still in Malhelm but they were on the outskirts of the city. There was a castle nearby and they immediately sprang into alert when they heard the sound of hooves coming.

From the distance, they could see a group of men riding towards them. They clambered to their feet as they were nearing them. Flags were carried to make known who it was but they’ve been in hiding for so long, they can’t put a name to it.  

On the front was a very familiar man to Arissa and Callahan. He was undoubtedly a noble, but whether he was a friend or foe is the question.

The answer was determined when he finally made a stop in front of them.

Arissa was surprised to see the Duke of Whel. She hasn’t seen him since they left Malhelm for queen Violet’s marriage to the griffin king. She thought he was exiled by Claudus when he refused to join his usurpation.

The duke acknowledged her with a nod of his head. “It’s been a long time Arissa.” He greeted.

Then he turned towards towards Max and Violetta. He bowed his head and greeted them as well.

“Highnesses” He said, bowing slightly.

He fixed his gaze on Violetta, who matched his stare.

“You have left quite a reputation with the hunters your highness.” He said, chuckling.

Violetta blushed slightly at the statement and moved towards Max who brought her closer towards him in turn.

The duke c****d his head at the exchange but he didn’t voice his thoughts out loud.

“I had just gotten word you would be needing my help. It seems fate has brought you in my land faster than I thought.” He said to them.

Max and Violetta didn’t reply. They were studying him, figuring him out.  

“This is the Duke of Whel. He was a friend of queen Violet.” Callahan said, snapping them both out of their trance.

The duke turned towards Callahan this time.

“It’s good to see you Callahan.” He greeted.

“And you your grace. I apologize for having to show up in your land unannounced after all these years but we’ve been in hiding.” Callahan explained.

“It’s no problem at all. We were bound to meet at some point especially at a time like this. However, we should discuss all we need to discuss after you all change out of your wet clothes.” He turned to the young royals.

“The castle is at your disposal your highnesses, and I am at your service.” He said, giving them a slight bow.