Chosen by the Fates

In Need of a Hero

Aisling ~

I’ve forgotten about the phone in my hands. My mouth is gaping at Ashleigh.

I look to his brothers in shock. “How is that possible?”

Ever since this began, I’d started to recognize that I’ve always felt some part of Delphi within me. And the more I practiced opening up to that feeling, the more I reached out in my recent dreams, the more that feeling had become reversed. If anything, I became nothing more than memories belonging to Delphi when in the dream.

I have made so much progress this last week in searching for that missing component of myself.

But now? Now I felt empty. Something from within me is distinctly gone.

Sionainn’s voice cuts through my thoughts, “How did you get out of Aisling’s dream?” He is looking at Ashleigh, who in turn is watching me still. Ashleigh’s voice is halting, “I’m not sure. The void vanished.”

So that was the void.

Sionainn had said he suspected as much. “If the void was after you as a child, it’s possible that his lessons are what have kept you safe for so long.’ Apparently, he had been correct.

All of my childhood nightmares, the darkness I fled… it was the void.

Sionainn looks concerned, “It wasn’t vanquished?”  

Ashleigh shakes his head.

“How then?” Sionainn’s musical voice is devoid of its usual warmth.

Remembering the incantation of my hero, and the sensation of something shattering, it feels important to share. I speak up, “I did what my dad taught me to do when I had the nightmares of the darkness when I was little.

He told me to face it and turn into a hero I admired. The hero had this incantation they said to transform. It used to drive the shadows away and leave behind something small and helpless.”

Self-conscious, I pause and look between the brothers. “I felt consumed by the dark. It felt like I couldn’t breathe or cry out. I couldn’t even feel my body. It was terrifying.

I couldn’t figure out why I’d lost control of the dream or why the darkness was there. I was afraid of what could happen.

Somehow, I managed to speak the incantation.

But this time when I did, I felt something break apart.”

The brothers exchange a look. Cian speaks first, “So you don’t know what happened to us when you opened the chest?”

When I shake my head, it is like they collectively sigh. Their expressions soften.

Sionainn’s features are warmer when he finally speaks, “Delphi turned on us, attacking us after you opened that chest. Void was coursing through their body, lashing out at us.

Ashleigh took the brunt of it.

Within the boundaries of a dream belonging to Delphi they would have been unmatched. When we attempted to leave, Ashleigh pulled away.

We couldn’t just wake him up, but we were heavily considering the risks.” Sionainn’s eyes are filled with concern as he looks back at his brother.

“If Delphi could just remember, we might know how to save them.” Ashleigh’s tenor is pained. His features are drawn with his brows knit together. My heart aches for him. He would do anything for Delphi.

Even after the attack, all he can think of is how to save them.

“From what you’ve shared, I suspect the void has been somehow hunting you since you were a child, Aisling. And now that we know whatever part of you is tied to Delphi has already been corrupted, we have to figure out why you don’t seem to be.

That may be the key to helping Delphi.

Until we know how to fix this, we can’t let you reach out for Delphi again. Either of you.” Sionainn looks grimly between us both.

“We need to see Adah.” Cian’s baritone is filled with certainty. Sionainn nods in agreement.

Ashleigh rolls his eyes, “She already said she won’t help because of the Nightwalker.”

Tiffa perks up, “The what?”

“Nightwalker. It’s sort of like the Lucid boogeyman, a creature that serves the void but somehow remains undevoured by it.” Cian’s voice is quieter than usual. He turns back to Ashleigh, “You know Adah is the only one who has seen this kind of corruption before – “

“-You mean a lucid that has been corrupted?” I ask.

Ashleigh nods at me, then looks back to his brother. “Fine. Let’s go see Adah.”

Tiffa looks between everyone, “So is this like a dream thing or….”

“It’s a dream thing.” Ashleigh sighs.

After a bit more conversation, and learning the journey may take some time, we offer the brothers our beds. We help them get set up, and then Tiffa and I stretch out in the living room together.

I feel uneasy about sleep after what we just experienced. So Tiffa puts on a movie, keeping me company. We talk through it, and drink coffee.

Before I can remember Sol’s message, I have drifted off to sleep on the couch.

***

Falling stars fill the sky, a fog rolls across the ocean. I stand alone on the beach.

I’m not supposed to be here. I promised Sionainn…

“Finally, I meet my warden.” That sweet tenor...

Apprehension trickles through me, and I turn slowly.

Delphi.

I had never seen myself before when I was Delphi.

Delphi is exquisitely handsome. They are a slender form of beautiful that is an indistinguishable blend of masculinity or femininity. Moonlight halos their lean musculature, and they are taller than any of the brothers.

Each shooting star is reflected across their skin as it falls.

Delphi could easily be confused for an angel.

They take a step toward me.

I take an involuntary step back.

Delphi raises an eyebrow, “You fear me?”

“You hurt Ashleigh.” You are corrupted. My inner voice is yelling.

A long smile draws at their entrancing lips. “We Hurt Ashleigh.” The smile matched with those words makes my stomach fall, filling me with a feeling of nausea.

Delphi takes another step forward.

I take another step back, “I would never hurt Ashleigh.” Can I face Delphi here? Is this dream theirs or mine?

A musical laugh that reminds me of Sionainn fills the air. But when Delphi makes the sound, I flinch. The trees beyond the beach cast long shadows which look like claws, and movement there catches my eye.

Without another word Delphi rushes forward. They move so fast I almost don’t see it. I try to jerk away, but strong sinewy arms pin me. “That is a lie. Made all the sweeter that you think it is true.”

Delphi leans close, their hot breath whispers in my ear, “What do you think you’ve been doing every day?”

Guilt washes over me. The memory of every pained expression in Ashleigh’s bright eyes. The intimate moments which feel meant for Delphi. Stolen. I’ve been a burden.

Gathering my will, I fight a battle on two fronts. One within me, and one against Delphi, “I wasn’t the one who attacked him.”

Suddenly I feel something hot sear into the flesh of my neck. Panic floods me as Delphi’s tongue trails along the sensitive skin there.

“Weren’t we?” At Delphi’s words I remember what it is like to be just a collection of memories within them. My limbs grow cold. My eyes roll up as my muscles weaken.

The darkness of the night sky expands slowly, growing even darker. I realize it’s because the last of the stars are falling, emptying it.

No.

What will happen to us?

My body screams out against the silence that creeps into our mind. ‘We will be as we were meant to be. One.’ I can no longer tell if that is my thought, or Delphi’s voice.

As the last star falls from the evening sky, a snarl splits through the air.

I feel the weight of my body drop.

Barely, I can make out as a massive golden wolf approaches.

Sol. Something within me sighs the name. Some part of me that is distinctly not Delphi. The part I have been shoving down since the masquerade, when I first noticed it.

Delphi’s laughter fills the beach, “This is my dream Wolf. What do you hope to accomplish here?”

The wolf pads slowly forward while growling lowly. The entire earth rumbles with the sound. Almost as if to prove a point. The wolf has power here.

Delphi’s eyebrows go up as they reconsider the wolf’s approach, “Well isn’t that interesting.”

The wolf lunges without warning. The movement is lightning speed, but when the wolf lands, Delphi is already gone.

The night sky is starless and black.

Electricity courses across my skin as I feel a wet nose nuzzle my skin.

The wolf whines, lying down against me. Every point of contact feels charged and warm as the wolf curls it’s massive body around mine. A feeling of safety settles over me. As my eyes drift closed I realize that, just like Ashleigh, this wolf has a presence that feels unique to me.

It feels like Sol.  

My eyes snap open as Tiffa is shaking me awake. Disorientation scatters my groggy thoughts as my dream memories vividly replay in my mind. Tiffa is saying something in a panicked voice.

“Aisling? Aisling, we need to leave. We can’t stay here.”

There is the sound of something crashing into the front door. The door holds.

“The brothers…” I mumble, trying to sort through my dream and the reality in front of me.

“They’re awake and helping.” I feel strong arms pulling at me and look up to see Ashleigh’s bright eyes.

Something is wrong. It’s still dark out. How long have I been asleep?

“My phone…”

“I got it. No worries.” Tiffa says this even as she grabs a few small bags. Ashleigh and Cian help haul us out a side door.

Something shrieks through the night from the other side of the house. The sound rushes towards us as we hurriedly pile into an already running vehicle. Sionainn is at the wheel.

The tires spin on the ice, but we take off before the wailing can get to us.

I am too groggy to look out the back window. But Cian and Tiffa are turned, eyes locked on the road behind us even as we speed away through the ice and snow.

*** 

Sol~

I stare at the message.

The maelstrom of emotions filling me is enough to stir even my exhausted wolf within me. Why now? Why am I asking why? REPLY TO HER.

Quickly tapping out a reply, “When and where would you prefer to meet?”

Within moments she has replied again, and my heart skips another beat. “Coffee shop, first thing in the morning? I think they open at eight.”

Looking down at the time I sigh. By all accounts it’s early morning already. I know I’ll need to run my wolf now if I don’t want it waking up in the morning.

“I’ll be there.”

Slowly I rise, shifting through a few yoga stretches before padding out. Fortunately, the pack house is within a private acre near the mountains. Skoll and Hati reside here, but the rest of the family comes and goes as needed between business trips.

I leave my clothing in my room. Within moments I am out the back door, my wolf sleepy but willing to run if it means finally being close to our mate once more.

With only a few hours, my patrol is limited to the nearby vicinity. Most of the forest is quiet, but as I return to the pack house, my wolf picks up the trace of a familiar scent on the early morning breeze.

It is foul, reminiscent of the creature corrupted by old magic.

After showering and as I get ready to leave, I quickly text the family. It seems another hunt will be needed.  

***

The bell on the Rise and Grind rings out in the quiet of the morning.

I am surprised to find the coffee shop empty at this hour, but there is a drive through outside that looks packed. Their morning rush must mostly be literally in a rush for the city.

Aisling has not arrived yet. Remembering where she has sat the last couple times, I take the seat nearest after ordering my Americano.

The doorbell rings a little after I have settled into my seat. The scent of lilac, honey, vanilla, and sage fills the coffee shop. I am unable to see her from my position, and I resist the urge to crane my neck immediately. My wolf remains asleep even in proximity with her intoxicating scent.

Sipping my coffee, I listen as she orders her own. I am relieved to finally have whatever time she is willing to share with me.

However, when I hear her approach with her coffee, another scent is mingled with hers. Ashleigh.

It’s enough to make my own hackles rise, even with my wolf asleep.

As she steps into view to take her seat by me, I force myself to smile through my emotional discomfort. She is dressed in new clothing. The style is more expensive and different from what I’ve seen her wear during our other encounters.

I didn’t realize she had expensive taste. I don’t know her well enough to know what kind of taste she has.

I wonder if Ashleigh had known and bought what she is wearing for her.

I feel something hot, and bitter twist at my heart.

Jealousy.

Guilt fills me as she returns my smile with an exhausted one of her own. I realize her features look tired, and strained.

“Aisling, I owe you-“ I am cut off by my own surprise as she holds up a free hand. “Stop.” Her voice is as tired as she looks. “Please let me speak first?”

Nodding, I sip my coffee.

She glances around the empty café, then over to the counter. With a long sigh she bundles her scarf closer. “Walk with me?”

I watch her in wonder but follow after without a word. My coffee cup is warm in my hands in contrast to the chilly morning air when we step outside. I don’t need any added warmth because of my wolf, but I watch as she struggles with her cup to slip gloves on.

Wordlessly I take her cup for her. Her eyes are filled with unspoken thanks. Once her gloves are on, and she has her coffee back, we walk.

She leads us to the forest at the far end of the parking lot. Then along the edge until we reach a nearby trailhead. The snow is untouched by any tracks.

“This should be good.” She follows the unused trail. The crunching of snow under our feet is the only sound for several long minutes. It gives me time to consider her actions. She doesn’t want anyone to overhear.

She finally speaks as we walk, “This is going to sound insane…” she begins.

I watch her carefully, unsure of where this is going. All I know, is anywhere she would lead, I would unquestioningly follow.

Aisling appears to struggle with her words. “I… Are you-“She stops, spinning to lock eyes with me.

As her gaze brazenly meets mine, my heart picks up pace. Every part of me feels pulled toward her, and the memory of her touch fills my mind.

I step closer, “Am I?”

She stops speaking. I hear it as my proximity causes her heart rate to match my own.

Every one of my senses informs me of her entire body responding to mine. Her scent even shifts subtly. I want to press myself against her and erase Ashleigh’s scent from her with my own.

“A wolf?”

A startled laugh escapes me. The question stirs my wolf within me.

Centuries of interacting with humans, and I didn’t expect that. I look her over thoughtfully, unsure of what to say. I can’t lie to my mate, but for the safety of my family I can’t just disclose the truth either.  

Fortunately, I also have centuries of experience negotiating difficult exchanges. My voice remains level, “That’s an unusual question. May I ask what prompted it?”  

She chews at her lower lip, eyes darting away. She almost looks fearful? But not of me, of something else.

Unable to hold back any longer, I gently reach out to her. Cautiously I brush the shoulders of her thick winter coat with my hands. She startles like a deer.

Her eyes shift to my hands. “You aren’t wearing gloves…” Her voice is soft. I shake my head, my reply just as quiet, “No.”

Aisling’s eyes return to mine. “They said it wasn’t possible. But I still believed it was. Because every time I see you, all I can think of is the golden wolf. It’s like every part of me just know.” A blush rises to her cheeks.

My heart cries out at her admission, my wolf stirs. My mind is racing, it’s all I can do to keep my expression neutral. “They who? Golden wolf?” I ask more to understand her thought process and who might know my pack’s secret.

She heaves a sigh, “The brothers.” I can’t help but frown as I feel a jab of jealousy and suspicion driving into my gut. But she looks near tears, and I let her finish.

“It’s a wolf I’ve seen near our house, and in the- “Aisling hesitates with a self-conscious expression. But then she seems to gather up her nerve to continue, “– in my dreams. The trouble is, I don’t know how to find the wolf, and I need to.”

“Why?” My inquiry is quiet.

Aisling has just opened up to me more than I would have expected or could have hoped. By all appearances she hasn’t slept for at least a day or two. The fear she is feeling is genuine. Every part of me aches to put her at ease, longs to touch her, and pull her against me.

She is staring at me, as if weighing whether she’s already said too much. From her perspective she must know how strange her disclosure and reasoning would seem.

As if confirming my intuition, she finally speaks. “I’m sorry. This all must sound so weird. You met with me to apologize, and here I am leading you into the woods to ask you nonsensical things.

I don’t know what I was thinking…” She trails off with a laugh that sounds on the verge becoming crying.  

I speak gently in an attempt to reassure her, “I know of the wolf you speak of- “Her eyes light up with hope even before I finish, “-but I need to know why you are looking, Aisling.”  

Aisling slowly nods, looking me over. She could have asked me a million questions in response. Why do I know something like that? For starters. But suddenly I sense that part of her that’s not human brush lightly against me. My wolf stirs.

“I think the wolf is the only one able to fight the void.”