The Void: Azalea's Purpose

The Bond

Emerin 

Who is this girl? I thought to myself as I stood over her paled face. Why does she look like her? The girl was almost a mirror image of my past apprentice Irella. It troubled me to see her after all these years, and especially this young. Something was at play here and I needed to find out what to protect my Coven. “Come with me child.” I said as I offered a hand to her. She reached up to grab it and upon so I felt my entire arm shake violently. She was so terrified it shook my entire body as well as hers. As I held her arm, I could feel the power she held within her. It was unlike any I had ever felt before, but it reminded me only of darkness. I put the thought out of my head as I pulled her up and guided her away from the village, crossing into the Coven House. Her eyes widened as she entered what looked like a basic building that became a grand castle inside.  

“We may look as though we live humbly, but there is no need when you have magic,” I said addressing her wild look. She blushed and looked down, looking a little embarrassed as though she didn’t know how magic worked. I took her to the Elders room and sat down with her ready for her explanation. I needed to know exactly what had happened out there.  

Azalea 

I looked around me taking in the beautiful castle that had been under our noses this entire time. “It is grand, I know, but we have pressing matters to discuss. Mainly why you look exactly like my most powerful apprentice, Irella.” I looked at him confused as to what this had to do with anything that just happened outside. “That is the most pressing thing to you? I look like someone you know?” He gave me a look of annoyance as he replied, “We have much to discuss, but I am willing to bet a lot of it has to do with why you look like her. So please, tell me, are you related to her. Have you seen her? Do you know what happened to her?” I didn’t know how to respond to him, the only thing I could think to say was, “I have no idea who you are talking about. My name is Azalea.”  

He gave me a once over and thought of his response before he continued, “Where is Raf?” My eyes widened at his question. How did he know Father? “Ah, so we have found part of the puzzle. Raf was Irella’s mate. He would know exactly what happened to her. Judging by your age, I think I can assume he is your father?” He asked, to which I gave a confused nod. “Making Irella your mother.” He stated. I was shocked I couldn’t piece his questions together until he said those words to me. “Mm-my mother?” The man stood and looked at me as he called to the door, “Send Gabriel in, I need to speak with him.” A few moments passed with him simply examining me from his seat until the door opened and I was hit with a wave of electricity. I sat straight up as my heart began to race and I turned to see the most attractive man I had ever laid eyes upon.  

Gabriel 

Why did he always need me to run his errands? I grumbled in my head as I followed my father's personal guard to the Elders room. There were so many people he could have asked instead of me, but he always chose me. “It’s to hone your skills.” He always told me. He just felt it was safer to have his son do his tasks than risk someone else letting important missions fail. As I walked into the door ready to give my father an ear full, I nearly collapsed. Little shocks hit every nerve in my body as I bewilderedly looked at the girl next to my father. She looked just as shocked as me, her deep grey eyes settled in confusion as she stared at me. I had never seen someone as gorgeous as her, her auburn hair flowed down her back reaching to her waist and her lips were a beautiful plump pink. I felt so drawn to her I couldn’t catch my breath as I stared at her beauty. I fell to my knees as I was overwhelmed by the need to be hers. I would do anything for her. I was hers completely.  

Emerin  

What the hell just happened? Please don’t let this be more complicated than it already was?! I thought as I stared at my helpless son. “Gabriel, what is wrong?” I asked, fully knowing the answer. “I am her mate father.” He responded plainly as I reached a hand to raise him from the ground. I looked at the girl and she blushed as he gazed at her. Rarely did I see a mating bond so strong that it knocked one of our greatest warriors to the ground. The last time I saw this was when Raf met Irella. I studied the girl and decided to explain what happened, if she didn't already know.  

“Do you know what just happened between you two?” She nodded in response. “My father has told me what the mating bond is.” “Good,” I started, “At least we won’t have to go over that. As much as I would love to allow you two the time to get to know one another there are matters that need discussion, I need to send Gabriel to bring Raf here so we can find out what is going on. Please, since you know Gabriel would never bring you any hurt or harm, can you tell him where your father is?”  

She looked nervous but Gabriel held her gaze and nodded yes, assuring her father’s safety. “We live in a house past the river on the other side of the village. My father has a cloak up, you need only say a password to get in.” I looked at her with impatience as I waited for the password. She looked at me uneasily before telling us what it was, “Azalea, the password is my name.”