The Huntress

Chapter 12~ A Father's Love

♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤Crius POV♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤

"Have you memorized the map to get here?" The urgency in Crius's voice did not go unnoticed. "Yes but I don't understand what exactly is here. How can this be a safe place for me, there's nothing but trees and water."

Acknowledging Liliana's concern, he pointed to the spot in front of them. There stood a lone weeping willow tree. "That's what we want people to think but this place is so much more than that."

Walking directly behind Liliana, he brings his closed fist to the front of her face. "Father?" Opening his hand a golden necklace dangled from his finger. The sunlight reflecting off the locket, danced across their face. Reaching out, his daughter couldn't help but admire its beauty. The locket itself was circular with the image of a Tiger Lily and red jewel in the front. Engraved in the back of the locket were the words " You will never know fear, for I will always protect you. Love, Father."

Liliana started to tear up, unable to find the words that could convey exactly what she was feeling. "May I do the honors my child?" With that she raised her hair, allowing the Original to attach the necklace to her.

"I love it, thank you Father " Smiling, Crius directed her to open it. "I don't understand, what are these words?"

Walking up to the willow tree he pointed at her locket. "Those words are the key to opening up your safe place. It will work only for the both of us and no one else. So go ahead, speak them."

Licking her lips Liliana was nervous, unsure about what was going to happen but she trusted the man that raised her as his own.

"Enola Emrof Nepo, Dnammoc Ymyebo."

She couldn't believe what she was seeing, the willow tree morphed into a cave. Crius couldn't help but laugh at her reaction. Sensing her confusion he began to explain everything, hoping that would calm her nerves.

"A friend of mine is an elder witch, she helped me set this up for you. Inside you have everything you would need to survive an emergency situation. There's also a bed chamber and provisions for 6 months. Beside your chamber is a hidden tunnel that leads out of the human lands and into my own. I will always make sure that part is always heavily guarded by my men so I will know immediately if you cross over."

Showing his daughter his hand, on the middle finger there was a ring with a jewel identical to the one around her neck. "That jewel on your locket, as well as my ring, is infused with both our blood. If something happens to one of us the other will know because the blood will disappear. With that being said do you have any questions?"

Liliana's face no longer held any one type of emotion, which made Crius nervous. Did she hate him now? Was she still afraid of leaving his side? He had hoped that one day she would come to understand that living with humans was in her best interest. Walking toward him Liliana lunged forward, giving him a big hug.

"Thank you father, for everything you've done. I no longer feel afraid because I know a part of you will always be with me."

As quickly as the memory came, it was gone. No longer was the sunlight shinning through the trees, darkness and rain was all that remained now. Lost was the warmth of that day, replaced by the menacing bitter cold that threatened to enclose and overwhelm him. There he stood, in front of the willow tree, unsure about what he would find once he said those words he taught his precious Liliana so long ago.

Torches lit up one by one as he walked through the tunnel of the cave. Heading towards his daughter's bed chamber, he took note of the fact that everything looked untouched. Unusual considering his daughter was bleeding to death as her mate carried her here.

Opening up the door the entire room was stripped. Though it had been sometime since the incident, her scent still lingered along with many others. Crius made sure to remember each one, anyone there that day would personally die by his hand.

A part of him knew she wouldn't be here, the council was too smart for that. Crius had the ability to see memories through blood. The Council knew of this, making sure not to leave a single drop behind.

Fists clenched, he closed his eyes, desperately trying not to lose control and destroy everything around him. That's when the faint smell hit him, only because he was an original was he able to detect it. Blood. Liliana's blood. Opening his eyes the scent led him to a secret compartment in the wall. Gaining entry, he pulled out a wooden box, in it laid his daughter's necklace.

"Tiger Lily....."

He couldn't believe it, did she do this? It didn't take him long to answer that question. Opening up the locket, he found a small pool of blood. It looked fresh, it had been weeks since her supposed death he knew this shouldn't be possible.

There was only one thing left for him to do. Bringing the locket to his lips, he braced himself. This could very well be the last message he will ever receive from his beloved daughter. He had to know what happened in her last moments.

"Father...."

Staggering back, it was all hitting him at once.

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A/N

I want to apologize for the late chapter and also say Happy New Year! It has been a very difficult two weeks for me and my family. I named this chapter A Father's Love for a reason. I want to remember that this chapter was the moment I lost someone who I thought would be in my life forever. After 16 years together I lost my happily ever after but that doesn't mean I can't have a happy ending. This New Year will bring a new start for me and my children....I look forward to our adventures together. I also hope to grow as a writer and thank all those that support me in doing something I consider to be my first love. ~Frankie