Maldows Isles

Chapter Fifteen

Amaria's POV

As I watch the warriors say their final goodbye I can't help but wonder if I'm doing the right thing. I don't want to take them from their families.

Calissa steps into my view, "Do not think that way. These people want to make sure their families are safe from harm. If we do not stop Sariyah everyone will be gone. No one will be safe." She grabs my shoulders then, shaking me slightly to get her point across. I nod slightly, I know she's right. I just can't help but think otherwise.

"Everyone is ready to go little one. Where to first?" Colton says I have no clue so I look to my father.

"We're headed to Maltic. I know the chief there. He will always be on our side." my dad grabs a travel kit, and everyone follows him. Ash brushes his shoulder against mine as we walk. I smile as he grabs my travel bag from me.

"I can carry it, ya know?" I tell him as I reach for my bag.

He holds it away from me, "No mate of mine will carry her bags. I can carry it just fine, Amaria." I don't have the energy to argue with him so I shrug.

"Fine, I will give you this win, but I am no weakling, Ash." I laugh as he throws a fist into the air. He takes my hand afterward, kissing it, "We will beat her. You will be safe. Our future kids will be safe."

"You don't know that, Ash. Their powers will be out of this world, according to the old man. Do we even want to have kids? I haven't even taken the throne." My worries are starting to consume my thought.

"You don't want to have kids with me?" Ash lets go of my hand, looking at me.

"That is not what I meant, Ash," I tell him. He raises his hand, to stop me from continuing, and walks ahead of me, leaving me to my thoughts.

I did not mean to upset him, I just don't want my kids to be hunted like me. Colton is watching me when I look up. He smiles and tilts his head in Ash's direction. Waving, I catch up to Ash, confidence boosted slightly, I tap him on the shoulder, "It's not that I don't want kids with you. I do. I just don't want them to be hunted. Like me. I want our kids to live a fulfilled life. Is that too much to ask?"

Ash's hardened expression softens as he pulls me into a hug, "You're right. I overreacted. We should table this discussion until after Sariyah is gone." He kisses the top of my forehead. I glance at Colton, only to find him giving me a thumbs up. We continue walking for a few more hours before we finally reach Maltic.

"Amaria, Ash, Colton, and Calissa will come with me. Everyone else please take this time to rest." My dad walks to the front gate and says an enchantment. A flare shoots towards the gate, bursting upon contact. I hear a rush of footsteps, and the gate swings wide open. Fifteen warriors are standing at the entrance, weapons drawn. Colton's warriors do the same, I raise my hand to stop them.

"We did not come here to fight anyone," putting my hand down, I walk towards the Maltic warriors, "We come in peace," I tell them, showing them I do not have any weapons.

"Let them in," a woman's voice calls out from behind the warriors. I recognize it, but I can't seem to place it. The warriors part, leaving a path open. My dad walks ahead, blocking my view. Ash, Calissa, and Colton follow behind us. Walking around my dad, I freeze.

"Kenya?" I gasp out, it couldn't be her. She smiles, rushing towards me, wrapping me in a tight hug.

"I'm so happy to see you," she squeals in delight, "I'm glad I don't have to keep this from you anymore. Come inside let me show you around!" she motions for everyone to follow her. I'm still in a state of shock.

My dad looks at me, "I thought it was best not to tell you until you had your elements. This was to keep you safe, her family was a part of your mother's royal guard."

I cut him off, "So you kept this from me too. Great dad, just great." I storm past him, looking for Ash. Everything I know has been a lie. Was she ever my friend or was she just there to protect the future heir to the throne? When I spot Ash, he's standing next to Kenya, her hand on his shoulder. I was going to say something to her when I heard something similar to a growl.

Colton runs past me, picking Kenya up, "MINE," He shouts, before kissing her.

Ash laughs, "Now you see how I feel." He tells Colton before he turns to me, "It looks like your best friend has found her mate." He grabs ahold of my hand, walking away from them.

"I feel like nothing was real. Not my home life, or friendship." I tell Ash.

"Look at her, she is the same age as you. If she knew it would've been recently." He tells me. I know he is trying to comfort me, but it doesn't make me feel better. I watch Kenya and Colton for a moment longer before I turn away. I'm hoping Ash is right because I can't lose my best friend.

I leave Ash to find my dad. When I find him he's sitting next to a fountain in the courtyard, "Is there anything else I need to know about," he looks at me. I'm hoping there isn't.

"No, little lily, there is nothing else. About Kenya, she only found out two years ago, when she had to prepare for becoming the chief of Maltic. Do not punish her for her parents. They are great allies."