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Branches scratched my face, my boots crunching through loose dirt. Skidding to a stop, Cauchemar had launched an attack on me when I went on my walk. Smashing into me, his lips moved a mile a minute, the world shifting to a large cemetery. Fog curled off the wet black grass, his hands tying my hands behind my back. How the hell did he find me? Dragging me into the mausoleum, he tossed me down a curvy flight of stairs. Curling into a ball, rough marble smashed me around. Hearing the lock click shut sent chills down my spine, a low growl rumbled in my throat. Ripping my scythe from my back, a black dome came down on me. Every attempt to the other side sent me bouncing around, a rough landing jolting me awake. White flames built around my hand, my powers not even working. An audible growl rumbled from my stomach, my hand falling on my bump. Of course I had to be starving, my eyes rolling. Laying on the cracked marble, there had to be another way out of this freaking mess. I wasn't dying here or ever by his freaking hands, my teeth gritting. Slowing down my breathing, the marble was weak underneath me. Letting my dragon flames build around my palm, I raised my hand into the air. Punching the marble, the floor gave out. Salty air lashed at my cheeks, a pink salt cave stealing my attention as I landed successfully. Wondering where the hell I was, the exit had to be somewhere around here. Time wasn’t on my hands, seven death lizards charged at me. Raising my scythe in the attack position, silver water swirled up my arm. Something was wrong, the air almost suffocating me. A migraine throbbed violently, my vision blurring. My white dragon roared to life behind me, the salt cavern shutting down my power. Pacing back and forth, this couldn't be happening.
“What the hell!” I screamed into the ceiling, spinning my scythe over my head. This had been his plan the whole time, the rotten bastard finding my sole weakness. Leaping into the air, I attempted to kick off the walls. Crumbling before I could get a firm grip, panic gripped my features as I crashed towards the cold cavern floor. Angling for my arm, a loud scream mixed with the crack of my bone. Why didn't I try to land on my dragon arm? My scythe skidded away from me, a steady stream of curse words flooded from my lips. Trembling in my spot, a lizard scooped me up Scurrying through tunnels, they set me down at the edge of a dark room. A silver haired woman stepped out from the shadows, her head shaking at the sight of me. Who the heck was she to judge? Inky black eyes met mine, my eyes noting the good six inches she had on me. Fixing her shoulder length curls, a pleasant smile grew on her lips. Dusting off her silky pink robes, the sound of the hole I created sealing up frightened me.
“Good boys!” She cooed sweetly, her eyes falling on me once more. “I am Dreamweaver, Cauchemar’s little sister. I create the dreams people love. Let’s hide you before he stomps his dumb ass in here. Dropping me off in front of a closet, I climbed in. Closing it gently, a knock caused a snarl to twitch on her lips. Marching to the front door, an argument ensued between them. Shoving his way in, every drawer crashed to the floor. Chaos erupted in front of the closet, his shadow arm tossed her around the room. Snapping her fingers, his powers fizzling out. Check mate, I thought to myself.
“I don’t have her here! She is probably wandering around somewhere being eaten!” She snapped hotly, pushing him out of her home. Putting up a wall, she let me out. Sitting me down at a salt table, her fingers curled around my bruised and angry arm. Clicking my bones back into place, she wrapped it up with a bunch of black leaves soaked in a clear goop. The leaves dried into a hard cast, one of her lizards brought over a tray of tea and cookies. Pouring me a cup, steam danced into the air. Blowing on her tea, my hand rested on my large bump. It seemed to be growing faster this time around, her eyes falling on it. Fixing my silky emerald dress, it was of no use. The tears were too damaged, her lips curling into a gentle smile. Tapping my foot on the floor impatiently, I had to play this wisely.
“You are only three months along.” She informed me serenely, horror widening my eyes at the statement. “You are carrying twins after all and it is your second pregnancy. Do you want to know the secret to killing him?” Leaning onto the table, embarrassment colored my cheeks. Back off, stupid lady!
“I would love that but he is your brother.” I stammered anxiously, tugging at the top of my dress. The sweetheart neckline struggled to hold up my tender breasts, her fingers picking up a cookie. Taking a bite, she leaned on her hands. Such odd behavior, I mused curiously.
“Boran needs to kill him because you have too many different things going on with you power wise.” She explained with a sly grin, the black painting her lips doing her a disservice. “He needs to hit him in the chest right here. Poking the right side of my chest, her hand lingered on my bump. Tears welled up in her eyes, confusion dawning in my eyes.
“You have been blessed with giving these boys a second chance at life.” She continued with a quiet chuckle, the scarlet on my cheeks burning brighter. “You have mixed thoughts about it. Shall we talk about it?” Cocking my brow in response, she had hit the nail on the head. Staring at the floor, my lips parted to speak. Pausing for a moment, the conflicting emotions had been torturing me endlessly.
“I suppose so but I wanted them to have more of a say in the matter.” I admitted sheepishly, her shoulders shrugging. “How are you so chill? You are trapped in this place.” Sighing to herself, she took a sip of tea. Setting the cup down, her hands cupped mine. Silent tears stained down my cheeks, my mental strife bearing down on me.
“They are fine with it. I saw it in the mind of your unborn children. They said something about it being better than Heaven.” She promised honestly, a nervous grin twitched on my lips. She could stop being creepy for a second, my mind wondering if she had read my dreams. Those were mine to be had, my eyes narrowing for a second. Thinking pensively to myself, she did save me from my enemy.
“Could you not do that too much?” I asked politely, hoping that my privacy was mine. “Personally, I think I see your brother a lot more. Can I go home now?” Tears welled up in my eyes at the mention of Dackworth and his father, the chair groaning underneath me as I stood up. Reaching for my scythe, a tail slapped my hand away. Sipping on her tea, a frustrated growl rumbled in my throat. Spinning on my heel, she held her hand up in the air.
“You aren’t going anywhere in that condition. My brother would stab you in ten seconds.” She warned me bitterly, returning to her tea. “I can’t have an expectant mother going out on her own. I sent a message to Boran through one of his dreams. He is on his way. Sit and have some tea. Please sit!” Her teeth gritted with the last sentence, chills running up my spine. My lips parted in protest, her finger pointing to where I was sitting. Sulking over to the chair, I sank into the chair. My condition had nothing to do with that, damn it! The urge to run coursed through me, everything going wrong in my opinion.
“I can fight, you know.” I barked venomously, feeling a wave of nausea hit me. Rushing over to her trash can, my breakfast flew up my throat. Chunks hit the bottom, clammy sweat drenching my skin. Leaning against the nearest wall, this morning sickness was going to be the death of me. Clutching my chest, my heart was beating out of my chest. Everything hit me at once, sobs began to wrack my body. Burying my face into my palms, her worn boots clicked over to me. Make this depression go away or that was what I had always wanted to shout.
“I understand your stress.” She comforted me warmly, lifting up my chin up with her finger. “Try to relax and ride out your morning sickness. You are carrying life in you after all.” Resting her palms on my bump, my hand slapped hers away. Turning my back to her, she tapped her chin. There was no way she could understand me, my guilt seeming to hold me hostage every day. Touching my shoulder, the cavern faded to a field of flowers. Rising to my feet, the colorful flowers danced in the summer breeze. Darwin played with Luna, Mishal toddled around with Boran. Sinking to my knees, this was the last thing I needed to see. What sick vision was this?
“This will be in your future, your majesty. You have to keep going down the path you are on.” She assured me with a pure smile, my eyes rolling. “You may be suffering now b-” Jumping to my feet, I wanted out. Grabbing her by the collar of her robes, her worn face was inches from mine. A snarl curled on my lips, low growls rumbled in my throat.
“Did you watch the king of the dragons fall! Did you lose your friend the same day! Are you carrying your dead friend and his father’s soul!” I yelled vehemently, shedding endless tears. “Did your friend attempt to kill you! I have gone through Hell and I can’t seem to get out! If I could, I would go home but I can’t!” No rage burned in her eyes, a bright smile forming on her lips. What the hell was her problem?
“Did it feel nice to let that all out? If I gave you the opportunity to go home, would you go home?” She offered sincerely, my expression softening. A portal swirled in front of me, Mina and Viktor were laying in the grassy field. Taking a step towards it, I reached out to touch it. Taking my hand back, I clutched it to my chest. My head bowed forward, the thought of ditching everyone destroyed my mental state. Shaking my head, she closed it up. A fresh set of tears flowed freely, my arms folded across my chest.
“I can’t.” I grumbled darkly, my wet eyes meeting hers. “Everyone needs me. I can’t abandon them no matter how much I want to. Deep down, I know I am home. My friends are my family. This place is my home but every battle I fight drags me further into a darker place. No one understands the toll it takes on the hero. I put on a smile on the outside but inside I feel dead. Would people miss me if I died? They would move on with t-” Taking me by shoulders, passion burned in her eyes.
“Do you know how much harder I have had to work since everyone dreams of a better future with you in charge?” She pointed out with a fit of laughter, my arms dropping to my side. “My brother has barely any work anymore. I mean to belittle your feelings but you could have walked through the portal and been home. Yet, you didn’t. You are the true queen of this kingdom. Come along, my child.” Snapping her fingers, the illusion faded away. Guiding further into her home, all the breath left my body at a floating dream catcher. The pink glittered in the glow of the crystals dangling off of phoenix feathers. Thousands of wishes floated around, her palm catching a big ball. Rolling it over her fingers, Darwin’s voice came through.
“Help my mommy feel better.” He prayed through a wall of tears, his face appearing in the bubble. “She has been super sad lately and nothing seems to help. I want to see her smile again. Daddy isn’t faring much better with keeping her happy. We all love her and want her to be happy again. Please help us.” Silent tears streamed down my cheeks, a haggard Boran stumbled in. His beard had grown out again, his blouse was soaked with fresh blood. Guilt gnawed at me, my own son was worried about me.
“I fought off Cauchemar to get to you.” He huffed, his chest rising up and down. The blood is his, not mine. Unfortunately he got away.” Leaping into his arms, he spun me around. Clutching me close to his chest, his eyes fell on the cast. Cupping my face, he kissed my lips feverishly. The difference between us was clear, Boran would give up the ghost to save his family. Something had to change with me.
“I am sorry.” I blurted out awkwardly, his fingers wiping away my tears. “I am so sorry for scaring everyone. I pr-” Sliding his hands to my bump, his lips brushed against it. Gazing lovingly up at me, he guided my hands down to my bump. Kissing the top of my hands, his grip strengthened. Has he always been my rock?
“You have been through it, Daggers. Most people wouldn’t have the composure you have.” He comforted me sweetly, making me rub the smooth surface. “As weird as this pregnancy is, they are still coming and they need you. Hell, we all need you. We see the hurt in your eyes and we want to fix it. Tell us what to do.” Pulling him to his feet, his lips pressed against mine passionately. No words needed to be said, my husband melting a good bit of my anxiety. Melting into his strong arms, he felt like home. Placing me on his back, he waved goodbye. Walking through the twisting tunnels, her lizards provided us protection.
“I love you, Tusks.” I exclaimed warmly, his hands rubbing mine. “I had the chance to go home and I didn’t go. I couldn’t leave my people behind, especially my family.” Grinning ear to ear, he was hiding something. Stepping through through a swirling portal, my companions leapt to their feet. Hopping off his back, I got down to Darwin’s level. Crashing into me, my scythe clattered to the ground. Cupping his face, I kissed his forehead.
“I don’t ever want you to worry about me. I am fine. It is your job to be a kid.” I gushed happily, tears of joys streaming from my eyes. Wrapping his arms around my neck, he buried his head into my neck. Soaking my neck with his tears, guilt ate at me. Boran rocked Mishal in his arms, his genuine smile brightening his features. Darwin cupped my face, his lips pecking me on the cheek.
“It is also my job to make sure my mommy is okay. You have been through enough. I know you need to hear this. I love you, Mommy.” He proclaimed proudly, a wide grin spreading cheek to cheek. “I can’t live without you. You saved me from Hell. Somebody showed up.” Mina came out of the shadows, her scales shimmering in the moonlight. Running up to me, she rubbed her head against my cheeks. Lottie and Boran climbed up my arms, their rough tongues licking me. Kissing them both, Mina patted the top of my head. Basking in the warmth of the moment, Tommy rubbed up against me. Scooping up, his purrs echoed in my air. Darwin climbed onto Mina, the two friends exchanging a couple of laughs. Telling my anxiety to shut up, everything was going to be okay.
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