Turning the page, the half-demon princes appear in fanciful clothing and masks. “Lanterns shimmered like fireflies, and music drifted through the castle walls. Prince Ryker entered the ballroom full of sparkling gowns and delicious treats, and made his way to the dance floor. Prince Julien couldn’t look away from the handsome stranger.”
I continue to read to the children about how the princes’ met and danced the night away before realizing who they were, and it takes me back to the first night I met Yasmeena. With everything we’ve been through, and everything that is yet to come, that night holds deeper significance for me now.
It may have felt like a betrayal, sure, but it also feels like an undeniable truth that there is something deeper between us. At least something more than just animosity. From the way she spoke, to the way she felt in my arms, everything about her was perfect to me from the very beginning.
Until it wasn’t.
“For many nights after, the princes met in secret on the bridge that crossed the river between their kingdoms. Roots and vines from both sides grew, tangling together, much like the princes’ hearts,” I say, continuing the story.
It goes on, beautiful pictures and words depicting the princes being caught and barred from seeing one another, before they found a way to change their kingdoms’ minds, and could once again be reunited.
“This is the best part,” Po says, smiling and giddy with excitement.
“When the two royal families met and saw Prince Ryker and Prince Julien hand-in-hand, they decided it was finally time to change things. And the valley, once divided, blossomed even brighter than before. The End.”
A quiet snore comes from where Nico rests, and I mouth goodnight at Po before putting the book down, carefully exiting their room.
My mind seems to be fighting a conflict stronger than the one between the lupion and the felion. There is my dedication to my Alpha and to my pack, and then there is her. Yasmeena’s presence alone threatens to turn my world on its axis, changing the way I see everything.
I can’t even read a children’s book without daydreaming of her.
I shake my head as I continue walking towards my tent. The cool night air feels comforting against my skin, and as I cross into our space, it feels wrong. Empty.
Climbing into Yasmeena’s bed, I breathe in her scent, wishing she were here tonight.
What have I gotten myself into?
Movement No. 23
Yasmeena
Everything happens all at once. The severed head is revealed, blood pooling onto the plate it rests on. The eyes are closed. Its skin is red, with horns atop a white head of hair. This half-demon is masculine. He honestly looks like… well, like Draven. The entire room stands at once. Draven holds up his sai, and Reina unsheaths a small dagger. Flames erupt in Zada’s hands, the sudden heat filling the room. My magic sizzles at my fingertips, and many of the demon governor’s wings expand, ready to fight or take flight.
Gabe doesn’t flinch for a moment, looking serene and calm amidst our horrified expressions.
“Explain yourself,” Luc says as his half-demon body starts to fade away, revealing the much scarier form that hides underneath. He is like smoke and ash, raw and untethered, and it chills me to my bones.
I stare back down at the head.Does Draven have a twin brother, or should I say did he? Is that someone else in their family?
Gabe claps his hands and both corners of his mouth curl up into a devious smile, clearly amused with this show of violence. I can’t tell if this is an attack from The Legion, or merely a viciousthreat from one of the other governors. All signs are pointing to Gabe.
“Do you like it?” Gabe asks. “Sit down, calm down. It’s just cake.”
I can feel the tension in the air ease, everyone’s bodies relaxing as we all take our seats once more. I kind of appreciate how devious this prank was, but I also want to punch him in the face.
“Didn’t you have pressing issues?” Zada asks, cocking her head, her long white hair flowing down her back.
“That was my pressing issue. I’ve been experimenting with new methods of baking and wanted to trial it here for all of you first,” he says. “Isn’t it marvelous?”
Draven looks like he’s going to explode, but remains silent.
“It’s something,” Uri says.
Phaelyn snorts back a laugh. “Good one. I kind of like it.”
Luc’s form returns back to normal and everyone takes a collective breath.
Uri glares at his brother, equally frustrated with this mockery of an emergency. “No further updates?”
