Page 136 of Taming the Kraken

“She’s a dark fairy too!”

“She’s the one we’ve been waiting for.”

“Cal, we can’t go on with the plan.”

Murmuring voices rose from the dark fairies behind the wisp. The wisp slowly lowered to one knee, and the rest of them followed suit.

“Forgive us. You’re the one we’ve been waiting for. There is a prophecy about you among the Unseelie Court …” The wisp paused and cursed under his breath. “I am Cal. I’m sorry. Please take your anger out on me.” He glanced up at Alexa. “There is a demonic army under the cloak, mixed with creatures … that should not exist. There are wrathens, shrieks, dranvors, faceless … but they can’t enter here. You will be safe behind the barrier. The only ones you need to worry about are the demonic fairies. They are the only ones who can enter Elysia.”

Alexa looked over at her grandmother and mother. They’d been waiting for her? It was prophesized that she would have dark powers? She was curious about what this prophecy said. But there wasn’t time for that. A high-pitched shriek echoed from behind them.

“What’s going on?” Jin raised herself higher so she could see better. She noticed Destiny and Lucie on the patio, with Harley, Derrick, and Justice. Jasper and Terra were sprinting toward them, and she flew herself over with her wind.

“It took her!” Lucie looked around.

“Something just sucked her into the ground!” Destiny was beside herself.

“What happened?” Jin asked as she hovered above them.

“Something took Raine,” Justice growled, looking up at Jin.

“But what could have …” Jin scanned the area frantically as she moved higher, but she couldn’t see anything. She quickly returned to the front of the army. “Something took Raine!” She listened as Brody growled menacingly.

“Damn it. It had to have been the shadow serpent. It has fairy blood … I didn’t think it was enough to get entry.” Cal watched as Alexa glared at him.

“Who sent you here?” Alexa asked, already knowing the answer. But Cal didn’t have a chance to reply. A sinister laugh rang out above them. They all looked up. In the clouds was a figure who was dangling Raine in the air.

“I’m simply heartbroken you won’t invite me in, so I brought a friend out to be with me. Of course—I am willing to trade.” Erebus grinned as he stared at the ground beneath him.

“Alexa, you can’t!” Lita grabbed her granddaughter’s arm. “The premonition⁠—”

“Fuck the premonition! I’m not going to let something happen to Raine.” Alexa glared up at Erebus. What was the point if keeping her alive would mean she had to watch a family member die? Besides, Alexa was the only one there who had a chance against Erebus. No one else would be able to save Raine.

And maybe … maybe the premonition couldn’t be avoided. Maybe the purpose of it was so they could all be prepared.

CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX

Brian, Bella, and Ryker were back in the West Dragon Kingdom trying to snuff out the traitors. It was hard for Ryker to be away from Raine, especially now. Dragon children were precious to their kind. His beast stirred in agitation, torn between duty and love.

Raine was the one who insisted he go and help Brian. She told him she was safe in Elysia, that she was well protected behind the barrier. It was the first time he felt himself wanting to push his duty to the side. But Brian would need his help flushing out the traitors. So he reluctantly left Raine and his unborn child, and he’d been anxious every moment since.

After doing some research and talking with the Great Sage, they figured out something interesting about Fisher. Fisher was a relative of the King of the South, Weston. He was the son of one of Weston’s cousins. In fact, according to the Great Sage, his mother had pretended to be Levi’s mistress. Weston had punished her and her sister and exiled them from his kingdom. They were to live out their lives as rogues, not allowed to belong to any kingdom.

Brian had asked if his father knew about Fisher, and he did. He didn’t know about the Thunder, which the Great Sage was aware of, but he knew of Fisher’s origins. He’d said this was a way he could keep an eye on him.

Fisher was a frequent visitor to the West Dragon Kingdom. He presented himself as a traveler. The Thunders had thought he was there to be their eyes and safeguard the kingdom, when in reality, he was there to do harm. He wanted the collapse of the dragon kingdom … so much that he began to work with demons. Was this all based on his mother’s grudge? Or was there a deeper motivation, one they didn’t know? Something wasn’t adding up.

Why were the demons targeting the dragons now? Usually no one challenged the dragons but other dragons, because no one wanted to incur their wrath. Or was it something else entirely?

“Brian.” Ryker looked at him. The two of them were cloaked and hiding, waiting to see what members of the Thunders reported to Fisher. Brian turned to him, his brows furrowed. “I was just thinking … a lot of this doesn’t make sense. But there is something that does. What if this is all about overthrowing the royals but not about the dragon kingdoms? If a new ruler takes over, they could make the dragons change allegiance. Instead of being loyal to fairies, dragons will be loyal to demons …”

“And Fisher has royal blood.” Brian muttered out quietly. “We need to see who the other traitors are and check their bloodlines. With royal lineage, they could be paving a way for the throne. You’re right.” He nodded his head. “This is about targeting the kings and royals … DAMN!” He growled, shaking his head. “The mating party. We’ve organized the perfect event for them! All the royals are here.”

“It would be suicide to fight against the royals …” Ryker trailed off as Brian’s brows knitted together.

“They don’t plan to fight. They don’t want their face shown negatively if they plan to take over. Poison? But it would be obvious if all the royals die …” Brian’s eyes widened. “Unless they don’t plan to kill the royals. What if it has nothing to do with those with royal blood taking over, but instead just controlling those who are in power? They are mass producing nembrant glass.” He looked at Ryker, his eyes filled with dread. “They could be planning to put the glass in each of the royals’ eyes.”

“If they can control the royals, they will control the kingdoms … and their loyalties.” Ryker clenched his teeth and shook his head. “But how? How would they get the glass in each of them?”