Chapter 37: Choosing the Next Kingdom Leaders

Vincent

“Now that everyone knows the mission, there are some other updates. Yesterday’s attack was a complete success; every invader has been killed, captured, or chased from the island. For now, we are safe,” Alex said.

“I’m going to say what everyone is thinking right now,” Bao said. “Why did they take your mate, Vincent? I mean, it seems they killed anyone that got in the way. But why Alyssa, why keep her alive? Do they fear you, Vincent? Do they fear the hell you’ll unleash and take her to keep you docile? I mean no offense Vincent,”

“Mom?” Alex faced our mother.

“It’s alright,” Mom nodded.

“Then I guess everyone should know,” Alex breathed deeply.

“For fuck sake, spit it out already!” Ashley scoffed.

“The warriors of Sozin have been experimenting on mortals and magical folk,” Alex admitted to everyone, and they all released a gasp of shock.

“And why are we learning about this now?” Heyley scoffed.

“My father told me to keep it a secret since he didn’t know if the other dragon leaders were involved. And he didn’t want anyone to see that he was onto them,” Alexandria explained.

“You mean like my father?” Kita said.

“Yes. I have contacted a few other kingdoms, and they have been attacked since the attack on Burmuda. And from what I’ve gathered, Sozin’s men have complete control over the American Kingdom. To succeed in reclaiming our kingdoms and eliminating Sozin, we all need to be on the same page,” Alex said.

“What does any of this have to do with Alyssa?” Hayley said.

“They have been using her blood for the experiments.

“That’s what you’ve been keeping from us!” Jacob yelled. “Why the fuck didn’t you tell us? You didn’t trust us?”

“SHUT UP!” Vincent’s voice echoed across the room, and everyone’s heads lowered except for my mother and me. “Of course, we trusted you. It would be safer if fewer people knew,”

“I guess being the mate to the White Dragon and being a Golden Dragon makes her an excellent source of magic,”

“Correct,” Alex nodded.

“Guess that explains the fire dragon from the first attack?” Scott shook his head.

“Exactly,” Alex nodded again.

“What was so special about that fire dragon, anyway?” Hayley asked.

“During the first attack on Varrfarrinn, when my father was killed, we managed to capture a dragon, He was able to shift his face into dragon form while keeping his body in human form, and he could breathe fire,” Alex said.

“That’s impossible; the Moon Goddess would never allow that to happen,” Renna’s mouth was wide open.

“And he was also chained with Draconite at the time,” Scott added.

“How are we suppose to fight that? Dragons immune to draconite?” Daiyu groaned.

“I’ve been thinking about that. Tristan was in charge of chaining that bastard up. I examined the cell where he was held and the remains of his chains. I can’t be sure but they seemed to have been tampered with,” Scott explained.

“So he might have not been immune to draconite after all?” Alex said.

“It’s possible,” Scott nodded at Alex.

“I hope that’s the case. It still needs to change the fact that Sozin is making dragons with new and more dangerous abilities,” Alex crossed her arms.

“So do you know where these bastard are hiding?” Ashley growled.

“The Brazilian Rainforest,” Vincent answered.

“So what are we waiting for? A fucking invite?” Ashley said.

“Yeah, we need to make those bastards pay for our parents,” Caitlin shouted.

Everyone started talking all at once. It was clear that everyone was hurting and wanted revenge. But if we let our emotions cloud our judgment, we will not stand a chance.

“EVERYONE QUIET!” Skyler shouted, “I know everyone wants revenge, and I understand that feeling, and you can believe me when I say that I want nothing more than to bring these bastards down. But we can’t let our emotions cloud our judgment,”

“Sky’s right. Right now, Rosetta is the only one left of the kingdom leaders. Except for Nathan, that is,” Alexandria said.

“The thing is, the magical barrier will hold as long as at least one leader stands,” Mom said.

“Are you saying that my father also needs to die for thier plan to work?” Renna said.

“I’m sorry, love, but yes,” Mom nodded sorrowfully.

“Don’t get me wrong, I don’t accept what he did. But he is still my father,” Renna wiped her eyes.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart; we understand,” Mom smiled.

“But we should assume that is, indeed, dead. Since Rosetta is the only one left, we can assume they will plan another way to take her out. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance to establish another circle of leaders,” Alex said.

“We need to find Merlin, right?” Hayley said.

“That’s right. Merlin is the most powerful sorcerer who has ever walked the earth and put the existing barrier in place,” Mom said.

“But that was hundreds of years ago. Is he still alive?” Caitlin scoffed at my mother.

“As I’m sure you’ve heard from Gloria, the Moon Goddess cursed Merlin with immortality and imprisoned Merlin for the atrocities he committed during the war with the High Elves,”

“How come Kaiden or any other wizard can’t do this instead?” Megan asked.

“Over the years, when new leaders have taken over, the old leader and the new one pass the link between them with the help of a wizard or witch. Since all the other leaders are dead, we need to establish the connection from the source, and unfortunately, only Merlin knows how to do that,” Mom explained.

“So where do we start?” Ashley crossed her arms.

“I looked through my ancestral memories across the ages, and I believe I have a lead on where he was imprisoned. It’s located in a small village in north China,” Mom said.

“I’ve managed to stay in contact with my uncle. He has taken control for the moment. They managed to repel the attackers since few of them were there. So it should be safe for us to travel there, as long as we stay from the standard paths,” Bao said.

“But didn’t you say eailer that you are going to save Alyssa?” Daiyu said.

“I am!” I hmphed.

“Vincent and I agreed that I’m the one that’s going to take over, so Vincent doesn’t need to come with. I agree that leaving Alyssa behind is a wrong move. Since we know they have been experimenting on dragons, there’s no telling what they will do since they got her back,” Alex said.

“I’ll be going with Vincent,” Jacob said.

This caught Audrey and Megan by surprise.

“What!?” Megan said.

“We both know that you are the better option to take over,” Jacob said.

“I’m not sure, Jacob,” Megan shook her head.

“I believe in you,” Jacob smiled.

“So we have to decide who’s going to take over our kingdoms?” Ashley asked.

“Some of you have to decide, yes. Obviously, Kita, Haley, and Renna are next in line. Ashley and Caitlin, Bao and Daiyu. You have to choose,” Alex said.

“So are only you and Jacob going after Alyssa? That’s not really an army?” Bao said.

“I know the odds, but I’m not leaving my mate in the hands of those bastards. Like they know how to handle a white dragon, a very pissed-off white dragon,” I said.

“I’m coming too, Faye, and I want to bring Alyssa home.” Audrey stepped up.

“Absolutly not!” Alex and I said together.

“Why the hell not?!” Audrey protested.

“You have no training in combat, and that reason alone is enough,” Alex said.

“Your siblings are right,” Mom said.

“It’s not fair!” Audrey stormed out of the conference room in tears.

“I’ll talk to her,” Jacob said, walking to find her.

“I have learned that the other councilwomen were killed in the attack. So in our absence, Kaiden, Elizabeth, and Henry when he’s ready. I’m appointing you three to aid Elder Grace in leading the kingdom,” Alex declared.

“Are you sure, your grace?” Elizabeth said.

“You showed great leadership during the attack,” Alex smiled at Lizzy.

“I’m going with Vincent and Jacob,” Annabeth raised her hand.

“I expected as much. Anyone else willing to travel with Vincent and Jacob to Brazil?”

“I’ll with them,” Scott said.

“Okay, that bring us to four people going to the base,” Alex said.

“I’ll be going as well,” Bao said, and that caught everyone by surprise.

“Are you sure Bao?” I asked.

“Daiyu and I have been talking, and you need all the help you can get to get your mate back, and I believe that Daiyu will be a better choice to lead the dragons of China,” Bao said.

“Are you absolutely sure?” I said. “I understand that you’d want to stay with Daiyu,”

“I’m sure. I owe Jeffery a swift kick in the mouth,” Bao smiled.

“Make that six!” Caitlin shouted. “I’m going with you guys,”

“Caitlin, no!!” Ashley gasped.

“You are older; it makes more sense for you to take over. I’m going to make the people that killed our mother pay,” Caitlin snarled.

“Then give them hell, sister, freeze hell over them,” Ashley smiled.

“It’s settled then. We’ll take off in half an hour, dismissed,” Alex said.

Everyone left the conference room, and I wanted to speak with Jacob before leaving. I found him talking to Audrey. “Jacob, I need to talk to you,”

“I’ll try to find my mom and talk to her,” Audrey said.

“Sup bro,” Jacob smiled.

“I understand if you want to stay with Audrey. She is your mate after all,” I said.

“And leave you to go behind enemy lines alone! Not a chance,” Jacob crossed his arms.

“I won’t be alone. Bao, Caitlin, Scott, and Annabeth are joining us,” I said.

“Nevertheless, you’ll need my help. Look, I blame myself for how I treated Alyssa after Isabella died. She didn’t deserve that, so at least I can do is help you get her back,”

“Thank you, Jacob,” I smiled. “Go find Audrey and be with her before we take off,”

“I will, thank you Vincent,” Jacob said as he left.

I closed my eyes to focus on my bond with Alyssa but felt nothing. Am I too far from her, or are they doing something to block my connection to her? “Vincent, can we talk?”

“You don’t agree with me going after Alyssa?” I said.

“Although it will be am uphill battle, I think it’s still the right decision. Leaving her in Sozin’s hands is not wise. What’s your plan?” Alex said.

I laugh softly. “I haven’t gotten that far yet,”

“Just promise me that you’ll use your head on this one,” Alex shook her head in annoyance. “I want my brother alive and well,”

“Same to you, Alexandria. Take care of mom and Audrey,” I said.

“I will,” Alex smiled, and she hugged me.

Alexandria and I hugged for quite a while. We didn’t need to say anything else; we both knew how we felt about each other, though we didn’t say anything else.

“Stay safe,” Alex said.

“You too,” I nodded.

“Vincent, I want to have a word with you please,” my mother said through a mind link.

“I’ll be right there,” I responded.

I met with my mother in the main hall in City Hall, and she smiled when she saw me. Candles and light were floating around her. “Vincent, you are ready to inherit the collective knowledge of the white dragons. To unlock our true power,”

“Mom, what are you saying?” my breath hitched at her words. Is she saying this will be the last time I see her?

“I’m the last keeper of our bloodline; if I die before giving you this knowledge, it will be lost forever. Vincent Charon Callahan, during your christening, our ancestors hated that you were born male, fearing what you would be capable of, but now look at you: a strong young man willing to fight to keep our world safe and hidden from humanity. The Moon Goddess has intertwined your destiny with Alyssa’s. Vincent, my darling boy, will you except this great blessing and endure it’s burdens?” My mother said.

“I do. I vow to protect and safeguard the knowledge of the white dragons and spend the rest of my life upholding our legacy,” I closed my eyes and bowed.

My mother smiled as a tear went down her face. “Embrace the light!” Mom placed her index finger on my forehead, and I saw vivid pictures of events that I had never witnessed, secrets that no one should know, and ancient knowledge that could only be accessed by white dragons. “It is done. No matter what happens, Vincent, just know that I will always love you,”

“I love you too, Mom,” I said as we embraced. I got my birthright; I am now the keeper of the sacred knowledge of the white dragons. I hope I live up to my mom’s and my ancestors’ expectations, although that might be hard considering that my mom said my ancestors were very angry when they discovered I was a boy.

Time quickly passed, and before anyone knew it, it was time to say their final goodbye.

“Promise me that you’ll stay safe,” Audrey said.

“Of course,” I smiled.

“Good luck,” mom said.

“Alright, everyone. We’re taking off,” Alex announced.

It was emotional seeing everyone say goodbye to everyone. There was no telling when we’d see each other again or IF we’d see each other again. Only time will tell.

Alexandria and the other started shifting, and one after another, took off into the sky. Soon after, the six of us left. Annabeth got on my back, and we took off oppositely.

Alyssa, if you can hear me. I’m coming for you, baby.

Alyssa

I started regaining consciousness and first noticed the soft throbbing in my head. What the hell happened? I opened my eyes and was greeted with a dark and damp room. I sat up and heard the cling of chains as I moved. I noticed a thick chain dangling from me, and it was secured to a cuff around my neck. My jacket was gone, and I soon saw two wide metal cuffs on each wrist. “Dahlia? Dahlia, can you hear me? Dahlia, say something!”

The silence was my answer, and it confirmed my fear. Draconite. I stood up and examined the room I was in. Small and dark, with a tiny window at the top. Oh no, I’m back. Timothy killed Henry! That lying son of bitch. I start to feel tears emerging. I tried to walk towards the door in the corner, but the chain pulled me back.

“Damn it,” I said weakly. I thought back to when I escaped the first time. My powers may work despite the draconite. I took a deep breath and started concentrating on my abilities like Lizzy taught me. I aimed at the door, hoping to turn it off. But I was met with unbearable pain. I fell to my knee, waiting for the pain to subside.

“What the hell?” I looked at my hands and saw complex engraving glowing with the green light of the metal cuffs around my wrist. There was no doubt in my mind that they were the ones causing the pain when I tried to use my powers. The pain faded quickly, and I started to breathe normally again. I am trapped again in this hell. I am all alone.