Actaeon Island Vulcan Clan
Sitting in his private study Ambrose poured over ancient history books studying more on the apocalypse that happened all those thousands of years ago. He had a hunch on what was coming. If Alaric opened the gates it will cause another apocalypse.
Taking another sip of lemon tea he closed the yellow pages and carefully took another book. After a few minutes, he found the core part of what he was looking for.
"As the dark king ascended earth his four loyal most powerful servants followed. Greed, Wrath, Sickness and Death, the generals leading his armies also known as the four horsemen. They would wipe the earth clean, god needed to act fast before there was nothing left. Hence his other three children were born. Angels already existing was the equals of death. Witches matched greed, werewolves' wrath and the mermaids' sickness."
However, Ambrose couldn't find anything on how Lucifer was subdued. He needed to know, Emma had to know. She was the only thing standing in between Lucifer and mankind though she was not as powerful as him, an ancient being alive since the beginning of time.
With a heavy sigh, he slowly placed down his now empty cup with a strong feeling of dread.
How will they survive?
Suddenly Ambrose had his staff in hand as electricity course down his arms sensing another presence in the room.
Jake stepped forward from behind a bookshelf with eyes that was a pure gold letting Ambrose know this wasn't Jake.
Ambrose acutely observed him as he came closer. Jake's wolf was able to mask himself from Ambrose. That should be impossible. No earthly being could be stronger than a light with that had joined their magic to their life force.
Dmitri stepped to Ambrose's desk glancing over the books before causally picking one up and flipping through it.
Golden eyes scowled at the ancient pages before Ambrose raised his eyebrows in question.
"This paints a pretty picture but it's not close to how brutal it really was."
His deep voice came out deep, harsh mixed with a growl. Dmitri had to speak slowly to ensure all his words came out. It's been so long since he used his voice.
Ambrose's eyes lit up.
"It is you."
He spoke before hurrying out from behind his desk to kneel in front of Dmitri.
"My Lord."
Ambrose spoke on one knee head lowered.
"Rise witch, I acknowledge your loyalty but I'm Lord to wolves, not your kind. However I must thank you for helping my children protect this earth, you are a pure soul and have earned my trust."
"Thank you"
Ambrose responded before standing.
"What you are looking for is not in those books."
Dmitri spoke gravely, his voice a bit clearer.
"Can't you help her? She can't stop him alone."
At this Dmitri smiled.
"Actually she is enough. In fact, she is already more powerful than me."
"H-How?"
Ambrose questioned in confusion. He would admit at times he felt bursts of power on the island. He assumed it was Dmitri but standing this close he realized it wasn't him.
Dmitri smile widened as a proud look gleamed in his eyes.
"Her birth wasn't an accident. She was sent by God himself. She is earth's savior and the only thing that can rival Lucifer."
Ambrose gasped like a fish out of water.
Sent by God himself? Lucifer's rival?
Ambrose thought as Dmitri finished.
"Her true form... A demigod."
. . . .
Emma pov
I had returned to the caves my mate had brought me. A quiet place far from the fortress for practice.
With a single thought, a barrier erected around me protecting the cave and sealing me in so nothing outside can sense me or the power I release.
Never before was I able to cast spells without chants or body movements that help guide and control my magic. I was evolving, becoming even more powerful than I ever was before. I need to test it, to find my limits. I didn't want to hurt anyone or get their hopes up that's why I kept it a secret.
With another thought, the barb wire seal from around my neck was removed. What everyone didn't know is that I had to place four more to seal my powers.
As the seals from my wrist and ankles disappeared a rush of magic flew around me. The air was dense with power as my supernatural presence would have had Ambrose face down struggling to just breathe. This is why I was careful.
Focusing I reached deep within and thought about my third gift, to control nature. Instantly flames erupted as everything around me burnt. My shield stopped the flames from reaching outside.
Just as quickly I thought of something else and the flames were replaced by an ice blizzard. It would seem even my gifts have evolved.
Yesterday I destroyed this same cave and restored it using my spells. I had tested my physical strength and ended up cracking the base of the mountain causing it to collapse. Close call, fixed it before anyone noticed... I think.
There was one final test, the island's shield.
A light witch bonded with his magic is one of the most powerful beings on earth. If I can neutralize a spell cast by him then I just might be ready for whatever comes if the worst happens, the gates of hell opening.
Destroying spells and neutralizing them are two greatly different things and likewise needs two different levels of power and control.
Destroying means you are simply more powerful.
Neutralizing, however, means one must have the power to control and command another's magic into submitting. Only the council leaders could have such power but even then they can only command the average witch's magic. Mastering neutralizing will make my power absolute to any living being on earth and hopefully give me the advantage I need.
Focusing I pulled the shield containing my power tighter around me enforcing it before carefully releasing a bit of my power channeling it to Ambrose's shield.
If I'm right I don't need brute force a bit is fine. It's enough that his magic can feel who is superior and submit.
My mind goes blank before I embrace the light within me. Everything fades away into nothing as slowly my senses come back.
Drip drip drip... The only water near me was the ocean what is that drip?
Clank Clank... Wait it can't be, I'm practically on the beach. Yet I could hear swords clashing.
Thump thump thump... Heartbeats.
The rustling of paper.... Pages turning.
Slowly opening my eyes I could see every speck of dust in the air. Looking through the forest where I know the fortress is I focused my eyesight imagining Jake's wolf, my mate.
Thump thump thump... I can more than hear it, I can feel it.
Wow, this was amazing, now to find out if I was strong enough.
Stepping forward I raised my right hand to touch the shield as my index finger made contact I flinched on reflex waiting for the pain. However, the shield rippled as my finger passed through effortlessly.
I didn't even use all my power.
Emma.
Ambrose was calling me, he must have sensed it.
Yes, is everything okay?
Not exactly, where are you? We need to talk. Come to my private study.
Okay, I'm coming, by the way, is the island shield okay?
Of course, I would know the moment someone even breathes on it.
Not bothering to respond, a wide grin spread across my face. I decided to test my speed as I ran back. Everything pasted as a blur just as I reached outside his library window I jumped some ten stories up straight into the open library window shattering the solid stone floor with my landing but nothing a restoration spell couldn't fix. I needed to learn to control my strength or I'll break everything.
Not even bothering to use the secret passage I simply stood in front of the door and neutralized Ambrose's magic stepping into the private study.
Jake turned to me while Ambrose continued to read from the ancient book in front of him.
"Mate" Jake growled out as I quickly realized it wasn't Jake just as the tea Ambrose was about to drink slipped from between his fingers and came crashing to the floor or almost. It only took one thought from me and it froze inches above the floor before it settled back on his desk.
Jake's wolf hugged me to him breathing in my smell just as Ambrose looked up in shock.
"Literally only two seconds ago I mind linked you, also how did you get in here?" Ambrose questioned confused but in awe.
"You look different too..." He spoke again as a loud growl was heard before Dmitri turned her away from Ambrose's sight. He didn't like the way he kept staring at her. The man in him wanted to be reasonable after all Ambrose was like a father to her but the wolf didn't care.
"Hey relax I'm okay." Emma spoke softly trying to ease Jake's wolf.
In response, he lifted her off the floor like a child to his level before burying his head in the crook of her neck. Nuzzling her for a good few minutes making sure his sent was present he then finally sat down with her on his lap and his hands tightly around her waist once again stuffing his nose to the crook of her neck though he peeked out at Ambrose making sure he didn't stare at her again while giving him a chance to talk to her.
Sitting down as well Ambrose kept his eyes trained to his desk. Just moments ago Dmitri was so pleasant but in the presences of his mate, he went full out wolf.
"You remember the stories of the originals?" Ambrose questioned.
"Yea, what about it?" Emma questioned confused, weren't they all dead. The witch killed the mermaid and then descended to hell while the werewolf died around the time she was born.
"They are not all dead. One was reborn." Ambrose spoke slowly making eye contact with Dmitri hoping he can continue it was after all his story.
Turning her to face him Dmitri pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear smiling softly before speaking while Emma's mouth dropped open. How can he speak such proper sentences, he was a wolf?
"Lord Dmitri the original werewolf died when you escaped the witches. He protected you at the cost of his life. His soul was shattered. However, piece by piece he was put back together by the heavens. It took almost two hundred years but it was done and he was reborn as me. I'm Lord Dmitri." He finished watching her nervously. However, as she stared wide-eyed he continued.
"I was there that night, you escaped into the woods and ran for dear life. The wolf in your dreams is me. I saved you and it cost me this much time away from you so you can't complain." He continued gently kissing her forehead.
"It's you." She whispered tenderly as tears formed, "For as long as I can remember I dreamt of you." She continued, "You always saved me." She finished.
Smiling brightly Dmitri spoke, "and I will always continue too, till my last breath."
. . . .
Later that night
Emma pov
Lying flat on my back, bathing in the warm sun felt like heaven. In the middle of seemingly nowhere surrounded by a field of beautiful flowers. I plucked one bringing it to my nose not able to catch a smell or remember what kind it was. Doesn't matter, it was beautiful.
However, that was a warning that something wasn't right. Being what I am and not able to pick up the scent of a flower was questionable.
Just then a dark shadow fell over me as two wings spread out cocooning my form. Apprehension grew as I quickly stood and turned around. A tall strong figure almost completely covered from head to toe in black stood in front of me. My eyes trailed from his black boots up to his covered face only then to realize his mouth wasn't covered as a soft smile bloomed almost as if my scrutiny was pleasing to him. That for some reason triggered more warning bells in my mind and I took a step back out of instinct as I felt the weight of his stare on me and the dark intensity of his supernatural presence. I noticed the pair of shadows, wings still cocooning me though there was none behind him. How? I thought.
"My powers are too powerful to be fully suppressed." He spoke deep, gravely with that soft smile that seemed to grow brighter as my eyes moved to where I assumed his eyes were.
Instantly an electric surge of shock went through me as I realized something was deadly wrong how does he know what I'm thinking?
"I'm sorry my powers have a habit of affecting a person's brain. It wiped your memories." He spoke as instantly a cold chill passed between us as I remembered a snippet of something.
I fell... from the fortress walls.
"What?" I whispered unbelievingly.
"I'm a superior being. An earth-born can't compare, unless..." He trailed taking a step forward as he grinned.
Though from the little I could see he seemed handsome, a strong jawline and perfect teeth even the tiny bit of skin seemed flawless. His beauty didn't curb my instincts, in fact, it, had me uneasy. I wanted to run, I tried too but as his eyes pinned me I stayed frozen unable to move an inch.
"I don't want you running from me... again."
My eyes flew wide open as panic set in. What does he even mean, and the again? He continued forward with the space between us decreasing my memories started coming back. I have seen him already, in my dreams but who is he?
"Who are you?" I questioned trying to look strong however instead of calling for Ambrose like last time. I called for Dmitri stretching the mate bond to its limits trying to reach him. He can block my communication with Ambrose but he can't stop mates especially marked mates whose bond is absolute.
My heart raced as I stood stationary, the mystery man however clenched his jaw in displeasure before suddenly I couldn't reach Dmitri, couldn't even feel him. There was an empty space where his presence was.
Wide panicked eyes stared back at the dark shadow hidden under the hood in disbelief.
The bond, he closed it.
Impossible! How can he stop a full mate bond? I thought confused as my fear grew, wishing I can fall off a roof again to get away but we were in a meadow.
I was panicking too much internally to notice he was literally a foot away until his shadow fell over me.
The air around me came alive with something evil. As his arms lifted towards me I flinched back violently.
However, nothing came.
Slowly peeling my eyes open I saw his hand frozen mid-air as they just dropped next to him.
"I guess you still feel threatened." He spoke softly sounding broken with his head bowed.
"What are you?" I questioned hoping he would respond.
Slowly there was movement behind him. The shadows danced along his shoulders and just as quickly as the last time the sunset in a few seconds. Long thick black wings sprouted and expanded out from behind him, impossibly large. They looked humongous. It was a wonder how his body could carry them despite his strong stature. I was completely mesmerized I couldn't look away. They were so beautiful. I felt like I was under a spell. I forgot what was important. Getting lost in its beauty so much that I almost didn't hear him.
"The sinned angel."
Carefully they stretched out and up as if showing off their beauty and strength before gradually descending only to encircle me. Tightening they ensured I couldn't escape while holding me close to the mystery man who has yet to look away from me. Completely quiet he never tried touching me after the first time. Instead, the tips of his wings caressed my arms and legs, at first tentatively but as I was lost in their beauty they got braver coming up to my face, even hugging me tighter as they submerged me in soft black feathers.
Suddenly a sharp pain cut through my neck right over my mark... Dmitri!
What am I even doing? I need to stay away from him.
Once again his jaw clenched as I felt myself grow lighter struggling to fight the overwhelming need to just give in to him. As my eyes locked with his as red rubies glowed softly from under his hood. It was him. He was messing with my head making me forget, manipulating me and reading my mind.
"You're right. My specialty is the mind." He spoke but this time clearer. Not as gravelly but strong, deep and powerful. I felt like his real voice was reaching straight into my soul.
"You already know everything about me, the least you can do is give me your name." I demanded as my mind cleared. Knowing what was happening helped me resist and soon I felt my connection with Dmitri form again. While my body grew lighter and lighter it felt like soon I would disappear.
"Lucifer"
With his one word, I disappeared from within the embrace of his wings to wake up in my bed. Dmitri clutched me to him as I was covered in cold sweat and my shoulder ached. Dmitri marked me again. He must have done it to jump-start the bond. That was the pain I felt in the dream it helped clear my mind.
Dmitri hugged me tightly as he peppered kisses to the crown of my head, his body was shaking in rage as he vowed.
"I'll protect you, he'll never get to hurt you again. I promise."
Struggling to breathe the memory of my first dream came back as dread filled my veins. It was him in the first dream, both are Lucifer. However something was drastically different, even thinking about the possibility had me trembling in fear.
"This time he doesn't want to kill me." I whispered in fear of the truth.
Dmitri growled inhaling my scent.
"He wants me to be his queen." I finished going pale. Saying it out loud was breathing life to the nightmare, making it so real.
Dmitri froze unable to comprehend my soft whispers of dread before all hell broke loose.
. . . .
A/N: Guys I'm alive, currently rewriting THR. Just a note, the newer version has bigger servings of karma and is spicier if you know what I mean ;)
Thank you all for your support, it means a lot to me :)
I love you guys <3