Disclaimer See Part 1
The characters in the story are a product of my own imagination and hopefully have no resemblance to any living persons. But if it does it is entirely coincidental. Some of the places mentioned are either fictitious and or adapted to suit the plot of the story.
Sex: This story contains sexual content of a graphic nature between consenting adult women, thus if you are not 18 years old and not allowed to read content of this nature, please move on to other suitable stories.
SPECIAL NOTE : As much as I love writing and entertaining readers out there, it still hurts when my work is reposted on other public forums without my permission. Recently a fan posted a link to all my stories on the Athenaeum Forum page and I would like to thank the Athenaeum bosses for removing the link. My immense gratitude, guys, for showing how committed you are in protecting the intellectual property of writers.
Archiving : This work is copywrited and should not be posted anywhere else without the writer's expressed permission.
Acknowledgements: This one's for you, Dusty. NancyG, when it comes to you, I'm speechless. Thank you forever.
To Steph, thank you for offering your services as a beta.
Feedback: Constructive criticisms is greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com or sent me a friend request on Facebook .
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PART 6
Cybralle sat up at the sound of the howling. It sounded too close for comfort. She saw that some of the men were also sitting up now.
“Commander?”
“That was rather close. We need to be on guard.” Oh, Sterling, please be alive. Your mother will die if something happened to you. She tightened her grip on her sword. Unlike the last time she was ready for them.
“Commander.”
She turned to a young soldier who lay but a few feet from her on his roll. “Yes?” The boy seemed to hesitate. “What is it, soldier?”
The soldier swallowed. “My uncle was a hunter and he always used to befriend wolves in the forest.” He blushed when more soldiers turned to look at him. “He took me with him a few times. What I am trying to say, Commander, is the howling we heard just now is a happy howl.”
One of the man chuckled. “It must be breeding season.” More men chuckled at hearing that. Cybralle shook her head at their inanity even in the face of danger. She turned back to the blushing soldier. She had a feeling he wanted to say more.
“Why are you telling me this, soldier?”
The boy swallowed. “It was not so much the howling of the wolf. I heard something else too. My uncle taught me to listen to the howling, to prevent us from stumbling upon a mating in progress. Wolves get aggressive during that time.”
Cybralle wondered where this was going. “Yes.”
“I believe I heard a human voice blend with the wolf's howl.”
Cybralle frowned. “What does it mean?”
“I do not know, Commander. I just thought it was stranger to hear a wolf, and by the sound of it an alpha, howling with a human. Low ranking wolves are in some instances punished for partaking in howling by high ranking members of the pack. A human would rate even lower than the lowliest wolf in the pack.”
Cybralle bit on her lower lip. What could it mean? A human travelling with a wolf? Think Cybra, think, she urged herself. According to Prince Halen this part of Karas was basically deserted. With the wolf plague many of the villagers had fled their homes out of fear and moved closer to the Royal Seat. From her time as the Leader of the Karasi army and long before Mesmeria had asked for her hand in marriage, she had done border patrols with the army. If memory served her right, this particular area was too rocky to grow crops. The closest villages would be another day's ride in the opposite direction the howling came from. The only other humans she could think off who might be in this area must be Sterling and Rom.
There was something about Rom that still did not sit well with her. The fact that he hadn't aged in twenty years and… How in the god's names had he survived that wound? She came to her feet.
“I will go and see what is happening over there.”
The men surged to their feet. “You cannot go alone, Commander. It is too dangerous.”
Cybralle shook her head as she sheathed her sword and checked her quiver to inspect her arrows. “I am going alone. If I am not back by dawn, I want you to come and look for me.”
“At least take a few men with you, Commander.”
“It is too dangerous, Captain.”
“With all due respect, Commander,” the Captain continued, “we did not accompany you here on a flower gathering expedition. We know what we are up against and we are ready. Please take at least twenty men with you. I will personally march the other four hundred and eighty into the forest come dawn.”
Cybralle hesitated. “You do know that I might be taking all of you into a situation where we could all be slaughtered?”
“I understand, Commander. Give me a moment and I will select ten archers and ten swordsmen.
Throwing up her hands, Cybralle smiled. She was still flummoxed by the kind of loyalty Sterling command from her men.
************************
Rom was seething with anger. About an hour ago, one of the sentries had raised the alarm. Ridat and his mongrels had boldly crossed the river into their territory. The man was never so bold and Rom couldn't help but wonder what had brought on this strange behaviour.
“It will take a few minutes before the others join us,” one of the men said and Rom nodded as he made a quick head count. He had about fifteen men with him. Ridat had brought close to thirty with him. They were more than evenly matched. All his men were Ulvs were as Ridat's were simply dogs with larger teeth.
“We will be fine with what we have. Tell them to stay up wind and to wait for my command.”
****************************
Ridat was so excited with his capture that he wanted to do a happy dance. Here he had expected to find Rom with the Princess, only to find Gentro and his mate. What's better, they were alone with no guard in sight. How foolish love made people. Had he really thought them completely safe having a lusty romp in the woods? He noticed how Gentro kept the woman shielded between his legs. Maybe he will kill her and make him watch and afterwards he will kill him too. He'd never though he'd get any access to his cousin, but here he was gifted with the perfect opportunity. He can just as well destroy Gentro forever.
He studied the black wolf carefully. The pitch-black hair and pale eyes were unmistakable. Gentro was a perfect mix of his father and mother. He was one of a few Ulv royals to be born with light eyes. He remembered as children, how everyone fawned over the handsome prince. He, on the other hand had to look on from afar, eating scraps from the table of the Royals. Even though they were banished, her mother had a loyal friend who made sure they wouldn't starve to death in their forest hide-away. It had irked him to know that his mother's friend took the uneaten items from the royal table and brought it to them. For his mother's sake he ate the food without choking on it, especially when she assured him that one day he too will rank up there with the Royals because he had received the gene.
It had taken ninety seven years for him to reach this stage in his plans. He shot out his hands and smiled as tan colour fur began to shoot out on his arms.
“I have been waiting for this moment for so long.”
***********************
Two things troubled Orla. If she engaged Ridat, Sterling would be left unattended. The second was that she couldn't kill Ridat. None of the Ulvs in Gentro Pack could kill him. She wondered if Ridat knew that.
She had to find help, someone to guard Sterling. She threw her head back and let out a howl. By now Ridat was fully transformed. He was a little smaller than her, but she wasn't going to misjudge him. He was a wolf longer than she knew and must have a trick or two that she didn't know about.
More of Ridat's minions came out of the darkness and circled the clearing just as Ridat began to slowly advance on her.
*****************************
“That was different. It sounded like the same wolf, but this was almost a distress call.” The young soldier pointed north. “It is not far, probably about ten minutes if we move fast.”
“You heard the man,” Cybralle said. She immediately took the lead. She wanted to get there, but didn't want to announce their arrival to everyone. “Be as quiet as you can while keeping up.”
Cybralle led the men on a brisk pace over the rocky terrain towards the copse of trees a few metres away. The moment they'd entered the protection of the trees, Cybralle called the man together.
“We will move closer and then I want the archers to go for a higher vantage point. Use the trees closest to where the action is. Remember to make every arrow count.”
“Commander.”
“Yes,” Cybralle answered without looking at the man.
“We have been spotted.”
Cybralle mumbled a curse under her breath as she turned. She could make out shadows stepping out from behind trees. Their small group was completely circled.
“Who are you?” She lifted her sword. No one was going to come between her and Sterling. She came for her daughter and she was going to take on the gods themselves to get her back safe and sound.
The leader stepped forward. “Commander, what are you doing here?” The voice was familiar and held surprise.
Cybralle's back stiffened. “Where is my daughter, Romulus?” She pointed her sword at him. Rom held up his hand when his men all took a step forward.
“We are also here to save her.”
“Why should I believe you?”
“Because she is in grave danger,” Rom said quickly. “We are wasting time discussing this. Instead can we not work together on this?”
Cybralle wanted to fight the issue, but knew if Rom was telling the truth Sterling chances as survival was getting slim by the minute.
“Good. This is what we will do…”
************************
Sterling pushed to her feet, but was unceremoniously pushed back down by Orla. She landed with a grunt and muttered a curse.
“Stop that. I have to help you.”
The wolf growled at her, but she shook her head. “I can help you. Let me.” She drew her sword and ray of moonlight hit the silver blade. “I know they fear silver.”
With a snort the wolf stepped back and allowed her to her feet. Sterling nodded and placed a hand on the wolf's head. “Fight well, my love.”
She turned to watch the fair-haired wolf circle them. Some of the smaller wolves came closer and she held up her sword. Without warning, the pale wolf stormed at Orla. Orla crouched. Using the other wolf's airborne momentum, she pushed her large body into the air and slammed into the wolf's belly, tossing it through the air. Sterling watched as the wolf landed a few feet away. When it climbed back to its feet, it shook its head and turned to look at Orla.
This time when it approached Orla, Sterling detected a slight wariness in its movement. It was good to know that Orla can take care of herself. She turned to face the other wolves just in time, because two were coming right at her. They were smaller than both Orla and the golden wolf, but they still outweighed her greatly. She waited until the first wolf was close enough before she swung her blade. The wolf howled in pain as the blade pierced its neck, staining the blade dark with blood. The second wolf didn't let up and came at her. She flung herself in the air giving a downward slash as she vaulted over its head, narrowly escaping its claws. When she landed on her feet behind the wolf, she was glad to find she had severed its spine. Three more wolves broke into the clearing. Suddenly Orla was between her and the advancing danger. Her claw shot out and she grabbed one of the wolves by the neck, spinning around and tossing it at the advancing alpha. The two wolves landed in a tangle of legs and paws, giving Orla the scant opportunity to tear into the other wolves.
“I will take care of these. Concentrate on the other one,” Sterling shouted and blinked when Orla turned away reluctantly. She actually listened and understood her. She didn't have long to deliberate over that thought because Orla's body suddenly slammed into hers, flattening her. She rolled onto her back with a grunt of pain to find the alpha on top of Orla, snapping at her neck. She quickly jumped to her feet and hacked at the alpha with her sword. The wolf snapped in her direction, but that lapse of concentration was enough to give Orla the overhand. Orla drew her hind legs up under the wolf's belly and pushed hard. The wolf flew through the air crashing into the three wolves which were coming for her.
Sterling pushed back against Orla and was surprised to find her still lying on the ground. Oh, gods, she must be hurt. But there was no time to look for injuries because four wolves broke into the clearing and jumped on Orla. Using her sword like a wand, she swung wildly at the four, managing to cleave through two. The third turned its shaggy head and dove for her. Orla fell back and using the wolf's momentum slashed upward with her sword. With a piercing howl, the wolf rolled off her and Sterling saw its intestines hanging through a large cut in its belly. She turned to Orla to find her still lying on her back, hacking at the two wolves with her claws.
“Come on, darling, get up,” she shouted desperately. The alpha was back on its feet, though still a little dazed. “Please get up.”
*****************************
Orla was trying not to concentrate on the pain in her side where Ridat's claw had slashed her, but it radiated through her, making her nauseous. As she tried to fight off the two wolves snapping at her neck, she heard Orla's desperate plea. If she remained in this position, she was surely going to get killed. But her concern was not so much for her than for Sterling. Ridat would slaughter Sterling just to show his dominance over her. She still thought he was her father.
She centred her power and felt a strong current rush through her, even stronger than before. It was must be Sterling's presence. With her mate nearby, she was growing into her power. Already in wolf form it took her but a few moments to release her Ulv. Her legs elongated as her skin stretched to accommodate the thick layer of tissue and muscle that spread over her body. Her head grew heavier and larger as her claws shot out and lengthened. Her body felt so light yet so complete. It felt almost as if she was in human form. She threw her head back and let out a thundering roar.
When she looked at Sterling, her wife was looking back at her with complete shock and awe. She wished she could see herself through Sterling's eyes then. Did she look the way she felt; powerful and immortal.
Form her great height she spotted the two small wolves that had attacked her. Their ears were flattened against their heads and their tails tucked between their legs. Orla kicked out and sent one flying through the air and across the clearing and into the darkness beyond. She simply stepped on the other one, relishing at the sound of crushing bones. She swung her head in Ridat's direction. All the other wolves had backed into the darkness, leaving their leader standing alone to face her. That was good for her because it meant that Sterling was safe. She could detect Ridat's panic as he stepped closer. Orla watched as Ridat slowly began his shift, surfacing his Ulv. Once again Orla found that she outsized him.
***********************
Cybralle held up her hand. “Listen!” she hissed. “What in Hades could make such a racket?” The next moment a dark heavy object slammed into her, flattening her. Winded, Cybralle reached out to the heavy object lying next to her. She quickly rolled to her feet when she felt fur, her sword flashing as she hacked at the wolf. The wolf lifted its head and snarled at her. Her next cut she aimed at its neck and putting all her power behind the blow, severed its head.
“Good heavens, what is that?” one of the archers gasped out. “Was that a small wolf? It is huge.”
Wiping her sword on the carcass, Cybralle addressed her men. “Take your positions and let's get this over with. Archers remember Rom's instruction. Aim for the chest area and try not to shoot the upright ones.”
Cybralle was still reeling from what Rom had told her and from what she had seen with her own two eyes. Before her very eyes Rom had changed into a large, upright walking wolf, which towered over her. Following their leader's example the others had shifted too. The shock was too much for some of the men who immediately began to vomit where they stood. It was only once Rom and his men had melted into the dark that the men could pull themselves together. Even now they were still a little shaky.
“The rest…follow me.”
A few yards away they could hear snarling and howling, punctuated by yaps of pain and fear. Rom and his men seem to be at work already. Just maybe she might not need to risk her men after all. Sterling? Where was she? She held up her hand again. Something big was moving through the trees. She cocked her head to listen from which direction the sound was coming.
“Archers, what do you see?”
“Commander, you need to dive for cover now ,” one of the archers shouted, his voice thin with fear. Cybralle turned to the men who were rooted to the spot in fear.
“What are you waiting for? Go for cover!”
Cybralle and her men had barely dove into the thick underbrush when a troop of muscular, hairy legs passed by them.
*************************
Ridat swung his arm but his claws didn't connect with the body of his opponent. Instead a huge claw caught him across the face, flinging him to the ground. It was like fighting an unyielding force. How could he have misjudged Gentro's skill like this? When they were younger, Gentro was known for his pacific nature. He was good at breaking up conflict and a great strategist, but not once had he seen the man personally lift his hand towards another. It was because of this knowledge that he had thought Gentro would be easy to overpower. Glancing around the clearing, he grimaced at the carcasses of his wolves strewn around. He would once again come out the loser against this arch-enemy. All that saved him now was the Royal Creed. No one of the Royal bloodline was permitted to take the life of another Royal—unless you were an ancient. Gentro was but a hundred and three years old which makes him a juvenile in the Court's eyes. The ancients almost never leave the Hidden City of Olympus. Some of them have even opted to return to Mount Olympus were they spend their eternal lives conversing and counselling the gods on human behaviour.
He could get up and leave this place right now. Gentro did not have the power or authority to do anything to him. He staggered to his feet, facing his powerful adversary. He slowly began to change back to his human form.
“You know that you are not permitted to kill me. For now I will retreat with dignity and grant you this victory, dear cousin.” He turned to the human girl. “You should also expect to hear from me again, Princess.” He gave her a taunting bow. “Till then, enjoy what little time you have together.”
He turned to leave, only to come to a stunned halt. His eyes widened in shock and horror.
“NO…” The pleading sound was so foreign to his own ears that he couldn't believe it came from him.
************************
Orla picked up the scent of her father from amongst the other four large Ulvs standing with him. She had to admit that they looked impressive standing there, upright and their powerful bodies, still as statues. She moved over to where Sterling stood, open-mouthed as she stared at the newcomers.
As she watched, they all began to shift. They quickly turned away and four women stepped out from behind them to cover them with white flowing shifts. When they turned back, she saw that the newcomers consisted of three men and woman. A soft moan came from where Ridat stood. He turned to look at her, his eyes suspicious as they travelled over her.
“If…if Gentro is over there…? Who are you?”
Orla began the shift. When she was done, she stood naked and proud as she glared back at Ridat. The man turned even paler when he noticed her breasts. Sterling took a quick step sideways and planted herself before her to hide her nakedness. She placed a hand on her wife's shoulder.
“What…what is happening here?” Ridat's eyes swung from her to Gentro. “You tricked me.”
Gentro stepped forward. “Let me introduce you to my daughter, Orla Peron, and her wife, the Crown Princess of Karas, Her Royal Highness Princess Sterling.”
Orla felt Sterling stiffen at the introduction. Ridat threw his head back and let out a scream of frustration. Gentro, however, continued as calmly as if nothing had interrupted him.
“The rest of my entourage I believe you must have heard of, but for the benefit of Orla and the Princess I will do the introductions.” He turned gestured with a man of average height standing near him. “Orla, this is my father and your grandfather, King Tart.”
Orla studied the man and could actually see her features in him. He was quite handsome with his midnight black eyes and salt and pepper hair. He gave her a wide smile and she couldn't help but smile back. He exuded such warmth that she was immediately drawn to him.
“Greetings, Orla.” He stepped closer to place his hand on shoulder. “You are the most perfect Ulv I have ever seen and the loveliest girl to be born into our line.” Orla blushed as he gave her a small kiss on the cheek. “I am so honoured to make your acquaintance, daughter.” He turned to Sterling and bow deeply. “Your Highness, it is my infinite pleasure to meet you too. I would also like to welcome you to our family.”
Sterling curtsied. “The pleasure if shared, Your Majesty.” The Ulv King gave them both a warm smile and stood to the side.
Gentro cleared his voice. “Over here we have my grandfather and your great-grandfather, Helm.” The man was taller than his son and built like a tree with powerful shoulder and strong muscled legs. He didn't even look much older than his son. He too mirrored her features, but she had her grandfather's dark eyes. He came over and grabbed her in a tight hold.
“You are the first girl to be born into the line for over four thousand years, girl.” He held her at arms breath. “And what a specimen you are? You are even bigger than your father. You seem to be an even better fighter than him too.” Orla blushed and Helm threw his head back and laughed. “You are truly a delight, daughter.” He turned to Sterling and looked her up and down. “I am over seven hundred years old and during my rein, it was prohibited to touch royalty. Is that still the case now?”
Orla watched as her wife's eyes almost bugged out at hearing the age of Helm. She could almost see her making calculations in her head. Sterling seemed to quickly pull herself together. “Uh…well…it is not encouraged, but I it is also not forbidden, I think.”
“Good.” Sterling was drawn into a huge hug. Orla grinned as her great-grandfather slapped Sterling on her derrière, making the Princess yelp in shock “Make sure you give her ample opportunity to plant as many babies as possible in your womb. A lot is expected from the two of you.” With a wink, he also stood to the side leaving a blushing Sterling to cling to her wife's hand.
Gentro came to stand next to the last remaining man. “This is Minos, our first ancestor and one of few ancients still living amongst us.”
Orla couldn't help but stare at the smiling man. He was of a slight built and didn't look a day older than seventy. To think that he was almost as old as the existence of modern man, was inconceivable. Minos came over and gave her a small kiss on the cheek. He was a serious-looking man, but Orla could sense a deep calm coming from him.
“It is an honour to meet you, daughter of my blood.” He turned to Sterling and gave her a deep bow. “The gods could not have chosen a more suitable mate for Orla.”
Orla was still pondering the strange choice of words Minos had used, when she was unexpectedly gathered into a tight embrace and her face rained with tiny, warm kisses.
“Mother, perhaps you should introduce yourself first, before you manhandle her,” Gentro teased. It took a long while and many more kisses before, the woman she now assumed was her grandmother, pulled back to look at her. Orla stared in awe at the dazzling woman before her. She was extremely tall with ash blonde hair and icy blue eyes. It was good to know where she and her father got their height and eyes from.
“Greetings, my angel, you have no idea how long I have been looking forward to meeting you. Gentro had kept you hidden far too long.” Orla was once again subjected to a few tiny kisses. “I cannot believe that I am actually holding you in my arms.” Tender fingertips brushed over her face. “You have my grandfather's eyes just like my Gentro.” Another bout if kissing followed and Orla admitted to herself that she quite enjoyed being fawned over like this.
She took her grandmother's hands and placed soft kisses in the palms. “It is a pleasure to meet you, grandmother.” She smiled when the eyes so like her own shot full of tears.
“Please, mother, no crying. I told you she looked like me and that she had Grandfather Amlveig's eyes.” He quickly stepped closer and put an arm across her shoulder. Orla saw the other Ulvs walk over to where Ridat was being detained by three armed men. Gentro brushed a kiss over his mother cheek. “I concede that I felt exactly the same way when I first saw her. I also kissed her a lot. But do you not think you should introduce yourself to her first?”
The blonde wiped her eyes and gave Orla a brilliant smile. “I am your grandmother, Audunn.” She pulled Orla in for another embrace. “You are my only grandchild and I have been waiting so long for one.” Audunn turned to look at Sterling, who was watching the interaction between granddaughter and grandmother with an amused smile. “Please do not put me through the same delay like Gentro did. He only found a mate when he was…”
The clearing suddenly filled with armed men and Orla quickly pulled Sterling closer. She only let her go when she made out a familiar face. She planted a small kiss on Sterling's crown.
“There is someone here to see you.” She pointed to where the towering figure of Cybralle was frantically searching the clearing for her daughter. When Sterling saw her mother, she rushed forward and was swung up into powerful arms. Cybralle held her daughter tightly as tears coursed down her cheeks.
Glad to see the two reunited, she returned her attention to her grandmother.
************************
Cybralle whimpered softly as she cradled her daughter in her arms. I did it, Mesmeria. I found her , Cybralle rejoiced mentally. She pulled back to look at her smiling daughter. She was fine, unhurt and smiling.
“How are you?” She had to ask just to be sure. Sterling grinned up at her mother.
“Never better, Umah. Look over there.”
The warrior's eyes scanned over the clearing, touching every face present. The breath caught in her throat when she met familiar blue eyes. She made her way over to the where Orla stood talking to a tall blonde woman. When she came to stand before them, Orla looked up and gave her an uncertain smile.
“Cybralle?”
Cybralle just shook her head as she stared at the younger woman. She looked just like the last day she'd seen her, alive and bursting with vitality. Her eyes travelled down to take in Orla's nakedness. “What were you and Sterling up to in the forest?”
Orla blushed and stepped behind the tall blonde woman who was watching Cybralle intensely. Cybralle turned to face the woman and they quietly sized each other up. The woman didn't speak or change her expression, but Cybralle could feel a tenseness invade the woman's body. Orla must've sensed it too, because she quickly stepped around the woman.
“Cybralle, I want you to meet my grandmother, Audunn. Grandmother, I want you to meet Sterling's mother, The Consort of Queen Mesmeria, and my mother-in-law.”
The tension immediately dissipated as the blonde woman smiled, causing Cybralle to blink at her radiance. She didn't even look a day over thirty. It was impossible that she could be Orla grandmother. The woman bowed low before her and Cybralle returned the curtsy. Her eyes shifted and met Orla's.
“I feel like there is a lot we have to talk about.” Cybralle pulled Orla in a tight embrace. “It is good to see you again. You look different naked.”
Orla blushed as she lowered her eyes. The blonde called a woman over. “Get my granddaughter something to cover herself with. We were so happy to see you that we completely forgot to find you some clothing.”
Cybralle smiled and walked over to where Sterling stood, talking to the men. From this distance, she could hear her thanking the men.
“It would have worried me knowing my mother came looking for me on her own. I owe you all my gratitude for accompanying her.”
The men all looked uncomfortable as they looked from Sterling to her. “You did not tell her?”
“Tell me what?” Sterling slightly cocked her head to side as she looked at her mother.
“Well,” Cybralle put her hand on Sterling's shoulder. “I was going to come alone, but your men refused to stay behind. In the end I had to bring five hundred men with me. The others are waiting for us back at the camp.” She grinned at the expression of shock and pride that came over Sterling's face. “We need to get back to them.” Her face turned serious. “Will it be safe for you here in the meantime? I know about Rom?”
Sterling's eyes became shuttered, but she nodded. “I will be safe with Orla. I would however like for you to stay behind while the rest of the men fetch the troops. There is a lot we need to discuss and I think it would be easier if Orla can do it all at once.”
Narrowing her eyes slightly, Cybralle studied her daughter closely. “If is it important to you that I stay, I will stay.” She turned to the men. “Will you find the way back?”
Before the men could answer, another voice sounded. “It would be a privilege to accompany your men to their camp.”
Cybralle watched as Sterling's eye frosted over as she turned to Rom. The man quickly held his hands up.
“Believe me, my lady, it had to be done.”
Noticing the undercurrent between the two, Cybralle wondered if Sterling was aware that Rom was an Ulv. Cybralle noticed that the discomfort of the men had increased greatly. It was time for her to step in. She cleared her throat softly, drawing both Rom and Sterling's attention. “The men will be fine on their own, but thank you for the offer.”
The soldiers stomped their feet and bowed their heads in Cybralle and Sterling's direction before they turned and left. Sterling was still glaring at Rom who was now looking warily at the bloodied sword in her daughter's hand.
“Do you two want to tell me what this is about?” She directed her question at Sterling.
“Rom here has been leading me on a wild goose chase around the forest for four days,” Sterling snapped, her grip tightening on her sword.
“As I said before, milady, it had to be done.” Rom swallowed hard. “It was the only way to ensure that Orla knew of your presence. She was difficult to track down, but knowing you were near lured her out of hiding.”
“What are you talking about? Why was Orla hiding?” Cybralle looked to Sterling for answers. “Sterling?”
The silver eyes so like her own darkened slightly as Sterling pulled her gaze away from Rom. “I…I wanted you to stay behind so we could talk about this, Umah. You see…”
“I am an Ulv and I only found out the night I disappeared,” Orla said quietly. They all turned to find her standing a few feet away. Orla shrugged and Cybralle saw her looking at Sterling with uncertainty in her eyes. “I did not want Sterling to know about me, but she followed me here.”
Cybralle blinked repeatedly in shock. Orla was an Ulv? How was that possible? She must've been bitten. Was Sterling also…? She closed her eyes. Was she too late?
“Umah?”
At Sterling's soft call, she opened her eyes. “Have you been bitten too, Sterling?”
Rom and Orla quickly shook their head. “No,” they replied in unison. A brief feeling of relief rushed over Cybralle, but her fear appeared again when she looked at Orla. “What will happen now?”
“I know what you are thinking, Cybralle, but you need not worry.”
Cybralle pushed her hand through her hair. “This is cause for concern? Is my daughter truly safe around you?”
Sterling placed her hand on her mother's arm. “I am safer with her than you think.”
“I do not know what to think anymore, Sterling. Please make me understand.” Cybralle looked from Sterling to Rom. “I saw him change into a…a…I do not even know what it was.”
“He shifted into an Ulv, Cybralle. Do you remember the story you told me about the gods and the Ulvs?”
Cybralle grimaced. “You must have laughed at me then for telling you the story, knowing that you …”
“No, I did not laugh at you, because I did not know myself.” Orla took a deep breath. “Soon after our wedding, on our wedding night to be specific, I started getting these strange feelings. My body felt foreign to me. I began to crave meat. My hearing and senses sharpened.” Orla's eyes were pleading when they met Cybralle's. “I was so scared. When Rom appeared at our wedding day and again soon after, I knew something was happening to me, because he spoke as if he knew what I was going through. But I did not know about my heritage.”
“You mean to tell me that you were not bitten before your change?” Cybralle was doubtful.
Orla looked at Sterling and Cybralle saw the tenderness in Orla's eyes. “I only found out yesterday that I come from a long line of Ulvs. I only just met my family.” Orla turned to look back at Cybralle. “It seems I am the first female Ulv to be born to the Royal House in four thousand years. I swear I did not know any of this. All I wanted was to stay dead to Sterling so she would never find out.”
Cybralle shook her head slowly. “This is too much to comprehend. Does...does Lima knows?”
“No. To protect us both from his cousin's hatred, my father left us. He was the one who took me that night we were fighting the wolves.”
Rom held up his palm. “You need not be concerned for the Princess. The Ulv live by a Creed to protect mankind. That was why we helped you fight off the wolves that night.”
Cybralle frowned. “That was you, Rom? The wolf that protected my men…it was you, was it not?”
“Yes, Commander.”
Cybralle turned to Sterling who, at that moment, was caught in an eye lock with her wife. “Did you know all this, Sterling?”
“I knew only what you told me. The rest I had to figure out for myself when Orla shifted tonight.”
“And you accept all this?”
“There is still a lot I need to find out, but yes, I accept Orla completely.” Sterling gave her mother a brilliant smile. “Did you know that wolves mate for life? I am taken, Umah, and I do not think I would want to belong to anybody else.”
There was fine sheen of moisture in Orla's eyes when Cybralle looked at her. She didn't know where this will lead or how it will work itself out, but who was she to dictate matters of the heart.
“I think I know enough for now. Maybe we can talk some more later?”
***********************
Sterling's eyes were wide as she turned around, taking in the room. How was it possible that such a place existed and no one outside of this small village knew about it? The room was huge and opulent. Thick carpets covered the whole floor and gave the room a soft, warm appearance. The one side of the wall was concealed by gorgeous silk curtains which, together with the golden lupine statues around the room, gave it a mysterious appearance. A huge four poster bed in the center of the room was hung with red silk hangings giving it an ethereal look.
She turned to Orla who stood behind her. Her wife's eyes were also wide as she took in the room.
“It is unbelievable.”
She grinned when the pale blue eyes met hers. “It is really nice.”
Sterling leaned into her wife's solid body and sighed when she felt a soft kiss on her crown. Strong arms curled around her waist. Except for that wild musky scent she picked up whenever her wife was near, Sterling could still sense the gentleness that made her crave her wife all the more. She lifted her head and smiled when she met sombre blue eyes looking down at her.
“Are you sure about this?”
Sterling nodded. “More now than ever.”
“I might give our children this gene.” Orla looked away as she swallowed hard. “I am still not even sure if I want this. How can I do this to my children?”
Turning Orla face back to her so she could search those hauntingly beautiful eyes, Sterling rubbed over her wife's lips. “We will get through this as long as we stay together. By the way, this part of you was part of you when I first fell in love with you, wife. I want you just the way you are.” A slow tear found its way down Orla's cheek and Sterling gently wiped it away. “You are mine, Orla, and not even the fact that you grow fur and a tail now and then, will change that. I love you and that is all we have to focus on.”
Orla eyes were dark with emotion as she looked at Sterling. “I am scared.”
“Then we will be scared together. We will find solace in each other.”
“There is something that I have not told you, Sterling.”
Sterling cruelly suppressed the shiver of fear she felt at Orla's sombre tone “Tell me, Orla, so we can begin to deal with it…whatever it is.”
Orla's arms tightened around her and Sterling sighed at the intense feeling of well-being she experienced at that moment. She was reminded of the time right before they'd met. She had to gently coaxed Orla out of her self-doubt to become her Consort. Tonight she will have to do the same and she will do it as many times as necessary.
“Tell me.”
Orla's arms tightened even further. “I believe there is something wrong with me. My father believes that I am evolving too fast. I do not know what it means, but I am scared of whatever it could imply.”
Sterling pulled back so she could see Orla's eyes. “Have you asked him about it? What did he say?”
“He does not know.”
A sharp stab of fear coursed through her at hearing that. It was not comforting to hear that Gentro himself was unsure of what could be wrong with Orla. She saw the fear in Orla's eyes and Sterling's jaw clenched. Whatever it was she was going to find out what it was. She was nowhere near ready or willing to lose her wife.
“Then I will not stop until I know why it is happening. If I have to use all the resources in Karas to do so, it will be done.” She saw Orla averting her eyes. “I will walk to the ends of the world for you. Do not ever forget that.” She shook Orla slightly. “Did you hear what I said?”
Orla gave her a weak smile. “I heard you.”
“Good. Now we need to get cleaned up. We still have to meet with the others.” Sterling pulled Orla's face down to her. “I love you, wife.”
“I love you.”
They shared a gentle kiss.
****************************
Gentro pushed his hands through his hair as he paced the floor. He had a few burning questions for Minos, but it would be extremely disrespectful to harass the man for answers when the ancient was not ready to talk. He jumped slightly when a hand came to rest on his shoulder. He hadn't even realized that he had come to stop, staring at the wall. He turned to find his mother looking at him. Her eyes held concern.
“What has you so troubled?”
Gentro looked past his mother to see that they were alone in the room. He turned back to Audunn.
“Orla is evolving too fast. It is completely unheard off for a juvenile like her to be able to possess such strength.” He rubbed over his face. “At first I thought she forced the change, but seeing her tonight as she freely shifted from Ulv to human made me wonder.”
Audunn shook her head. “I was not born Ulv, son, but even after all these years since your father brought me over, I am still learning. Unfortunately I have no answer for you.”
Since he reunited with his daughter, Gentro had undergone yet another transformation. He was a father in the true sense of the word now. He worried about Orla and he was so scared for her. He wished the others would return from Ridat's cell. Someone, somewhere, was sure to know what was happening with Orla. He looked as his mother and wasn't ashamed when tears filled his eyes.
“She is my life, mother, and my greatest achievement. I am so scared what this could mean.”
The blonde pulled her son into a tight embrace. “Maybe it is nothing to worry about. She looked perfectly fine to me. Or did she complain about anything?”
Gentro shook his head. “No, mother.”
“Then perhaps we should not worry. We can ask Minos once they have dealt with Ridat. He has lived much longer than anyone of us. He should know something.” She pulled him over to the table where servants were placing platters and steaming crock pots. “They should be here any moment now. Your father's appetite is legendary and he can smell food from miles away.”
Gentro couldn't hide his smile.
**************************
Sterling trembled with desire.
She threw her head back as Orla's warm tongue circled her nipple. What was supposed to be a quick bath had gone horribly wrong. Up until Orla took her clothing off, the intension was clear and pure. Sterling's libido kicked into overdrive the moment Orla stepped into the bathing area, naked.
Eight months of abstinence had made her groan out loud at the sight of the tall, strong body. Powerful muscles played under the sun darkened skin as her wife walked over to the sunken bath where Sterling was submerged. Orla's eyes had met hers and Sterling rejoiced when what she was feeling was reflected in the ice blue eyes.
As soon as Orla had lowered her body into the lukewarm water, Sterling had waded over to where Orla sat. The blue eyes were transparent with lust, but still Orla kept her distance. For a moment Sterling considered a gentler approach, knowing that Orla was still unsure of how to proceed in view of what Sterling knew about her legacy. Looking at the beautiful naked woman, only one thought reigned in Sterling's mind. Mine, she was all mine . This possessive notion was what caused her to pounce on Orla. With her fingers clutched in the short dark tresses, she had kept Orla's head immobile as she plundered her mouth. Like a starving woman she had sucked on Orla's tongue, moaning uncontrollably. She protested softly as Orla had held her away, searching her eyes were an intense gaze.
“Sterling…?”
Sterling almost cried in desperation. “Please do not tell me to stop, Orla. I will die if I cannot have you right this moment.”
The pale eyes had lightened even further. “Then we will not stop.”
Relieved by Orla's answer, Sterling had thrown herself with wild abandon into the pleasure Orla coaxed from her body.
She had already come twice. She came first, when Orla had lifted her with strong sure hands and placed her so she was straddling a strong, muscular thigh. Not waiting to be told twice, she had ridden herself to an earth-shattering climax. Her spirited movements had caused water to slosh over the rim of the bath and onto the floor. The second time was when Orla had position her so that Sterling faced away from her, resting against Orla's chest. Using her knees, Orla, had pushed Sterling's legs wide, holding her suspended as her fingers plundered Sterling's womanhood.
A third one was threatening now as Orla sucked on her nipples hungrily. Sterling pushed her fingers through Orla's damp hair. There were simply no words to explain what she was feeling at the moment. To have found her wife alive was a pure miracle for her. To be able to share herself with Orla like this again was magical. The sucking at her breast stopped and still a little dazed from her last climax, Sterling opened her eyes to find Orla looking at her. The dark women had a look of agony on her face. Sterling was immediately sober.
“Beloved, what is wrong?”
“I need you,” came the soft reply.
“Let me help you with that, my love,” Sterling said gently and placed a kiss on Orla's lips.
“I need to take you,” Orla said in husky voice and Sterling felt a delicious thrill go down her spine.
“I am yours.” The words had scarcely left her lips when Orla lifted her out of the bath and lay her down on the cool tiles. Planting her powerful arms on the rim of the bath, Orla hoisted her wet body out of the bath and crawled over to where she lay. Sterling almost came again at the sight. Keeping eye contact, Orla settled her body between Sterling's thighs. Using her fingers, she opened herself, while planting her right arm next to Sterling head, to keep her body from crushing Sterling.
********************************
At the first touch of her swollen nub touching Sterling's, Orla let out a long drawn out moan. She had lost count of how many times she had dreamed about a moment like this since her wedding night. She slipped her hand out from between their bodies and curled it around Sterling's hips, angling her hips for better contact. She took a shuddering breath when the position had the desired effect. She rolled her hips, rubbing herself in Sterling wetness before she began a slow rocking pace. A soft moan escaped Sterling's lips and Orla revelled in the knowledge that she was bringing Sterling just as much pleasure as she was experiencing.
“Open your eyes, Sterling. Look at me, wife.”
The silver eyes flickered open and seeing how they had darkened with pleasure, encouraged her to speed up the pace. Her mouth fell open as soft bursts of air exploded from her parted lips. She wasn't sure if it was the movement of her hips or the sounds she was making, but Sterling eyes darkened even further.
“This is so nice. I do not want it to stop,” the redhead murmured. “I want more…a little harder.”
The wanton words fuelled her desire even more and Orla used her newly acquired strength to slide her hand under Sterling's derriere and pushed her up from the floor. The contact was electrifying and Orla moaned again as she doubled the speed of her thrusts. She had fantasized about taking Sterling like this, but nothing prepared her for the immense pleasure it would bring her.
Sterling lifted first one leg and then the other to lock them around her waist and Orla almost wept as the move brought them even closer together. With her left hand free, she hooked both arms under Sterling's shoulder, pulling the shorter woman into her rocking body.
After having witnessed Sterling going through two orgasms earlier, Orla was already very close. She could feel Sterling's nub swell against hers and knew that they were both nearing the end. She put more power behind her thrusts, causing her to buck over Sterling's body. She heard a soft mewling sound slipped through Sterling's lips as two small hands moved down her side and to her contracting globes, pulling them down into the cradle of her thighs.
When her climax struck, Orla let out a hoarse cry as she clutched Sterling to her, her hips pumping furiously. She heard a soft echoing cry coming from Sterling and was relieved to find she had not left her wife behind. They rode the tiny delightful aftershocks together. Orla's body came to a slow stop and for a few moments she rested her overheated body on Sterling's, reluctant to break contact. After a while she hoisted herself on her arms and with a final roll of her hips, which elicited a soft moan from Sterling, rolled onto her back. Sterling rolled closed and lifted herself until she lay stretched out on Orla's heaving body.
“I have never before experienced such pleasure,” Sterling murmured softly. “Thank you.”
“I should thank you instead, milady.”
“Sterling chuckled softly. “I think we can safely say that we are both very grateful for what had just transpired.”
“I agree,” Orla said with a smile. She met Sterling's eyes and for a long moment they simply looked at each other. “We should do it more often.”
“I will not complain. It is a great way of keeping in shape and so much more enjoyable than sweating on a training field.” Sterling placed a soft kiss on Orla's lips. “We should get ready.”
Orla sighed. She didn't feel like leaving the chamber for the rest of the night. Her hand travelled down Sterling's shoulder, further down to her lower back to settle on the soft fleshy globes. She would rather explore more of her fantasies with Sterling. She sighed again. But duty calls and Sterling was not going anywhere later tonight.
“You are right. I can smell food. They are probably waiting for us so they can dine.”
********************************
Cybralle nodded her thanks at the young servant girl who had just filled up her goblet with wine. Everyone, except Orla and Sterling, were gathered in the great hall. While waiting for them, everyone was sitting around, keeping their thoughts company. Cybralle took the time to study the room. Just like the rest of the Hidden Palace, the room was richly decorated. The hall actually outshines many Royal galleries she had seen across her travels. The room was lit by a number of torches which were situated around the hall. The lights of the torches bounced off the gleaming tiles floor, lightening the room up further. A number of marble statues in different stages of movements were placed against the walls, highlighted by the torches above each of them. A large tapestry, which depicted an epic battle, adorned the one side of the room. The soldier in her was immediately drawn to the artwork. She quietly walked over to the wall and studied the tale woven into the cloth. It was bloody and dramatic. Decapitated bodies littered the battlefield, while men on horseback pranced around, their expressions triumphant.
“That was before my time, but I have heard about it more times than I can remember as a teenager.”
Cybralle hadn't heard him come over, but she thanked her training for not giving away her surprise. A warrior should expect anything, anytime from anywhere. She was at present surrounded by five Ulvs and it would be unwise to drop her guard in such a situation. What was keeping Sterling and Orla? She turned to acknowledge the man's presence.
“The past inspires the future. I know that that battle had a profound impact on the lives for generations to come.”
Gentro smiled and Cybralle was once again amazed by how much he looked like Orla. They could easily pass for twins. Familiar ice blue eyes twinkled at her.
“That was the first time we had to save the world from human tyranny.” Gentro's eyes slid away from Cybralle to look at the tapestry. “About nine hundred years ago, a greedy warlord thought himself powerful enough to conquer the known world. Countless warnings for him to rescind his claim on the gods' subjects fell on death ears. He went from village to village and slaughtering innocents to stir fear and garner notoriety. We had no choice but to engage him and his army. The warlord, we banished to the icy wastelands up north, alone with only a pack of bloodthirsty canines to keep him company.”
Gentro turned back to her, and Cybralle waited patiently for him to continue.
“Since his demise, not many like him had tried to taunt the gods again. Humankind became more conscious of the fact that they were not deserted by the gods. They realized and understood their personal worth. Many would say now that the battle at Escolpi was what spurred humankind to unlock their potential and carved the earth into a place they could call home. We gave them a place where they could venerate their gods and live as freely as they could.” Gentro took a drink from his goblet. “So yes, you are right. The past certainly inspires a better future.”
Cybralle turned back to the painting. She wondered what it was like living in those times. It seemed to have been much more brutal than was the case now. But Mesmeria would not have been born yet. For that reason she loved the epoch she lived in.
“You do not trust us.”
Surprised by the bold statement, she blinked at the man. Of course he wasn't wrong. She would be imprudent to trust huge, bi-pedal predators just on hearsay. What had given her away?
“What makes you say that?”
A broad smile came over the man's handsome face. “Unless it is a new custom in Karas to dine in full body armor, then I apologise for my hastily uttered speculation.”
Cybralle blushed slightly at the observation. She shrugged. “It is a habit that has saved my life countless times.”
Gentro nodded. “Then by all means do not change it to appease us. I would let you know though that we are not the enemy. Our daughters have joined our houses and our destinies.” The blue eyes searched hers with piercing intensity. “I was there that night when you told Orla about the Ulvs. Did you know that only a small group of humans knew that much about the Ulv?”
Cybralle studied the man. He had an honest face just like Orla. Even now he was looking at her with honest curiosity. She wondered what he was implying with his last question.
“Why do you think I should?”
“In present day religions, humans have a tangible manifestation of their devotion in the form of a book. They are guided through life by what has been immortalized for them on scrolls. Many hundreds of centuries ago, the Ulv chose a few men and women believed to be steadfast in their loyalty to the gods and deemed pure of spirit. They were indoctrinated in the legends of the Ulv and sent out to all corners of the worlds to spread the word of our existence.” Gentro's eyes were sharp as they watched her. Cybralle met his gaze head on. “That mission became their legacy and was filtered down from generation to generation. Believe it or not, Cybralle Honig, you are part of us.”
Cybralle's mind refused to accept that truth. For the first six years of her life she had grown up with her parents. They were neither poor nor rich. Her father worked as a miner and her mother as a seamstress. They had a small hut where they kept a milk cow and a small vegetable patch. Life was easy and pleasant. That was until an accident at the underground mine robbed her of her father. Her mother, tried to keep ends together, but in the end they had to pack up and join her grandmother who lived in a nearby village. Her first memory of her mother was that she was an intense woman who passed her days working her small vegetable garden and selling her produce on the daily market. Vernera was a loving but quiet woman who only came alive when dusk fell and a group of villages congregated at her doorstep. She would greet them with barely contained excitement. Once everyone was comfortable, she would expertly draw them away from their hard, backbreaking work days to a land of fairy tales and magic. She spun tales of the gods and the powerful protectors that walked like man amongst them. The Ulvs! Cybralle's eyes snapped to Gentro, who looked at her with a knowing smile. The only times her mother actually called them by their names, was when the two of them were alone.
“After you told Orla about the Ulvs, I was intrigued. Many of our wordsmiths discarded the practice along the way with the emergence of a dual religion. We have kept records of everyone over the years.” Gentro's smile broadened. “It was not difficult to trace you back to your grandmother. Just like you, she was a great warrior and her mother before her.”
Cybralle's eyes widened. That , she didn't know. Vernera was very supportive of Cybralle's choice to join the Arnati army, but that was nothing out of the ordinary. Many parents encouraged their daughters to become warriors instead of living the oppressive lives of young wives who were expected to breed every year. It was very hard to think of her quiet, soft-spoken grandmother wielding a sword. To her, Vernera was a storyteller and a farmer. She had stayed with her grandmother until she moved to the Palace to live in the barracks. Her mother had remarried in the meantime and had started a new family with her husband. Vernera was all too happy to be the rightful guardian of her only grandchild.
Cybralle snorted softly. There was no way that Vernera was who this man said she was. Yes, the storyteller part made perfect sense, but that was where her knowledge with her grandmother stopped. The woman died many years ago while Cybralle was quelling a border war between Karas and the Kingdom of Herkon in the south. She was still aware of Gentro's eyes on her and she brought her goblet to her lips as she fixed him with an amused gaze.
“I think you have mistaken my grandmother for someone else.” A warrior indeed! Cybralle suppressed the chuckle that wanted to escape her lips, by taking a long drink from her wine.
“I rarely make mistakes. But we shall leave this for now. Orla and Sterling have arrived.”
Cybralle turned to find her Sterling and Orla walking into the room, their hands clasped together. She needn't be a Seer to know that the two women had been engaged in during their long absence. Sterling was glowing as was Orla.
*********************************
Orla was ravenous. It was no surprise after her fight with Ridat and his men. Of course there was the enjoyable tussle she had with her wife but a few minutes ago. As the reigning monarch Tart took a seat at the head of the table and the others followed suit. Cybralle came over to take a seat next to Sterling. Orla gave her a nod and quick smile. Servers rushed around the table to keep their wine glasses filled as the late supper was consumed in relative silence.
Orla made sure to keep an eye on Sterling and Cybralle's plates to ensure that they had more than enough to eat. At the head of her table she noticed her grandmother scowling at her grandfather as he heaped his plate food. A quick look at Helm and Gentro made her grin at the amusement on their faces. It seems she had inherited at least one thing from her grandfather. To take the focus off him, she pulled the meat platter to her and also heaped her plate. Tart looked up and his eyes zeroed in on her plate. A wide smile broke over his face, causing his dark eyes to shine like a set of polished onyx. He gave her a proud nod and returned to his meal.
“I was wondering if you had inherited anything from him at all,” Sterling said quietly.
Orla gave Sterling a sly wink. “You are the reason my energy is almost depleted.” She smiled when a soft blush rose from Sterling's neck. She turned her attention back on her plate, but felt eyes on her. When she looked up, she was surprised to find Minos watching her. He had a mysterious smile on his lips as he held her gaze. Orla felt a strange feeling settle in her chest. She didn't like the way he looked at her. She disliked it even more when he turned his dark gaze on Sterling. Orla averted her gaze and attacked her food with renewed zeal. She needed to replenish her strength. If that strange vibe she got from Minos meant what she thought it did, she will need to be vigilant. Her body language must have changed, because she felt Sterling's hand on her thigh. A quick glance at Sterling confirmed her wife's concern.
“What is wrong?”
Orla chanced a quick look at Minos and found him to be in conversation with Helm. She turned back to Sterling.
“I am not sure. I want you to finish your food so I can get the two of you away from here.”
“Orla…?” Sterling sounded scared.
“Please do as I ask. I promise not to let anything happen to you.” Sterling's hand on her thigh tightened and Orla placed hers over the smaller one. “No need for concern. I will handle this.”
Orla returned to her meal, but she kept Minos in her sight. How was it that the man sent to help them would turn out to be the one she had to worry about. She threw a quick glance at the others around the table. No one seemed to be disturbed. Her grandmother was having a quiet conversation with Gentro. Tart's complete focus was on the plate of food before him. Helm had a dark frown on his face as he listened to Minos. Everything looked normal. Maybe she'd imaged it. She reached for a sliver of cold pork cuts and chewed it slowly. She turned to look at Sterling. The silver eyes met hers, but they darkened suddenly. Orla tried to decipher the expression in Sterling's eyes, but then it didn't matter anymore. A large dark shadow was seen reflected in Sterling's eyes. And it was coming straight at her wife.
Orla surged to her feet, kicking Sterling's chair out of the way. She felt the tiny ember in her stomach flare to life. Scorching flames lit her blood and with a deep growl, she pushed her Ulv to the surface. She dropped to the floor. Minos flew over her and landed on his four paws a few metres away, slamming into a small statue and crushing it under his weight. Orla surged to her feet, stretching out her imposing physique. She threw her head back and let out an angry snarl. Minos was huge, matching her own size. The ancient threw his arms wide as he replied to her anger. Punching the air with her paws, Orla advanced on him. The meeting of their bodies were deafening causing the room to undulate with their power and anger. Minos ducked just in time to avoid Orla's claws as it swept through the air aiming at his head. Having anticipated the move, Orla's hind legs shot out and she caught him in the stomach. The ancient flew through the air and slammed into the wall, leaving a crack. Seeing her advantage, Orla swept down on him. Minos shot to his feet, but Orla was on top of him already dragging him back to the floor. She lifted her claw to render a stunning blow to his head and watched as Minos' eyes registered disbelief. She stalled her arm just as Tart's voice thundered through the quiet hall.
“Enough!”
Orla heard the authority in her grandfather's voice, but refused to adhere to the order immediately. This unprovoked attack was disturbing. She couldn't take a chance with Sterling and Cybralle's lives, when supposed friends can turn foe like it was the case now. The realization caused her rage to intensify. Sterling would only be safe if the threat was eliminated.
“Let him go, Orla,” said a voice behind her. No, Sterling, Orla pleaded silently, do not ask me to let him live. He might take you away from me if I do. A soft touch to her side caused her fur to bristle at the unexpected sensation. It was so contradictory to the fury that raged inside her. “Please let him go.”
Orla gave a soft whine and the hand patted her gently. Shaking her head, Orla shined again and sat back on her hunches, her eyes fixed on the prone body of Minos. She wasn't going to change back unless she was sure that Minos was not going to attack again. The ancient slowly sat up and Orla's body stiffened, ready to quell a fresh attack. Minos took a deep shuddering breath. As he pushed the air back out slowly, his body began to shrink and the dark hair fading until he sat there in his naked glory. A servant girl rushed over to hand Minos a shift which he quickly donned. When he looked up at her, Orla was confused to see a huge grin on his face.
“Had I known testing you would be so painful I would not have volunteered at all.”
Orla cocked her head to the side, looking at the man before her from her great height. Sterling moved to stand next to her, her hand caught in her fur. The silver eyes were bright with wonder as she looked up at her.
“Are you alright?”
Orla's ears perked at the soft question. Was that not what she was supposed to ask Sterling? She reached out a massive arm and pulled Sterling to her. With a soft whine, she bowed her head and sniffed at Sterling. She seemed to be fine. There was no smell of blood nor could she see any open wounds. With Sterling so close and unharmed, Orla felt her rage subsiding. She turned her head to look at the others and found everyone studying her intently. Cybralle, on the other hand, had her sword in her hand, her body tense as she watched Sterling. Everything seemed to be back to normal. She lowered her head and gently coaxed her Ulv back inside. Back in human form, Orla's eyes were intense as they studied Sterling. Her wife was turned away from her as she accepted a shift from a servant. When the silver eyes met hers again, Orla felt as if a large rock had been rolled from her chest. There was no disdain in Sterling's eyes. Instead her eyes churned with concern and love. After throwing the shift over Orla's shoulder, Sterling helped her to her feet. Aware of all the eyes on them, Orla blushed when Sterling cradled her face in her smaller hands.
“My hero,” the princess murmured softly as she searched Orla's eyes.
Orla smiled and touched her forehead to Sterling's. She would've loved to kiss her wife then and there, but not with an audience present. They stood like that for a few heartbeats. At the clearing of a throat, they both turned.
Orla's body stiffened as she looked at Minos. The ancient's smile broadened as he held up his hand. “There is something I have to tell you, Orla.” He pointed to the chairs. “Would you mind?”
Taking Sterling's hand, she led her wife to her upturned chair. She quickly righted the chair and did the same to hers. When they were seated, Minos remained standing. Orla felt Sterling's hand slip into hers underneath the table. She gave it a gentle squeeze.
“I believe you are familiar with your heritage by now. What I have to tell you is something that only a selected few know.” Orla saw him look at Helm. The secretive conversation she had seen taking place between the two men came to mind. Minos mentioned a test earlier. Helm knew what was going to happen. She threw her great-grandfather a hard look and he responded with a wink.
“For the sake of Orla's spouse and her mother-in-law, I would suggest we start from the beginning,” Tart said and Orla was once again impressed by the man's thoughtfulness.
Minos' gaze swept to Sterling and Cybralle. “Yes, I think you have right. They are part of the family. Many thousands of years ago…”
Orla pulled her abandoned plate close again and resumed eating as Minos began his tale.
***********************
Cybralle was still shaking where she sat next to Sterling. What she had seen a few minutes ago would stay with her forever. She cast a quick glance in Orla's direction and found the pale blue eyes resting on her. She held the gaze for a few moments before she looked away. Who would've thought that the quiet, timid blacksmith could morph into such a frighteningly large beast? She had known the girl since she was a toddler. Lima sometimes brought her to the castle and left her with the kitchen servants while she went about her duties. A few times the blue eyed toddler had wandered off and ended up lost in the palace. Although she was large for her age, towering over grown men at fifteen summers, Orla had always been unassuming. She cast a quick glance at Orla and found those eerie blue eyes watching her. The gaze was steady, but Cybralle could easily read the fear in them. She knew that the girl was expecting her to reject her now. Cybralle wondered if it would make any difference if she did. Sterling loved Orla and vice versa. It was obvious earlier when, while in Ulv form, Orla had pulled Sterling to her. She was had stood frozen in fear as Orla had sniffed Sterling. Her daughter was loved and protected. That was all that count in the end. She gave Orla a small smile and saw the blue eyes lightened with relief. Orla returned the smile and fixed her attention back on her food.
Cybralle turned her attention to Minos. Listening to the ancient, Cybralle was taken back to her childhood. She was once again sitting before the fire as her mother spun tale after tale of the godlike Ulvs. She listened as Minos told about the Ulv and how it had been preserved throughout the ages.
Minos took a long draught from his tankard. When he resumed his tale, his eyes were focussed on Orla.
“Ridat's birth tainted the legacy thus calling for the intervention of the gods. The gene had to be purified. That was done through the last pure Ulv born before Ridat.”
What was to come next was obviously very important, because Cybralle could feel the anticipation heighten. Minos was quiet for a few moments, his eyes touched everyone present.
“The Elders have been relieved of their duties. Some have opted to return to live at Mount Olympus. Others have asked to be granted mortality so they could live out their lives as mortals. The remaining ones have pledge their allegiance to the leader of the New Age.” Minos lifted his right hand to his chest. “Orla Peron.”
The silence following his revelation was deafening.
Cybralle turned to look at Orla and noticed that all eyes were on the girl.
***************************
Orla slowly climbed to her feet. She simply stood there as she looked at Minos. This was not what she'd expected nor wanted. Just when she thought that Sterling was coming to terms with her Ulv side, this had to happen.
“Orla?” Sterling came to her feet too.
Orla looked at her wife for a long moment. She wished she could say something to ease the concern she saw, but she herself was too confused. She turned away and walked out the hall. She needed time to think about this. She was barely outside the castle walls when the transformation began. With her shift, the churning emotions began to fade until only the need to feel the wind in her fur spurned her on. She didn't stop until she was almost dizzy from exhaustion. She heard a stream nearby and stumbled in that direction. After she'd drink her fill, she stood back and sniffed the air. She had no idea where she was.
Shaking her body, she carefully wandered back into the forest. The horizon was lightening gradually and she needed to find her way back home. The echoing call of her mate inside was too strong for her to ignore.
*****************************
“She will not stray too far, knowing you are here.”
Sterling spun around to look at the tall blonde woman standing behind her. Sterling was momentarily stunned by the familiar ice blue eyes looking at her. She gave the woman a curt nod and turned back to scanning the large wooded area. She had rushed after Orla to stop her earlier, but her wife was gone by the time she reached the outside walls of the castle. Her mother had joined her earlier, but in her distress Sterling had refused to leave her lookout post on the tower. Just the thought of Orla being out there and hurting was driving her almost insane with worry. She had found Orla, only to lose her to demons. A tear trickled down her cheek.
“I promised to always be there for her. How can I sooth her pain if I do not know where she is.”
Audunn came to stand next to her and Sterling wiped at the tear. She didn't want to come across as weak before Orla's grandmother. She felt the woman's gaze on her.
“You need not hide your tears from me, Princess. They are testament of the great love you bear my granddaughter,” Audunn said softly. Sterling felt a soft touch on her shoulder and looked up at the woman. “We are all shocked by the turn of events. I, personally, cannot imagine what Orla must be feeling. Her not being here is the only way she can process the news. I do not want you to think she had abandoned you.”
“I simply need to be there for her at this moment. It hurts me to think that she is dealing with this alone.” Another tear slipped down her cheek. This time it was Audunn who wiped it away.
“Knowing that you are there for her makes it easier.” Audunn's fingers lingered on Sterling's cheek. “Your love for each other will help you weather this challenge.”
Sterling's eyes narrowed at hearing that. “What does this mean for Orla?”
Audunn's eyes moved to scan the woodland. “She is the Supreme Ruler of the Ulv and the most powerful in our Realm.”
Sterling swallowed twice before she asked the question which had been burning in her mind for the past two hours since they'd heard of Orla's new status. “Does this mean she will have to return to Greece?”
Audunn turned to Sterling and cupped her cheek tenderly. “That is Orla's decision to make. She is the Supreme ruler and no one can make decisions for her. She only answers to the gods now.”
“But what if they…”
“They need her, Princess,” Audunn said quickly and took Sterling's hand in hers. “I am of the opinion that they will try to abide by her wishes within limits.” The blue eyes were open as they stared into hers. “You are a priority to my granddaughter. Never underestimate your value when it comes to her.”
The word, spoken so convincingly, made Sterling smile. She will trust Orla to make the right choice for them…for their future. Sterling lifted her hand, still in Audunn's grasp, and turned it so she could place a soft kiss on the other woman's hand.
“Thank you, milady,” she murmured.
“Think nothing of it, Princess. I simply relayed what was obvious. Now will you accommodate your mother's wish and retire to your sleeping chamber for a short rest?”
Sterling blinked at the unusual request until she saw a sheepish-looking Cybralle standing a few feet away. Audunn gave Sterling a warm smile before she turned to leave. When she passed Cybralle she stopped to look at the warrior. Sterling noticed that they were the same height.
“If you have a few moments later after your rest, I have someone I would like for you to meet.”
The statuesque blonde moved on and Cybralle came to stand with Sterling.
“Do you know whom it is she wants you to meet?” Sterling asked. Cybralle seemed to ponder the question for a few moments before she shook her head.
“I cannot think of anyone.” The silver eyes searched Sterling's face. “Are you feeling better?”
Sterling smiled at her mother and curled an arm around Cybralle's waist as she rested her head against the strong shoulder. “I am now. Thank you for sending her to talk to me.”
Cybralle pressed a kiss on Sterling's hair. “She offered and I was desperate. I am however indebted to her now.”
“Go meet the person she wants to introduce to you. I believe then you have paid up what you owe her.” Sterling looked up at Cybralle. “I never thanked you for coming after me, Umah.” She stood on tiptoe and pressed a soft kiss to her mother's cheek. “I am so happy to have you here with me at this very moment.”
Cybralle gently cradled Sterling's face between her rough hands. “What else was I to do, daughter. Your mother and I could not bear the thought of you alone out here. You are all we have, Sterling. You are the manifestation of the love we bear each other.” Sterling's eyes shot full of tears when Cybralle's voice broke. “We will always be there for you.”
“I know, Umah. I love you too.”
“I think we can both do with a bit of rest,” Cybralle said as she looked down at Sterling. “I have to admit that I am exhausted.”
“Me too.” Sterling scanned the forest again. I hope you are safe wherever you are, my love.
***********************
Orla's whole body shook from exhaustion as she lowered herself into the chair. Her eyes were fixed on the sleeping form of her wife as she waited for her body to recover from the rigors she had put it through. The closer she'd come to the castle the stronger Sterling's sadness had become. That had caused her to push harder. Looking at the beautiful face, so serene in repose, Orla knew it was all worth it.
She found it strange that she had ran off in the first place to find solace from her trouble thoughts, only to return and found that her comfort was here…lying in her bed. She pushed to her feet and waited a few moments for her legs to stabilize. With slow, small steps she made her way to the bathing area where she threw the shift someone had offered her at the castle gate. She submerged her body in the cool water and sighed as she felt the fatigue seep out of her limbs. She finished up her bath and returned to the room.
Sterling was still fast asleep. As quiet as she could, Orla lay down next to Sterling, facing her wife. Her eyes hungrily moved over the beautiful face. The urge to touch Sterling was so strong, but then she was scared to wake her and deal with the fact that she had deserted her yet again. How long before Sterling grew tired of luring the beast back to arms? How long before she realized that she was wasting her time on someone who wasn't worth it in the end? Orla rolled onto her back, blinking hard to keep the tears at bay. She tried to envision a life without Sterling and she felt her blood run cold at the very thought. A lone tear escaped. She had to find a way to make this right. She slowly sat up. She'll talk to her grandmother.
“Where are you going?”
Orla twisted her body around. “You are awake. I…I thought you…”
“Stay with me.”
The soft pleading voice rendered Orla incapable of refusing. “Whatever you want, dearling.”
“Good.” Sterling pulled her down into her arms. “Please be here when I wake up. I want your face to be the first thing I see when I wake again.”
“I will be here.”
Orla's heart thudded in her chest as the slender form of her wife moved over hers. Sterling squirmed and shifted around a bit before she felt she was comfortable enough to sleep. Orla received a small kiss to the chin and then all was quiet. Holding a breath for a while longer, Orla finally heard the soft snores coming from her wife.
Her talk with Audunn had to wait.