Thread: The King Who Conquered the Animal Kingdom (Johnizbeast and Innocent Anathema)

O N Y X Onyx replied to Yarun saying I promise I won't sacrifice my life like that. It wasn't part of my original plan actually, I just over estimated myself. Her next words made him smile even more and helped to warm his heart. Onyx couldn't help but reply with tears of joy in his eyes I am sorry we were not able to get there either, but it means the world to me to know you would never leave me. Honestly sometimes I think I am the luckiest guy in the world to have a girl like you in my life. Not to mention one who thinks I still look handsome like this. As Onyx got back into the bedroom he sat beside Yarun he smiled as she grabbed his hand. He stared back into her beautiful golden eyes. Though when she began to talk about how Ilya reacted he couldn't help but frown. He understood why she was upset, she just found out everything about him and the children growing in her stomach. Though it didn't make it hurt any less. He could feel his heart cracking, his beloved Ilya probably thought he was a monster. No amount of understanding could stop that from hurting. He then watched Yarun try and sit up and frowned. Onyx then gently moved her back into a laying position before saying Two things my love. One, you are exhausted and you need to rest. I know you love Ilya and think of her as Family just like I do. Though second thing. This is something I need to do on my own. I was the one who didn't tell her and impregnated her with Dragonkin without even telling her. I need to be honest with her now. Also I need to give her the chance to make a choice. The choice of whether or not she still wants to be with me and have my children. I love her to much to do otherwise. If our children and myself do nothing but cause her pain, then I would rather have that out of her life. I want her to be happy, that's all. He then gripped Yarun's hand tighter before turning back and looking into her eyes and like I would for you, I would do anything to make sure Ilya was happy. Even if it meant doing something as reckless as giving half my life force just so she could have her brothers back. Y a r u n M y h e a r t h a s i t s r e a s o n s . . . That protective nature of hers was pushing her to get up even though she was more than tired enough to sleep for what felt like a day or so. A sigh left Yarun's lips as Onyx guided her back down onto the bed and she shot him a worried look. Those ears of hers flicked back in uncertainty. Sure, she listened to his words and could understand where he was coming from. Her free hand reached up to smooth over his cheek gazing into his eyes still worried. I don't want you to be alone for this, she said quietly. I want to be with you. I mean, I feel like I'm partially to blame. If I hadn't sent my pack in that hard push in the war, my brothers wouldn't have... She went quiet and couldn't bring herself to say the words. If... they had never passed, maybe you would have had a chance to break this to her gently. Prepare her somehow. Those golden eyes of hers glanced down in uncertainty. Just then a wave of fatigue swept over her. She sighed and sunk back into the pillows looking miffed at her current state. Her hand lightly trailed from his cheek down his arm to rest over the one that he was holding. Damn if that adrenaline and second wind that she'd been banking on just didn't up and leave her. Yarun's eyes closed once, twice and stayed cracked stubbornly to watch him. She'd... never felt exhaustion like this before. It felt like she'd run a marathon slogging through the thickest mud while trying to fight as she went. The ache in her body lingered. I... think you may be right. There's no way that I'm in any shape to even stand. Let alone track. A heartfelt sigh left her as she looked toward him gently. Forgive me, Jirrin. You'll have to do this on your own as you said. No matter how much that I want to join you. Frustration at her own state of weakness made her pout, a rather cute and rare expression for his wolf had the situation been more open to Onyx enjoying that particular phenomenon. Think I am going to need to sleep this off. She peeked at him from beneath her lashes. I wish you good luck. . . . w h i c h r e a s o n k n o w s n o t h i n g o f . I l y a W h y a m I s o s c a r e d o f l o s i n g y o u . . . Fear. It's a terrible thing. A deep yawning maelstrom of darkness that threatened to swallow one delicate, little cat whole. The same images kept flashing through her mind. All of the blood and flesh flying reminding her of the threat of violence. She felt like a pawn caught up in an elaborate scheme. It made her flesh crawl. Her stomach felt like it was tied up in knots and her body just wouldn't stop shaking. They weren't cute, little shivers either. They were deep, heart-clenching shudders. This couldn't be happening. It just couldn't be happening. She couldn't believe it but she'd seen it with her own eyes. How could she deny what she'd seen with her own eyes? Onyx... was that even his name? He... he was one of the legendary beasts... the Dragonkin. She swallowed lightly at the thought and that just brought fresh tears pouring down her face as her sorrow deepened. Everything seemed so dark. So bleak. So hopeless. She felt used and powerless. It was wrong. All of this felt wrong. Had everything been a lie? All some elaborate scheme for her to bring more Dragonkin into the world? Her ears slowly lifted from their pinned position against her head. What... what was she doing? Sitting here bawling her eyes out was not helping anything at all. She had to form her own opinion here. She couldn't just blindly follow along. That wasn't her way. What could she do though? Those midnight eyes of hers caught sight of the nearest bookshelf. Her eyes widened a fraction. Of course! That was what she could do. Research. There had to be more knowledge out there on the Dragonkin than just the frightful bedtime stories that she'd been told. Had those tomes that Onyx had most recently been reading in that odd language been from his kind? There was only one way to find out. Shakily, she stood and went to her beloved books feathering a touch over their spines. She began her search seeking out books on legends and keeping an eye out for that the language that she'd been learning from Onyx's reading. There had to be answers here. She had to arm herself with knowledge. That way she could make an informed decision. It was the only way. Otherwise, fear would rule her and that was a foolish way to survive. Besides, she couldn't quite believe that everything about her time with Onyx had been a lie. Or at least, she didn't want it to be. There was still the slightest glimmer of hope within her that her reaction to him had been wrong. Maybe... maybe there still was a chance. She'd just have to find it. Soon the library looked like a whirlwind had swept through it as books and papers were scattered nearly everywhere. The cat moved quickly among the rows of books searching fiercely like a madwoman as she pulled a little cart along behind her that was quickly getting covered with books. She had to find the answer. She just had to and there had to be some clue in one of these that would lead her in the right direction. . . w h e n y o u 'r e n o t e v e n m i n e ? O N Y X Onyx gently kissed Yarun on the forehead once again and said Don't worry my Jirrin it was not your fault. I started the war and you were trying to protect your people. I am very sorry, do not blame yourself. Though before Yarun could respond it seemed another wave of fatigue hit her. Onyx looked at Yarun concerned he then moved some hair out of her eyes as he listened to her words. Its okay Yarun, you have already saved my life today. Your body needs rest. If it wasn't for you I wouldn't even have the courage to face Ilya right now. You have given me life and strength today. I couldn't have asked you for more. Onyx said before kissing Yarun on the forehead. He then made sure to tuck her in tightly before leaving the room. Ilya was a woman that Onyx knew well, he knew where she would go. He didn't need Yarun to track her. When ever she was a little upset, uncomfortable or confused she always went to the same place, the library. The Bella Palace Library was one of the best in the world. It quickly became Ilya's favorite place. As Onyx walked towards the library he remembered the many times him and Ilya had went through the library together. He remember all they times they had learned new knowledge together, taunt each other, and shared their favorite novels. They would often give each other a book at the beginning of the week that only the other had read. Then at the end of the week they would both share their experience reading it. It was a fun hobby he enjoyed sharing with his wife. Though as he approached the door he knew that he had to do what was best for Ilya though, even it that meant letting her go. Onyx realized the door was locked and used his magic to open it. He made sure to cast a quiet and anti-smell spell on himself so Ilya wouldn't pick him up immediately. He knew she may run and hide if he did, and he needed to talk to her. As he got into the Library Onyx saw Ilya frantically going through the books. He slowly approached her, waiting until she was at a dead end between two large book shelves, so she couldn't run. He felt bad cornering her, but if he didn't he felt like she would run and hide again. once he was close enough he said her name Ilya, its me.... Even though he talked to her Onyx could not look her in the face. If he did, he was sure it would completely shatter his heart to see her expression towards him. Onyx then took a deep breath after hearing the sounds she made. Ilya I need to talk to you, I know you don't want to see me right now... you may even hate me. Though I need to tell you some things. As you already know I am Dragonkin. I know I should have told you sooner, but I was afraid you would never love me or even give me a chance if I did. Then once we fell in love I was afraid to tell you because I didn't want to lose you. Though I still love you, and if you don't want to be with me I won't force you to Onyx said. He then summoned 3 potions, one green, one red, one blue. These three potions will reverse everything. He told her. I love you to much to make you suffer through being with me... I am a monster right? This Green potion will destroy the children growing inside you, the red one will restore your hymen so you are not ruined for marriage, and... this blue one will make you forget everything from the past month and a half. I love you to much to force you to stay with me and have my children. I want you to be happy Ilya... I love you. If your happiness means not being with me.. then I let you go, because I couldn't bear to see you suffer from being at my side. I only have favor to ask if you decide to leave, please at least go say goodbye to Yarun. She loves you to, she deserves a goodbye at least. Onyx told Ilya. He loved her so much, he couldn't even bare to look at her. If he did, he feared he would see a look that would completely smash his heart. Though if Ilya did choose to leave she would surly take a piece of his heart with her. A piece he would never get back, a piece he had given to her to always hold. I l y a W h y a m I s o s c a r e d o f l o s i n g y o u . . . There had to be something. She just had to uncover something. There had to be something different than what she'd been told, right? Was her fear really founded in truth? Had all those times with Onyx been a lie? Was he really like the times that he'd lost his temper with Yarun? He'd never done that with her but... she still remembered. It wasn't long until she was nose-deep in a book pouring over the words trying to find something beyond all the dark hype about his kind. This book was a book of legends and it went over what skills and attributes that Dragonkin typically had. There were a few stories about them as well. Most were painting them as evil just like most of the other books that she'd skimmed through. Yet, there were two in this book that had them instead as heroes. That gave her a moment to pause and consider. All people were individuals and it was wrong of her to lump his kind into one category. That was giving into a stereotype and well, Ilya couldn't help but hesitate. Was doing wrong just a choice instead of in the Dragonkin's nature? This book, at least, made it sound like that the former was the case and if that were true... she could hope. Hope that her initial panic reaction was wrong. Suddenly, she heard a voice behind her and she nearly jumped out of her skin with a yowl of surprise just from being on edge. She dropped the book in her hands and it made a dull thud as it hit the floor. She stared at the fallen book as her ears flicked back hearing Onyx continue on. Her teeth caught her bottom lip and she felt herself tremble. He needed to talk to her. Yeah, well, her too. Just she wanted to be a little more prepared than this. She didn't have enough time. At least... he was all right. She had rather abandoned him and Yarun when she'd been so panicky. Her feet took a hesitant step back toward the bookshelf beside her. There wasn't anywhere to go. She was in a corner. That made panic threaten to rise up within her but she quieted it. She couldn't quite look at him though unsure if he was still a beast. Carefully, she picked up the book at her feet and carefully smoothed the wrinkled pages listening the best that she could while trying not to let fear get the better of her. This was too soon. She hadn't had enough time to research and have something to go off of. She'd put her hand on the bookshelf to help steady herself to rise up from the floor and her eyes traced to the spine of the book that she was touching. It was one that she and Onyx had shared. Oh, that brought a flood of emotion welling up in her. Against her better judgment, she carefully took that book out and flipped through the pages lost in nostalgia as she let him get what he needed to off his chest. He was afraid to tell her about himself. They had a strange relationship come to think of it. Forced to come here. Forced to marry him. Well, he hadn't forced himself upon her. At least, he hadn't been rough about it but Ilya was pretty certain that if she'd said no, it would have still happened only rougher like Yarun's first mating. Yet, there was more to him than that. There was a soft touch in his fingers and a sweet note in his voice whenever he spoke to her. Confusion settled into her mind steadily. She still couldn't bring herself to look at him until he mentioned that he wouldn't force her to be with him and that he had some potions that would reverse everything that happened. Then her dark eyes looked toward him on their own accord. His horns startled her to look away once more feeling a shiver of fear race down her spine. Taking a deep breath, she tried to settle herself some as she looked toward him once more in uncertainty. What was he? Who was he really? Her gaze flicked toward the potions. She could make the choice to make it all go away? The book that they'd shared was clasped to her chest lightly at the thought. Time, she said quietly. I need time. I haven't had enough time to look for the truth. She opened that book that had the two legends about heroic Dragonkin. Is Onyx your real name? She asked softly unsure of anything that they'd shared. She thumbed through the book stopping on the two legends that were in question. I... I don't want to make a judgment by flying off the handle. I'm trying to make sure that I have enough information to make a better decision. She looked toward him once more seeing that he wouldn't look at her still. Was he afraid of her? I am glad that you are feeling better. I neglected my responsibilities by letting my emotions get the better of me. She continued in a bare whisper. I am sorry. Clearing her throat, she moved to sit down at a table taking her little cart of books with her. That meant that she had to scoot past him and she did figuring that he was afraid to touch her just the same as she was. Will you stay and answer my questions? She asked of him. If there was ever any true feeling between them, he'd do at least that for her. I just want to understand. She pointed to a larger stack of books. Those books say that your kind are demons. She placed a finger on the book that she'd just found that had the two good legends. This one has demonic stories as well but there are two heroic ones as well. She took a deep breath. There is a legend about a Dragonkin trying to destroy my tribe as well. Or I should say, they were rounded up and taken. She took a deep breath and rubbed her temples surprised to find that she was shaking no longer. Do you have the capacity to make a choice on whether to do right or wrong like this book or is the rest of the world right that it's just in your nature to ravage and destroy? Her ears flicked back unsure if that was a fair question or if she could even believe his answer. This... this was so hard to broach this subject just because she had so many feelings tied up in him. Will you tell me the truth now? . . w h e n y o u 'r e n o t e v e n m i n e ? O N Y X Onyx heard what Ilya said and smiled. She just wanted time to understand. Well he would tell her everything now, she deserved to know what ever she wanted. I understand, and yes my real name is Onyx Bella. He replied to her. He continued to listen to everything she said. He understood, she wanted to know. Onyx would tell her everything, his history and how the Dragonkin manage to survive this long after their supposed extinction. He thought he heard her say sorry but he wasn't sure, especially since he was the one who should be apologizing. I will answer everything you ask.. you deserve that much Onyx tells her. He listened to all her question, her thoughts and came to a conclusion. As usual your brain works a mile a minute, you really are a smart woman. I know that one simple answer after another will only lead to more questions from you Ilya. How about I tell you the story of my people that most never knew? That will answer everything you could want to know. Including the questions you already asked. Onyx told her. Anyways I know how much you like stories. So let me tell you the real story of my people. Over a millennium ago, beings first started to appear on this ground. Among them were the Dragonkin. The Dragonkin were blessed with far greater gifts then any other race. Strength, magic, long life, flight, durability and intelligence. The Dragonkin had it all, and lots of it. It didn't take long for the many races to begin to encounter each other... then begin to fight with one and other. Though in every fight the Dragonkin encountered they won. Our prowess didn't just extend to war, but technology as well. Due to the long lifespan and lack of a real threat, the philosophers, and scholars of the Dragonkin were able to thrive. Years of research never lost, never having to build back up. Not to mention the greatest of the earlier minds being able to contribute 400 years of knowledge to our race. Those reasons allowed the Dragonkin to advance far faster then that of the other races. By the time that most of the other races were making small villages, the Dragonkin were already building castles. Their advancements in science, culture, philosophy, magic and military only served to make the other races fear and hold them in high regard. It wasn't long until it got to their heads either. The Dragonkin began to look down on other races, thinking themselves superior. Dragonkin were raised to believe that they were better then everyone else, all the barbarians that run across the fields in their huts. It didn't take long for them to start enslaving other races, and forcing their beliefs on others. Many races tried to resist, and many were wiped out in return. One of the reasons your tribe wasn't whipped out was because your women where a favorite among the Dragonkin nobles for concubines. I have read about some horrible ways that the women in your tribe were treated.... I am sure you have to. Well after hundreds of years of being oppressed and controled and oppressed by the Dragonkin, the many beings of this world had enough. Though they knew their power wouldn't be enough. How ever rebellion was brewing inside of the Dragon Empire as well. The eldest prince of the Dragon Empire had fallen in love with a human women. It didn't take long for the nobles to find out.... they had her killed in fear that the next king would try to allow equal rights for humans... then possible other races. The prince went to his father, the King. The king didn't really care, he told his son that she would die long before he would anyways and it was probably for the best. The prince decided to change things. Their were others among the Dragonkin who thought like the prince. Though they were in great minority. Most Dragonkin enjoyed the lavished and privledge lifestyle they had come to know and didn't see a need for it to change. The Prince gathered the Dragonkin who supported his idea's of equality, along with the other races and led a rebellion against his father. In the end the Dragon Empire fell. Though many still feared they would rise again, the blood and terror still fresh in their minds. They decided that as the Dragonkin had done, they would wipe out the Dragonkin. The Prince did find love during the revolution with another human. She would give birth to his son. Though the prince would give his life in order to buy his family enough time to escape and go into hiding. His son and wife went into hiding by the sea where they met the great dragon of the sea. After years of living and serving under the great dragon, his son received a gift. A healing pool that his descendants would be able to use. It would allow him to hide in a human form and then transform in the pool so he would not bleed to death. To this day, his descendants still use that pool. The descendants of the prince, the king... The Bella family. Using the belief of the prince, the Bella family decided to use their powers to try and restore the broken world that the Dragonkin created. Even when suppressing their powers the Bella family where strong warriors. Battle mages if you will. They were able to blend in with the humans and eventually the Bella family was able to unite the Humans. It was the first step in trying to bring the world together, a world that my ancestors divided. As the last of the Dragonkin it is my duty to continue my ancestors duty. To make sure the world never goes down that path again. It is my duty as the decedent of the king who oppressed the people, and the prince who saved them to make sure to defend this world from such evil ever again. For hundreds of years the Bella family has been in hiding, trying to redeem the sins of our ancestors. It is our duty to protect what was left, to make sure the genocide of the Dragon Empire never returns. To create a legacy for the Dragonkin that is more then just blood and oppression...... So that someday my kin can be proud of who they are... won't have to hide and suffer. That has been the dream of my family for hundreds of years now. Though our long life span was of course an issue. It has been tradition that when the next prince is able to take over and their spouse died that the father would pour his renaming life force into the fountain of life. Both the Pool of Healing and the Fountain of Life are located in hidden passage below the Bella palace. The fountain of life is located down the red passage. The Bella family considers it sacred and a sin to use its power to extend life. Since the son of the prince I told you about, my ancestors including my father have poured their life force into it. The red passage also contains the tombs of all my ancestors. We cannot be burring our dead relatives in a graveyard. If their bodies ever got stolen it would become clear from the bones that we are Dragonkin. Down the yellow passage a vault that contains the history, and lost relics, knowledge, and magic of the Dragonkin. The Bella family has spent generations gathering the lost knowledge and relics of our ancestors. Especially anything that would link them to us. It is where I found the knowledge and rituals on how to resurrect Yarun's brothers. It is a treasure trove of ancient knowledge... you would love it. Onyx said before finally finishing his story. I l y a W h y a m I s o s c a r e d o f l o s i n g y o u . . . Ilya listened with one ear up and one ear down. The look was almost comical on her face but really it was a reflection of how she felt. How a part of her wanted to believe him and how another was skeptical and fearful. It was a good story that he spun and she'd admit to being on the edge of her seat for most of it. If this had been under different circumstances, she'd have rested her chin in her hands and had a rather dreamy expression on her face. Sadly, that was not how things were at the moment. The cat felt betrayed and well, he had his reasons but it still hurt to think that it'd happened. Her blue eyes like the deepest part of the night sky traced his face and over his horns, fangs and wings. Her expression was thoughtful and clear. The good thing was that all traces of fear were gone. Onyx.., she whispered his name softly. This is who he really was. A part of her wished that he'd trusted her enough to tell her and yet, she understood his reasons. The fear of loss. Her fingers itched to touch him. To smooth the worry from his face. To kiss him sweetly until he smiled for her. How much that she wanted to go to him and yet, she could not let herself be taken in so easily again. Fool her once, shame on him. Fool her twice, shame on her. Her gaze found his and for once, she looked a little strong like she wouldn't just go with the flow to keep things moving smoothly. Like she was standing up for herself, which was more surprising than anything. Yet, this wasn't just for her. This was for them as a couple. If her faith in him and ultimately, his trust in her as well could not be restored, then there would be no them . There couldn't be. Not without trust. What could she do to patch the tears in their relationship? Show me the yellow passage please, Onyx. I want to believe you but I can't just go on blind faith anymore. I want to believe your story. I want you to show me that you trust me. I want to feel like you are the man that I fell in love with. Please, Onyx. For us. There. She was asking more of him and she felt a little bad about it but really, it was the only thing that she could think of to try to establish some new bond of trust since the other had been severely shaken. Yet, this was asking a lot as well. This was a family treasure according to him. Was he willing to share that? . . w h e n y o u 'r e n o t e v e n m i n e ? O N Y X After Onyx finished the story and he heard her say his name he looked up at her. For the first time since this morning his eyes met hers, his real eyes. He felt so bad, all Onyx wanted to do was reach out and hold Ilya close to him. When ever he felt down, or his emotions where in a whirlwind Ilya's presence always brought him back to normal. Though this time he couldn't hold her so his emotions will have to wait, he will have to deal with the whirlwind of pain inside him without his kitty to calm him. He listened to Ilya's words and nodded. I would do anything you asked of me Ilya, let us go to the yellow passage. I will take you to the lost library that tells the history of people. Onyx replied to her. He then approached her and extended his hand out. I need to cast a couple spells, Yarun is sleeping, she is very tired. I want to let her rest for now so I am going to cast a silence and no smell spell on you so she doesn't wake. Onyx told her before casting his spell on Ilya. He then began to escort her to the passage. He made sure to be careful when going past Yarun. Luckily the secret passage was still open and never closed. He then walked down the yellow passage with Ilya. I have to ask that you don't touch any relics that you see, some of them I do not even know what they do, I don't want you getting hurt Ilya Onyx told Ilya before they walked into vault. He then took her to a section filled with book shelves. The books shelf on the right contains the history of my people, its all in Dragonkin but I know you have taught yourself. So Feel free to read as long as you want. Onyx told Ilya. He then put the only chair in the vault he had brought down during his research and presented it to her. Afterwards he sat down on the ground and waited for her to finish reading. I l y a W h y a m I s o s c a r e d o f l o s i n g y o u . . . Ilya was a little surprised to hear about the spell that he wanted to cast on her and also that Yarun was sleeping. She had wondered where the wolf had gone off to. Is that how you managed to sneak up on me? She teased him lightly before carefully closing the book that she'd been referencing and putting it aside. She stood and walked beside him not following after. She didn't offer to touch him though and that was strange for her. She felt like she should be holding his hand, at least but now, sadly was not the time. Yet, her hand strangely felt empty without his and her gaze did trace to his hand as she thought about it walking with him still. His wings made him look taller to her and that in turn, made her feel smaller since she was already short or 'fun-sized' as Yarun had affectionately dubbed her. When they passed Yarun, Ilya looked over to her curiously. Why was she so tired? That worried her but she had to focus on what she was doing with Onyx at the moment. She was curious when they got to the hidden library and her eyes were bright with curiosity. She was careful not to touch anything except for the books. Although, there were items in there that she had never seen before and could only guess to their purpose. Her eyes rested on Onyx as he sat on the floor. How she hoped that this would be enough. Gently, she feathered her fingers over the books picking one out and skimming through it until she found some things that were pertinent. There were a few times that she had to ask Onyx what a particular word was but for the most part, she had a good understanding of the language. She referenced a few different books and the handwriting certainly looked different from Onyx's. A lot of what he'd told her was in these pages. The breath caught in her throat. That meant that he was telling the truth. Midnight blue eyes lifted to his orange as she carefully closed the book and set it back on the shelf, where it belonged. She was quiet for a long moment before her head tilted just a bit to the side. I believe you, she whispered. I believe your story of who you are. There was still his appearance, one that she'd been raised to fear. Yet, even with his eyes a different shade, the emotions within those depths had the same feel. His face was the same attractive contours. She stood from the chair and crossed the distance between them. It wasn't much and she knelt before him looking into his face. Lightly, she took one of his hands in her own studying the clawed tips before she lifted his hand and placed it against her cheek. Her eyes met his. She felt like she could begin to understand him now. I'm not afraid any more. Closing her eyes, she lightly nuzzled her cheek against his hand before lightly kissing his palm. I'm so sorry that I got scared. She looked toward him worriedly. . . w h e n y o u 'r e n o t e v e n m i n e ? O N Y X As she teased him Onyx couldn't help but blush a bit. As usually Ilya had quickly found out what had happened. It never took much for her to put one and two together but it didn't make it any less embarrassing when he was caught. As they walked he could feel the tension between. The want to touch each other, but not being able to was so hard. All he wanted to do right now was hold her hand and know everything was going to be alright. It didn't take long for them to make there way back down into the hidden passage. Onyx sat and watched Ilya. He felt so bad that he had put her through this. He knew that he was afraid to tell her, but he also knew that he threw her into this position without telling her a thing. The responsibility still fell on him. He was the one who forced Ilya to come here, he was the one who knowingly impregnated her with Dragonkin. At the time, even if she did resist he probably would have forced her to carry his kin anyways. That thought made him even more upset. Maybe he was a monster, maybe it would have been best that he died. While he was sitting there on the floor his wings occasionally fluttered lightly. The longer time went by, the more Onyx sank into depression. Though just when he was about to hit rock bottom she began to talk to him asking him what words meant. He made sure to tell her. Even time she would ask it would be like a break from his dark thoughts. Eventually it seemed liked Ilya had finally finished as she shut the book and it back. Then there was silence and their eyes met. The silence was torture to Onyx. He waited, waited to her whether or not he was going to lose one of his wives. He loved Ilya so much, he just wanted her to be happy, wanted to see her smile again. Even if that meant he had to watch he smile from a distance. Then when the words I believe you came out of her mouth tears began to pour out of Onyx's eyes. As Ilya began to trace her fingers over his claws Onyx bit his lower lip still crying hard. Hearing her next words only made him cry more. As Ilya began to nuzzle against his cheek Onyx couldn't help but nuzzle back. Surely his tears where making the side of her cheek wet at this point as Onyx closed his eyes tightly as he cried. He then reached out and pulled Ilya into his lap holding her close to him as he continued to nuzzle against her. I am so sorry Ilya. I just didn't want you to hate me, I just wanted a chance to fall in love with someone and that person fall in love with me. Though the more I fell in love with you the more scared I became to tell you. I was just so scared of losing you. I am so sorry, I should have told you from the start. You had a right to know.... I am so sorry. I don't even deserve your forgiveness Onyx cried out as he held his Kitten close. I l y a W h y a m I s o s c a r e d o f l o s i n g y o u . . . Ilya was gentle touching him just as she always was. Her touch featherlight. Drawing a deep breath of his scent when she'd leaned closed and touched her cheek to his. Oh! His scent was the same even in this form. That only put her more at ease. It served a reminder of exactly who he was, of the man that she loved. From the tears that he shed, she knew what she meant to him and could feel it in his touch when he drew her close to him. She let him hold her as she gently put her arms about his waist lightly kissing his cheek as her eyes met his. His regret and shame was near palpable in the air and she could barely stand it. Her heart hurt for how he felt. The petite woman was quiet for a little while just holding him and lingering close to him as she listened to him get his emotions out. She wasn't mad at him. She wasn't upset even at the situation. She'd simply rationalized it out. It may seem a little cold of her but her wit was really the strongest thing that she had going for her. Yet, her husband was still so upset by his choices. All she wanted to do was see him smile once more. Closing her eyes, a soft purr came from her trying to soothe him as she rubbed her cheek affectionately against his. Onyx, she said his name quietly. I don't see anything wrong with wanting to be loved for who you are and not what you are. Leaning back some to look at him, her purring didn't cease as she touched his cheek and lightly ran her touch up into his hair as she looked into his eyes. King or soldier... Dragonkin or human... you are still you on the inside. She took a deep breath. This is in the past now. I forgive you. Let's move forward together. She rested her nose lightly against his and looked into his eyes. I love you, she told him before sweetly kissing his lips with her own. . . w h e n y o u 'r e n o t e v e n m i n e ?