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

Y a r u n I l y a It'd been a blissful while and both of his wives had enjoyed their time with him. Ilya had found ways to incorporate herself into the workings of the household. From things like checking to be sure that the inner workings of the castle ran smoothly with the staff. Everyone was so sweet to her even if she was a little on the quiet side. she'd found her place helping to cultivate different herbs in the garden and working with the palace doctor. Of course, her favorite place was the library. There was so much to read and learn. It was just amazing. Of course, Ilya was starting t o s h o w t h a t s h e w a s p r e g n a n t a s w e l l . Y a r u n o n t h e o t h e r h a n d h a d t a k e n a m o r e a c t i v e r o l e i n l e a d e r s h i p . She helped Onyx when he'd had audiences with their people. She had a penchant for picking out when people were lying. Onyx and her had gotten a system, where she'd give him a signal of smoothing her tail fur down when she thought someone was telling an untruth. Sure, there'd been lots of training with his guards that she'd helped out in. Although, the guards were very hesitant on actually sparring with her. Most likely because she was Onyx's wife and they respected their king. It might have been since she was a female too. She wasn't sure but she was thankful to be able to at least keep up her skills. Of course, she was happy to warm her husband's bed and heart every night. Ilya was growing on her as well. Who wouldn't like such a sweet kitty? Of course, it was strange but Yarun didn't really look pregnant at all unlike Ilya. Of course, even she could feel the changes from it though. She'd started feeling nauseous in the mornings but was too stubborn to not push r i g h t t h r o u g h t h e f e e l i n g t o g e t o n w i t h h e r d a y . I l y a h a d t h o u g h t t h a t O n y x w a s b e h a v i n g s t r a n g e l y l a t e l y . He'd started reading these ancient books that she hadn't seen in the library and she was curious enough that she started picking up on what he was reading. At least, some of the words. Then the books had mysteriously vanished and his kitten was left to wonder what exactly was going on. She'd noticed that he'd been disappearing more and more lately. Frankly, she missed him. She knew that he had a lot of responsibilities to attend to but she missed those sweet moments when they were together. When they did happen, she was over the moon with elation. She had picked up a habit of leaving him little notes where she thought that he'd found them. They had sweet little sentiments on them like things as simple as I love you or I miss you . She just wanted to brighten his day and let him k n o w t h a t s h e w a s t h i n k i n g a b o u t h i m . Y a r u n h a d n o t i c e d t h e c h a n g e i n O n y x a s w e l l . There was something in his eyes when he looked at her. Some shadow that hadn't been there before. He was keeping something and she wondered if it had to do with that part of himself that he didn't feel comfortable sharing with them just yet. She didn't pry too much into it but she did keep tabs on him. The worry about his well-being lingered in the back of her mind nearly every moment of every day. Sometimes, she just wished that he'd open up to her about it. Whatever it was that was bothering him, she wanted to help. That's just how Yarun was. When there was a problem, she wanted to be working toward a solution. That and Onyx was her Jirrin, her chosen one. She'd do anything for him. They were a marked and mated pair after all. Wait... trio? Well, sort of. Whatever they were! They were family! He and Ilya were her pack now. Yarun had gone to find Ilya in the library. The cat looked up to her curiously at her approach. The wolf was hesitant for a moment before she addressed her. I'm worried about Onyx. D o y o u w a n t t o g o l o o k f o r h i m w i t h m e ? I l y a ' s e a r s f l i c k e d a t o p h e r f a c e . A rather soft and innocent-looking expression was upon her face. Lightly, her bottom lip was caught between her teeth. You noticed it too? S h e a s k e d s o f t l y . T h e r e d h e a d n o d d e d h e r h e a d . Yes, I haven't been able to figure out what's bothering him but he's been gone a long time today. I t ' s n o t l i k e h i m . I l y a g l a n c e d d o w n a t t h e b o o k t h a t s h e w a s r e a d i n g considering before standing. Her belly was showing a little bit of pudge or rather just a hint of the children growing within her. Lightly, she rested a hand on top of her stomach thoughtfully. She always had a part of Onyx with her with their children within them. L e t ' s g o f i n d h i m , Y a r u n . T o g e t h e r , t h e y w a l k e d d o w n t h e h a l l w a y c h e c k i n g a f e w p l a c e s before Yarun caught his scent. Then she just had to follow her nose and that lead her to their bedroom. Yet, he wasn't there. That was strange to her. Those eyes of hers traced around and his scent lead right to the secret passage that lead to the healing pool. Why there? Yarun was almost to the hidden door when it opened before her. A soft snort left her betraying the fact that it startled her slightly to see it move. Onyx appeared from the other side and she was about to greet him but she froze. Her heart seemed to just stop in her chest. She took a step back looking bewildered as if she'd seen a ghost and really, hadn't she seen just that? Tylan... Ragar.., was the shaky whisper off her lips. Another step back. My... my... brothers..? Oh, this was unreal. It had to be some cruel nightmare. Why? Why did Onyx have the bodies of her siblings? They'd passed early on in the war during a rather daring attempt on her pack to make a push against the enemy's lines. This... it shook her to her core. What are you doing? She asked and even her voice trembled. Where was her strength? And Onyx, he looked like he'd been through one Hell of a struggle himself. Just what the Hell was going on? Onyx's response only left Yarun more confused as she glanced from him to her brothers and back again. Jirrin..? she whispered softly and watched him. He'd done what? He'd slain them in the war? Now he'd brought them back by giving them part of his life? Her eyes darted back to Tylan and Ragar. She stepped closer to her siblings on the bed. Her eyes were burning with unshed tears. The wolf looked over the pair of them and her gaze softened as a few tears slid down. Was it even possible for them to be alive? Yet, she could see them breathing. It had to be real. It couldn't be some cruel trick. It... was a gift. A precious gift from her husband. She looked toward him. Her face streaked over with t e a r s t h a t w e r e f r e e l y f l o w i n g n o w . H e ' d . . . d o n e a m i r a c l e f o r h e r . B r i n g i n g t h e d e a d b a c k t o l i f e ? E v e n I l y a w a s h a r d - p r e s s e d t o b e l i e v e t h a t . It wasn't medically possible. At least as far as she knew. She stared a bit incredulously at the scene unfolding before her. Yarun sure seemed to believe that these were her siblings. She looked at Onyx trying to figure out how he'd done that. Did it have something to do with how he'd been pouring over those ancient tomes? She was trying to piece things together and understand when she started to notice that Onyx didn't look well at all. In fact, he looked downright sick and his eyes were different as well as some long teeth poking out over his bottom lip. Her dark blue eyes widened and she took a step closer to him. Are you okay, Onyx? Had he hurt himself completing this resurrection task? His kitty prayed not. Then it looked like the skin on his brow was moving and her eyes widened further feeling like something was truly wrong. Yarun... something's wrong with Onyx... His words made her wonder even further. Let him be alone? They couldn't see him transform? What? Before she knew it, she was following him down the secret passage. Onyx! Onyx! We need to get you to the healing pool! He didn't look well at all and t h a t w a s t h e q u i c k e s t s o l u t i o n t h a t s h e c o u l d t h i n k o f . Y a r u n w a s m o r e t h a n s u r p r i s e d t o s e e t h e s t a t e t h a t O n y x w a s i n and what was happening further to him. That little sense that told her when something was wrong was shrieking within her. She hesitated on leaving her brothers. Hell, she was afraid to even touch them lest they not be real but she couldn't deny that Onyx did not seem well. So, she took off after Ilya. I'm coming! She hollered. These were changes going on with him that were different from when he was on the ship rescuing her. Onyx! Her heart jumped within her chest. She could not lose him like this. Even if she had regained her brothers, Onyx was her mate and she would not lose him. Come Hell or high water, she'd do all in her power to stay at his side. O N Y X Onyx made his way down the stairs, shuffling and struggling not to fall. He hung onto the side of the wall like he was hanging on for his life as he made his way down the spiral stair case. Eventually he made it down though he thought he heard foot steps following him. Oh please no.... Please don't come... Please.. Onyx mumbled to himself. He then began to pick up the pace. Onyx tried his best to make run, but all he managed to do was stammer and stumble fast then he already was. Though he hugged the side of the blue passage as he made his way to keep him on his feet. Though just as he began to reach the end of the passage he fell. He couldn't hold it back any longer. Onyx was to weak, to drain... to old. Then he thought he heard Ilya calling for him. Onyx began to panic at the sound of wives. He used everything he had to stand up. He then flailed one of his arms while saying Go away, don't come any closer. Tears where in his eyes. He couldn't stop it, it was going to happen. He then fell to his knees. He looked up and saw his wives coming for him. He couldn't stop them, he couldn't stop himself. It was to late, as his wives approached tears began to fall down his face. He felt his world crumbling around him. He thought they would hate him, hate him for being a Dragonkin, hate him for putting Dragonkin children inside them. By now his wives were close enough that he could see them. At this point all Onyx could do was cry out in a weeping voice and say Don't Look at Me!. He hoped they would at least look away, even though he knew they wouldn't. He wrapped his arms in front of his chest hugging himself as he knelt there looking down and away from his beloveds. Right there in front of them he transformed. His wings ripped out of his back, flesh and blood flying all over. Onyx screamed out in pain. It hurt even more not being inside the pool while it happen. As he screamed Onyx lifted his head up into the air. As he did his horns came out of his forehead causing blood to start pouring down his face. Then his nails where replaced with claws, and blood streamed down his hands and feet. Orange steaks appeared in his hair. There he was right in front of them, transformed, the last Dragonkin. There would be no mistaking what he was now, only one creature from legend looked like he did. There is no way his wives would miss it either. Onyx fell face first into the tile pavement bleeding out everywhere. There was already a large puddle of blood beneath him. Onyx didn't have any magic left to help heal himself, or at least try to stop the bleeding. He wasn't use to his older body yet either. Though he still had hope he could escape the eyes of his wives. He used his arms to turn his body around toward the healing pool. He then started to crawl on the ground. As Onyx dragged his body along the passage floor it only served to rip his wounds open more. He was loosing to much blood, and fast. Though Onyx no longer had the strength to get to the healing pool. His body was a bloody mess, his flesh and blood was all over the walls and floor of the passage. Onyx's conscious was fading and fast. He would never be able to make it to the pool on his own. Onyx thought there was no way his wives would help him, he was the monster that everyone feared and hated. He had hid it from them, even put his children inside them. As he faded in and out, Onyx felt so alone. Then Onyx said out loud to himself Is this how I die?. Then shortly after Onyx passed out from the pain and loss of blood. He was still breathing, but if he didn't receive immediate medical attention combined with healing pool he would surely die. 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 couldn't understand what was going on. All that she knew was that Onyx had gone and used some ancient magic to ressurect the dead. It didn't seem possible. It seemed dark and certainly, it would exact some sort of toll upon him. That was written upon every handsome inch of his face with fatigue and fear. It scared her and made her fearful for his well-being. After all, hadn't he always been the sweet one to her? Why? Why would he dabble in these dark arts? These forbidden practices? Oh Onyx... they needed to see what could be done to reverse these effects upon him. Even though, she could understand why he'd done what he'd done. If she'd known that she'd taken away his family, she'd probably have done something foolhardy like this as well. Yet, the changes with Onyx's body were giving her pause and her footsteps following him faltered as those blue eyes of hers widened at the sight of wings ripping from his back. Her lips parted upon her face in surprise at the spray of blood and flesh. What... what was going on? One word that he'd said surfaced in her mind... transform . A shiver ran down her spine. Those ancient books in the language that she hadn't recognized at first. That... hadn't been just some random book, had it? What... what people had they been from? She tore through her knowledge quickly trying to pick some clue that might tell her who they might be and how they related to what was going on with Onyx. It was vital for her to know how to help him. That was until the horns appeared from his head and flashes of orange blazed through his hair. Her blood ran cold in that instant as her mind finally placed him. The color drained from her face and she felt herself sway right there on the spot as fear of a different kind took hold in her mind. One hand pressed against the wall to keep herself standing and she felt like she was rooted to the spot. Even with all the blood shed and real pain that Onyx... no, Dragonkin must be going through, all she could do was stare. He was a monster. Her tribe had almost been wiped out by a Dragonkin some centuries ago. They were evil creatures, who sought to corrupt the world and take what they desired. They were too strong and nearly unstoppable. This... this was her husband? Sadly, fear and terror trampled over her feelings for the man that he was overridden by the forbidden lore of the monster within. Her eyes glanced down to her swollen belly and back toward him. That meant that she was carrying monsters. She'd bring more monsters into this world. Oh... that couldn't be so. Cat ears flattened against her hair and a scream tore from her lips but she couldn't even hear it herself. She could hear Yarun speaking to her but she couldn't make out the words. She was going to be a mother to monsters. She'd bring more evil into this world. It was too much. Too much for her to take and without any strength to cling to, her body turned and fled from the room ignoring Yarun's shouted pleas. Back up the stairs, she tore and up the hall as the tears streamed down her face. Fear made her panicky and her eyes darted about their bedroom swearing that she saw monsters at every turn. She ran, ran to the nearest place that she felt safe... the library. Once there, she locked the doors and leaned agaisnt the closed doors before her legs gave out and she crumpled to the floor sobbing and shaking. Her arms wrapped about her chest holding herself as she cried her heart out. What... what was all of this? She should have known that this happy life that she'd found... this love that had lifted her soul was too good to be true. This was all just part of some elaborate scheme to bring some more monsters into the world. To bring about more darkness. How could it be so? Yet, she had seen him with her own eyes and seeing was believing. She was going to be mother to monsters... . . . w h e n y o u ' r e n o t e v e n m i n e ? 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 . . . What had he done? How the Hell had Onyx brought her brothers back to life? She'd been there on the day that they'd been carried back to her on stretchers covered with blankets along with the rest of the dead. She'd lost half of her pack that day. In a single day! It had been a reckless move on her part and she'd known it. Yet, the tribes were not banding together and it would be their downfall. They were stronger together and they needed to understand that notion. So, this had been her ploy to show them that strength was in numbers and it'd worked somewhat as that organized push had shoved their enemy line back regaining ground that had been stolen over a few weeks' time. It was only when the other side got reinforcements that she was forced to call a retreat for her pack. Then... that was when she heard that her brothers had fallen. Not one but both of them. Yarun had gone into a blind rage trying to go after the enemy single-handedly and perhaps... perhaps it was her move to join her siblings on the other side. They'd been so close. They were all the family that she had and now... now she had no one. The vicious howls had torn from her mouth as battlecries and she'd taken out a good few men before her second-in-command had grabbed her arm. Another of her pack had grabbed her other arm and dragged her back kicking and cussing demanding that they release her to fight. She had responsibility and she could not fail the pack. They had taken too many casualties to continue fighting. So, she could not incite more fighting. It was real though. She'd seen her brothers breathing and looking well upstairs in their bedroom. Yet, at what cost did that miracle come? Certainly not Onyx's own life? Yarun would not trade one family for another. It just wasn't within her DNA to accept such a thing. Onyx! She'd called his name fitfully as she and Ilya had followed him down the stairs. He was not well. That much was certain. He was heading to the healing spring. That was a wise move. She moved quickly to catch up with him and she'd come up behind Ilya, who seemed frozen to the spot. Ilya, is he all right? She looked at the cat and her expression was one that Yarun had only seen upon her face on the very first time that she'd met her. Fear. Ilya... Ilya, snap out of it. Onyx is hurt. He needs our help. There was no response from the raven-haired cat. It was like she was caught in a trance. Ilya, I need your help! Onyx needs your help! She reached out to touch Ilya's shoulder and that was when Ilya broke, spun and tore off up the stairs running as if the fires of Hell were at her heels. Ilya! She screamed. Come back! I can't do this without you! Ilya!!! But the cat was gone and Yarun didn't think that she could leave Onyx in this state to go in search for her. Moon please, don't let her do anything stupid! I... I can't do this on my own.., she whispered as she turned to look at her mate. He had transformed just like he'd mentioned looking more like some demon than the man that she knew. The wings, the horns... there was so much blood. So, he was Dragonkin, the creatures of legend. She'd been raised on the terrifying bedtime stories of his kind as well. So really if this was her first and only time meeting Onyx and he'd been in this form, she probably would have reacted the same. Yet, actions had always spoken louder to Yarun and while, she did hesitate a moment to draw near to him, she remembered everything that he'd done for her. Sure, there'd been bad things at the beginning as both their tempers and egos had sized the other up. He had rescued her though. He had brought her brothers back. He was her mate, no matter what he was. Onyx.., she whispered and went to his side unsure on what to do for a moment. She pressed a hand to her mouth to quiet a cry that threatened to spill forth as she surveyed all the blood and skin scattered upon the floor. Kneeling down in a puddle of blood beside him, she looked him over. Where do I even start, love? Ilya... Ilya's the healer not me... Lightly, she pushed his hair from his brow. The face that greeted her unconscious was still that of her mate even with the changes. This was still Onyx, Dragonkin or not. She had to do this. Gritting her teeth, she took his arm and drew it over her shoulders closing her eyes before trying to stand and lift him up in the same motion. A low grunt left her as she struggled for a moment with his weight before a loud growl left her and her stubbornness won out. She pushed herself and forced herself to rise getting him up beside her. Hang in there, Jirrin. I got you, she grunted. Just a few more steps and we can make it into the pool. At least, that had healing properties. It could maybe start to help him and maybe Ilya would get over herself and figure out that she was needed. She staggered with him half-carrying him and half-dragging him the rest of the way to the pool. It was difficult but Yarun pushed on stubbornly keeping her eye on the prize and pushing herself. Almost there.., she growled. There at the edge, she was about to shift him off her shoulder to help lower him into the pool, when her foot had slipped in a puddle of his blood and they both went down into the water with a splash. The wolf came up coughing and sputtering before she saw Onyx floating face down. No! Oh no, you don't! She grabbed him and flipped him onto his back so he could at least breath. She swam with him to one of the benches and sat down holding him panting trying to regain her breath. Ilya! She called for her. Ilya!!! Onyx needs you!! There was no response though. It seemed as though she wasn't coming. Yarun looked over Onyx's face and smoothed a hand over his cheek. Don't leave me. Please... please don't leave me, Jirrin. I almost lost you once. I will not lose you this time. Your children need you. I need you ! Do you hear me? Tears were streaming down her face once more as she held him close unwilling to release him. I need you. I need you, Onyx. Don't you give up. Cradling his cheek in her hand, she tilted his head up as she leaned down to press her lips to his kissing him desperately as she was at her wit's end on what to do. The pool didn't seem like enough. He was healing but it didn't seem like it was enough and Ilya, who had the know-how and power to help was not around to lend her support. She kissed him trying to show the raw emotion of what she felt and tasted his blood off his lips. How she would not lose him! How much that she needed him in her life! He had to know. He had to have the will to stay with her. I love you, she whispered against his lips before pressing her mouth to his once more. That's when she felt the first jolt of her own healing power stir. The one that only worked on her own body. What the heck... Bewildered, she just let whatever was happening happen as she continued to kiss him. Her mouth was pressed to his pouring her emotions, her heart and soul into that kiss. Her healing ability flared once more and reached out to touch Onyx through the kiss, where they were joined. Oh, could she? Could she heal him joined in a kiss like this? Her ears flicked rapidly on her head betraying her confusion. It seemed as though she could as she looked to see the flesh mending on his body and the color returning to his face. Yet, nothing is given without a cost being extracted. A low groan of pain left Yarun feeling his wounds as if they were her own. Her body tensed and writhed wanting to move away instinctually but she knew that she needed to stay. Another groan as the pain intensified even as her gift worked its darnedest to heal the hurt. She would not move away from him. She would not break the contact. Her fingers, brow, throat, back and eyes... they all felt like they were burning. If she were of lesser spirit, she would have screamed out at the pain and broken but Yarun was a stubborn creature. If this was how she could help Onyx, then so be it as her consciousness flickered in and out threatening to take her into the inky blackness but she fought against that as well. Her eyes were closed and she merely lingered kissing him. Her efforts in that had grown slow but she lingered stubbornly for how long, she had no idea but she'd stay like this sharing his pain and healing what she could for as long as it took. He was her mate. Her love. Her soul's other half. . . . 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 . O N Y X Onyx was out cold. Was this the end of his people, the end of the Dragonkin? Would Ilya and Yarun kill their children and leave him die? Would he be the last of kin? Would the Bella empire finally come to end. No he didn't want that. He wanted to continue to to protect and united the people of the world. It was the duty of the last remaining Dragonkin. To rebuild the world that they kind tried to destroy. To make progress and ensure a brighter future. The Dragonkin had sunk the world into darkness, despair, war and bloodshed. They had exterminated any race that dare stand in their way. The sins of his lost kin was now upon his shoulders. He had to make up for what they had done. Then maybe one day the future generations of Dragonkin could walk among the people, and show that they were good among them. Though right now it only seemed to be another lost dream. Though as Onyx's soul began to prepare to drift to the other side it wasn't the Dragonkin that he thought about. It was two women, his two. A shy, delicate cat with dark hair and eyes like the midnight sea. A strong, sturdy wolf, with crimson hair and eyes of pure gold. Those two, his beloveds. They were what mattered most to Onyx. His memories of them together, all laying in bed cuddling happily and exchanging sweet nothings between one and other. Finding the love notes Ilya had written him, every one always made his heart feel warm. Every time him and Yarun would go out to train and look at the troops. Standing strong with his warrior wife made him nothing but proud. He loved them more than himself, he loved them both with all his heart and soul. That gave his body and soul the strength it needed to not give up. His love for his two wives. He knew he had to be there for them, for their children. Just then he thought he could hear Yarun's voice. That helped guide him back to the light. Before he knew it his eyes where beginning to open once again. What was before him was Yarun, and her sweet lips. Though he was in a little shock so he quickly jumped back stumbling and splashing in the water. The last thing he remembered was being on the floor, now here. He then put his hand to his head and felt his horns. It all came rushing back to him. He had transformed in front of them, his wives had seen everything. He quickly looked around and couldn't find Ilya. He didn't know why but he hoped it was because she wasn't actually there to see him transform. He desperately looked back at Yarun with a look full of despair and fear. Tears began to fall from his eyes and he quickly moved on of his wings in front of himself as to hide him. He then began to step back Don't look... Don't look at me... Its just magic... I am still me... I promise Onyx Pleaded with Yarun. Though as he backed away from Yarun his foot hit the pool stairs and he feel backwards. He began to cry and sob as he remembered that Ilya had been in the hallway. She was gone now.... That broke Onyx's heart. She must have thought he was a monster. She must have hated him. He felt like he was losing everything. The thought that he had lost Ilya was enough to send him into a deep despair. So much so that he had momentarily forgotten about the kiss that Yarun had gave him. Maybe she hated him to, what if she was there to finish him. Morbid thoughts ran through his head as he thought about losing everything. He couldn't take it all, his loves.. would he lose them. If Onyx was the world, then Ilya was his moon and Yarun was his sun. He couldn't survive without both of them. Without his sun, he would turn into a cold barren rock just floating in space. Without his moon he would get lost in the dark, and blinded by the light when it did come. He needed both of them. Though right now he felt like he had nothing. Onyx moved one of his wings out of the way to look at Yarun and said Do you hate me? Do you think I am a Monster?. Onyx's eyes were filled with sadness and despair. He didn't know what to think, what to trust, where to be. He needed his sun and moon, without he would be nothing more then a empty rock. 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 . . . Yarun's face was pale and her eyes remained closed even when Onyx staggered back from her. Those ears of hers did prick listening to him but she just didn't have the strength to open her eyes. It took a full minute for those thick lashes to draw upward revealing those golden eyes to take in the world. There was her world alive. A little, tired smile toyed at the corner of her pretty mouth. Onyx was alive. Oh, she could have howled out happily if she'd had the energy. Onyx, she whispered his name quietly but even it was hard for her to hear and her voice sounded weak. How pathetic. Sleeping sounded like a very good idea at the moment and she allowed herself to sink back against the wall behind her. A low groan left her throat. Oh, she hurt all over, it felt like. Even her toes hurt. Why did her toes hurt? Oh, it didn't matter. Her mate was alive and she watched him softly wishing that she had the strength to get up and go to him. She didn't though. One thing caught her attention beside the obvious changes in his body and that was the mark on his shoulder. It was glowing and when she turned her head to glance at her own, she found that it too was also glowing Perhaps that was why her gift was able to help him. Onyx seemed so afraid. Afraid that she'd reject him. That she'd leave him. His words saddened her as he hid himself from view and her eyes traced down the hallway, where Ilya had fled. Her ears flicked back. Poor Ilya. She worried over the cat, worried that she may be too fragile to take something like this in. At least, Yarun was sure that she was jarred by the experience. The terror on her face was a memory that was pretty stark in the wolf's mind and yet, she could only hope for the future. They'd have to do something. It seemed like Ilya would need a gentle touch to bring her around and Yarun wasn't the best at handling with kid gloves. A soft sigh left her as she looked back toward Onyx as concern crossed her face for him. She couldn't even imagine what he might be thinking at that moment. The hurt and pain. One wing moved and golden eyes met orange as they shared a moment within their gazes. Yet, Onyx's questions were ones that threatened to break her heart. She took a slow, deep breath and tilted her head to the side studying his form and the expression in his eyes. She noticed that they both still had their clothes on in the pool, which was laughable. Hers was soaked clinging to her but she didn't care. Did she hate him as a monster now? Really? I think you're fascinating. She said quietly before chuckling softly at the admission. A bit of color came to her paled face, a little flustered over finding him attractive like this as well. Her eyes lifted to his once more. My Jirrin, she addressed him softly and touched two fingers to the mark on her shoulder. I love you. I love all of you. She meant every word of it as well. I'd go to you but I don't have the strength to rise, love. She snorted softly upset at being found weak like this. Yet, the pain that had been shared between them flared stronger making her gasp and her eyes close tightly. She wrapped her arms about her chest as a shiver ran down her spine. Onyx, come closer. I want to feel and see you. I want to make sure that you're real and not some dream. That's twice that you almost left me. I don't think that my heart can take another. . . . 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 . O N Y X Onyx looked at Yarun and listened to her words. He could tell that she still loved him, she still cared. Though before those emotions could fully take him he noticed how weak she looked. Then he heard her words about not having enough strength to move to him. Onyx's concern for Yarun overtook his other emotions as he swiftly went to her. He then picked her up in her arms. With one flap of his strong black wings Onyx fly up out of the pool and landed outside of it with Yarun in his arms. I am real, I promise you I am here, you will never lose me. I will always be here for you. I didn't think resurrecting your brothers would take so much out of me. Though it was worth it if it meant I could get you, your family back. Onyx told Yarun as he held her in his arms. He then used his magic to dry their clothing as he began to take Yarun back through the passage way. My Jirrin, I am sorry.... I am sorry for everything. I should have told you sooner. I was just so worried about losing you Onyx confessed to Yarun. He then led her upstairs into the bed room and laid her on the bed in between her brothers. He then gave Yarun a deep loving kiss as he held her hand. My love, I want you to rest here. Thank you for saving my life, I guess that makes us even huh? Well I will place your brothers in the bedroom across the hall okay? Onyx said with a smile. He then tucked Yarun in before giving a kiss on the head. Onyx then picked up her brothers and carried them across the hall. There he rested them side by side in the bed. Onyx then made his way back across the hall to check on Yarun. He sat on the edge of the bed with her. Onyx then casted a spell in the area to make sure no maids or guards would make there way into this area of the palace. He couldn't let others see him in his transformed state. He then looked over at Yarun and said What happened to Ilya.... Did she see me?. Onyx needed to know how Ilya reacted to him before he went to see her. He needed to know how serve the situation was. Only then could he plan ahead accordingly. Though he would never force Ilya to stay with him, he loved her to much for that. If being with him caused Ilya pain, then he would make sure she could leave him in peace. 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 . . . There! That was when everything felt right as she was being held by him. Never in her dreams had she imagined that she'd be so happy to find comfort with a man. Yet, she did. There was something sweet in feeling like he was being the strong one for her in that moment. The feeling of flying was one that made her laugh as she wrapped her arms about his neck gazing fondly into his face. She sighed softly and rested her brow lightly against his cheek. I'm so thankful just to have you in my life. She chuckled softly. Seems you've only added to my family but please, don't do anything so reckless with your life again. I don't want to trade one family for another. You mean too much to me. She watched his eyes as he carried her upstairs. It should have upset her to be carried like some weakling but really she felt all right since it meant that she could be close to him. Did that make her a selfish creature or was she simply enjoying her mate's nearness? His apology made her ears prick alertly. You won't lose me. Besides, I already had this partially figured out but it's all right. It takes a long time to build up trust to share something of this magnitude. I wish that we'd gotten there. She lifted one hand and smoothed his hair from his brow and lightly traced her fingers over one horn looking intrigued. That was just before she threaded her fingers into the streaks in his hair with a laugh. You're still handsome to me. She glanced at her brothers when he set her down between them and she bit her bottom lip reaching out to touch Ragar's arm. They're really real... Oh Onyx! Damn it, she was going to cry and she didn't want to get emotional. It's just this gift... it meant so much. Her family. She looked up to Onyx and there were tears caught on the edges of her eyelashes. She smiled at his kiss and returned it happily trying to show her gratitude and love. A little nod of her head and she watched him take her brothers out to another bedroom as she sighed softly wriggling a bit deeper under the covers. Her eyes were very heavy though. That... had taken a lot out of her. When Onyx returned, she reached out to take his hand in hers just wanting to touch him and feel that he was there. Slowly, her eyes opened to look at him once more. He looked upset and Yarun had an inkling why. Ilya. His questions were warranted and Yarun sighed not really wanting to upset him further. She got scared, love. Lifting her head a bit, she sniffed at the air picking up on Ilya's trail and pointed over toward the door. She went that way. I tried to get her to stay but she was just overwhelmed. I think that she's smart enough not to do anything stupid but I don't know she was really shaken up. What a shame of it really. Here they were, a family divided. Her ears flicked back against her deep red hair. Should go find her. She pushed herself up into a sitting position and took a deep breath trying to dig and find her strength once more. His wolf might not be feeling 100 but Ilya was a part of their family and that she could not ignore. So weak or not, she could do this. . . . 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 .