Beneath the Surface

Calista watched Morgan with soft eyes, “Yes...I...” She bowed her head slightly as she seemed to try to recover the memories. “For the best...hm yes.” She agreed after a long moment of silence. She watched the smirk curve up Morgan’s lips and she couldn’t help but smile. “Ah yes, he’s quite the charmer too.” She grinned then before her smile fell as Morgan mentioned Alice once again. “Yes...yes I must thank her for what she did...” She looked down slightly as she clasped her hands before her. Thinking deeply once again.

Calista readily took Morgan’s offer to help, she grasped onto her hand and allowed her to lead her through the castle. “My mother...” She spoke with her brows tucked together. “Was it a dream that my father has offered my hand to your brother?” She questioned as she looked to Morgan with her two toned gaze. “Everything...it’s just so fuzzy, I can’t tell dream from reality...” She gave a sigh then as she paused before they entered the physician’s office. She looked to Julius and gave a soft smile with a bit of a nod. “I’m well, Julius.” She spoke. Her eyes turned to find Jesper as he spoke, her smile fell as she saw his condition. “Oh...” She breathed.

“Do you remember what happened?” Julius asked curiously, his eyes studied her carefully.

“Just what you told me, Julius. Sir Evan was a lycan...what a horrible creature...” She stepped forward to Jesper and reached forward to gingerly cup his cheek into her hand. “I’m sorry this happened to you, Jesper.” She stayed there for a long moment, her eyes honed in on his. A bit of magic filtered through her fingertips without her realizing, her eyes took on a lovely glow, but only for a moment. She gave a bit of a smile before she turned, “Alice.” She spoke as she stepped across the room, the heels of her slippers clicked against the stone flooring. She stepped to the side of her servant and brushed her hair from her eyes, “You didn’t deserve this...” She whispered softly. “I owe you my life, Alice.” Calista spoke, her voice just above a whisper.

Alice’s eyes cracked open and she peered up to the princess, “It was worth it, Princess.” She spoke and gave a half smile, she wasn’t hurt too bad, just cuts and bruises. She was lucky that the guards had come when they did and apprehended the prince.

Calista smiled and shook her head, “Thank you, Alice.” She cupped Alice’s cheek for a moment, “Really. Thank you.” Once again a bit of magic seeped from her fingertips into Alice. She held her arm as she turned and looked to Morgan.

“Let’s see that arm of yours, hm?” Julius spoke as he ushered her over to the table. “Come on.” He had her sit and place her arm upon the table. He unwrapped it and carefully cleaned the wound. Calista looked away and winced, she shut her eyes tightly as he cleaned around the stitches. But she didn’t put up a fight. Julius carefully placed a salve back over the wound before he wrapped it up once again. “Tonight, I’ll need to change that dressing again, hm?” He reached and held a bottle toward her. “For the pain.” He nodded.

Calista took the bottle into her fingertips and stared at it for a long moment before she drank it down. She wrinkled her nose and shook her head slightly. “Couldn’t you make it taste better, Julius?” She coughed slightly as she stood. “I...” She glanced to Alice and then to her nightgown a moment. She looked to Morgan and then to Jesper. “I should...get ready for the day...” She turned to leave the room.

“You need to rest.” Julius spoke, his brow raised slightly. “You’ve been through a great deal, Calista. Take this time to rest.”

The princess turned as she stood in the doorway, she gave a bit of a weak smile. “I cannot let an attack by Lycans cause me to hide away in my room...what sort of message would that send?” She turned and stepped away down the hallway toward her room.

Calista turned her head to look to Morgan as she caught up to her, a soft smile curved up her lips. “I’m not sure what I would do without Alice to help.” She let out a soft laugh, “I’ll happily take your help Morgan, thank you.” She looked to the two guards as they approached the room and then she stepped inside her quarters. The princess tugged her brows together slightly as Morgan requested her arm. “Julius just dressed it...” She spoke as she stepped forward, but she saw a look in Morgan’s eyes. She was quite insisting. She held her arm forward and winced slightly as Morgan helped her lift the silky sleeve of her robe. She turned her head away and clenched her jaw slightly as Morgan unraveled the dressing from the wound. “Are you certain this is a good idea? Julius has always told me that...” She looked to Morgan with a confused expression as she asked for her hand. “My hand?” She asked and searched her eyes.

The princess drew in a breath before she offered her hand forward and she watched as her hand was placed over the wound. “I...” She spoke to the comment. Her brow rose slightly and she gazed into Morgan’s eyes, almost entranced by her in a way. “What...do you mean?” She questioned as Morgan spoke of the princess’ selfless nature. She focused on the woman before her as she told her to focus on Jesper and Alice, how it made her feel that they fought for her, saved her life. The princess furrowed her brows and lowered her eyes slightly. Her eyes glowed lightly as she continued to look to Morgan. She could feel the power this time as it swelled within her. It was nothing like that of the power she used against the Lycans. It was calming. Smooth. Her eyes moved to their hands as she drew in a breath, the power swelled within her, the bruising upon her wrist began to seemingly melt away. The bruising upon her neck, the cuts and scrapes...all disappeared. Calista had closed her eyes when Morgan did, her breathing slowed as the healing magic flowed through her being. After a few moments she felt Morgan pull her hand away.

Calista opened her eyes and first she looked to Morgan, whom was grinning. Her eyes then fell to the wound, a smile curved up her own lips. She’d never used her magic to heal. She’d always been taught that her magic was more of a weapon than anything else, that if she did not learn to control her magic she could be quite dangerous. The princess ran her fingertips over her perfectly healed skin. Her eyes lifted and she looked to Morgan as she thumbed through the dresses, a laugh came over her lips. A blush tinted her cheeks as Morgan complimented her. “Yellow isn’t really my color.” She grinned then to the comment.

She stepped forward and looked to the two dresses, “Hm...” She ran her fingertips over the silky texture of the darker blue dress, “This one shall do.” Calista grasped it and held it up to her. “It makes my eyes appear to be rather bright….don’t you think?” She grinned then, her eyes appeared to almost glow with the color of the dress. She hung it upon a rack and then stepped into her closet. The princess huffed slightly as she looked to the array of shoes. Alice picked everything out for her. Which the queen had told Alice exactly what to choose, she imagined. But, she didn’t have to life a finger in the process her entire life. The princess reached forward and found a simple pair of heels that had a dark blue bow upon the top that was slightly off-centered to the side. It was the same blue as her dress. She came back out and set the shoes down before she stepped to the mirror, she looked to the make-up that was neatly organized upon her dresser by Alice. Calista sat down and pulled her hair up into a loose bun, just as Alice normally did to her before she began her make-up. “I have to admit...I’ve never done any of this.” She let out a light laugh as she began working on her foundation.

“You said earlier...you’re surprised I am of Royal Blood...why is that?” She questioned her brows tugged together slightly. “I can assure you that I am.” She then smirked. She turned her attention back to the make-up. “How...did you know that I could heal? I’ve not told you of my magic...and...I’ve never done that before.” She asked this after she had been quiet for a long time, focusing on her make-up. She turned and gazed to Morgan curiously. She stood from her stool and searched Morgan’s eyes. “There’s...just something about you...” She stared to her a long moment, “I just...can’t place it.” She smiled then, her eyes locked on Morgan.

Calista chuckled lightly when Morgan spoke of how pale she was. “I can imagine you have to be rather picky of the colors you wear.” She smiled as she turned to looked to her make-up. When Morgan approached her her breath caught in her chest. Why was she so struck by this woman? She leaned back and gazed up to Morgan as her thumb brushed against her chin, “I...” She furrowed her brows slightly, unable to complete the sentence. She searched Morgan’s eyes as she focused in on the make-up. She didn’t remember. That much was right. “No...I don’t...not even a blur of it...” She sighed slightly. A light laugh came over her lips as Morgan sucked her own cheeks in. Calista giggled lightly before she composed herself, Alice never asked her to suck her cheeks in. But then again Alice had done her make-up hundreds of times. She searched Morgan’s eyes as she spoke of the abduction. The power she displayed. Calista’s eyes fell away slightly. “Mm...I don’t use my magic enough...I’m not allowed.” she spoke in a soft tone. “Though...perhaps now, I will be.” She let out a soft laugh. “Now that you know, and surly you’ve told your brother...” She then frowned slightly as she thought of leaving Runik.

Calista froze slightly as Morgan moved closer to her. She’d held her breath for a moment as she leaned her head back enough for Morgan to do the precise make-up of her eyes. She was silent as Morgan did her eyeshadow her breathing was slow, her muscles almost tense. When Morgan leaned back the princess opened her eyes once more and she gazed to her with a soft smile. “Ah, a joke.” She let out a soft laugh, a smile curved up her lips. The coloring of the shadow accented her eyes beautifully. She looked in the mirror and smiled, “Woah...Alice is going to need to take a few pointers, hm?” She chuckled lightly.

The princess watched intently as Morgan combed through her hair. “An Elven braid...” She spoke with a curious gaze. “They always have such intricate hair, such beauty.” She spoke before she closed her eyes once again. “I do hope that I remember the moment that we shared when you came to save me from the kidnappers….but I highly doubt that I ever will...Julius seems to think that the trauma of it all caused me to forget...but perhaps you are right...what if...” She stood and turned to Morgan, she gazed to her a moment before she turned and held her hair out of the way for Morgan to cinch down her corset. “What if every time I use my magic in such a way...I forget...”

Calista turned to Morgan and searched her eyes a long moment. Her gaze seemed to look deeply into Morgan’s soul as she stood there for a moment in silence. There was a knock at her door then.

“Calista.” The queen spoke as she stepped into the room.

The princess turned from Morgan and her eyes fell to her mother, “Yes, mother?” She questioned as she stepped forward.

The queen gazed over her daughter and looked to her neck where she had been bruised, she looked to her arm and a smile curved up her lips. “What lovely make-up, darling.” She looked to Morgan. “I assume we have you to thank, Morgan?” She looked over her daughter once again.

“Ah yes. Alice, was hurt in the attack so Morgan helped me.” Calista spoke with a warm smile.

The queen grinned as she looked back to Calista. “I went searching for you and Julius spoke that you will not be resting, that you wanted to speak to the people. We have a round table discussion that is about to begin. Azer has gathered the captain of the guard and the usual officers. Your father asked me to fetch you, as well as Morgan, since she is sitting in for her brother right now.”

Calista glanced to Morgan, “Yes of course.” She replied swiftly. “What sort of future queen would I be if I allowed the attacks of these lycans to lock me away in my room? That shows nothing but weakness.” She nodded.

Murielle cupped her daughter’s cheek, a smile upon her lips. “You’ve much of your father in you, dear.” She pulled her into an embrace. “I’m just glad to see that you’re alright. Are you still having trouble remembering?” She questioned curiously.

Calista stepped back after the embrace. “Yes. I’m afraid so.” She replied, her expression flattened. “Luckily Morgan and Azer were there. I’m certain that between the two of them I can learn of the happenings.” She smiled once again.

The queen nodded, “Yes of course. Come, we must get to the round table discussion.” Murielle turned and stepped from the room.

Calista glanced to Morgan and offered a nod. “Come on.” She smiled and stepped off after her mother, her heels clicked along in the hallway. She took in a deep breath as they entered the war room. She wasn’t involved in much of the discussions of war. In fact….this was her first time in the room while it was active at least.

“Calista.” The king stood and stepped over to her. “You look lovely darling.” He pulled her into an embrace. “Ah Princess Oneus.” He stepped forward and gave a nod before he kissed the back of Morgan’s hand. “Welcome.” He turned and stepped back to the table. Calista glanced to Morgan before she took a seat next to her brother, another seat was left open next to her for Morgan. She looked to her father as he cleared his throat. “At breakfast this morning when we gave the news that I am to offer Calista to Oneus to bind our kingdoms as one...the prince of Luna, Prince Tyler, aimed to poison Calista...” He lifted his eyes as Julius nodded from his seat.

“It was a mixture of hemlock and sumac...he aimed to suffocate her. She would have died within minutes with the strength of this vial.” Julius spoke his eyes glanced to Calista. “In her unconscious state, she couldn’t have defended against ingesting the poison...we would have no idea what killed her.”

The king drew in a breath, “High treason, the attempt of killing a royal family member calls for action. But this is a prince. Luna is a close ally with Runik. I have detained Prince Tyler and I have sent word to the King of Luna of this. However, I fear this may spark war.” His voice was serious. “And with that we have the possibility of Lycans coming to our front door soon enough in retaliation against killing their alpha. We’ve fought them before, we know how to handle their kind. But we have not fought Luna. I can only hope that my words will not bring war to our people.”

Azer drew in a breath, “I have doubled our defenses and added to the rounding of guards. The castle is as safe as it ever has been. No foe will reach the royal chambers.” He assured his father.

“Speaking of royal chambers.” The queen spoke up, “Morgan.” She gave a soft smile. “I have arranged for a servant to move your items to a room more fitting for a princess. There is a room just down the hall from Calista’s room. I think it will be to your liking. The servant is ready to move the items whenever you like.”

Calista looked to her father, “We need to speak to the people of Runik.” She spoke, “We cannot leave our people in the dark, father.”

The king looked to his daughter a long moment as he drew in a breath, “Calista, now is not the time...we may spark more fear than is needed.”

“They have already seen the Lycans. We need to act now before more fear is sparked within them. Would you not want to know what is going on within the kingdom?” Calista held her ground. “Azer.” She turned to her brother, not allowing her father to argue with her. “I want to speak to the people of Runik, they deserve to know what is going on, and that war may be on the horizon.”

Azer watched his sister a long moment, he bit his lip slightly before he looked to his father. “My king?” He asked as he looked to the man whom pinched the bridge of his nose slightly.

“Yes. She is right.” Warner spoke as he looked to Calista. “You will make a strong queen for Oneus, Calista.” There was a tinge of sadness behind his voice. He did not want to barter his daughter away from Runik just to make a deal. But he knew it must happen. “Captain, anything on your front?” he questioned then.

Cassius sat forward in his seat slightly, he drew in a breath. “The people of Runik seem to be on edge sire, with the appearance of the Lycan most are frightened. Word of the princess’ kidnapping leaked into the city and many are worried that they lycans will return and overrun our kingdom.” He gave a nod, “I believe Calista is right, they need to know. It will lesson their fear.”

“Very well.” The king stood. “Azer.” He spoke. “Dismissed.” He then turned and left through a door in the back of the room. The stress was evident on his face.

Calista watched as her mother followed the king to console him. The princess stood and she glanced to Morgan as Azer stepped to the two. Two officers of the guard stood behind him. “Ready sister?” He asked. The princess nodded as she turned and followed her brother from the room. She glanced to Morgan and motioned for her to follow. She was given a cloak lined with fur to wrap around her shoulders to keep her warm before they walked outside. The guards led her down into the city and to the tournament hall where she stood at the throne chair. Her fingertips ran along the railing a moment as she watched the townspeople filter into the room as bells tolled over the city. A certain type of bell, calling the townspeople to the arena.

It wasn’t long before the townspeople had gathered, the princess looked out over the sea of people. Her expression focused. “People of Runik.” She spoke her voice strong. “I see the fear and the worry in your eyes as I look upon you.” The princess paused again as the room fell completely silent. “I understand, I too felt that fear as my life was placed within the hands of the Lycans. But, that will not be the case for our people. Once before we pushed Lycans from our land, and if we must. Once again we shall do the same.” The princess had both of her hands upon the railing. A cheer came from the crowd, everyone had their eyes upon her. “There is more troubling news than even the Lycans that I must bring you.” The crowd hushed. “One of the princes chose to commit high treason.” Gasps ran through the crowd as they imagined the worst. “He nearly poisoned me in my sleep because he discovered that he would not be chosen as a proper suitor...” She searched over the crowd. “He was apprehended, however...the Kingdom of Luna may claim war against Runik for such claims. Our king has written a letter to the King of Luna, explaining the situation...we can only hope for the best at this point.” Whispers spread through the crowd. “We will keep you safe. You’ve nothing to fear. Runik is impenetrable. We have proven such in the past. Our people are strong. Our guard is even stronger.” Her voice rang over the crowd like a ray of light within a storm. Cheers came from the townspeople.

Calista smiled as she stepped back from the railing. She glanced to Morgan before she was led away by the knights to a carriage that had been prepared for the two to bring them back to the castle. The princess climbed inside and let out a long breath as she leaned against the seat. “I hope that gives them some hope, and that it washes away the fears...” She spoke as she looked out the window. Calista fell quiet then as the carriage began to move. She sucked in a quick breath as a flash of her memory came before her eyes. The kidnappers. The Lycan. She yelped and raised her hand to defend herself, her eyes glowed with fire, she she sucked in quick breaths. She remembered something.

The princess stared to Morgan as the fire melted away from her eyes, her heart pounded within her chest. “I...saw...a memory.” She breathed. “How did the lycans get Runik armor...they were disguised so well...” Her brows quivered.

Calista sat back against the bench seat in the carriage, her two toned eyes gazed to Morgan. To her fangs. Her heart beat rapidly within her chest as her eyes fell upon Morgan’s charred hands. “Morgan…I…” Tears welled in her eyes. The princess took in a deep breath as she watched, she seemed almost frozen as she watched Morgan drink swiftly from the flask. As her skin began to repair the questions began to bubble up within Calista’s chest. Though she did not speak. She was almost afraid to speak in this moment. The princess gave a slight nod as Morgan questioned about her memory. “This…will make sense?” She questioned. The fangs seemed to play in her mind. The princess’ breath skipped slightly, fear was evident in her eyes. She watched as Morgan pierced her fingertip, her eyes looked to the pitch black soulless orbs that gazed to the blood. She swallowed slightly.



Calista hesitated as she gazed to Morgan. She looked to the droplet of blood. This was the answer to all of her questions. This would give her everything that she wanted to know. But at what cost? She bit her lip slightly in thought before she reached forward and took Morgan’s cool hand into her own. “I hope I don’t regret this.” She spoke in a soft tone. She leaned forward and took the droplet into her mouth. The metallic blood washed over her tongue and she let out a shaken breath. The princess’ eyes glazed over black as she collapsed back against the bench. Her breathing quickened and her pulse skipped a few beats. Her muscles tensed and a groan came over her lips. It was an uncomfortable feeling as the memories washed over her. She felt as though she was in a dream. Her body fell limp and her eyes slipped shut as the memories rushed forward. The scene within the cabin. The explosion of power from Calista as she’d had enough of the Lycans. That was the most power she’d ever seen herself to have. Was this a dream? Or was this truly a memory? Could it merely be an enchantment? Her mind did not have the time to think about such things.



The carriage came to a stop at the front of the castle within the courtyard. The door opened just as Calista’s eyes fluttered back open. She drew in a shaken breath and gazed to Morgan. The knight looked to the princess with worried eyes. “Princess?” He questioned as he offered her his hand.



“I’m fine.” She replied softly. Calista took in a deep breath as she stepped from the carriage and her heels clicked up the stairs into the castle. “Morgan.” She spoke and nodded for the woman to follow her. She was silent as her heels clicked through the hallways of the castle. Though her plan to talk to Morgan about everything was foiled as the King stepped into the hall.



“Ah Calista.” He smiled to his daughter. “Well done, you spoke as a true queen.” He grinned. He then looked to Morgan. “And you, Princess Oneus.” He stepped forward. “Do tell me more of your Raven knights?” He led the two into the war room.



Calista drew in a breath, her brows furrowed slightly. Now was not the time. She had too many questions. She wanted nothing but to speak with Morgan. Her own memories of the happenings had yet to return. But knowing just how much power she’d exerted…she imagined that must be the reason that she’d forgotten. Calista sat at the table and let out a breath.



Warner glanced to his daughter. “Are you alright dear? You look a bit pale.” He searched her eyes carefully, his hand rest upon her shoulder.



Calista closed her eyes a moment, “Just a bit dizzy father.” She lied. “I haven’t eaten….could….”



The king nodded, “Just relax dear.” He kissed the side of her head. “I’ll be right back. Morgan. Keep an eye on her for me would you?” He rushed from the room then.



Calista leaned against the chair and a soft smile curved up her lips. “I wasn’t sure that would work so quickly.” She let out a soft laugh and shook her head. “You are incredibly powerful.” She gazed to Morgan a long moment. “That…what you did…I’ve never heard of such a thing before…I saw everything as crisp as if it were my own memory.” The princess shifted slightly in her seat. “So you’re a vampire…or at least that is what I believed you to be…what exactly do you call it?” She asked her eyes full of curiosity.

The princess watched Morgan carefully. The term was correct but she chose to call it a curse. “Magic can be seen as curse.” She spoke a soft look about her expression. “But then again, all things can breed evil if allowed to. At least, that is what my mother has always told me.” She searched Morgan’s eyes as she spoke of the Raven Knights. More vampires, those that followed Morgan, did as she asked. Much like the Lycans that followed their alpha. It was an interesting concept, the idea that Morgan was in such a great position. She could easily hide the vampires as a militia. Not even the king batted an eye when she mentioned that she was a part of it. Warner actually gave a grin as Morgan had mentioned that she was part of the militia. Perhaps because it gave more hope of protection for his daughter. That was all he worried about most days it seemed.



When Morgan mentioned the next part, Calista’s brows squeezed together. But before she could ask any questions the door pushed open and the king followed two knights into the war room. “Ah thank you.” She gave a smile to the servant that set the plate before her. She began to nimbly pick at pieces of the platter.



The king came and sat down at the table he had a chalice of wine that he sipped upon. “I hope to hear from his father within the week. Luna is not a near kingdom, much like Oneus it takes a bit of travel. The word must travel to the king and then back to me. Richard and I have been allies for years, in fact the union of Luna and Runik was a rather intriguing offer. One that a may have considered had your brother not come from Oneus.” He chuckled and looked to Calista. “Is the food helping dear?” He asked with concerned eyes.



“Yes, father. Go ahead. I’m fine.” She gave a soft smile as she plopped a grape into her mouth. The princess glanced to Morgan then, her eyes looked over the woman. So much mystery lay within Morgan, everything that one saw on the surface was nothing that lie beneath.



The king gave a smile and squeezed his daughter’s hand before he returned his attention to Morgan. “I hope that he receives the letter with good spirits…that he does not immediately declare war upon Runik. However, I fear that may just be that. He will blame Calista, or even perhaps the other men that fought for her hand. Prince Tyler has always been a bit of a slippery fellow, I can’t imagine the lies that he will come up with to tell his father…but I do not intend on executing him. That would drive us deeper into a war that should have never been fought in the first place.” The king took a long drink from his wine. His eyes looked to his daughter, Calista was lost in thought it seemed. She stared across the room now at the wall thinking intently as she munched upon a cracker. A soft sad smile curved up his lips. “I appreciate that you are bringing your knights, I have heard great tales of the Raven Knights of Oneus. Such noble fighters. Perhaps they can teach my own guard a thing or two?” He chuckled lightly then. The king glanced to his daughter again, his eyes full of concern. “Are you certain that you are alright dear?”



“Yes father.” Calista seemed to break from the trance, she gave a warm smile to him. “Just in thought, that is all.” She spoke as she glanced back to Morgan and then to her father once more. “It is incredible the amount of help that Oneus has offered to give us in such a time of need.”



The king nodded, “That it is.” He settled back in on Morgan. “Like I said…perhaps you can teach my son a thing or two.” He chuckled lightly as he stood from the table. “We all know he could use it. Eh, Calista?” He squeezed her shoulder. “You did well my dear. These next few days will be what lead us into the future of Runik.” He spoke as he stepped from the room.



Calista looked to Morgan then, her eyes still filled with a careful curiosity. She picked at her plate a bit more, “I’m afraid the only room that will offer any privacy is my quarters or your own.” She let out a soft laugh. “My father likes you.” She gave a bit of a smirk. “He doesn’t take a liking to just anyone. He’s rather picky in who he allows in this war room…” She stood and lifted her plate. “The servants should be moving your items, so we should have a tea in my quarters.” She gave a smile. The princess stepped from the room and walked down the hallway. Her heels clicked along the marble flooring as she moved forward, knights bowed their head to her as she made her way to her quarters. The guards at her door pushed the door open and in she walked. Calista set the platter down upon the table that sat near the balcony before she stepped over to the tea pot. She filled it with fresh water from the pale and held her hand to the pot to cause it to boil, her eyes glowed lightly as she did this. Moments later she came to the table with two cups of steaming tea. “Do you enjoy warm drinks? Since you’re so cold?” She asked curiously with a smile upon her lips.



The princess then took in a breath as she popped a grape into her mouth. She seemed to ponder a moment before she looked to Calista once again. “Why…do you think I lost my memory?” She asked then after a long moment of silence. “What else would be the cause if it was not the use of my magic?”

Calista had chuckled to Morgan’s comment. It truly was in the King’s interest to get along with Morgan and the rest of the Oneus family. As they entered the princess’ quarters she glanced to Morgan as she began to speak about warmth. As she came to the table and offered her the mug of tea a tinge of sadness crossed over the princess’ face. “My fire...” She whispered softly, she remembered the charred cracked flesh upon Morgan’s hands after she’d seen the memory. “I...” She furrowed her brows slightly. “I’m sorry I hurt your Morgan...before you healed...I thought that I had gravely injured you from my own fear...” Her voice was soft, she moved the spoon about in her tea cup as she mixed in a cube of sugar before she set the cup aside.

The next bit of information from Morgan’s lips caused the soft bit of a smile to fade away from the princess’ expression. Julius. He’d given her an herb that caused amnesia? He’d purposely given it to her in order to make her to forget. She drew in a long breath as her eyes fell to her tea which she ran her fingertip along the brim of the glass. Morgan’s words were like something of a dream to the princess. The blood vials in Julius’ office. She’d seen vials that looked much like the color of blood before. She’d asked him about it when she was younger and he’d brushed the question off. Telling her it was a pain remedy for his old bones. She remembered distinctly when she was a young child she’d fallen while riding the horses. Her and Azer had been up to no good, as per usual. Azelyn had been thrown from her horse and she had broken a few bones, she had cuts and scrapes, her nose had bleed like that of a small stream. Julius had downed a vial of the blood before her eyes. He claimed he was in pain and it would take a lot of strength to reset her bones. Now it all made sense. I hope this knowledge does not bother you.

The princess’ two toned eyes lifted to meet Morgan’s gaze once again. A forced smile split her lips, though her heartbeat had increased slightly as she thought through her memories of the old physician. “No….no it’s just...surprising...” She managed to whisper. She took a long sip of her tea before she gazed to Morgan once again as the woman spoke of how her kind had been hunted. “That’s...terrible.” The princess finally spoke after everything was said and done. “You...have to hide what you are just as much as I’ve had to hide my magic...I can only imagine how difficult it must be. To know what you could be hunted just for being who you are...” She drew in a breath as she seemed to think deeply.

“I know that Julius may have been protecting you, but it is concerning to me that he would go at such lengths to do so.” Her brows came together slightly. “I can only hope that he has not done such a thing to hide something in the past.” She drew in a breath. A soft smile curved up her lips then. “But I can’t imagine Julius hurting anyone. He is the most kind man I know.” She searched Morgan’s eyes as she lifted her mug of tea and took a long drink from it. The memory of when the tea mug shattered and Calista sliced her arm open flashed before her eyes. The darkness behind Morgan’s gaze. Calista’s pulse increased rapidly as she set her mug down upon the table. She cleared her throat slightly. “I just. Need a minute.” She spoke as she stood and stepped away.

As if on cue a knock came from the door. “Princess?” One of the knights pushed the door open. “Apologies for interrupting but your mother has requested you in the throne room.” He spoke, his eyes looked to Morgan briefly.

“Yes of course.” Calista spoke, she glanced to Morgan. “It shouldn’t take long.” She spoke as she stepped from the room. She was escorted by the knight as her heels clicked along the hallway. “What is it that my mother has requested me for?” She questioned the knight whom glanced to her from beneath his helmet. After a moment of silent the princess simply nodded and continued forward. They walked into the throne room and she glanced about, it was empty. The doors to the throne room shut behind her heavily and she spun around to look to the knight whom removed his helmet. “Prince Tyler…?” She questioned as she took a few paces back.

“Surprised to see me princess? I had to get you away from that monster upstairs.” He scoffed. “She’s no better than the Lycans. Can’t you see it? My family has hunted her kind for years. I can nearly smell it on her. That is why the Lycans press so hard at Oneus.” The prince stepped forward.

“Ga--” Tyler’s hand clasped over her mouth. The princess fought against him, the fire began to burn within her eyes.

“Ah, ah, ah, don’t you do it.” He held a dagger against her corset. “I’ll gut you.” His eyes narrowed slightly. “That would start a real war wouldn’t it?” He snickered slightly.

Calista swallowed as she looked to him, her heart raced within her ears. “What do you want?” She questioned quickly.

Tyler pulled something from his back pocket and held it forward. “I want you to put this on.” His eyes were dark as he held the bracelet forward, it was an intricate design with many inscriptions upon it.

Calista hesitated, but he pressed the dagger against her side, she could nearly feel it piercing into her corset. The princess reached up and took the bracelet from him. She gazed up into his eyes as he nodded to her. She drew her brows together and slipped the bangle over her wrist. Instantly the bracelet’s inscriptions began to glow bright red. The bracelet tightened over her skin, it cinched down so that it was skin tight, she couldn’t remove it. Calista let out a cry as she fell to her knees, her eyes flashed with light, though not the same light as before. The prince snickered as he stood over her. “That’s right.” He smirked. “Luna will declare war upon Runik. I will tear every bit of this city apart until you’re all that is left. Then you will help me conquer the other kingdoms. Just as you will destroy your own beloved home.” He chuckled as he gripped her chin. The sound of alarm bells began to toll. The prince was quick to place his helmet upon his head. He rushed from the castle in that moment.

Calista gripped over the bracelet, the light had faded from it. She could feel it drawing from her power, a constant drain. She shuddered as guards rushed into the room. “Princess!” A knight skidded to a stop at her side. “Are you injured?” He questioned and searched over her for any injuries.

“I’m...I’m okay...” Her head a was a fog. The princess allowed him to help her to her feet. “What’s happened?” She asked as she watched the knights rush about.

“The prince has escaped.” The knight spoke. “We must get you back to your chambers. It will be safer there.”

“He was here.” Calista spoke. “He is dressed in royal knight armor...” Her voice felt as though it echoed off of the walls as the knight rushed her through the castle and back to her quarters. He ordered the two guards that no one but the king and queen themselves were allowed to enter the princess’ chambers without the princess’ consent. Calista stepped into the room as the door closed behind her. “Morgan...” She spoke her eyes stared straight ahead. She still held her hand over the bracelet. “Luna...will bring war...and...I...” Her eyes fluttered slightly as the bracelet began to glow once again. She stumbled slightly. “I...don’t...know what this is...” She sat heavily at the table. Her arm with the bracelet propped up on the table.

Calista stumbled her head spun from the power of the bracelet. “I...he...threatened to...” She blinked a few times as she took the seat. “This bracelet...” The glow dissipated from it, her eyes were heavy. “He made me put it on...he would have killed me, Morgan.” She breathed as Morgan helped her to her feet. She felt the hug of Morgan’s arm around her then suddenly the are around them grew ice cold. Her breath caught in her chest as the world around them disappeared and then suddenly they stood within the king and queen’s quarters.

The queen had a cup of tea in her hands. With the sudden rush of air she was startled and jumped back. The mug of tea fell from her hands and shattered upon the marble floor, the hot liquid within the cup poured over the marble as Murielle looked to the two. “Calista...” She breathed as she stepped forward. Her hand was held to her chest which her heart beat feverishly within. “The prince...is that why the bells were rang?” The queen came over to Calista and Morgan. Her eyes looked over Morgan cautiously. To learn that this woman had magic all along, that was something that the queen would have questions about. The ability to teleport like that, it was incredible.

The bracelet upon Calista’s wrist began to glow once again, her eyes fluttered and she collapsed slightly, her head leaned against Morgan’s side. Her breaths shuddered as the glow seemed to intensify. The queen’s eyes were full of worry as she carefully took her daughter’s hand and inspected the bracelet. Several long moments of silence passed before the glow dissipated once again from the bracelet. “This is of the old magic.” The queen spoke, “These inscriptions….wait here.” She rushed from the room.

Calista opened her eyes, the glow behind her two toned hues seemed to be dulled. She shuddered slightly, “Morgan...we have to get this off...” She pulled at the bracelet slightly, but it didn’t budge, it was as if it was one with her body. The princess gazed around the room slightly as her vision threatened to fade.

Suddenly the door pushed open and the queen came rushing into the room with a few books piled within her arms. They were books from the locked vault of the library. Old books that needed to be protected, they spoke of the power of magic that was used in the past that caused kingdoms to fall. The magic within these books was incredibly dangerous. Murielle set the pile of books down upon her dresser and she began flipping through the books quickly. “It’s okay dear….we will get that off of you hm?” The queen gave a soft smile to her daughter, she could feel the fear radiating from the princess.

As the queen flipped through the pages Calista’s muscles tensed. The bracelet began to glow a deep red. She groaned in pain and shut her eyes tightly. Though as the glow continued the princess’ eyes opened to reveal the same deep red glow. She stood like a puppet controlled by a puppeteer. The princess staggered slightly as she turned toward the queen. “Perfect. I couldn’t have hoped for any better of a placement.” The voice was choked, blood trickled from Calista’s nose.

“Calista?” The queen turned toward her daughter, worry in her eyes. “Darling, you need to sit down.” The queen stepped forward.

“Oh Calista can’t hear you right now, my queen.” The voice chuckled darkly. “But not to worry.” Fire sparked in the princess’ hands.

The queen’s face grew pale as she stared to her daughter. A fireball was thrown toward her. The queen lifted her arm and her eyes glowed as a white shield absorbed the magic. Another fireball was thrown. Murielle groaned slightly. She held her hand forward then and vines crawled from the floor and wrapped around Calista, binding her arms to her body and squeezing tightly. Murielle grit her teeth as Calista thrashed against the binding threatening to break her hold. Words came from her lips then, old words, an enchantment from the old magics.

The red glow vanished from Calista’s eyes and her body fell limp, her head hung forward and slightly to the side. The bracelet continued to glow. The queen took in quick breaths as she stepped forward. The vines retracted from her daughter and she carefully lay her upon the bed. She gazed over Calista for a long moment before she returned to the books. “I know exactly what that is.” She spoke, her voice pained. “Now that I have seen it used...” Tears had welled in her eyes. She flipped to a page within the books and read the old calligraphy carefully.

The queen turned from the book as a few tears rolled over her cheeks. “She will bring about the fall of Runik...” She gazed to Calista as she brushed a tear away. She stepped forward and brushed a bit of hair from her daughter’s face. “This is a very old trick. It was used long ago on the elf Rykalis. It brought the destruction of many cities centuries ago. All of the destruction was against her will, controlled by a mere man, incapable of magic. This bracelet controls her like a puppet to whomever holds the jewel that belongs to it...I thought it was destroyed...the texts all say it was destroyed...” She fell to her knees as a cry came over her lips. “The only way to remove it from the victim...is...” Her words choked. “She must die...Morgan...” The queen sobbed then, finally letting the river of tears from her eyes. Her head rest against Calista’s side. “I cannot kill my own daughter...” She whimpered softly.