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Chapter Three – Prism Trees in Bloom

🔥 MATURE CONTENT 🔥

            Nia remained unaware of a lot. She kept seeing trees, with normal trunks and roots…blooming clear yet iridescent flowers and leaves. Afterwards, she’d see a woman with the likeness of her mother. And she would wake up missing her, deeply.

            How do you miss a woman you never met?

           Today, the magistrate and bay marshal would sit with Miguel and discuss certain events, or the weather. It was boring, and happened bi weekly. Today, she decided not to be present. She did watch Miguel dress himself in a light gray linen suit, with high polished cognac dress shoes. And today, instead of his straw fedora he adored so much, he simply put his hair back and out of the way.

            It was cloudy, and they’d be sitting in the veranda, drinking lemonade and laughing loudly at their ridiculous male jokes. Nia didn’t need to be present, Miguel never listened to her now. 

           Nia heard slow footsteps, knowing it was Miriam. She always knew she felt some type of way, and truly, Miriam always knew what to say. Nia waited until she stopped, and dramatically redressed her cream cotton wrap.

           “When it be cloudy like this, late March. A monstrous storm is forming. It’s waiting for someone to be forsaken, or heartbroken.”

            Nia rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue.

           “What would be the difference between the two…”

           Miriam laughed. She always knew when Nia felt wounded.

            “Your opinion matters. But Miguel was raised with love. Him killing Mateo means he won’t be honoring the love he has for his mother. Remember, his father died too…”

            “I know, I know. He’s a sad little drummer boy…” 

            Miriam smiled at the reference. But it was the perfect example.

            “Eventually, you will find that your patience is more than worth it. Hold on a little longer for him.”

            “Drummer boys aren’t supposed to fight.” Nia said this knowing Miriam was about to walk away.

            “No. He picked up a mantle, sword and shield anyway. That, to everyone else is insane. To me, it is love. He’s fighting so no one else will have to…”

             Nia bit her lip and closed her eyes. Miriam was right. She looked to the clouds, attempting to ignore the boisterous laughter of her husband’s guests. Miguel was taking on everything for anyone he loved. It didn’t change that Mateo was probably near by and needed to be killed.

             It also didn’t change that Leo Ramos was after her life as well. Perhaps she should use diplomacy towards Miguel, present her argument as a man would. It needed to be said straight forward, whether he liked it or not. But. Somehow, with kindness.

            Her directness was often brutal, and despite Miguel saying otherwise, he really didn’t like it. Nia exasperated and rolled her eyes again. For some reason, she had a feeling everyone in the household was anticipating Mateo this year. No one breathed his name for ages. Suddenly, everyone’s thoughts were swirling around his return. Nia wasn’t going to ignore a gut feeling. 

            Miguel was going to have to deal with that.

*

Boriken

             Aida was growing tired of following Mateo from inn to inn until the drapes were forced open, and they were told to leave. She smelled, her hair was becoming tangled and dirt was becoming visible. Aida was regretting ever wishing she wouldn’t have been married off. Samuel Montoya. It sounded like he’d be handsome – he was stout, overweight, pale, balding…and his nose was sharp. He had dark, beady eyes, and had the nerve to have a clean shaven face…

             However, she was watching Mateo laugh and bargain with the fruit stand seller. Despite his life long injury, he was handsome. Scrawny, boastful. But he was attractive. She remembered when he said she’d “want it.”

And she couldn’t know what that meant…she was a virgin. She’d only been a werewolf for a few of weeks, and the full moon was in three days time…

            There was an urging she couldn’t describe though. A pinging, pleasant twinge. Especially when Mateo sported the infamous Cervantez side smile – it came when either brother was being egotistical. To Aida, it was like a trophy. 

            Even if he was wrong in everything he said. Mateo bought several mangoes, and kindly parted ways with the seller. He eyed Aida, as he had from day one. She was something to look at. He could smell she was untouched. Her lips were full, and a brownish pink hue. They were offset perfectly by her tan skin, light array of freckles, and soft curls. Matea hadn’t admired anyone like this in a while, but his heart saddened a bit.

            Something told him Aida would eventually go her own way. 

            The magistrate came into clear view, Mateo instinctively swept Aida into him to lock lips. He held firm onto his mangoes, but his hand was sternly grabbing at her waist. She had managed to wrap his hair in her fingers, and no one dared say anything or interrupt their moment.

             When he was sure the magistrate passed with his followers, he let her go, realizing how breathless they both were.

              Mateo sprung a trap. He was staring at her lips, then her light brown, slanted eyes. She looked so confused, and a little hurt.

              “Why did you-“

              “The magistrate passed through…”

              They eyed each other. Suddenly, she realized where she wanted to be. 

               “It would be a shame if they caught you…”

               Mateo scoffed. He knew enough to know Aida was being married off to the magistrate because of a financial disagreement within her family. He was not concerned about that fat, old man seeing him.

              The sun was beaming down on them, Aida wrapped up in Mateo, now having swapped delicious folds of tongue. It was as if her thoughts could think of nothing more, not understanding how disposable she was to him. 

               “The magistrate was your future husband. Samuel Montoya. He’s a widower…” Mateo said it so that it stung, ignoring the daze he left Aida in. 

                “I know,” she said softly. She wasn’t wounded by his bringing it up.

                Seeing the idea her father came up with…that stung. Aida hated the thought of marrying a man she’d never even look at. To bed him? Bare children? All so her family could keep their titles and a few coins? She was angry again and that is when Mateo took note. She smelled like cherries, sandalwood, vanilla and cinnamon. She also smelled unwashed, but he couldn’t get past how angry she was. How delectable she became. 

                He mentioned to her she’d be wanting, he was hoping to be the body she took out her frustrations on. From all of the women Mateo had turned, Aida was the most irresistible…

                Maybe even more than Isabella. Now they were staring at each other. Mateo was still unable to read her correctly, but judging from the way her lips curled up, he anticipated correctly this time.

                “I am not your witch…” she said without thought.

                “That’s very apparent,” he hissed, still curious at his arousal.

                 “Act as if you know, then…” Aida said. People were beginning to notice they haven’t moved from their spot for a while.

                Mateo grinned, showing all teeth, bearing that ego through proudly. Then he shook his head and laughed.

                “Tomorrow night, you will say my name. You won’t know why. But you won’t want it to stop. And no. You are not Isabella Montage. You are a completely different woman. In fact, I’m almost certain the want for me is more intense. But I will be polite and let you believe what you want…”

                 “I-“

                 “Until tomorrow.” Mateo grabbed up their things and walked into the throngs of people to their next inn. Aida was almost certain that was a warning. 

*

Lisbon, Portugal 

               Leo was sitting on the edge of his bed, holding a flask as he was shirtless and nervous. He had done the unthinkable per request of Ms. Montage. Things had definitely changed in her favor. He was infatuated with her, unsure if it was of the use of magic. Or simple lust. She was darkness, an abyss he wanted to fall into and be consumed by. And now, he thought, do not ever save me from her graces.

               Isabella came into the bedchamber now, draped in a black satin chemise. Her hair was wild, her look definitely unhinged. She smiled her crooked gesture, fully making it to Leo, when he held up a hand to stop her.

              “Wolves…can be rough…” he took a swig of whiskey and looked her up and down.

              “Please don’t ruin this by having me tell you how I know.”

             When he grabbed for her, she did so as well, almost as if she were out of breath. Despite his demeanor, Leo’s hands were everywhere, and somewhere in between all of this, he panted himself. There was no hesitation from either party, and he was excited Isabella would mount him. His fingers dug into her flesh, as if begging her to remove her coverings. Still on top, she bit at his ear, ignoring his other wants.

             Leo, inpatient, thrusted in as Isabella gasped now, moving her hips up and down. For her, it had been since she had last seen Mateo, and for Leo, only a few months. He was losing himself in her now, looking up and admiring her, almost certain he couldn’t hold out any longer.

              Then he found himself questioning how he got here – Isabella stopped immediately and drew his head back roughly by his hair.

              “You wanted to be here…” she hissed.

              Making sure Leo understood how she felt, she pushed him to lay back, completely removing her chemise now. She had no care for his desires, now sitting on his face for her pleasure. Leo, on the other hand, would do anything and anyone, so her aggressive behavior was normal to him.

             “Make it worth while,” she said lowly, roughly grinding her hips, her head now cocked back as Leo did her bidding.

             “Wolves are so rough and tough…” she said between moans, “let it be known…”

              Leo grabbed firmly at her waist, licking and slurping as best he could. Isabella was not keeping a rhythm, but she was enjoying herself. And then she couldn’t move…because Leo understood the assignment. She wanted to shift now, it was just too good. And when the rising came, she inhaled sharply, almost as if she wanted to cry.

              “Mmm! Oh my god, Leo!” She yelled loudly. No, Isabella was not expecting this. 

              He knew she had crumbled and rolled her on her back. Without hesitation, entered at his accord and kept his pace.

             Isabella was beyond herself, eyes rolled to the back of her head. Then she smiled at Leo grabbing gruffly at her neck and grinning.

             “Mmmm – you thought. Old wolves can’t do much,” he said in a mocking tone.

              Isabella moaned and laughed.

              “You remove a stent, and now you’re the big bad wolf?”

              Leo growled, now using all of his force to please her. He did have his stent removed. But he was experiencing ecstasy at the moment. Isabella’s entire existence was terrible, horrible things. Nothing turned him on more than a woman with more ambition than him.

              He had her left leg on his shoulder, and was slightly smiling to the smacking noise that followed his thrusts. The sheets would certainly be soaked. He was so close…

              Then a shadow passed him…caressing his arm. He frowned now…he’d forgotten about her little friends.

Leo did what most men do – he put all of his weight onto Isabella, who instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist.

              He was so close, Leo began shaking when another shadow made itself known, laying next to them, as if it were watching…

              Isabella was still moaning, carrying on, sinking further into her madness. She was aware of her guests, she didn’t care.

              “Harder…” she hissed, grabbing at his hips. Leo had slowed his pace.

               He followed orders again, feeling the wet slick of his handiwork, as the bedding became more and more soaked.

              “Harder!” She was staring at him intently, like she knew he was holding back.

              With all of his might, he did as commanded, with Isabella wildly screaming his name out loud. Then her shadows danced around them. Leo was certain he was hurting her, but he was afraid to stop.

             “HARDER!” she had dug her fingers in so much, that it began to hurt. Leo believed she was drawing blood.

              Then came the release – Leo bellowed out an unearthly growl, timed with Isabella shrieking in pleasure. And then he stopped, still on top, still wary of her shadows…

               “You…you promised.” He was out of breath and covered in sweat.

                “I know,” Isabella stated, shooing them away,

“But they lurk when I’m enjoying myself…”

                Leo laid on his back, staring right up at the ceiling. What was he getting himself into?

                Her hand snaked its way into his sweaty chest, and he smiled a little. Afterall, she denied him access until he married her…

                Yes. Leo Ramos legally divorced Cristina, then married Isabella on the spot. They eloped, and left it at that. Isabella suggested her family wouldn’t care for it – but that wasn’t the entire truth. 

                He could tell she was falling asleep, her shadows dissipated and she was snoring, loudly. Leo frowned, he knew she was off…he knew she had a plan…

               But how much more was he to endure?

***

The Wake

A crystalline leaf fluttered in the night breeze, Dorin passing the tree it took up space on. He was doing his nightly rounds, reading who he could. Helping just about everyone.

The leaf was a sign of great things, but he knew the rest of the council would call it a ridiculous and sought after motion to not alarm or dispatch The Array, the waiting warrior elves who lived below. 

          Dorin sighed to himself, crystalline leaves also meant war. The only elf who would hear him out, would be Vikram. His past lover, however, would only be around to listen to negate his cravings. Dorin denied him, his marriage was just as important to The Wake as it was for every single elf from Vikram’s home.

           The other elves who were still present would suggest that signs from nature were not enough to site that the war coming would be in The Wake’s favor.

           He sighed deeply again – The Wilderness needed to be guided properly for anyone to have a chance. All of their tombs were across the continent, and with so many cities and neighborhoods being built right in top, more casualties were possible.

            Perhaps he was being slightly delusional. Dorin was standing at the river bank, listening to the sirens sing, as they swam in formation. He heard soft foot steps, knowing they belonged to Vikram. He had avoided him most of the day.

             They stood there silently for a moment, both listening to the sirens sing softly. It was a clear night, and many were still awake. Since spring was around the corner, the air was a little thicker. The smells had changed, and the light fading in the distance from the sunset was still a comfort.

            Vikram made eye contact first, before Dorin did a double take as they chuckled with each other. 

             “You have something on your mind…” Vikram brought up. 

              “Indeed. I spotted a crystalline leaf in the square, almost right outside of my door. It-“

              “Have you told anyone else.”

              Dorin’s breath hitched up for a moment, not wanting to express more. He had an inkling that Vikram would listen only to share his views with the others – as a back up plan. His former companion sensed his hesitation and exasperated, hoping that would alleviate the tension.

               “They want Nia here.” Dorin knew. “But she isn’t ready…”

               “No arrows are coming my way, so I can’t say I agree with their philosophy. Some of them want change, and I personally believe things don’t need to be fixed. While we are elves, it doesn’t mean most are peaceful. There’s a power vacuum close to occurring, The Wake has always held the throne.”

              Vikram looked to Dorin and nodded.

              “You’ve said it correctly, she will come in due time. This is a family issue -“

               “And what of Liliana ?” 

               Dorin frowned, his thoughts fumbled upon a lover he hardly brought up himself. Liliana had been frozen in time by none other than Dorin himself. He was right – Vikram was gentler about his approach. But all the heads were fishing for something that wasn’t going to be supplied.

                “Liliana. My only almost wife, born of the Ether…who slayed a fourth of the Wake, and killed her own kind for fun. She’s dead…is she not?” Dorin’s jaw tightened.

                “Yes, but your same signs and thoughts lead to a massive controversy, and left The Wake unstable-“

                “Liliana has no heritage to behold, again. This is a family matter-“ Dorin cut in.

                 “Doesn’t mean the same thing won’t happen…”

                Dorin glared, looking straight ahead. No one else could take Lalaya’s position except for Nia. If anyone else assumed the throne, The Wake, and all of its inhabitants would cease to exist in the comfort and safety they knew and needed. What was Vikram playing at?

                After his long pause, he turned to look at Vikram who looked calm in demeanor. Someone sent him to press for information or sway his mind. 

               “When a tree is full, The Array will arise, and seek Nia out. None of you can afford that responsibility. Once they’ve risen, and are ready – The Wilderness will reemerge from their tombs, and travel from where they are, provided they have a leader and a cause. Those are my concerns. That will happen whether Nia is on this soil or not. My ex, past mistakes and obvious misjudgment of others’ character will not save the day. Nor has manipulation, or hearsay ever saved anyone’s life.”

                 “Dorin, I-“

                 “You…talked to Ali. And thought it was wise to insult my intelligence. There is nothing here for any of you to gain. I can see why it’s important to stay here, rather than branch out into the world and be tainted by humans-“

                 “My wife…is half human…”

                 “So your pride married your prejudice. Congratulations, Vikram. You used morale instead of sex to win the favor of your people.”

                 “Dorin…”

                 “When everything and everyone has been wiped out from Leo and who knows what else, I will have comfort in knowing the one person I swore I could trust, made a determination for me, that I have no idea what I speak of. That we don’t have troops or weaponry to offer. Or a plan. Simply because the crystalline trees are now coming back after centuries of being fruitless…because the true queen has returned!”

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