Rise of Hadrian D. Pendragon (Book 1)

The Mark of Mates

Neville prowled the forest looking for Hadrian, he was headed towards the clearing the other led them to just the other day. He has to be over here. This is the only place I can think of. Dammit! What the hell happened to set him off this bad? I know his Subs all got involved but they never elaborated on anything. Neville stilled, having made it to the clearing, his bright blue eyes locked onto Hadrian's pained purple ones. Why does it feel like I'm the one lost in my memories?

Hadrian growled dangerously, warning his shadow from getting too close to his person. My body is on fire. I haven't felt like this since the Goblet spat out my name. This is just much more intense. Hadrian clutched at his head when memories assaulted his mind. Are these my memories? Hadrian watched as memory after memory played. Ones featuring his very first sub were being shown first. The training with the dwarves. His Katana's that were gifted to him from Ophelia the Queen of the Dwarves. Fast tracking the second year and the freeing of his person from all the curses and bindings on him.

Neville stood at the ready as he watched Hadrian grunt in pain clutching at his head. This is what he was talking about! Wide eyed he watched helplessly as pressure kept building up around Hadrian before everything was flung outward and away from the person in the center. He went flying hitting a tree that was roughly one thousand meters away hard. Grunting in slight pain his features shifted to his other form. A large golden mane could be seen around his head and neck, golden fur covered his body. His ears and face became more cat-like and fangs elongated. His bright blue eyes watched in worry as the Royal went through his own change.

Black fur sprouted covering Hadrian's entire body, ears and face becoming more cat-like as well. The most distinct feature was the horns that sprouted out of his head and curved slightly up, small patches of fur became pointed as well to show his other half. A small patch of fur that was white showed an intricate pattern along Hadrian's forehead indicating the Royal Bloodline. Bright purple draconian eyes opened painfully after the change. "Are you ok, Neville?" Hadrian rasped out, his throat was scratchy like he had been screaming.

Neville bowed his head slightly, "I am, Sire. Are you ok?" Neville questioned. The last bit he remembers was the conversation from moments prior.

"So you have been with me this entire time." Hadrian told his shadow with clarity. "Only small changes will be made here like I said. Draco and Victor are only a small portion. Granger is a cousin of mine that the Hatter decided to screw around with. I'm turning her slave crest over to Victor to protect her. But her mind is already claimed by the old man. I won't be able to repair that." Hadrian trailed off and glanced around the clearing. He watched as the pair were surrounded by the creatures of the forest.

"However, do you mean Sire?" Neville questioned, he was watching all of the creatures for any sudden movements towards his King.

Hadrian hummed, "What I mean is..hmm.." He glanced towards his shadow in thought. "The Hatter went and used an ancient magic that changed her mind to not only his way of thinking but to control her as well. That's why I don't have safe secrets with her at all." Hadrian patiently told his shadow. "This magic." He glanced towards his shadow and took in his cat-like features. "It's more like a curse. He cursed her while she was in her mothers womb. How he knew anything about her I'm not sure. He knew she would present as a Sub." Hadrian snarled out his fangs bared in his anger.

"Is there anything that can be done about it, Sire?" Neville questioned softly.

Hadrian saddened, his ears drooping slightly, "No." he told the other just as softly. His features hide just in time for Blaise and Daphne to come barreling through the brush and trees.

Neville glanced at both his Sub and his Soulmate, watching as Daphne's features bled to more fox-like. Small dainty pointed ears, orangish fur with white patches could be seen. Her eyes glowing a soft yellow towards her Soulmate. She grabbed Blaise and hid him behind her when Neville started to growl out a warning. "Don't be mad at Blaise. He tried to stop me. However the strong power everyone felt disappeared and I thought it would be okay to come out here now." Daphne whimpered out slightly, she bared her neck to her dominant mate.