Mistletoe (BoyxBoy)

Chapter 12

I'm last to step through the portal. Yet I'm the only one to nearly fall into the muck filled pond that meets us.

"Careful, Luna." Elise says, her arm linked around my waist. She hoists me back to land offering a soft smile.

"Thank you." I look around, my stomach turning. "So this is Chorrum?"

This sector of the Homeland is one of those places that the villian lives in a kids book. The land is wet and muddy, the skies filled with thick grey clouds. Twisted constructions of seared bark filled the grounds and the stink of decay hangs in the air.

"Yeah. The Valens aren't known for their hospitality." Hao comments. "Queen Shaera is an old family friend. But even she won't put up with our presence for long."

I nod and we follow behind him through the dead forest.

It feels like miles before we reach the twisted form of a castle. The stone is bent and deformed but yet still holding it all up. Casting a monstrous shadow overhead.

"Why did we stop?" Elise questions.

"Because, we have to wait for the guard." Hao states, standing to attention. "I suggest you place your weapons in the ground, Luna."

"Alright, but"

A Thundering screech pierces the air. My first instinct is to go for my bolt but Hao's holds out a hand, his eyes telling me to wait.

Above, I see three soaring figures. Wings larger than anything I've seen.

Then, the figures land.

Three men stand before us. Each sporting deep maroon breastplates and helmets. Behind them are folded a pot of bat-like wings, towering above their head by a few inches.

Holy shit.

"Hao," I whisper, "you nor my father happened to mention that the Valens are fucking Vampires!"

"Mind yourself, Jamie!"

"State your buisness, Druid." The middle one speaks, crimson eyes focused on Elise.

"We've come to speak with Queen Shaera. She is expecting us." Hao says. "I assure you she would be displeased if you were to harm us."

I feel the tension between Elise and the three. Guess that's one thing Hollywood got right.

"My name is Jameson Asher. I seek and audience with your Queen on behalf of my father, The Headmaster."

The tallest of the three steps forward. With distance closing, I take in how much taller they are. He stands at least seven feet.

Meaning his wings must be twice the size.

"Your royal blood is," He takes a deep inhale, "tainted. You have traces of Werewolf in you." He steps away, a disgusted look on his pale face.

"Mind yourself!" Another hum of wings renters the fold and soon another body joins us. This time a woman.

Equal in size to the men, she sports a copper breastplate with ruby piecing. A black crown rest stop her auburn fringe. Lilac eyes cast down on me. Her dark complexion a surprising contrast to the others.

"I have no love for the Werewolves, but a guests are always to be greeted kindly." She states. "I am Princess Asta. My mother has sent me as her voice today."

"Princess, it's been three hundred years. You've grown quite a bit." Hao says giving her what I believe to be a true smile.

"Glad to see you finally rising to your station, Emissary." She grins. "Now if possible, I would like to speak to the Prince alone."