Sun and Star Academy: Book 3: Moon Kingdom

Chapter 18: Preparations

An emergency council was called later on in the evening, and orders were being given to various members to prepare for the war that would be coming in a few hours. The room was abuzz with movements and conversations. War strategies were discussed, safety protocols for civilians.

"Will Cole not be joining us?" Renay asked the King aside from everyone else.

The King shook his head, "Afraid not, he needs some time to get his strength back, after the encounter earlier."

"About Seth, I was unable to find him. Do you know if he's still here?"

The King shook his head, "Let's just focus our attention on this matter."

Renay nodded, sensing a change in the King's demeanour, he was hiding something.

***

Seth smiled and knelt down in front of Skylar as she sat on the edge of her bed, Scoops at her side while Harou lay down at the window.

"You're going to change the way the other realms see Dark realm, I know it," Skylar said with a broken voice.

"It's not going to be easy. This fight that's coming. Lives will be lost, innocent lives. From their realm and ours...I can't save everyone, Sky."

Skylar's heart sank hearing the pain in his words, but it was the emptiness in his eyes that broke it. "How we walk with the broken, speaks louder than how we sit with the great. You're doing the right thing by helping them. This Kingdom doesn't need to be saved, but those people do. Maybe easing their pain will ease yours too."

Seth looked her in the eye, "You are wise beyond your years, little one. I don't know how much you remember of mother, but you have her compassion." Seth chuckled, "And you have your father's logic...you encompass the best of them both. I'm so proud of you, Sky."

"The biggest part of me is you, Seth. After mom died, dad was detached for a long time...but you, you brought me up...surely that shows you the kind of person you are. You have to stop thinking so far ahead, I know you, and I know that you think you're going to end up being corrupted and beyond saving...but you're not."

"How can you say that?"

"Two reasons. One...I know this..." Skylar placed her hand on Seth's chest. "It's too good to ever be corrupted. Two, you taught me that no one is beyond saving."

His eyes moistened but he held back his tears and took her hands in his. "You promise me you'll be careful."

Skylar nodded and couldn't fight her tears anymore, "I will if you do."

Seth wiped her eyes and nodded, "I always come back, don't I?"

Skylar smiled faintly, "Always."

"It'll be okay. If I can do this, the war won't last here, but if I get slowed down, or fail. You know who to trust, you know how to be safe. So, you be safe."

Skylar nodded, "Can I come with you to the border?"

Seth shook his head, "Go see dad, tell him I left. Then rest. You'll need it. Cole and Luca will meet me at the border."

"And Rachel, won't you see her?"

Seth smiled, "She has a habit of late-night snacking, so I'm going to catch her on my way out."

***

Liam rubbed his temple as he knocked on Kareena's door, he waited a moment then entered, "Holding up okay?"

Kareena was seated cross legged on the carpet in front of her bed, she glanced up at him and nodded.

"I...uh, tried to get Cole to contact your family. He wasn't there, but another Elite said that they've sent word already. They'll get back to us once they plan everything out...Why are you on the floor?" Liam scratched his head.