Forbidden Love

Prologue

Somewhere in an alternate universe...

The overly dark cavern amidst the mountains heaved with sorrow. A pain so strangulating that one could only gasp in search of breath. The black cloudless sky outside was filled with shimmering, glittering stars that looked as if they too wept in silent mourning. The moon's lackluster shade of white hung dimly against a not so serene night sky; where instead of capturing a miracle of miracles, it encapsulates the despondency of a mother and father and their broken hearts. The mountainous terrain that encircles the cavern is tall and stout against the backdrop of the dark sky. Its monstrous form had been growing for eons, growing and changing in order to maintain the secrets it held inside. It was the perfect place to get away from anyone and everyone. Only those who could fly would know where this cavern was located, but even then, magic as old as time seeped within its rocky pores, protecting it from unsuspecting eyes. Its' whereabouts are known only to six beings, keyed specifically to them.

The mouth of the cavern looked narrow and pressing, a mirage to make it look impossible to pass through. The walls of the cavern were jagged with jutting points meant to skewer those who did not belong. The air was damp from the waterfall outside. The fog created by the waterfall covered the dirty floor, making it impossible to see where the path backwards went. After a few paces a fork in the path appears leading in opposite directions. The path to the right goes down for miles, leading to an oubliette and certain death. The path to the left winds down deep and back to a circular entryway with a heavy oak door. The interior of the cavern was calm and homey. It had the appearance of a typical home with furniture, divided rooms, and various works of art hung on the rocky walls. The crunch of boots on the hard floors, pacing back and forth echoed off the walls on the space. It should have drowned out the sound of the crying female, but all it did was add to the symphony of pain being played, over and over. "I don't understand, Mikael," Lil said as she gripped her newborn daughter tightly to her chest. The baby sighed and snuggled in tighter to her mother and thankfully slept on while Mikael continued to wear a path into the hard floor. Running his hand through his curly black hair, he turned and stopped.

"What is there to understand" the air crackled with intense anger. Knowing that they couldn't protect their daughter broke his heart. Two beings of immense power and status and they were being forced to abandoned her. The idea of not watching her grow up felt like sharp daggers plunging over and over into their hearts.

" We cannot keep her safe if she remains with us. No one can know she lives. You know this!" he turned abruptly and sank to his knees in front of Lil. Tears of anguish fell slowly down her face, painting a scene of utter heartbreak. Mikael wrapped his strong arms around both Lil and the baby. He was too afraid to pray, but his heavy heart seeks to do what comes natural to him.

"Oh Mikael, I cannot bear to let her go." Her shoulders shook. Mikael wiped her tears with the edge of the baby's blanket, trying to comfort his love the best he could. Lil offered out the baby to Mikael. "Here, you should hold her for a moment. I need to freshen up and well, you understand." She rose from the chair and her distraught demeanor suddenly turned cold. She gave one more longing look to the gorgeous male and baby and sighed heavily. Knowing that he is right, she walked away leaving him to his daughter and staunch silence.

"Oh, my beautiful girl" he whispered. Mikael stared lovingly down at his precious miracle. Her cherub face is utterly perfect. It was obvious that she would grow to be a stunning woman, but Mikael's heart cracked in two at the thought of never seeing her grow into that woman. She had a head of red hair that was sure to curl as she grew up. It was the same flame red that adorned her mother's head. The wisps of hair showed signs of soft curls which she'd never know came from her father. Her already teal eyes came from him too. He never knew a tiny person could enrapture him as she has. In fact, he was utterly bewildered at the fact that she was even here. Unions between beings such as Lil and himself were forbidden. That is the biggest reason this little beauty was in danger.

Standing from his kneeling position, Mikael collected the items that were going with the baby. Lil sauntered back into the room. She was dressed in clean clothes and her emotions were locked under a mask of indifference. Only Mikael could tell what she was truly feeling because he felt the same pain. "I just spoke with Tia, and she has agreed to help us. She should portal in momentarily" Lil stated. She waved her hand packaged all of the baby's things that Mikael had collected. She may not have parents with her, but she would not go without.

"Do you think Tia will be able to help" he asked. His eyes never left the soft bundle in his arms.

" She is one of three people I trust with the knowledge of her existence." A soft tap on the oak door sounded. Lil waved her hand, opening the door from where she stood. In walked a tall, elegant beauty with raven colored hair and emerald, green eyes. Her ruby colored lips offered a sad smile.

" I got here as quickly as I could, Lil," she said as she walked languidly toward Lil. The women embraced one another for a beat and then Tia moved to where Mikael and the baby stood. "Let me see my little darling." She held her arms out for the baby. Mikael was reluctant to give up his daughter but knew that it was necessary if she was to be protected. Tia took the baby into her arms and whispered softly to her. The baby started to stir, stretching her arms and little legs. "Well, look at that pretty girl." Tia offered a sweet little smile. "Aren't you just adorable. The perfect match to your mum and dad. Don't you worry little darling, Auntie Tia will make you the perfect companion to always stay with you." Tia held the baby's left wrist and began caressing the top of it with her thumb. She closed her eyes and started humming a lullaby while Lil and Mikael watched from the sides. After a few swipes of Tia thumb, a dark blot began to form. The blot eventually took the form of a teeny tiny dragon. After what seemed like forever, but was merely a minute or two, Tia stopped humming and handed the baby to Lil. "That is the best I could do, love." Lil shook her head as a single tear slowly escaped its prison.

" I can never thank you enough for this Tia," she said, inspecting the shape on her daughter's arm.

"You never have to thank me for helping to protect my God daughter, Lil." Both women smiled sadly. Tia hugged Lil to her once more and then looked to Mikael and nodded.

"Thank you," he whispered as she nodded and disappeared. Mikael grasped Lil's shoulder, tucking her against his side offering his unwavering strength. Time was not on their side. It was imperative that they get their daughter to safety before others discovered her magical signal. Mikael pressed a kiss to the side of Lil's face and said, "it's time." Lil silently nodded and handed the baby to him. She placed a soft kiss on her head and closed her eyes. When she opened them, they were gone.