12: Darken: Resurrection

Chapter four: Odessa

i pushed open the doors to the throne room to see my daughter talking with Oberon. her eyes lit up to see me and she ran into my arms, the warmth and relief in my daughter's embrace provided a fleeting moment of solace amidst the chaos. "Mother," she whispered, her voice a blend of relief and worry.

"I'm here," I reassured her, stroking her yellow-blonde hair, a gentle reminder of our bond. "Everything will be okay now."

"He has aunt Astraea and aunt Violet," she told me, eyes filling with tears. 

Her tears were a stark reminder of what was at stake, but her presence also filled me with renewed determination. "He does," I acknowledged, holding her close for a moment longer. "But he will not get you. That, I promise."

Releasing her, I looked around the throne room, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on my mind. Protecting her and our kingdom was paramount. Oberon's gaze met mine, a silent vow of support and strength.

The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly as Draus entered, his presence suffocating. He looked so much like Althaeon, yet the differences were stark and unsettling. His pitch-black hair, black and gold horns, and wings marked him unmistakably as a dragon. His tanned skin mirrored his son's, but the smirk on his face radiated malevolence.

My heart sank, knowing the danger that had slipped past our defenses. His smirk spoke volumes of his confidence and disdain. The room seemed to close in as Draus surveyed us, his eyes filled with a mix of amusement and contempt.

Oberon pulled his sword and stood between us, his determination unwavering. Draus laughed, the sound echoing through the throne room. "I thought you learned last time, pest. You are no match for me."

With a casual wave of his hand, Draus sent Oberon crashing into Rose's throne, knocking him out cold. The impact was brutal, a testament to Draus's overwhelming power. My heart sank at the sight, but there was no time for despair.

Drawing my sword, I pointed it at Draus, determination etched in every line of my face. "Stay back."

"Which one of you is the queen of this kingdom?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.

My wings, made of pure water—a testament to my heritage as both fairy and elf—unfurled behind me. Draus's gaze flitted between my daughter and me before settling on Rose, the crown on her head revealing her identity.

With a casual wave of his hand, Draus sent me crashing into the wall. Pain shot through my leg, broken and throbbing. His mocking voice filled the room. "When will you bugs ever learn?"

Immobilized and in pain, I watched as he advanced. My heart pounded with both fear and fierce resolve. Rose, despite the danger, stood tall. The fate of our kingdom hung in the balance, and even in this moment of vulnerability, I knew I couldn't let him win.

Rose pulled her sword, the tip inches from Draus's throat. "Althaeon..." I muttered, straining to summon him. But nothing happened. My powers, sapped and weakened, struggled to mend my broken leg, it wasnt working, at all. 

Draus's smirk widened as he eyed Rose's defiance. "Such bravery," he mocked, his voice dripping with condescension. "But bravery alone won't save you."

The room was charged with tension. My daughter's courage in the face of such danger was inspiring, but we needed more than courage—we needed a plan. With my powers faltering and Althaeon unreachable, every second counted in this dire standoff.

Draus easily disarmed my daugher, grabbing her throat, "you will be a pretty addition to my collection of toys." he laughed. 

She struggled to break free, but could not. he ripped the top part of her gown as she fought. 

Forcing myself to my feet, I leaned against the wall for support, determination fueling every breath. "No..." I muttered, then with more confidence, "Take me instead."

Draus dropped Rose, turning his full attention to me. "You?" he sneered, stepping forward. "Who even are you? You are not a Darken."

"Alexandria bestowed me the last name of Darken even after my husband, her son, died," I replied, my voice steady. "She saw me as a daughter but hardly knew her granddaughter. Take me in my daughter's place."

The room fell silent as Draus considered my words. The weight of my offer hung in the air, a desperate gamble to protect Rose and buy time.

And what would you have to offer me?" Draus asked, curiosity evident in his eyes.

"I am the first known sea fairy," I answered, my voice steady. "The first created by Oberon. I have enough power to help take you down. By taking me in my daughter's place, you take me out of the game. My daughter's powers are to make flowers; she is hardly a threat. And if you want her out of the way, I'll leave Althaeon a note to get him to send her away."

Draus's expression shifted as he considered my offer, the room hanging on the precipice of his decision. This was a calculated gamble, and every word, every moment, could turn the tide.

Draus's growl echoed through the room, his decision made. "Fine," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "I will leave your daughter." He turned to Rose, his gaze cold and unrelenting. "You are to have your uncle send you away. If I ever catch sight of you again, I will kill you."

she nodded, tears streaming down her face. 

Draus walked over to me, pulling a magic suppression collar from his cloak. I knew these well—we had used one on Alexandria when she went mad.

"Put this on," he ordered.

Nodding, I took the cold collar from him and fastened it around my neck. Immediately, I felt my powers weakening, the familiar strength draining away. Draus's smirk widened as he watched, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. 

Draus's grip was firm as he lifted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Good girl," he mocked, his voice dripping with condescension.