Tainted Bloodline...🩸

11.

Asher decided to await Nimue's return, fearful of venturing out into the mysterious world. Everything felt surreal, like a dream he couldn't shake. He longed to record his experiences in the small pad Sarah gave him, but it was lost the night Callisto abducted him.

With a tired sigh, Asher lay down, admiring the intricately crafted ceiling. The beautifully arranged rocks sparkled in the dim light. Hours passed, and Nimue didn't show up. Asher's worry shifted from concern for Nimue to fear for himself.

"I've gotten myself into another mess,"

He muttered, shaking his head. Determined to take action, Asher decided to leave and find his way back home, having lost hope in Nimue's return.

---

_POV: AT THE FAEBORNE CLAN_

Nimue and her parents stood in the grand hall, their argument escalating. Upon her return from the cave, Nimue had managed to concoct a plausible excuse for her tardiness. However, her parents revealed a shocking surprise.

"Mother, Father! I have more pressing matters to attend to! You can't commit me to a mission without consulting me first!" Nimue protested.

"Lower your voice, Nimue!" Queen Zephyrine commanded, her expression stern.

The room fell silent, but Asher occupied Nimue's thoughts...

"Consider this an opportunity to visit the human world, Nimue," King Finnan said, his gentle tone a stark contrast to the queen's severity. "Wouldn't you take that chance, my love?"

Nimue's interest piqued, she gazed at her father.

"What's the mission about?" she asked.

"We're tasked with finding a boy..his existence might end us all" King Finnan explained.

"How so?"Nimue asked

"My guess is..he's a forbidden breed...his blood is tainted"
His words were heavy as it got Nimue thinking..

"Queen Lyrebird is uncertain of his origin, but she suggests beginning the search in the human world." Queen Zephyrine chimed in

"How will we identify him?" Nimue inquired.

"That's for Queen Lyrebird to determine," her father replied. "We'll meet with her and the other clan members tomorrow. They've also chosen their children for this task."

Nimue's shoulders slumped, weighed down by the impending responsibility. Tomorrow... and it would mean leaving Asher behind.

---

Nimue's sleepless night yielded to excitement and worry, her mind racing with thoughts of Asher and the impending mission.

The first light of dawn crept through her chamber's stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the floor...

_In the morning_

Nimue descended alongside her parents, King Finnan and Queen Zephyrine, to the Legion Clan's grand assembly hall. She wore a simple yet elegant dress of ivory silk, adorned with intricate silver embroidery that mirrored the patterns on the clan's crest. The garment flowed gracefully around her slender figure, complementing her beauty.

As they arrived at the assembly hall, Nimue spotted Aria and Lax standing at attention beside their parents...

They exchanged discreet smiles and waves..

"Thank you all for agreeing to this," Queen Lyrebird said, her voice commanding attention. "We'll keep a watchful eye on the children to ensure their safety."

Lord Valios and Lady Nova accompanied their enigmatic son, Kael. Rarely seen, Kael's elusive nature sparked intrigue. His expression, mirrored by his father's, conveyed boredom and disinterest...

"Pfft" Nimue rolled her eyes at them
Her gaze drifted back to Queen Lyrebird as she began speaking, her words infused with a subtle urgency.

Just then, Lord Xoray entered with a boy in tow, both exuding an aura of mystery and danger. Xoray's presence commanded attention, his dark, piercing eyes scanning the room. The boy, Xavier, walked calmly beside him, carrying the same stoic expression.

"Xoray, glad you finally joined us,"

Queen Lyrebird said with a hint of sarcasm, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"Now, I'll cast a protective and tracking spell on each of you,"

Queen Lyrebird announced, retrieving a dusty, ancient tome adorned with symbols of protection and elemental magic...

Her hands danced in the air, weaving glowing lights and sparkles as she chanted an incantation. The room filled with an otherworldly energy, the clan members' auras responding to the her magic.

"Come," Queen Lyrebird said, eyes closed, her voice ethereal.

Aria knelt before her, surrounded by swirling blue lights...Aria opened her eyes and it shone sharp blue before she rose to her feet

"Next," Queen Lyrebird instructed.

Nimue took her turn, enveloped by green luminescence...
Her heart beat faster, sensing the magic's power as she opened her eyes shone green

Lax followed, bathed in golden light that resonated with his inner strength...his eyes shone the same colour

Kael hesitated before kneeling, his bloody, dripping red aura unfolding like a dark mist. The air seemed to grow heavier around him...a smirk forming by his lips as he eyes did the same colour..

Lastly, Xavier approached calmly, wearing an impassive expression. His color was deep, black, like an abyss, draining Queen Lyrebird's magic more than the others...he looked directly at Queen Lyrebird as she opened her eyes without breaking contact..

Being strong enough to resist whatever pull he had on her she shook her head...he rose to his feet and left to stand with his father...

To be continued...