Tainted Bloodline...🩸

31.

_POV: AT THE LEGION CLAN'S ASSEMBLY_

Nimue's sudden departure left her parents reeling. Queen Zephyrine's brow furrowed, worry etched on her face. "W-what is she thinking?" she muttered, her husband's comforting embrace a temporary solace.

Just then, Queen Lyrebird's body began shaking violently. Aria, still holding her hand, recoiled as Queen Lyrebird's skin radiated intense heat.

Queen Lyrebird's eyes snapped open, white light shining from them like stars. The room fell silent.

"Mum..." Aria hesitated, unsure if she should touch Queen Lyrebird.

Queen Lyrebird turned to Aria, her gaze piercing. "He's here..." she whispered.

King Thois spoke up, "We need to confirm if it's the same boy."

King Lyrad crouched beside Queen Lyrebird, concern etched on his face.

"What did you see?"

Queen Lyrebird's eyes narrowed, as if focusing on a distant memory.

"His origination, formation... everything... Nabril."

The room fell silent.

"Nabril?" King Lyrad repeated.

Queen Lyrebird sat up with her husband's and Aria's help.

"That's his name... and do you remember, centuries back, that chase for some lady?"

Queen Lyrebird sat up. "That lady was the lad's mother...she passed through the veil"

" Where's the orb?" Queen Lyrebird's eyes searched the room

Aria handed Queen Lyrebird the Sothic Orb.

"This is what impregnated Imara... dark magic... It possessed dark magic that seeped into Imara and produced a baby within her."

Queen Nova frowned. "I thought the Orb was crafted recently."

Queen Lyrebird's eyes scanned the orb. "I'm still trying to understand"

"What if there are multiple Orbs like this one?" Aria suggested.

Queen Lyrebird shook her head. "No, no, no... This is one of a kind... but it was broken by her... How—"

_POV: SOMEWHERE IN TENEBROUS_

Nimue hugged Asher tightly, sobbing uncontrollably. She pulled away, her hands cradling his face, and made him look at her.

"I'm so sorry, Asher... I shouldn't have left you... I—"

Asher's ragged breath caressed her skin as he shushed her. His faint smile faltered.

"I-it's okay... People leave anyway."

Nimue's heart shattered at his words. She grasped his face firmly, her thumbs tracing his cheekbones.

"No, no... Don't say that."

Asher's head dropped, his eyes welling up.

"What's happening to me?" His voice cracked, desperation seeping in.

Nimue's tears pooled as she took in Asher's fragile state. His body was breaking, his skin cracked and pale.

"I don't know... I—"

Asher's sobs deepened, his body shaking. Nimue's own tears flowed freely.

"Make it stop... Please... I don't know what to feel anymore."

Nimue wrapped her arms around Asher, holding him close feeling his icy body.

"I'll help you, okay? I promise. I won't let anyone hurt you. I promise, okay?"

She pressed her forehead to Asher's, their noses inches apart, as they sobbed together.

Seconds passed suddenly Nimue's instincts flared as she sensed a presence behind her. She swiftly turned, her eyes locking onto Callisto's tense form.

"You..." Callisto growled, teeth gritted.

"Bastard, get away from the lad," Callisto snarled, his gaze fixed on Asher.

Nimue's hands instinctively rose, forming a shield to protect Asher. Her fingers spread wide, palms facing Callisto.

"No," she warned, her voice firm.

Callisto's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched.

To be continued...