Love Through Death Aaron x Clay

What Happened?

Aaron's P.O.V.~

It was the next day. I had stayed in bed the rest of yesterday to give myself a well-needed rest.

Today, however, I deserved answers. Ashton knew what was going on. She never came by to explain it to me, so I have to find her.

Clay was next to me, trying to stop me before I did something I'd regret.

"Let me find her," I growled instantly at him, clenching my hands into fists. "She needs to explain everything to me."

The knight shook his head, moving so I was trapped in the room. "No. Ashton told me to keep you here for now. She said she'd come here as soon as she was sure of what's happening to you."

I shook in anger, letting my eyes glare at him disdainfully. "Clay," I start, "let me go. This is for me and me alone."

He seemed hurt by my statement, but didn't move away from me. His eyes looked into mine, making me look away from him.

"Don't make me hurt you," I mutter lowly, letting myself shift into a dragon.

Just as I did, the door opened, revealing Ashton. She held something in her hand, but walked up to me, nodding at Clay briefly. Our eyes locked, making me snarl at her.

Her hands were up, surrendering. "Easy, Aaron. We're not going to hurt you. Just change back."

My gaze shifted for a second, but I complied, changing back and sitting on my knees. "Okay, now what is in your hand?"

Ashton gave me an apologetic look, pushing Clay towards the door as she backs away. I tensed up, but didn't dare change form. My eyes only watched as she stepped outside the door, throwing the small object to the ground before shutting the door.

The object hit the floor without a sound, but black smoke filled the room. It shifted around me, brushing against my skin just like in my dream.

"Ashton!" I yelled, trying not to breath the smoke in. "Let me out! This isn't funny!"

There was no response as the smoke finally hit my face. It entered my nose and mouth, burning my throat and sinuses, making me gasp for breath.

My hands clawed at my throat, my coughs being loud and constant. The smoke burned like hell! Why did Ashton do this to me?

Suddenly, the pain subsided, making me lay on my side, still coughing. Hands sat me up, making me look up at my sister. Clay leaned over me, giving me a concerned look.

Ashton stared at me in disbelief, lacing a necklace with a glowing emerald around my neck. "I didn't expect this to happen to you... let alone this soon."

Taking in a shaky breath, I sat up straighter, leaning into Clay. "What happened to me? What do I have to be concerned about?"

"Well," she started, looking away for a second, "it's a bit complicated. The only reason for that is the fact that this... thing happening to you... it only runs in our breed of elemental master. The beast doesn't have a specific species name, but he does have a name. It's rather scary to think about this, but his name was Aeron."

I was confused. "So, we share the same name? Isn't that wonderful."

"No, Aaron," Ashton hissed, "your names aren't the same. Your name is spelled 'a-a-r-o-n,' which means high, whether it be in power or height. His name is spelled 'a-e-r-o-n,' meaning carnage or slaughter. He is not like you. Aeron was once a natural killer, and one who is now just a soul.

"I didn't think he'd attached himself to you the way he did, but when you had that vision, he must have done it. What was your vision?"

Staring at her with complete and utter fear, I gripped onto Clay's hand, not wanting to let go. "I-I was in a battle. Macy tried to kill me, but then, everything froze in place. Everything, except him," I felt some tears form in my eyes, but I pushed them away. "He screamed, so I ran to him as fast as I could. When I got to him, he was hurt. He was d-dead. Before I could react much, I saw this dark dragon, darker than blood, with black eyes.  It was like smoke.  I turned into a dragon, but the dragon turned into smoke entirely, entering my body through any orifice on my face."

My grip on Clay had loosened, allowing him to pull me into a hug from behind.  Ashton only sat there, muttering words I couldn't make out.

"Why didn't I make the connection before?" she growled, staring dead into my eyes.  "Your names, your scales, your eyes.  You're basically Aeron when he was younger!"

My heart almost sunk in that moment, making me growl back at her.  "How could you say I'm a killer?  I'm nothing like that black eyed demon!"

"That's because he was a beloved hero when he was young!  The power got to him!  All he wanted was to be immortal so he could protect everyone!"  She took a deep breath, taking a hold of my hands.  "Aaron, he was bisexual.  He was able to bare children.  He had a mate, a man, who loved him with every ounce of blood in his heart and body.  Aeron's mate died, making him turn cold and hateful."

I tensed up, feeling Clay take in a ragged breath.  "Wh-what?  So, I-I'm his..."

"Reincarnation, if you will," Ashton spoke softly, taking a glance at Clay.  "I only hope that the same fate will happen to either of you."

With that, she stood up and walked out of the room, the only thing keeping me from sobbing was my mate behind me.  That's what I'm going to call him now?  Mate?

Turning to face him, I felt his hands brush against my cheeks, his soft voice whispering to me.

"I promise I won't die.  I promise I won't die."

My head rested in his shoulder, a smile creeping onto my face.  He was my mate.  I'll accept the new term.  "You better not.  I'll kill you if you die."

He chuckled, keeping me close to him.  "I don't think you're like him.  You're more of a defender than a killer in my eyes."

My arms looped around his shoulders, my eyes shutting slightly.  "That's all that matters to me, then.  If you don't see me as that guy, that killer, then I won't let him take control of me."

That made my smile falter.  I realized just what kind of promise that was.  That was a promise that would be inevitable.  If Clay dies, I'll snap and let Aeron take over.

Please, I think, don't you dare die on me.