The Tears • Book Three

Chapter 29- The War

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Warning: this chapter goes kind of graphic and bloody, so I'd skip the war scene if you don't want to read something like that. It starts in Nia's POV.

Ivy's POV

"We should start this war right now before they come to us!"

"But how? We can't get to their castle, we can't even get to their realm!"

"How about we just stand outside the realm barrier and see if anyone shows up?"

"Guys!" I shout, fed up of my advisors just bickering back and forth about this war. I have listened to the arguments and it's obvious that the people in my Kingdom want war. Due to my raised voice, all of my advisors shut up and turn to look at me. I continue speaking, "Arguing is going to get us nowhere. We need to take action. I propose we gather our troops and head to the Realm Edge, wait there for a few hours to see if... Queen Antonia shows up. If she doesn't then we go back home." I suggest, shocked at myself for nearly saying Nia instead of her official title. I sigh and push past the somber thought.

My advisors agree and then immediately start bickering, ironing out the plan's details and making it perfect. I sigh again and stand up, walking out of the room. I aimlessly wander around the castle, not thinking about a specific destination or anything really, until I see where I ended up.

"Hello Ivy." Cerin growls at me from behind his bars.

"Cerin, don't be like that. You know why you have to be in that cell. Nia could call you to her at any time and control you again! I can't risk it. It doesn't help that my people are extremely afraid of you. They attacked one of Nia's Hounds out of fear, and he didn't do anything. He didn't even fight back." I tell him, seriously considering storming out. Then again, I'm sure I was led here for a reason, even if it might have just been because my heart still calls out for Cerin.

"You know, there's an easy way to fix that issue with Nia controlling me." Cerin states, but then looks nervous afterwards, as if he doesn't know why he said it. I walk slightly closer to the cage, wrapping my hands around two of the bars. I question,

"Really? What do we have to do? Is it easy?" Cerin looks away from me, starting to stumble over his words slightly as he replies,

"W-well... there's this thing that wolf shifters do. Usually it's just werewolves who are most known for it, but that's because werewolves and wolf shifters are grouped together as the same thing, even though we're not. We're similar though. But now since I've embraced my Hellhound side of me I don't think I should do this, it might have consequences, let's just forget I said anything..."

"Wait," I interrupt Cerin, "are you talking about... marking?" Cerin's head whips up and he looks at me in shock before looking away again, nodding his head quickly. I feel heat rising to my cheeks as I clear my throat, asking, "So... do. you want to mark... me?" Cerin's whole body goes stiff, but then I see him just barely nod. But still, it was a nod, "Okay then." I mumble under my breath. I open his cell's door and walk over to him, placing my hand on his shoulder. Cerin looks up at me, fear slightly evident in his eyes.

"Why are you in here with me?" He questions, signs of vulnerability shining in his eyes.

"I want you to mark me. If it'll help bring you fully back to me and help you not feel fear of corruption, I will do it." I state confidently, grabbing his hand in mine.