The Raven and the Wraith Book 2 (Completed!)

The Raven and the Wraith 2 Chapter 11

The Raven and the Wraith 2 Chapter 11

"For the hundredth time I'm not her mate! Are you guys dense or something? And I'm not going to attempt to order to her do anything, cause I'm not dense!"

Chan's expression dropped even colder, and his entire body went taut. Like a predator about to leap.

"Child, if the two of you will not take your Path, I will personally drag you down it."

I idly flipped one of my throwing blades out and began to pick my fingernails.

"The last fool who tried to drag me somewhere ended up on the ground. All over the ground, actually. In six different pieces."

The other Cha'el with Chan silently gathered in a circle around us, their eyes gleaming. Chan slowly pulled his blade, not looking away from me for a second.

"Have it this way, then." He stated, beginning to stalk towards me.

"Hold!"

The voice that rang out was so full of authority, so full of ancient power, that everyone immediately froze.

I turned, not sure what I was going to see. Based on the level of raw command in her voice, I expected to see an older lady, regal, and dressed in the fanciest of clothes. The queen.

Instead, I found myself facing Melikah. Still  wearing the same simple outfit of tan leather leggings, loose black shirt, and white fur boots as when I met her in the Branch. Still with those pure red eyes, glittering with ancient Power, savage beyond comprehension.

As one, every Cha'el dropped to their knees, their heads bowed low. Melikah strode down the thin, arching stairway, not taking her eyes off Kiera and I.

"Do the two of you know who and what I am?"

"Yup. You're Melikah. The extremely unhelpful girl who is too scared to act on her own, even if she wants to." I said.

There was a collective, muted gasp of extreme dismay from the kneeling Cha'el.

Melikah just grinned at me. It seemed almost real, almost happy. It instantly made me suspicious.

"Outsiders are so...so interesting. You don't cling to ancient customs and traditions, you just speak your mind. It's very refreshing. Especially when you consider the long memory of my people."

"What are you?" Kiera's voice held both an undercurrent of wonder, and a touch of fear.

Hearing that mixture in her voice made me feel protective, making me struggle to hold down the sudden urge to pull her into my arms. Which was such a confusing and unexpected feeling that I swayed on my feet for a moment, just barely catching myself in time.

Melikah tilted her head slightly, studying me with narrowed eyes. Once again I felt my mouth go dry and my heart thump heavily at her stunning beauty. And once again I vigorously mentally cursed myself out for being such an idiot.

"Why do you resist? Do you fear losing who you are?"

I gave her my most disinterested, half-lidded look.

"I resist anything and anyone, whenever I please. Because I can."

She shook her head. "You're so much like the Werecat. I can see why he chose you."

"I can see that you see things that aren't real. It must be because your eyes are red."

Melikah ignored that, stepping closer to Kiera, looking her up and down. Like she was analyzing her.

"Ah. I see now. A healer-child. And have you chosen this Wanderer as your own?"

Kiera blinked, opened her mouth, then shut it and shook her head, her cheeks turning pink.

Mekikah lifted an eyebrow and stood silently. Waiting.

"That's none of your business." Kiera finally whispered.

Melikahs red eyes flashed, a fierce, fiery glow, and her entire presence seemed to suddenly grow. Like she towered over the two of us, a creature of unknown, wild power.

"I will tolerate your denial based on fear, but you will never directly disrespect me." Melikahs voice was soft, yet it still shook the air like a thunderclap.

Kiera sagged to her knees, her eyes clenched shut and her hands in fists.

"I'm sorry! I just don't know!" She managed.

Melikah instantly relaxed, her power receding like fog blown by the breeze, her eyes returning to their normal unsettling red glow.

"Stand, daughter. You do not have to choose right now. But know this. Rahvin is tied to the Balance now. His mate will be as much a part of the Final Strike as he."

Kiera looked confused at that but didn't ask any questions. She stood slowly, keeping a wary eye on Melikah.

"You are the Cha'el Queen."

Melikah nodded at her. "Yes."

I didn't doubt that, but I didn't understand it, either.

"How are you so young? Or is this just a false image?"

Melikah glanced at Chan, who still had his head pressed down on the branch. Chan seemed to sense her gaze, lifting his head, looking at her with open adoration.

"You may explain to these Outsiders. Then, you will accompany them through their Path, to my chambers. You are tied to them, now." Melikah said, turning and walking back over the thin stairway towards the living palace.

"Our Queen has many forms. But rarely does she visit us here, directly in our realm. And even more rarely does she visit in the form of Melikah, the First Queen. Our legends speak of Melikah as a clear guide for us. A warrior and a leader and an omen of peace and prosperity." Chan explained.