The Anomalies

Chapter 12

Zahra looks uncomfortable.

I put my hands on my hips and ask again, "What do you mean, my duties?"

She sighs, " I was hoping he had already told you. What do you think Elijah has been training you for? As his soulmate, you are now second in command, and if we ever conquer Aequalris or gain independence, you'll be ruling at his side."

Now the training and mini-lessons from Elijah all make sense. I thought he was just trying to teach me how to protect myself Incase of an attack. Instead, it was to prepare me to be a leader.

This wasn't who I was, though. I couldn't lead a group of people. I stayed in the background and went unnoticed. I didn't want a spotlight and a title.

Maybe coming here was a mistake.

"Iris?" Zahra's voice pulls me out of my thoughts.

"I don't believe this." Is all I can get out

Zahra rests her hand on my arm, " If the Defiance pulls through, you're to be queen Iris."

"How do you know this? Why wasn't I told before."

"The Captain, being the rightful heir, will be our King. That's why everyone was shocked the day he introduced you because he found his Queen. You are essential to the Defiance, we need you, Iris. Elijah asked me to tell you. Perhaps I let it slip at a bad time. It was bound to come out sooner or later, though."

I cross my arms, still unhappy, " Why wouldn't Elijah tell me?"

She frowns, "I know I'm probably not who you wanted to hear this from, but he chose me to tell you for a reason. You see, he chose me to be your lady in waiting. I am to prepare you for the days to come."

Before I can get another word out, there's a loud explosion noise, and the walls shake.

"Take cover!" Zahra screams

I reach for the nearest children and pull them under the nearest bed with me. We lay in silence for what seems like forever; both children were clinging to me—terrified for apparent reasons. Their Mothers and Fathers are out there, and we have no idea what's happening.

That's when it hits me.

Elijah is out there. I could lose my soulmate. I try to push the thought to the back of my mind. Elijah will be alright. He has to because I don't know what I would do without him.

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After several hours of laying under the bunks in the dark and cold bunker, there are footsteps on the stairs.

The owner of these footsteps is carrying a torch, causing shadows to bounce off the wall.

Everyone remains quiet, not knowing who this person is.

I pull the children closer, holding them tight and trying to ease my fears and give them comfort.

The stranger finally reaches the end of the stairs and starts moving towards the center of the room. As they do, I catch a glimpse of the face in the torchlight.

Blue Eyes. It was Elijah.

"Elijah, I'm under here!" I say, trying to get his attention.

The children next to me scramble out from under the bed, leaving room for me to make my way out.

When I reach him, I immediately wrap my arms around him. Taking him in and remembering what he feels like.

"I was so worried about you," I breathe out as I look up at him.

He smiles and tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear. "I'll always come back to you."

Our moment is lost as the others gather around us. We pull apart, and Elijah's hand falls to the small of my back and stays there.

"Captain, tell us, what is happening? Is it over? Is everyone alright?"

"There are no casualties on our base, but I can not say the same for the Shathe base. We will have an all base meeting in approximately 45 minutes, until then Iris and I have some things to discuss."

Elijah grabbed my hand and led me up the staircase, the others following behind. Everyone walked in silence, too shook up to even speak.

When we finally were out of the bunker, I took in our surroundings. It was now night with our only guiding light, the full moon. Elijah and I distanced ourselves from the others, which wasn't too hard as they were going to find their loved ones after the chaos.

We stopped at the edge of the lake found just on the outskirts of the base. It was quiet except for the sound of crickets, a few birds, and voices off in the distance.

"She told me." I let out before he could get the first word out.

"I assumed so. Look, Iris. I planned to tell you. I wanted to tell you, but I also wanted to wait. The deal was for me to tell, but if there ever was an emergency. Like there was tonight, you need to know. To be prepared to step up and step in."

"This isn't fair, Elijah. You have to tell me something. I feel like I'm just a lost puppy being dragged along."

He took both of my hands in his, so we were facing each other, " I apologize. I know I haven't been the best soulmate. I haven't been the best at explaining things. I promise I will do better in the future."

"You can promise to do better, but will you? You don't act like you care about me. How do I even know if you want me? What are we doing here, Elijah, be honest!" I let out a frustrated cry.

I try to pull my hands from his, but I'm caught off guard when he pulls me to him, and our lips immediately connect. At first, I'm stiff, but then I relax into him. Soft at first, but now his hands are in my hair, my hands on his chest. I feel whole, complete in this moment until I crash back down to reality. I push him off and run off into the dark. Where I'm going, I'm not quite sure.