Post 38: The End

 

“My mother died when I was young. Don’t you dare speak of her,” he spoke, his voice ground out like gravel.

“You’ve been lied to, Vectio. I’m your father. I’m sure your team figured that out. I’m also sure you’ve seen me before. Your mother stands in this room. She’s been before you for a long time, now. Why don’t you ask her why I’m still here,” Nile spoke calmly despite the sword that pressed deeper.

“I…uhhh…what?” Vectio sputtered.

“Arinth, you never told him he was your son?” Nile’s brow furrowed and his eyes appeared genuinely confused. He stepped forward as Vectio’s sword lowered. The woman stepped forward and gaped at him.

“Liar!” She yelled. “I have no children.” Her hands shook and she stumbled in her steps.

“I don’t lie, Arinth. Vectio is our son and you…you are my mate.” His voice was still as he reached up to touch her face.

“Liar!” She yelled again, this time not as loud. She stepped back so they were no longer touching.

“If I’m a liar then what is that locket around your neck? Why can’t you open it? Why have you worn it?” Nile reached toward her again and touched the locket softly.

“I…uhhh…I’m not sure.” Tears collected in her eyes and she gasped. She rocked forward and leaned into him.

“Please, remember. I was from Malvroy, you from Senatus, main city of Arinth. We were from different worlds. I was destined to be second in command of the Malus and you; you were destined to be an Eidyia Warrior. Two people who weren’t even supposed to meet but the Light Warriors had a different plan. I became a Dark Warrior in secret and continued on to be second in command. We fell in love. I knew right off you were my mate. I knew exactly who you were. We were in love, Arinth. Please, remember.” His words fell on her ears like music. Her pupils dilated and her breathing evened.

Arinth heard his words but it was as if he spoke from a different room. They were muddled and murky. Slowly, her mind cleared and she remembered. She knew.

“Yes, I know. I remember.” She spoke softly and looked up into his eyes. “They didn’t want me to remember because they knew I wouldn’t have left without you and Vectio. I…” she trailed off as she looked past him at her son. He stood silent, as was the usually before recent events. “I’m so sorry. It’s been years and I had no idea. I had no idea.” Her eyes widened and tears fell. She stepped forward and reached out to him. “Your mother didn’t die when you were a child. She’s been here before you this entire time.” He took her hands in his and kissed them.

“I knew there was something about you. I knew; there was some pull that I couldn’t explain. I just…wanted to be close to you. I hated leaving you at home; I always wanted to protect you. I knew there was something about you that I just couldn’t explain.” He kissed her knuckles again and then pulled her towards his chest. “Mirama.” She shook against him as she cried, tears clogged in his throat. Around the room the couples held each other and the other warriors tried to hold out against the emotion they felt.

“Vectio, I’m sorry that there wasn’t anything I could do to save your team. I tried. I failed you and I’m sorry. I know those are empty words for you but I hope, by the grace of the Light Warriors, that you forgive me.” Nile’s voice shook but he walked calmly toward the two. Holding a hand out he motioned for Arinth to turn towards him. “I can’t expect for us to start back up where we were but I can try to start somewhere. I love you and I ask that you allow me to be apart of your life.”

“I remember how I felt, Nile. I love you, too.” She spoke and pulled the hand he held out to her until he rocked towards her. She forced the two most important men in her life to hug. The room chuckled as the two tried to be as far apart as possible while hugging at the same time.

“Let’s go home?” Adrian’s voice rang out. The others agreed in merriment. They said a heartfelt goodbye to Anders and Annalise as they went to Malvroy to begin their long journey of healing. The European team said their goodbyes and good graces before their transporter Ida took them back to their port. Vectio made moves to transport the team and Nile spoke out.

“And me?” His voice was thick as he spoke the words.

“If everyone is ok with it, and I mean everyone, I’d like to invite you to the safe house.” Adrian spoke, her first contribution as second lady of the house. Her arms were wrapped around Chase’s waist and she leaned her head against his chest. Around the room the warriors nodded in agreement and smiled. “It’s settled then.” She looked up at Chase and kissed his softly. I love this. I love you, my hunter.

I love you as well but then…you already knew that. “Now, if no one else has anything they want to add, let’s go home.” Vectio raised a hand and they disappeared.

The End.

"The only way to be a writer is to write, write and write. The only way...is to write." -Jade Elyzabeth