"Test of Wills"

*Caleb*

I am enjoying my small-time relaxing as I caress Meadow's arm while we relax next to one of the waterfalls; we had an intense morning with meetings, and after lunch, this was more than needed. Meadow has been nervous for a few days, and so have I, but I know I need to show her how strong we can be.

Aeneas was very surprised to see, thanks to Caliope, everything that we went through. He has been quiet and has tried to come up with solutions. But it is hard to come up with a solution against something so intense and immense.

We really are not so sure of how we are going to win this battle, we just know that staying together is what will bring us an advantage.

My children are the most important for me, and also, what makes me proudest. I can't afford to lose them... Honestly, if I lose them, I will die. I know Meadow will die as well, so we have to fight for this.

"Mister King of the Werewolves... what keeps your mind so busy?" Aeneas interrupts my thoughts and I laugh.

Meadow is giggling and I shake my head. "What can I do for you, Mister All-Mighty Vampire Trouble-Magnet."

This time it is me grinning, and he rolls his eyes. It is fun to tease him, he doesn't know what to say most of the time since his mate is with him. Meadow sits straight and we both face him. "Hi Aen, how are you doing far from the city jungle?" Meadow smiles as she asks him.

"Ok, you both win, as always," He gives in easily. I am sure he tries to look like a victim to Zareem's eyes. But she smiles and shakes her head. I know she knows him well enough by now. "I have been meaning to ask you about your children..." He finally says with all due seriousness, and my heart starts to beat faster as he says this.

"What do you mean, please explain," I say as calmly as possible. He seems to think carefully in his next words, which makes me a bit more nervous.

ღ ~~~~~~~ ☽ⓈⒺ☾ ~~~~~~~ ღ

*Solveig*

I shiver a bit after waking up from a nap, my skin is filled with goosebumps. I still have dreams about that horrible place where I was trapped, and the horrors I saw.

A knock on the door makes me focus on the present, and I feel a wave of worry from Seth behind it. I sigh, walking to the door, opening it after a few long seconds. "Hi..." is all I manage to say before he surprises me with his arms around me.

I feel like I want to cry; of course, he knows what I am feeling and I know he wants the best for me. His arms melt me and I am touched by the emotions coming from him. He is worried, angry, and sad at the same time.

'I will be closer, and I will be more alert...' He sends it to my mind and I smile warmly.

'You are of no good to anyone if you don't rest a bit... please, I am aware of the dangers surrounding us... you are also in danger...' I send him back as he finally releases me.

He sighs and I let him in, guiding him to take a seat. His worries are of concern, but I know that I am the reason why he is troubled. I can't do anything about it.

We both sit in silence, and for a while, I am ok with this. I think the pressure of expectation can be a big one. He takes my hand and caresses it softly. 'I am a bit confused about what is expected of us... how does 'us' work... I, sometimes, don't even know what to say to you... but I want you to know that I care deeply about you, and I want to get to know you. I want you to feel safe with me.'

I smile, and I feel relief coming from him as he sees me smile.' I don't know either, but it is good to know that we are both unaware. So we can't disappoint each other...'

He perks a brow. 'You thought I would be disappointed with you?'

I chuckle and smile. 'No, but I was a bit insecure... I thought you knew more... or at least, more than me... about us, about this mating thing...'

'Oh, no. I am clueless. About you and everything that is happening... All I know is that is big, both you and the events. I guess we are just unaware of what to do, and it worries me,' He sighs, not letting my hand go.

'Whatever happens, we must stay together...' I urge him. 'All I know is this, we must stay together... it is what has helped us, as a race and living creatures in the past...'

He smiles gently at me. 'I will be with you...'

My heart beats fast at his gestures and words, and I leaned in close to rest my head on his chest while he holds me. I feel his head rest on top of mine and his slow deep breathing, which soothes me.

ღ ~~~~~~~ ☽ⓈⒺ☾ ~~~~~~~ ღ

*Caliope*

As we gather in the wide field, I feel each pair of eyes on us and it makes me a bit nervous, but at the same time, I know we can't hide anything from them.

'If it comes to it, you can just hold them all in their place,' Amra sends to me and I chuckle inwardly. It's true, I can spread my hands and fingers, and to my will, I can hold anyone where I want them to stay. But I wouldn't use that to these creatures. I wouldn't scare them nor harm them in any way. He knows this, but he also knows how to ease my nervousness. I treasure our unique bond. Others see him in a way I would never understand, serious and mysterious. With me, he is warm, tender and caring.

Meadow sits next to me as we see our children arrive together. I smile at Seth and Sol. We are forever bonded, our families united by the strong bond of our children. I sense the eyes of someone, one of the other races, who stares at me doubtfully. I believe he was introduced to us as the representative of the fire creatures. I hope nothing bad comes from it but is a feeling, a six sense.

Amra stands up and everyone listens. Finally, the fire creature stops focusing his attention on me. "We already have seen what we are facing, and you all have an important role in this fight. We need to stand united, as Caleb has said so himself. Now is the time for questions, before we proceed." Caleb stands and nods, holding silence as Amra continues. "What we want to do is to reach to those who have been hidden for too long. Those creatures that have been dormant and who have been absent even from your history." I can sense those who become restless to his words.

Fardoragh rolls his eyes and looks disdained. "Come on, let it out... what other creature is joining us? And how is that creature going to help us win?"

I sigh, I knew it wasn't going to be easy to keep everyone happy and calm. Of course, there would be some who would stir trouble. I do try to not let it affect me, but I sense Amra's annoyance.

What happens next surprises me though. Caleb is the one who speaks. "Can you shut the fuck up and let him speak? Or do you have a date somewhere? We have all left our lives and important things behind to be here. No one is keeping you to go back if you are not interested in helping."

I fight with myself not to laugh loudly, but inwardly I laugh with Amra. I think he and Caleb could become great friends.

Of course, Fardoragh is not happy, and his anger reflects through his eyes. The two who have come with him look annoyed and angry as well. "Filthy creature, you should be thankful we are here to help you." He finally spits.

I sigh and try not to act. Meadow, right next to me, shifts in her place as well. I feel just like her, we both want to defend our husbands and partners. Raziel frowns and steps in. "Hold your poisonous tongue, and remember the threat is to us all. You are here to help your people as well..." He says this while looking at both his companions, who in exchange seem to acknowledge his words. "This is a situation that is not easy for any race in this realm... So, unless you have something to add, hold that tongue and let those who actually have something to say, speak it out to us."

Finally, it seems those words from Raziel sank into the thick and stubborn head of the dark Angel. I wonder when and how his troublesome self will cause another confrontation. I hope it is not until after the real fight.

ღ ~~~~~~~ ☽ⓈⒺ☾ ~~~~~~~ ღ

*Meadow*

I am restless and anxious, these creatures are not like us, and I know that I am never going to understand them. But if that guy tries to cause bad blood again, I am going to shift and sink my teeth into him.

It is probably of no good that my temperament has changed after our earlier meeting with Aeneas. His words are still bothering me. The idea that our sons are the key to winning this battle is both confusing and frightening. He thinks he understands a bit of how it should work, but we need to have all the key players here before we dare to discuss it more. My baby, my Sol, my warriors Ian and Xavier, I can't put them in any danger. But Aeneas says it must be them. It is like a puzzle and he thinks has figured it out.

For the sake of us all, I pray to the Goddess that he is right. Goddess, please, join us soon.

ღ ~~~~~~~ ☽ⓈⒺ☾ ~~~~~~~ ღ

Author's Note:

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