Stella's POV

I sighed softly as I sat beside Kyla's bed, keeping an eye out on her for Alexander, so he could rest for a bit. It was six hours ago that Kyla had fallen unconscious from the amount of energy she used from being so worked up, and Alexander and I had been keeping an eye on her while Patrick met up with the lords in the war room on and off, keeping tabs on the mission, and coming back with news for me if it was important.

After a while, Alexander came by to check on Kyla with a soft sigh, “Still nothing?” He asked.

“No, but she may wake up in a day or two. All that energy she used up would cause even me to sleep for a while.” I said, glancing at him.

“May I sit with you both,” he asked quietly.

I nodded with a soft smile. “Of course,” I answered with the same soft voice.

He took a seat as he watched her steady breathing, “Her father, used to ask me to watch her and Rosalia outside of their tent. I would sometimes walk in and see her sleeping like this holding onto the hatchling like she was hers. Rosalia had just turned four when the attack happened.”

I smiled softly and glanced at him. “Her father must have trusted you well to ask you to watch her and Rosalia.”

“Our parents were great friends in their younger years. Everyone thought she and I would end up together but she's like a sister to me.” He said looking at her.

I glanced down at her as well. “Has Patrick told you about how we came across Kyla and everything in between with my Uncle?” I asked softly, glancing back up at him curiously.

I trusted Patrick with who he told about what happened, but after we escaped with nearly an entire building of imprisoned dragons, word spread quickly in the castle and the ‘Villages’ near the gates. In a way it didn’t seem to matter who knew about what had happened, as the ‘commoners’ my Uncle would claim them to be, the whispers were everywhere.

He shook his head not moving his gaze from his friend.

I was actually surprised but smiled without any joy within it.  “Well, this story isn't pretty,” I informed and got started on telling him about what happened, from the beginning.

“And I thought we had it bad.” He said softly.

I glanced at him. “We've all had it bad. Whenever we believe we are safe, the hunters come and tear it all apart,” I started, glaring slightly at a speck on the bed, “Every one of us has lost those important to us because of them...” I trailed off sadly, clenching a fist.

“I know…” He replied quietly as Kyla’s face scrunched up slightly but still no sign of her waking up anytime soon.

I stood slowly, glancing at him. “I’m going to stretch my legs...and perhaps my wings. Let me know when she wakes up please?” I asked him, as I started for the door.

He nodded softly as he went back to watching his friend.

I walked the halls, nodding silently to those who pass by me. As I cleared my head, I felt the air get staticky, a telltale sign that a certain dragon was racing down the halls. Chuckling, I stepped to the side, watching as a blur, that was supposed to resemble Elric, rushed passed, while Ersor seemed to be hot on his tail in her hatchling form. As they disappeared around a corner, I heard the tapping of footsteps behind me, feeling a pair of familiar pair of arms wrap around my waist.

“Elric seems to be in a good mood,” Patrick spoke softly, as I leaned against him slightly, glancing up at him with a smile.

“Well, as long as someone’s happy, I suppose that’s alright,” I chided with a giggle and sighed softly, “Kyla still hasn’t woken up. That amount of energy she released that day was...startling to say the least... I’ve never seen that large burst in energy use since Mom was murdered.” I spoke quietly, afraid of wandering ears.

“Maybe she didn't know she had that ability,” Patrick said pointedly.

I nodded in agreement, knowing he was probably right.

“We should be careful and at least try to help learn to control it. There’s no telling what could happen if she flares up again, literally,” he said giving a half-hearted chuckle.

I chuckled as well. “ Very true, and I’m sure she wouldn’t mind the help either. Has there been any news on the young dragon in the ‘hunters’ den’?” I asked, knowing that was what some of the dragons within these walls called Thunder-Hill.

“No, none yet. Either way I hope everything's going well with him.” He nodded softly.

I hummed softly in agreement, I still stand by my claim that if it was to get too dangerous for the young dragon, we were pulling him out. I glanced up at Patrick, eying him curiously.

“Has the hunter said anything yet?” I asked, knowing that I hadn’t gotten any word about what has been done with him since I had sentenced him to the cells below.

“Aside from the constant taunting no. Sadly, I don't think we'll get anything out of this kid anytime soon.” Patrick said honestly.

I pondered a moment, my eyes glancing at a tapestry that hung in the hall, showing a fierce battle between dragons and humans.

“What if I went down to talk to him? See if I can get him to say anything.” I suggested, glancing back up at him.

“Maybe. I can't get through to him for the life of me.”

I chuckled softly, pecking his lips, before teasingly saying, “It must be a woman thing then.”

He rolled his eyes playfully before pecking mine back. “Well he's downstairs so have at it… princess.”

I smirked playfully, pecking his cheek, as he let go of my waist, and headed downstairs, readying myself to speak with the hunter. Standing in front of the guards, whose armored helmets kept me from seeing their faces, as they stood at attention in front of the Hunter’s cell door, uttering quietly, but questioningly, “Your Highness?”

“ I would like to see the hunter, see if he can give me any information.”

The first guard, the taller of the two, glanced at the cell door questioningly and back at me.

“Are you sure that is wise? He may not exactly say what you would like… or speak at all, your grace.” He spoke gruffly with unease.

“I’m sure. Why don’t you two go and get something to eat? When was the last time you both ate?” I asked, glancing between the two curiously.

“Um.. yesterday evening, your grace.” The smaller guard spoke in a hushed but smooth voice, seemingly finding the floor more interesting.

“What are your names?” I questioned, watching as they looked at me quickly in shock.

“Your grace?” The taller guard asked in surprise.

“Your names, I can’t just keep calling you guards in my head.” I said with an amused smile.

“Um..Saevel Fenphyra, your grace.” The shorter guard spoke, with a hint of surprise still in his voice.

“Nice to meet you Saevel, and you?” I asked, glancing at the taller guard with a raised brow.

“Arathorn Helevyre, your grace.” He answered swiftly, as I realized the names didn’t sound much like a dragon’s would.

“You both aren’t dragons, are you?” I asked curiously, watching as they both shook their heads in a no gesture, “I assumed so, might I ask if you could tell me where your from?”

Saevel seemed to brighten up at the question.

“Of course, your grace! We are actually Wood elves from Heselion. Your mate, Patrick I believe, had sent for some of our Queen’s guard to help yours in the castle.” He happily explained.

I hummed softly, making a mental note to ask Patrick who the queen is of the wood elves and whether she is for our cause. Just as I still have to meet with other leaders in the magical world. Glancing between Saevel and Arathorn, I smiled softly.

“I’ll have to thank your queen personally for allowing us to use her guard, but in the meantime, I ask that you go to the kitchens and ask the cooks to have you something made.” I expressed with an air of calmness.

The pair of elves gave a look of gratitude, and with a nod, they headed down the hall, giving me some personal time with our...resident hunter. I headed down the stone stairs and into a room with a row of eight cells on both sides, some of the cell doors slowly rusting, and seen another guard with the same armor as Saevel and Arathorn.

“Hello, mellon. Im've tul- na ped- with i prisoner (Hello, friend. I’ve come to speak with the prisoner).” I spoke to him in his tongue, grateful mother gave me some sort of lesson in that area.

The elven guard glanced at me, then at the hunter.

“Are cin sure cin anír- na ped- with hon? Ho's verui stubborn (Are you sure? He’s very stubborn).” He supplied dryly, pulling a small blade from its sheath on his left side, pointing it at the hunter.

“Im'm sure. Im anír- na see if ho tur- on- nin anui information i might n- maer (I’m sure. I want to see if he can give me any information that might be useful).” I answered, chuckling softly.

The elven guard huffed in amusement and jerked his head to the hunter, giving me the go ahead. I glanced around, seeing a familiar face, and walked over to stand in front of the hunter.

"Hello, Ethan." I greeted coldly.

“What do you want? Your Majesty.” He huffed sarcastically .

"You should know, considering the fact that Patrick had tried to do the same thing." I stated, tilting my head slightly.

“Oh right… you want information. You're not getting any.” He huffed.

“Do you have anyone that cares about you Ethan?” I asked instead,  ignoring what he had said entirely.

“Like you give a damn. What does it matter if someone cares about me?”

“Don’t you think they’re going to want to look for you if they did? We’ve figured out a way to use some of your equipment without being tracked, thanks to Brendon and Hayley, but I’m curious as to whether or not anyone in that ‘Den’ of Thomas’s is concerned as to whether or not you’ve completely fell off the face of the Earth.” I said simply, glancing at the elven guard when I heard him huff,

“Hunters don't care nia emel(Hunters don’t care about feelings).”

Ethan scoffed slightly as he shook his head. “Yeah well clearly they have bigger plans. Especially since we've had files on you, your mate and that dragon from South of the border.”

I frowned slightly, “I could see them with files on me, but why Patrick and Kyla?” I asked, slightly confused, considering the fact I’ve actually had history with Thunderhill Corp.

“Why wouldn't they have files on him? He is your mate and part of royal blood isn't he? As for your friend, hell if I know.”

‘I hadn’t had contact with Patrick since my mother was killed... and they still kept tabs on him?’ I thought, then caught on to the last part Ethan had said.

“So they never told you anything about Kyla, or let you read the files?” I asked, confused, as I would have thought that they let all the hunters do so.

“From what I saw on the screens, she escaped but most of the hunters assumed she was dead so…”

“Has Thomas ever mentioned what he planned to do with her since he knows she’s alive?”

“My guess is find a way to get her and her friend to the dragon that help him and the cartel.”

My frown deepened, and came to a decision. I knew I wouldn’t be able to get anything else from him at the moment, so I decided to leave.

“Thank you, for telling me. I’ll see if they can bring you down something more than just bread and water.” I informed him with a slight nod, glancing at the elven guard, who seemed to know what I was asking, and nodded in confirmation for me, going back to sharpening his blade.

Before I could walk, I saw Alexander running down the hall. I glanced at him, and met him halfway, confused and concerned.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Kyla's awake but she's not making any sense.”

“What do you mean she isn’t making any sense? What’s she saying?” I questioned with a frown, gently nudging Alexander out of the way as I noticed Saevel and Arathorn walking by with two plates of food in hand, leading me to believe the unnamed elf guard had already spoke to them.

Alexander moved over before responding, “She's saying things about fire and a war. It could be her memories from the night the cartel but she kept saying everyone's name.”

“I’ll go and see then. Maybe see if she’d be able to calm down?” I suggested, Starting to head back to the hall, hoping that no one else will stop us on the way back.

He nodded as he followed me as I carefully heard a scuffle coming from Kyla's room.

“Kyla, calm down please.” A voice that sounded like Pete said.

I could hear what sounded like, “no,” and “please”.

I opened the door, seeing bedding tossed everywhere, and Kyla seemingly backed herself into a corner, hands over her face.

“Please don't hurt me…” She whimpered shakily as her hands moved slightly from her face revealing her silver eyes.

I slowly walked over to her, kneeling down a few feet away from her.

“Kyla, it's alright, no one's going to hurt you. Your safe, okay?” I said calmly, eying her gently, and held my hands out in a calming manner, but made no move to touch her.

She looked up whimpering softly mumbling an occasional, “no,” as she shakily began to crawl toward me and Alex.

I stayed still, letting her make the choice, as it seemed she was having a slight PTSD episode.

Alex then keeled slightly as she crawled into his arms. “It's OK Ky, you're not in Mexico it's OK?” he said stroking her hair.

I glanced at Pete, seeing some of the others had come in as well, all but Elrik and Ersor at least. Patrick and and I’s eyes connected in that second, a flash of concern showing through.

She whimpered softly until her eyes went back to normal and her look of panic went to confusion. “What happened?”

Glancing back down at Kyla I sighed softly. “Well, I’m not sure. It looked like you were going through some sort of flashback. You wouldn’t let anyone come near you, not really, at least.”

“What? No I saw a fire and a castle…”

“A vision?” Andy spoke up, causing me to glance over my shoulder at him, seeing his eyebrows furrowed in thought.

“I'm not sure” Kyla said softly.

“It could be possible, not very many dragons can receive visions anymore, but that doesn’t mean that some still can’t.” I spoke softly, glancing back at her.

“But I thought that ability died out?” Pete asked, confused.

“Only in certain clans and packs. There’s a few Phoenix clans that still have that ability.” Andy answered, glancing at him.

Kyla peeked up unsure of what to say before Alexander spoke again. “Todo va estar bien.” (Everything will be ok.) He said holding her still.

I smiled softly, and stood, knowing she was alright, now. I glanced at Patrick, and gave a teasing smirk. “I managed to get a certain Hunter to talk a bit.” I informed, everyone seemingly tensing at the revelation.

“There's a hunter here???” Alex asked tensing up.

I nodded slightly. “You’ve seen the hatchling that Patrick and I took in as our own, yeah? He killed her mother while we were still on mating grounds, then sabotaged our hideout. We’ve been trying to get him to talk since.” I informed.

“Hunters… hopefully soon there will be a day our people will be free.” Kyla said quietly.

I nodded in agreement, as Pete frowned asking, “Well, what did he say?”

“He told me that Thomas had files on Patrick, Kyla and I. Questioned him a little further, and the files on Kyla were about mostly about who she was, but they all assumed she was dead.”

“They killed our entire pack. No wonder they thought she was dead.” Alexander said, “Eduardo must've had something to do with it.”

“Eduardo, was he the one who was fighting you last night?” I asked a confused look.

Alexander nodded with a sad look.

“He was the Dragon I was promised to when we were young. Only… He betrayed us to save his own pack.” Kyla said.

“That must mean that they’re both connected, just like my uncle is with Thomas.” I said with a frown.

Kyla nodded with a soft sigh. “We have to make sure Eduardo doesn't find us.”

“Hopefully...Robert...didn’t have any knowledge of Eduardo,” I said softly and turned to Patrick, “We need to have a meeting with Saevel and Arathorn’s queen. Maybe see if she is willing to help us as well.”

“I agree.” Patrick said with a nod.

I glanced at the others to see if they agreed as well, catching Andy’s eyes as he nodded.

“It could prove useful in the future if you think about it. I don’t think that the Wood Elves had many creatures that asked for their help for the last decade.” He informed with a shrug.

“How, exactly, do you keep up with all this?” Rae had asked with a raised brow.

“Mom wanted me to be an advisor to the Queen at the time, well, before she was killed. Mom figured Stella would turn up, and had me keep at it, still did while Pete formed the band.” He said, glancing at me.

“Well one's things for sure, if other clans are out there that means they may have creatures weaponized for them.” Alexander said looking at everyone.

“That’s good then, right?” Pete asked.

“Maybe, unless Eduardo told the hunters about the chupacabras.”

“Well, I know that the Phoenix clans are willing to help. My mother and their king has held a pact for a long time.” I answered.

“We could check with the goblins as well. I’m sure they may have some tricks up their sleeves.” Andy supplied.

“This is a war then.” Kyla said quietly pulling away from Alexander. “I want to fight.”

“We need to help you with you fire ability as well, Kyla,” I spoke to her and glanced at Patrick, “We’ll have to invite clans then. Do you think the other lord's know clans that are willing to help?” I asked.

“I think so.” Patrick said with a nod.

“I’ll have to ask the next time I see them then.”

Patrick nodded softly as everyone exchanged looks.

“So there’s more creatures than just dragons?” Rae asked, getting a nod from everyone, “That’s so cool…”

“It all depends on what clans you side with, or if they decide that they should get something out of it. Usually the clans that we form a treaty with just want crops to trade.” I informed my closest friend, smiling softly.

“Just like us.” Kyla said quietly, making me glance at her, nodding slightly.

“I'll talk to the Lords now.” Patrick said.

I looked back at him with a smile. “ And I’ll see about visiting Saevel’s queen.” I said, and glanced at the others to see if that was alright with everyone.

“Actually, Stell, I was wondering if I could go with you if you manage to get an answer.” Andy spoke up, getting a chuckle from me.

“Why’s that?” I asked, tilting my head slightly.

“Well. For one, you need an advisor...If you’ll have me, that is.” He said, rubbing the back of his neck slightly, getting a nod from me, to which he continued, “ The second thing is that I’d like to see the Elven city in person. I’ve only read about it and some of the creatures living there.”

“I want to come too.” Kyla said quickly.

I chuckled, nodding at the pair. “Alright, you can come.” I said with a smile.

“Gracias.” (Thank you) she smiled .

“Your welcome, Ky.” I spoke, waiting to see if anyone else wished to go. Getting no response, I spoke to Kyla and Andy. “As soon as I get a message, we’ll leave early. Until then, everyone should go back to what they were doing till we get word.”

“Alright.” She smiled softly.

I smiled at everyone in the room, and left, a list of things for me to do. I could then hear faint footsteps coming behind me. I glanced behind me, I saw Kyla trying to keep up with me. I smiled, slowing down for her.

“Can you really teach me to control my abilities,” She asked as she caught up with me.

“It’ll take a bit, but I can.” I answered.

“I hate to admit it, but I’m scared.”

“And why’s that?” I asked, turning towards her, as we made it to the library, where I’ve practically turned one of the sections into my personal area, for when I want to be alone.

“I was the only one in the pack without any abilities and now I have two. Imagine being the alpha’s child with no abilities now you can’t control the ones that appeared from nowhere.”

“It took me years to control a few of mine, but it won’t take long, I think, if we can learn with a few phoenixes as well. I don’t know much in the area of fire abilities, but I can teach you how to stay calm when using them.” I said, sitting at my desk, a chair open beside it.

She nodded with a small smile as she looked at me.

“Sit down if you’d like.” I told her, nodding my head towards the open chair, smiling softly.

She nodded as she sat down looking at her feet.

“Is there anything else you’d like to know, before we leave in the next few days?” I asked, pulling out paper and a pen, getting started on the letter to Saevel and Arathorn’s Queen, Yralyssa Iarsys, thanks to Patrick giving me her name before he left to meet with the lords.

“Why did these abilities come now?”

“Sometimes, a dragon’s abilities appear if they’re stressed, or the situation is dire. I’m sure you know when yours appeared, but I think it was because you suppressed yours for so long that you caused a flare up from your emotions.” I answered, putting the pen down, finishing the letter fairly quickly.

“Which is why I fainted…”

“Which is why you fainted.” I agreed, “ Not a lot of young dragons know that they even have abilities anymore.” I said, glancing at the letter.  

“What about you?”

“What do you mean?” I asked, slightly confused by the question.

“When did you find your abilities?”

“I only had knowledge of one since I was still a hatchling. It wasn’t until Thomas had caught us that second time, that I had a few other abilities of mine appear in those instances.” I explained.

She nodded softly looking at her feet.

“ That display in the cell in front of my uncle? I didn’t realize that I was able to do that, until I started hearing Patrick’s thoughts.” I said, glancing at her.

“You hear thoughts?”

I nodded. “Only if I choose to, though.”

“Could you hear mine?”

I shrugged slightly, focusing on Kyla, looking into her eyes, as if telling myself of wanting to hear her thoughts at that moment, using her eyes as an anchor to what she’s truly thinking.

I wonder if things will go back to normal.. I doubt it. Momma and Pappa aren’t here and neither is Rosalia… I’m all alone, all except for Alexander...

I blinked slightly, a tear running down my cheek.

“You both have a new home.. Don’t be afraid that your might be taking too much, Kyla. That’s far from what I think.” I stated firmly, grabbing one of her hands, and squeezed it gently in reassurance.

She nodded softly with glassy eyes as she then hugged me suddenly. I hugged her back, sighing softly.

“Thank you…”

“Your welcome.”

“Could we begin the training?”

“Of course.” I answered with a nod.

She smiled widely hugging me tighter.