Morning dawn turned into night dusk by the time the emperors and empresses were able to finish their work. They slumped against each other in a tired effort, shaking their hands and twisting their limbs to relieve themselves of the work they have accomplished over the past few hours.

Draco stood on the outskirts of the burial ground, looking below him at the city that stared back. It was alive and thriving, millions of lights creating a road from the center of Salion to those who lived in the mountains far away from any civilization. His eyes wandered around, looking to see a familiar silhouette but finding no one in return.

"Draco." The voice of Empress Misa pulled him back to reality and he turned around to see his friend along with Emperor Seron, Sahara, Raiyah, Iredine, and Empress Cayah. "We need to talk to you."

"Lighten up first. All of you look like you returned from a funeral" he said, his voice barely there. Empress Misa passed him a look, resting her hand on his shoulder. "It's about Onyx" she simply said, causing his eyes to go wide.

"What about her?" he pressed.

"Draco, she can't keep acting like a child" Sahara delivered in a blunt tone. "I understand that she is the key to rebuild the Inner Circle but her childish ways and habits of throwing tantrums of letting her powers overwhelm her in times where she doesn't get what she wants is tiring and is in no way the attitude a future empress should hold herself with."

"That might be a bit harsh" Draco defended, but Emperor Seron shook her head. "Harsh?! Draco look at the mess she caused just earlier! She attacked an enemy completely out of anger and if we didn't stop her, she could have killed him and caused an even bigger problem than the one we are currently in!"

"And this has been a pattern I have been noticing as well. While it has never presented itself to be this prominent, she does tend to succumb to her powers in times of hardship or difficulty and her anger does not do much to help the situation. It only propels her powers forward and causes great destruction. As much as I honor Onyx, her attitude has to change."

Draco sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "Don't you think you guys are being irrational? Raebar destroyed her life. He is the reason why she is where she is. He practically caused her parent's death! I would be just as mad!"

"Raebar has done a lot of damage in the past and he has hurt a lot of us countless times!" Raiyah spoke up. "There is not one person in the Inner Circle that he has not hurt. However, that does not give her an excuse to act the way she did and then storm off as nothing happened! It's unacceptable!"

The emperor looked at everyone that stood in front of him, his eyes struggling to meet the truth. A heavy sigh settled in the pits of his chest, looking down at his arm to the incomplete Ruge that linked them together. Body and soul.

Iredine stepped forward, resting one hand on his shoulder. She used another to pick up his head so that they would meet face to face. "Draco, I know that you love her, and I know that she is your mate."

He turned to meet her eyes, confusion crossing his eyes. "How do you know that?" he asked. She smiled, rolling her eyes. "I can sense your bond from a mile away, Draco. Don't forget. I'm half Helio. I know how to make and break bonds so I can sense them as well."

Draco hung his head low, rubbing the back of his neck as she continued to talk. "I know that you would do anything to protect her from any evil that threatened to tear you away from her. However, you can't make excuses for her forever. At some point, you have to open your eyes and see that if she is going to be an Empress one day, be it the Empress of Crojesian or the future Empress of Elsavior, she has to make changes to herself starting with the way she composes herself."

The emperor nodded, biting his lip. "I know Iredine. I know" he simply said before she pulled him into a brief hug. He held on to her tightly before letting go. "Come on. Go and find her. Talk to her. I truly talk to her and take the time to explain to her and them bring her back. Tonight is not the night to be lingering out and about by herself."

"What if she doesn't listen to me?" Draco whispered.

"She'll listen" Sahara chimed. "She always listens to you."

With a nod, he turned back around to the city before him and leaped off the barrier. His wings broke through the strong wind, pulling him back on track as he soured through the air. The cold air whipped past his face, leaving marks and tears in his eyes as he frantically searched for the hybrid.

He soared through the town square and past gardens and glass towers. He found himself wandering past the wall and underground through the tunnels that have been carved hundreds of years back. He flew through trees and mountains and underwater until he stumbled upon the last untouched place.

The incomplete Ruge on his arm pulled him forward and a little bit south until he could sense Onyx's powers through the unspoken bond that they shared. Following the magical pull, he directed himself downwards until the bond grew stronger.

Through his peripheral vision, he could see the outline of Hanishuska's bridge and the waters of Tide Oayos sparkling underneath the beaming moonlight. With force, he blew downward until he made firm contact with the ground of the bridge.

There, standing a few feet away from him with her hair blowing in her face, was Onyx. She didn't seem to pay much mind until he took a step closer. Their unspoken bond snapped into place and the hybrid casted a look down at her glowing Ruge before lifting her eyes to meet his.

"You found me" she whispered, beckoning him over. Draco closed the gap between them, leaning against the iron bars of the bridge. He casted a look down to the sparkling water below, its dark abyss alluring him.

"You didn't have to run off like that" he whispered after a minute of silence. "I understand your frustration, but it does not justify you storming off. That was highly inappropriate." The hybrid let out a huff, turning her gaze back to the emperor who still refused to look at her.

"Who put you up to this?" she asked, folding her arms over her chest. "That's not a very Draco thing to say."

"It doesn't matter who put me up to this. I have come to my senses and realized that maybe I have blinded myself to your little flaws" he said in a soft-spoken voice. "Your behavior this afternoon was not only inappropriate, but it did not leave a good impression on the other rulers. They think you are too irrational, too emotional and are prone to emotional and violent outbursts."

"And do you view me in that way as well?" she asked in a stern voice, holding his stare.

 Draco shrugged, running his fingers through his hair. "No, but I can see where they are coming from."

Onyx nodded, turning her gaze back to the body of water below them. "I'm not surprised. I knew you would all get tired of me someday. I just didn't know it would come so soon" she whispered. Draco perked at those words, turning his body towards hers.

"You're missing the point, Onyx!" he pressed, anger flooding to his cheeks. "We need you, more than anything in the world, but if you are going to be the ruler of Crojesian one day, it all starts with how you compose yourself and how you carry yourself and right now, there are things that you can fix about your composure!"

"So, you do agree with them!" Onyx fired back, her eyes gleaming. "You think I am irrational and too emotional!" she pointedly accused him.

"You can be sometimes, but all of us have been at one point or another! We got better because we had someone there to guide us!" Draco strained his voice, his words cracking in between. He took a step towards her, his hands locked together in a pleading manner. "We're trying to guide and shape you into a great ruler! You have the looks, the intimidation, the mindset, and the power. You just need to work on controlling your emotions at appropriate times."

"I can't believe what I am hearing!" Onyx absently ignored him, shaking her head. "I should have left when I had the chance! I really should have, but instead, I have found myself in this predicament with lives in danger and rulers who want to reconstruct who I am to the very core!"

Draco frowned, his fingers curling into a hard fist. Onyx moved to brush past him, but he grabbed her arm and pulled her back to where he was standing. His grip wasn't harsh, but it had enough power to keep her still.

"Onyx, we have been by your side since day one! I have been by your side since day one! Even before all of this came to light!" Draco expressed, tightening his hold on her wrist. "The moment I met you, I knew you were destined for greatness. I knew that whatever Rheynoak had planned for you would never amount to the greatness you had running through your veins. Throughout all of this, I've only tried to shape you into the leader you are meant to be. Yes, you can be stubborn and hard-headed and unreasonable sometimes, but I never batted an eye because I knew that those same traits would lead us to victory. Unfortunately, the other rulers have noticed flaws in you, but their intentions are only good and pure. None of us are against you. We are all standing with you and we all want to see you succeed and fulfill the destiny you were born into!"

Onyx watched him with intense eyes as he took her other hand in his. His fingers shaking and his voice quivering as he continued to speak. "I have never once doubted you, Onyx. I want to see you thrive and conquer like the powerful empress you were meant to be. I want to see you be the life force of peace that was prophesied before you were born. Through everything, I've always believed in you and maybe that makes me naive or a fool, but I don't mind. I care about more than you will ever know and more than I hate to admit to myself. You have earned yourself a permanent spot in my heart and it can never go away. Even if the stars don't align, I will never stop caring about you Onyx. You simply mean too much to me."

Onyx felt her breath hitch in her throat as the emperor squeezed her hand in his. He watched her with careful eyes, his fingers skimming her own. "Draco" she simply managed to breathe. "I don't know what to say."

"There is not much to say Onyx" he responded, pulling her closer. "I've said everything that needed to be said." He lifted her chin with his hand so that their eyes could lock. "I just want you to be the great warrior and empress I know you can be. That's all."

"I see" she responded. "In that case, I'm sorry for all the trouble I have caused. I'll try to be better for the sake of the Inner Circle" she said, reverting her eyes to the ground. "I'll try to be better for you."

"Don't do it for me. Do it for yourself and the sake of your future kingdom. There is nothing wrong with being emotional or feeling emotions. However, it is best to hone them under control before enemies see your weak spot. That's all" he said, pulling her closer to him until they were chest to chest. The hybrid held her breath as he pushed a mass of her hair aside, holding her face in his hands. "You're already magnificent to me."

She smiled, leaning into his comforting hand. "Onyx, can I confess something to you?" Draco asked, capturing her attention. Despite the bundle of nerves that formed in her stomach, she nodded, holding on to his arm. "I know this is a bit unorthodox and it must come as a surprise to you. Or maybe a shock. I don't know, maybe a mixture of both." The emperor frowned, looking down at his feet. Sweat beaded down his forehead, his hand shaking in hers.

"Draco, please. You can say anything to me. Trust me. I've heard it all." He looked back up to meet her golden eyes, a small smile on her lips. 

"Okay, I guess I have nothing to lose," he said, licking his lips. "Except for my pride and dignity."

Onyx rolled her eyes even as he cupped her face in his hands. The demi-hybrid stopped breathing, her eyes meeting his. "I don't know how to articulate this into words but whatever I feel for you Onyx, it runs deeper than I thought. When I'm around you, I can barely think, barely breathe. You make me weak in a way I've never felt before."

"Me?" Onyx questioned, raising her brows. "I make you weak?" 

Despite the uncertainty in his eyes, the emperor laughed, a smile on his face. "You make me weak" he reassured. "And breathless and I can't seem to form a straight thought when I'm around you. My mind is in pieces as I'm standing in front of you right now. I just have this need to protect you."

A blush coated her cheeks, her eyes diverting from his. His hand grasped onto her shoulder, gesturing her attention back up to him. "Ever since we first met, I've always felt some sort of attraction towards you, but I always thought it was because of how beautiful you are. However, over the long months that have passed, with everything we've been through, I have realized that is not the case. You're brave, willing, charismatic, witty, and you truly have this aura around you that burns whenever you are in the room. It's magnificent."

He took her hand with the imprinted Ruge, intertwining their fingers together. "You are magnificent" he breathed

"Draco please" she breathed, her voice breaking. The emperor pushed back her hair and pulled her close, closing the very little gap between them. Onyx looked up to meet his light eyes, overfilling with so much love and admiration. 

For her.

Whatever she was feeling shackled her in the moment, her hands moving to cup his face in her grasp. He watched with tentative eyes as she darted her eyes to his lips, swallowing hard before meeting his gaze once more. Swallowing down every doubt and voice in her mind, she pulled him down and captured his lips with hers, sealing their bond.

 Onyx felt every single nerve in her body catch on fire and explode. All her senses were drowned out as he consumed her slowly. She raised her arms to run her fingers through his dark locks, holding him tight as their lips moved together in harmony.

The kiss was heartbreakingly slow and loving, nothing like the ones she had experienced in the past. It obliviated all her senses and completely ruined her into bits and pieces. Her mind was spinning into nothing but smoke and stars, her body burning for something she didn't even know she craved until this very moment. Her mind narrowed to the feeling of his arms around her waist and the way his lips moved against hers, his breath meeting hers. 

Draco held on to her waist tightly with one hand as another traced the delicate curves of her body. His heartbeat synced with hers, his hands trailing every hot patch of her skin until she could no longer feel her body.

They backed up until Onyx's back hit the cold railing of the bridge. She felt her arm burn and glow with the power of their bond snapping into place. It shook and vibrated throughout her body, causing a moan to crawl from her lips. She could feel his heartbeat through his chest and feel his very emotions as he planted kisses on her lips and down her neck, her body flushed with ecstasy.

It was so right. Everything felt so right.

 But in the back of her mind, she knew that this sweet moment of happiness would not last forever. And with those doubts flushed in painful memories of her relationship before. The heartbreak and betrayal flooded through her mind and clouded her judgement, the feeling over Draco's body over hers suddenly too much for her to bear.

With a painful sigh, Onyx broke the kiss, shaking her head as she backed away from him. "I can't Draco. I just can't. I shouldn't have done that" she whispered, a streak of tears running down her face, "I'm so sorry but I just can't."

"What's wrong Onyx?" Draco questioned, wiping her tears away. "Is it something that I did?"

"No. Gods no" she whispered back. "After everything with Rheynoak, it's been hard for me to trust anyone, much less fall in love. I've been trying but I don't see myself in a relationship for a while." She sighed, running her fingers through her hair. "It's unfair to you because you are amazing, but I just can't see myself being with you. Not now."

"Onyx, it's okay. You don't have to apologize" he said, wiping her face clean. He tugged her close into a hug, resting his cheek on her head. "I'll be here for you in whatever shape or form you need me to be. As long as I am still breathing, I'll never leave your side." He tilted her head up and smiled, stroking the back of her head. "I'll be here for you."

"Thank you. Truly" she responded, sobbing into his chest. She sniffed and hugged him a while longer before pulling away. "We should probably join the other," she said, wiping her eyes. "We don't want them to think we ran away."

"Lead the way" the emperor ushered, taking her hand in his. The two leapt off the bridge together, their wings slicing through the night wind as they made their way back to the barrier. The night sky was foggy and dark, the stars barely shining like they usually do.

They were barely passing the capital when they heard the first crash of an explosion crackling through the night sky. There was a distant scream followed by more explosions before silence reigned. "What was that?" Onyx asked, stopping in her tracks. She looked around Salion but there was not a soul in sight. Most of them had been moved over to Navidia for safety and Elsavior was as empty as the belly of a starving beast.

"I don't know. I am trying to contact the other leaders through the bond, but my magic is ineffective. Nothing is working!" he said, panic setting into his voice. Not waiting for him, Onyx pushed herself forward and sailed through the night sky, the cold air whipping past her face.

"Onyx! Wait!" Draco called after her, but she kept going until she could make out the distinct smoke rising in front of her face. A streak of fire lit up the night sky followed by another scream before an explosion of fire lit up in front of her.

Not waiting a moment, she dived into the center of the war, stopping to overlook the scene of fire and blood as rulers and guards battled the anonymous forces that attacked them from beyond. She watched in horror as a guard lost his life before her eyes by a white ash dagger to the heart.

Taking a deep breath, she weaved her way through the guards fighting against the dark forces that were attacking them until she could recognize Sahara's long locks whipping through the air. She caught her by the ankle, pushing herself in front of her view.

"Sahara! What's happening?" she asked, pulling her aside. The frantic nightdweller shook her head. "To be frank with you, I don't know! One minute, we were securing Raebar's body in between the barriers and the next second, we were under attack! It's coming from the wall! We've been trying to reach it but the type of magic that is being dealt with is black magic! Pure and utter black magic and it is weakening!"

"Okay, I have a plan, but you're going to have to cover for me and trust me!" Onyx pleaded, nodding her head. "Just trust me on this!"

Despite the worry in her eyes, Sahara nodded and trailed closely behind Onyx as they weaved through the flying balls of fire and black arrows slicing through the night air, the tips poisoned to kill. When the wall was only a few feet away Onyx pushed herself up and over Sahara, conjuring a ball of black and moonlight magic until it became a big swirling ball of dust in her hand.

Launching herself into the air, Onyx launched a string of magic at the heart of the wall, challenging the black magic that fought back. A ray of black magic shot back at her, traveling straight through her magic and sinking itself into Onyx's veins. A scream ripped from her mouth, the black magic toying with her own until she could feel it draining her body.

Sucking in a deep breath, Onyx used the last of her strength to channel her SilerClaw magic. She closed her eyes and shut everything out until the three components of her magic joined and exposed themselves in a blinding array of sparkling lights.

The force of her magic broke through the thick protection of the wall and shattered it completely, debris spraying across the smokey sky. The black magic she felt before vanished, leaving her body to falter before catching itself.

When the smoke cleared, Onyx found herself facing Heather in all her hellish glory. Her black amour glinted under the fire magic that lit up the sky. Beside her stood Rashnov and behind them stood thousands of tribe members launching thousands of spells into the air.

"You! I am sick and tired of your constant belittling! What do you want?" Onyx screamed, balling her hand into a fist. Heather laughed manically, tossing her dark locks over her shoulders. "Is it not clear what we want Onyx or has all your time here lowered your intelligence?"

"I'm not here to play your games!" she screamed back. "Just stop the attack! It does not have to be like this!"

With a raise of her brow, Heather turned to Rashnov who raised his hand and signaled to seize the attacks. Streaks of lights and balls of fire froze in the air, arrows pausing before being able to strike. Using their magic, Heather and Rashnov gravitated towards her, a scowl on their faces. "Onyx, be careful!" Sahara whispered, but Onyx tuned her out.

"Listen, we both know that the Inner Circle is millimeters away from caving in on itself" Heather whispered, toying with her dark hair. "And we both know that you would do anything to protect your sister, Draco, and these annoyances you call your allies."

"Watch it" Onyx warned, but Heather rolled her eyes. "We know about Raebar and what you are doing to his body."

"How in the world did you find out?" Onyx asked.

"You didn't think we would be that stupid not to manipulate a few people on your side to spy for us, did you?" Rashnov chimed in, earning a glare from the demi-hybrid. "I would watch who you trust in that tight inner circle of you. This can be an easy transfer for both sides. Give us Raebar's body and Rheynoak and we'll leave in peace. Refuse to do so and we'll destroy every inch of this pathetic kingdom apart until we get what we want."

"Over my dead body!" Before Onyx could bark a reply, Falcon and Orion were right by her side, their hands gripping her shoulder back. "If we burn, you burn with us! If you want Raebar, you'll have to rip him from our grip!"

"With pleasure!" Raebar screamed, signaling for the tribe members to attack again. They didn't hold back, blasting a line of fire her way, Falcon moved her out of the way just in time and Orion was able to deflate the magic with his wings, but they all began to swarm towards her in a flurry.

Heather, Irene, and Rashnov made a line towards her, throwing poisoned dipped arrows her way and blasting her with dark magic she could not bear to stand. Onyx struggled against the sheer force of the power, veering out of their way and towards her other allies. Through the smoke and the chaos, she was able to make out Draco fighting off a few tribe members that had targeted him. They threw white ash daggers and blasted him with shadow magic, the emperor struggling to avoid them all.

"Draco!" Onyx screamed as she made her way towards him. The emperor looked back, catching the demi-hybrid in his arms. "Onyx! I'm so glad you're okay. I thought you were gone!"

"Never mind that! They want Raebar's body! I have to go to the barrier to defend it!" Draco nodded, pulling himself and his mate out of a balling line of magic and fire. "Take some of the others with you! They'll know what to do and please, be careful!"

"I'll try!" Onyx screamed. She gave him a last hug and flew back into the chaos, trying to find her friends. Out on the left field, Onyx could feel heavy wings follow her. From the corner of her eyes, she looked back to see Rashnov closing in on her, He lashed out, his arms wrapping around her and holding her against his chest.

His iron grip burned through her skin, crushing her bones inward and he fought violently against her powers. "If you won't fight with us, then you won't live to see the fight against us!" he screamed in her ear. He conjured a whip of silver sparks, wrapping the magic whip against her throat.

Onyx struggled to breathe as he hurled her towards the ground. She could feel the panic set in her bones, bubbling up in her stomach and exploding throughout her body as she struggled to pry his viper grip away from the lash.

The world became a blurry image of fire and smoke and her very existence began to slip away from her. Before she could fall into unconsciousness, a force blew right through her and Rashnov, jolting her awake. The tightening around her throat was gone and the demi-hybrid took a huge breath, catching herself from falling.

She looked behind her to see Yongui lashing at the head tribe leader, her talon nails scratching at his skin. Sahara grabbed a hold of his magic whip and cracked it into two, slashing it against his skin and wrapping it around his body to hold him in place as Raiyah retrieved a sharpened dagger from her waistband and pierced it through his throat.

His screams of agony rang across the battlefield as the three women discarded him to the earth below. They flew over to Onyx, worry in their eyes. "Are you okay?" Yongui asked, patting her down. "Did he hurt you?"

"I'm fine. Is he dead?" Onyx asked back. Raiyah shook her head. "Sadly no. He's out for now, but he'll heal."

"I'd love to chat with you guys, but if you haven't noticed, we're in the middle of a battle and we need to get to Raebar's body before they do!" Sahara yelled over the sound of magic clashing. Onyx nodded, a sudden strength flushing through her body. "Sahara is right! We have a kingdom to save!"

Following the three nightdwellers, Onyx kept up with them as they soared through the sky, veering away from the on-going fight and taking an alternative path to the body. Onyx could feel her heart pounding against her ribcage as if it was ready to explode. They sailed past the roaring waters of Tide Oyaos and through the jagged mountains and trees until they reached the dark corner of Elsavior. "We buried his body at the opening of the dark mass that separates our kingdoms from other worlds. Since the barrier is broken, this is the safest place to hold it for now until we can find a way to rebuild the barrier again. We can submerge him into the darkness and hold him there until further notice."

"So, what do we do with the body now?" Onyx asked. "I suggest that we burn it." Yongui shook her head. "That would not be the smartest decision. Burning Raebar's body would have several consequences and we do not have the time to list all of them. The best thing to do now is to relocate his body and eradicate any trace of magic we left before they find us" Sahara suggested. "Onyx, I need you to siphon the magic protection around his body so that we will be able to relocate it. Yongui and Raiyah will keep watch."

"And what will you do?" Onyx asked, eyeing her. Sahara thought for a minute before shrugging. "I'll eradicate our magical trail. Come on. Let's move. This is not the time to be questioning me." Yongui and Raiyah flew outside to make sure no one had followed them while Onyx kneeled next to Raebar.

Her hands were hesitant to touch him, remembering the events that transpired not too long ago. Though he was in a sleepless dream, she couldn't help but feel that he would still be able to kill her. "Onyx, he can't hurt you. He's in a trance. Trust me" Sahara promised.

With a nod, Onyx sank her claws through the magical barrier and channeled its energy to travel through her veins. Flickers of magic ran through her veins and flooded her senses. No images were flicking past her eyes, simply just waves of immense power flooding through her body. Her whole being practically throbbed with power, her skin sizzling and blood boiling under her skin. Minutes passed before the hum of magic disappeared from her fingers and the world became silent again.

"Done" Onyx whispered, elevating herself up. Sahara nodded, stooping down to check for the surrounding area. "Good. No magic barrier is detected. We can move him now" she informed, casting a look over to the demi-hybrid. "Are you okay?"

"Yes. I just didn't anticipate the power that would overwhelm my body" she whispered, shrugging her shoulders. Sahara nodded, running her fingers through her hair. "The barrier was composed of different magical components. That's normal to feel. Now help me heave his heavy ass up."

With a grunt and combined strength, they were both able to lift his body. "Are the coast still clear guys?" Onyx turned around to ask Yongui and Raiyah who both nodded. "But not for long. They'll find us eventually because of our magic trail so please place the body and eradicate our trail."

With a nod, Sahara led the way through the dark mass of the kingdom. Onyx held on to the body as they navigated their way through the endless darkness until they stopped at the edge of the kingdom where a slate of grey matter broke through the darkness. "They grey matter divides Elsavior from other kingdoms and worlds."

Onyx looked around the blackness abyss and channeled her magic to her fingertips. A white orb formed in her palms, shining a light in the obscure shade of midnight. "Lower that glare! You don't want to attract our enemies!" With a nod, Onyx was able to dim the light down to the point where only she and Sahara could make out the shadows that were casted around them.

"Okay. Let go of him. He'll free-float in here due to the high concentration of magic in this one area." Onyx hesitantly let go and watched Raebar free float in the mass. "Will this keep him contained?" she asked. Sahara shook her head, her wild eyes watching the leader. "Sadly no, but it will make it harder for anyone to access him since the dark mass absorbs any counter spells thrown into it. Most people can't see this dark mass of the kingdom. You only gain the sight if you've been living in the kingdom for so long that your magic adjusts to it, if you have a special bond with any of the higher ranking rulers, or if you are born in a royal bloodline. If you don't apply to neither, you can't see it."

"But I am sure there are ways for those who don't fall in either category to gain the sight" Onyx implied. "There is always a way with magic."

"You're right, but that requires an immense concentration of dark magic and a powerful witch or sorcerer. It's a dangerous alternative that rarely ends well." She looked around her surroundings and shivered, clutching on to her wrist. She looked down to see her veins glow red and looked back up with panicked eyes. "We need to go. Now."

Having no time to question her, Onyx extinguished the light in her hands and blindly followed Sahara through the darkness. She relied on her hearing and the magic trail Sahara left behind to emerge out of the dark mass. The night was cold and unforgiving, and the sounds of battle could still be heard from a mile away. A mighty roar ripped through the silence, practically shaking the castle.

"Get behind me Onyx. Now" Sahara ordered. The demi-hybrid did as she was told, hiding behind her enormous wings as she carefully drifted towards the opening of the dark mass where Yongui and Raiyah had been keeping guard. "Raiyah, Yongui. If you can hear me, send a spark down the bond."

The two waited in the uncertain darkness, inching towards the area where Raiyah and Yongui were last seen. Onyx held her breath as Sahara stopped dead in her steps. Her frantic eyes searched the area and her breathing quickened. A second of silence, maybe two, passed before Sahara turned back and grabbed Onyx by the shoulders.

With no words, she tackled the demi-hybrid out of the way just as a streak of bright light crossed their paths. The light exploded into a thousand sparks, the echo of its death ringing in the air. Onyx grunted against Sahara's grip; her breath hitched in her throat as a burst of hoarse laughter surrounded them.

"I was wondering when you were going to come out. It's been boring keeping your friends captive." They both turned around to see Heather and Irene emerge from the shadows, holding a knife in one hand and their friends in another. Yongui growled against Heather's grip, her talons sinking into her skin, but the tribe leader simply tightened her grip around her neck, rendering her useless.

A smile curled on Heather's face, her eyes glinting. "Surprise."

"How did you find us?" Sahara questioned. Irene rolled her eyes, turning over to Raiyah. "Your magic trail was just too strong to ignore" she responded, a victorious smile on her lips. She turned over to Heather who was running the tip of her blade down Yongui's face.

"This one tried to perform a spell to eradicate your scent, but she wasn't quick enough. Isn't that right, Yongui?"

"Burn in hell, murderous son of a bitch!" she hissed back, Heather frowned, applying pressure on the blade until it pierced through Yongui's cheek. She suppressed a scream even as a trail of blood pooled from the open wound. "Don't insult me now, Yongui. You wouldn't want anything to happen to those lovely nephews of yours."

Despite herself, Yongui kept her mouth shut, looking down. "What do you want?" Onyx asked, emerging from Sahara's back. "You have nothing her to claim."

"And that's where you are wrong, Onyx. You see, we figured you four knew where Raebar's body was and this whole thing started when you refused to hand over his body to its rightful owner" Irene explained, pinching Raiyah's feathers. Raiyah aimed an elbow kick to Irene's abdominal, but the tribe leader caught her hand and held it against her back with a sharp twist.

"Exactly," Heather said, joining in. "We don't want to drag this on any longer, so I'll cut to the chase. Hand over Raebar's body or I will singlehandedly tear apart this pathetic kingdom until we get it. I will rip all of you apart limb by limb and set the entire Inner Circle on fire until you all burn into nothing but ashes."

"Pretty descriptive for someone that can't even cast a simple fire spell" Sahara retorted back, crossing her arms. "Let's be real Heather. You don't possess a damn bone in your body to even strike a match, much less go through with your plans of domination. You're nothing but a pawn playing in this game and soon enough, you will be casted out and crushed by all the sins you have committed in your vile, useless life."

Sahara's eyes narrowed into slits, shifting between the two tribe leaders. "And I will be there to watch it."

"Don't you dare speak to us like that!" Irene exclaimed. "Who do you think you are reprimanding us? You're nothing but a body for Seron to use and toss away after he's done."

"And you are too busy sucking off Rashnov to realize that you're just another one of his tall tales to retell as time passes by!" Sahara pushed back with a snarl. " I don't have time for this, and I do not have time for you!"

"Give us Raebar's body!" the tribe leaders exclaimed.

"Or else what?" Onyx responded, crossing her fingers. "What can you threaten us with that we have not lived through?"

"Aw, look at Onyx. Finally learning her baby steps" Heather cooed, bringing the blade to Yongui's neck. "It would be a shame for your friends to die at the hands of your selfishness." Yongui shivered at the touch of the blade on her neck. Her eyes went wide and her skin paled. She casted a look over to Raiyah who was drifting in and out of consciousness, relentless spirit exhaustion engulfing her.

Onyx casted a look over to Sahara who watched them with wide eyes. Her lips were pulled into a frown and her hands were crossed but through her composure, Onyx could see the slight quiver of her fingers and the slight bead of sweat running down the bridge of her nose. "Sahara?" Onyx whispered but she was in complete shock, shaking her head.

"Fine. We'll give you his body" Onyx agreed, turning her attention back to the tribe leaders. "If it means Yongui and Raiyah get to live, then I'll hand you his body." Sahara turned towards her, fury in her eyes. "Onyx! You can't be serious! That will ruin everything!"

"And if we don't, the court loses two important members. Draco would never forgive us for sacrificing Yongui and Raiyah for the sake of his body!" Onyx seethed, turning back to the two tribe leaders. "Let them go and I'll lead you to them."

"Or you can retrieve his body and we'll just hold on to your friends until you get back" Heather implied, holding the blade against Yongui's neck. "Kill her and you can forget about getting your precious leader's body. I'll skin him alive myself."

Heather frowned before sighing, letting go of Yongui. Irene released Raiyah and the two court members embraced, holding on to one another. "Follow me" Onyx insisted, flying towards the dark mass. She flew towards the opening of the dark mass, its empty abyss beckoning her to come through.

"What is this? There is nothing to look at?" Irene exclaimed, folding her hands over her shoulders. "That's because you can't see it and you won't be able to have any access. I'll retrieve the body. You stay here" Onyx instructed.

"Like hell, we will. We are following you" Heather shot back. She grabbed Raiyah's hand and held her close, her eyes blazing with madness. Shrugging her shoulders, Onyx flew towards the abyss. Sahara and Yongui trailed by her side and soon, they were engulfed by darkness. Heather and Irene were hot on their trail but soon stopped when they met the barrier in front of them.

"What the hell? Let us through!" Irene screeched, casting a streak of light at the barrier. It deflected and shattered into oblivion, the barrier standing still. "I told you. You don't have access to it as being from outside realms. Only we can see it."

"Inner circle beings are so high-strung and conceited with your fancy magical creations!" Heather screamed. "Fine! Have it your way!" The tribe leader pulled out her blade and held it against Raiyah's neck. "But if you don't bring him back before the last man surrenders, I will slaughter her before your eyes." Raiyah shivered and broke down, her complexion paling.

Onyx ground her teeth together and heaved. "Don't count on your luck."

She tuned out the leaders out, flying deep into the dark mass. "Please tell me you have a plan" Yongui whispered as they navigated their way through the darkness.

Onyx conjured up a ball of light in her hands, illuminating their path. "Of course, I do, Yongui. Don't underestimate me" she said, a grin breaking into her face. They neared the silhouette of the body, the glow of the light orb dimming when they were close enough to touch it. Onyx let go of the orb, looking down at the tribe leader's body once again.

Raebar Casvionel. The tyrant who ruined her life. The father of the man who broke her heart. The reason why everything she had ever dreamed of was stripped away from her.

"I swear on everything I am; I will kill you, Raebar Casvionel. Be it my sword or my bare hands" Onyx whispered through locked teeth, curling her fingers into a fist. "As I promised your son, your heart will burn, and I will spread the ashes over your grave. With Kaslibieth-Talgran blood running through my veins, no one crosses my path. Not even darkness. And no one can burn me. Not even fire and I will be damned if my downfall is at your feet."

Sahara rested a hand on Onyx's shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "Now you're thinking like an empress. So, what is your plan?" she said, giving her a puzzled look. Onyx reached into her cloak and pulled out her sword. Its golden head glowed before her eyes, intricate details burning through the darkness.

She reached down and pried one of the tiny gemstones off the sword, tearing it from its iron grip with a grunt. The golden topaz shimmered in her hand, a gem that matched her watchful eyes. "Yongui, I need your magical spells to turn this gemstone into some sort of accessory. Be it a ring or a bracelet."

"Really? That's your plan?" Yongui questioned, raising her brows. "Decorating him?"

"Just trust me" Onyx reassured. Yongui nodded and took the gem, closing her eyes to chant a few spells. Strings of dark silver and burnt gold engulfed the gemstone until a strong band had emerged around it and the gem forcefully placed into an iron hold in the middle. When she was done, Yongui handed the gem back to Onyx, now in the shape of a ring.

"I can't form a bond with him naturally, so I'll just have to force it internally without his knowledge" Onyx explained. She raised her sword and slid it across the soft flesh of her palm until blood spewed. Securing the weapon back into her cloak, she placed the ring in the pool of blood and closed her eyes.

"Jẹ ki ẹmi ati ẹjẹ wa ni iṣọkan ninu nkan yii lailai. riran sinu nkan apaadi ki o kun fun awọn ifẹ mi. Apapo laarin awọn legacies, awọn dynasties, ati ẹjẹ ati tẹ ni ifẹ mi titi ẹmi mi ti o kẹhin yoo tu silẹ lati jẹ ki o lọ."

Onyx chanted the last of her words and opened her palm. The ring looked normal except for the reddish tint it had when it was held up to the light. The blood on her hands was gone.

"What did you do?" Sahara asked as the demi-hybrid placed the ring on Raebar's finger. "That was a dark blood spell. Only superior BloodBones can speak in the ancient Yiela tongue. That spell could have killed you!" Yongui hissed.

"But it didn't" Onyx responded. "In my free time, I've been doing some more research on my family in the library's restricted section. Turns out, my mother's side was pretty proficient in a lot of witch dialects. I've only been able to perform a few so hopefully, this works. This way, we'll be able to track Raebar through me."

"Impressive and highly dangerous" Sahara commented. "Well, I'll be damned." Onyx smiled, shaking her hand. "Let's give the people what they desire" she replied. With the help of all four, they heaved Raebar's body back to the opening of the dark mass. Onyx illuminated the way until the open mouth of the mass and three silhouettes met her eyes. They emerged just as the light orb was extinguished with the leader's body.

Heather's eyes grew wide at the sight, her grip loosening around Raiyah until she was able to slip out of her grasp. She rushed over to him, gently cradling the body in her hands. "It's him, Irene. Everything we've been working for has been for this moment."

She shrieked, turning her eyes towards Onyx once more. "This isn't over, Onyx. We'll tear your entire kingdom and everything you've ever loved."

"That treacherous man already did. I have nothing to lose" she shot back, earning a glare from the tribe leaders. Before they could respond, a streak of bright fire shot across the night sky, followed by a loud explosion and grieving voices overlapping one another. A painful sting shot through Onyx's body, the pain overwhelming her brain as she delved through an unknown mind.

Images flickered before her eyes. Fire. Bloody Glass. Screams. The palace. Draco.

Onyx gasped as she centered herself, looking over to Raiyah who met her gaze with a knowing look. "Onyx, what's wrong? What's happening?" Yongui asked, rushing over to her.

Before she could reply, another explosion rang through the air, a bright silver streak stripping through the air. "That's our signal, Heather. Let's retreat and bring them the joyful news!" Irene responded. The tribe leaders shot through the air, using their magic to levitate through the air and carry Raebar's body.

Onyx snarled, another painful wave washing over her body. "The palace!" she screamed, seeing more images of grass burning, windows shattering, and bodies scattered on the ground. "The palace! It's on fire!"

"Have fun with your wicked games, Onyx. Blow Draco a kiss for me!" Heather taunted, before disappearing into the night sky.

Onyx shook her head, shooting through the sky and weaving her way pasts mountains and trees as she flew towards the palace. Raging fire danced through the air and hundreds of bodies were scattered everywhere. Though most of the court members seemed to have retreated, several more rulers and guards stayed behind to fight the dwindling enemies, beams of magic clashing and animalistic roars piercing through the night sky.

Onyx wiped the incoming tears the streaked her face as the palace came into view, watching her surrounding area.

Broken buildings, dead bodies, fire, blood.

Her world was unraveling and there was nothing she could do but watch and bleed. 

A/N: And that is the end of Chapter Thirty Nine!

I know I haven't been on wattpad in forever. I have been focusing a lot of my energy on college and doing well in my classes so I hope you can forgive me! Life has been crazy for me these past few months. Fun but crazy!

But I have finished the book in my drafts and I am releasing chapters one by one!

So tell me what you guys thought of this chapter.

How are you liking The Septic Curse and how do you feel about the book ending soon? Let me know in the comments below!

Are you guys enjoying the books and series so far? I want to hear your honest opinion!

Any NEW Ships you like?

Any specific scenes you liked! Any conspiracies? I would love to hear them!

Love you guys!

Thank you guys for all your constant support. It means so much to me that you enjoy this book. I enjoy writing it and to hear your feedback always makes my day!

So tell me what your thoughts are on this chapter and don't forget to comment down below and vote if you liked it.

Until next time Lovelies!

With love, May