Filed to story: Luna Riannon and Alpha Brayden Novel
Changing it.
“Since I lost a Champion, I need a replacement!” The words were clearly a threat. “I will give you the most powerful gift, Forrest! Enjoy!”
“No!” the wolf tried to struggle as much as he could, but it proved useless as immense pain overpowered him, submitting his whole being and breaking him.
Forrests screams echoed through the halls and corridors; making people stop and wonder what was happening until a dazzling array of light illuminated everything around them. Time seemed to stand still for mere seconds as the burst of magical energy consumed everything and everyone.
And when it was over, no one could remember why they paused in their tracks and what happened mere seconds ago.
Joran’s revenge was done.
***
Astrea and Gideon reached the Archives when the flash of light made a chill crawl down the Dragonfly’s spine.
Gasping, she looked around, quickly realising that people had already forgotten about the occurrence and went on with business as if nothing had happened at all.
She knew that trick and looked at the Western King by her side, who didn’t seem to notice anything either, to confirm it. It was a typical reaction for a mortal, and only now had Astrea realised that she could see those little divine manipulations before but never really questioned them,assuming Joran wanted her to know when he used magic.
A part of her hoped that right now her Teacher and Vidar were kicking the life out of each other. This would have made things so much easier for them.
*What is it? Gideon caught her worried gaze.
“Nothing.” She shook her head, thinking that Joran could take care of himself. She had to concentrate on finding her sister. “We need to look in the property section. Since Vidar uses his identity as a Lothgar family member, Riannon is likely hidden nearby in one of their residences. The Republic has stringent laws. Every document has to have a copy in the Archives. So, all we need is to find the registration forms on what belongs to them in the capital, and we will have a shot at finding her.”
“Lead the way,” Gideon nodded, following her. She could tell this was not easy on him, but at the same time, he was holding up surprisingly well.
“Why do you think she didn’t warn us?” The words slipped her tongue before she realised it.
“Riannon-” The King rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Ria is the Moon Goddess’ champion. There are things she doesn’t tell, even me. Things that I don’t need to know. She only reveals what is of use to the ones who listen, and if she didn’t warn us, that means she either didn’t know or-“
“She believes we didn’t need to know,” Astrea concluded. “
Does it mean that she is safe?”
They finally found the section of shelves starting with L and turned that way, seeing rows and rows of documents.
“Not necessarily.” A shadow ran over Gideon’s face. “If she believes her death is for the greater good, she would go with it. Of that, I am sure. And while Riannon makes the world a better place, my task is to ensure that nothing bad happens to her. As you can see, I failed.”
“You didn’t fail!” She shot him a reproachful gaze. “I don’t know if you noticed, but it’s not exactly a levelled playfield here.”
She was scanning the titles on the folders as she went.
What they were looking for had to be somewhere here. In the meantime, Fenir went to the underground level with Warg to get Salome out. Although they decided not to make a scene in front of the Alpha Convocation, there was no way they were leaving one of their own behind.
“I know,” Gideon admitted. “And I know what you are, in case you are wondering.”
“Can you tell me?” She let out a stifled chuckle that still echoed through the rooms with high dome ceilings. “I am not so sure myself what I am anymore.”
“You’ll figure it out soon,” Gideon assured her and paused briefly, a perplexed expression painting his face. “Can you promise me something, Astrea?”
“What is it?” She had to move to the next row, as she still didn’t find the correct folder.
“Save Riannon, please, he said, a noticeable quiver in his tone. “Our son – He won’t survive without her.”
Her body went rigid hearing this, and she met his gaze, sensing that there was more than what he was telling her.
“So pitiful.” The snarky voice behind their backs made them turn on their heels and face Vidar, leaning against one of the tall white columns with his hands in his pockets.
“Don’t worry, the blonde Queen is safe and sound. She is my guest, after all.”
A growl emerged through the halls.
“You got what you wanted,” Gideon seethed. “Give me my wife back now!”
“That does not depend on me.” The God of Vengeance pushed off the column and sauntered towards them, eyes fixated on Astrea.
Gideon stepped in front of her. “Don’t put the responsibility on a woman.”
“Boy,” Vidar’s eyes darkened, almost becoming black. “I am not talking to you.”
“Too bad,” the western king bared his teeth, “because I am not going anywhere.”
“Interesting.” Vidar’s lips curled into a smirk. “I wonder if you are simply stupid or don’t know who you are talking to right now.”
“Oh, I know,” Gideon flexed his jaw. “I am talking to a piece of-“
“All right!” Astrea squeezed between them, trying to distance her brother in-law from her mate. “Let’s not go down that road, okay?”
Vidar and Gideon drilled each other’s skulls with their glares for a few more moments before the God of Vengeance lazily shifted his gaze to her.
“As I was saying, the Queen’s freedom is up to you, my love.
Astrea cringed at the words, but Riannon was more important.
“What do you want?” She pursed her lips, waiting for the worst. And the God of Vengeance did not disappoint.
“I just want you to make a choice,” he taunted.
“Between you and Fenrir?” She arched a brow.
“No,” he interrupted her, fixing the lapels on his coat.”
Between the Queen of the Western Kingdom and that girl…
Nikki, was it?”
A shudder coursed through her body. Until now, she was sure Nikki was safe in the penthouse with Bjorn, where they left them.
“Yeah,” Vidar smirked, enjoying her reaction. This was precisely what he counted on. “It’s your real sister versus a chosen one.”
Gideon snarled, ready to charge at the man who would inevitably kill him, and Astrea grasped his hand, squeezing it as tight as she could to bring him back to his senses.
“What did you do to them? Where are they?” Her heart was racing
“They are in my safe houses.” Vidar got a bent folder from the inner pocket of his black cashmere coat. “And both the addresses are right here.”
She stepped towards him, and he shook his head as a warning.
“Not so fast!” The deity sneered. “I decided that when you are back in Asgard, you need a friend there too. And there is only one way for a mortal to get to Asgard-“
The colour drained from her face.
“Don’t!” she warned him, growing her claws on an instinct.
If it had been anybody else, she would have torn him to pieces.
“Choose one to get back to her life and one to join the gods!” Vidar grinned at her, maliciously enjoying all this.
“I will not choose!” Astrea pursed her lips. How could she?
Both women were too important to her. Riannon was her sister by blood, but Nikki… she spent years with her as the only family she had.
“Then I will kill both,” Vidar promised, and she knew he would keep this word.
“Why would you want any of them in Asgard?” She gave him a withering glance.