The Delta's Daughter Chapter 109

LAMIA

“Why didn’t you heal?” The concern in Mathias' voice was sweet, although he looked annoyed as his eyes raked my body inspecting the wounds on my arms and back, holding on to me for dear life, eliciting little sparks of joy to dance across my skin.

I reached out to Inanna ‘Inanna, why didn’t you heal me?’ I was met with silence. I didn’t have an answer for Mathias.

I shook my head at Mathias, telling him without words, that I didn’t know. “Where are you hurt?” I questioned him instead.

“Nowhere baby, I healed.” He replied after biting his wrist and letting the blood drip onto and into my wounds, allowing them to begin healing immediately. I wasn’t the only one who had blood that could heal, it seems.

I took a quick look round, and no one else seemed surprised, but Mike and Travis did give a couple of raised eyebrows. I wasn't sure what their looks were meant to convey, so I just gave them a tight-lipped smile.

“Lamia!” My father came rushing to my side; he was wearing one of the armor suits, and it looked tight on him and, thankfully, handing Mathias a pair of shorts. Paying no attention to my mates' groan, he threw his arms around me,

“Please tell me it’s over and there is no more fighting, your mother is probably going to go insane if there is another war, and I don't think this old wolf could last another one. I need to retire.” He rushed out in a light-hearted tone. But I could also sense the seriousness and worry in it too.

“No more war Dad, I promise.” I said, hugging him back just as tightly. I hoped I could keep that promise.

“Odeia sends her regards, she turned up at the royal palace the day before we left.” He smirked and revealed a dagger, coated in yellow gold, pummeled with a giant clear jewel that looked like a diamond and handed it to Mathias. “She said when you are ready, to use this to lift the curse.”

Mathias took the dagger, inspecting it as he turned it over. He looked at me, peeking past my emerald eyes and into my soul; my heart skipped a beat when his eyes glowed, the silver illuminating.

*When do we want to do this my Queen?* He asked through the mind–link. I felt his hesitation towards the task at hand, he too was unsure about how to lift the curse and what it entailed.

*Not until we address the armies. Maybe Lucien has an idea of how this is meant to be done. I think we have to wait until the full moon* I replied knowing he meant lifting the curse and taking our seats on the thrones of Riocht.

I wasn’t sure if I was ready for this, another unknown. What if it was another trial from the Gods, and how much of my blood did they need? I was not mentally prepared to deal with this.

I wanted a report on how many fighters we lost today. I wanted to take care of our people first. That I could handle.

*Always the one to think of others first, you were born to rule little wolf.* Mathias said, as if reading my mind.

*****

When all was said and done, my father and Uncle Michael took charge and began instructing warriors who weren’t injured in the battle to start moving bodies and others to tend to the injured. Rhett began rounding up the remaining rogue shifters, finding not all were rogues, some deflected from their packs or were packs from the borough’s and others came from another continent, ready to serve who they thought was their king.

“Alpha Timothy!” I called to one of the wolves helping to clean up the carnage.

“Lamia, my dear niece, it is good to see you alive and well.” He bowed to me “I haven’t seen you since you were… this high.” I chuckled when his hand lowered to his knees. It had been a while.

“What are you doing here?” I asked my estranged uncle, of the Black Moon pack. I was surprised he was here. I thought it was just the elite warriors Kellen had brought into battle.

“When my brother calls and tells me yet again, my niece is part of some grand prophecy, of course I’m going to answer the call.” He smiled at me, holding an endearing look. He was not that different from my father - looks wise. His black hair was a mass of curls with more grey though, and his green eyes weren’t as bright as my father's either.

“Thank you, Uncle, for fighting for all shifters. I am honored to have your presence.” He gave a curt nod in appreciation of my honesty.

He went back to helping, but not before telling me to not be a stranger. I wondered who else was here that came to join the fight. I knew warriors from Golden Circle were not here, The Golden Circle pack volunteered to assist the Royal pack as the ranking officers went to war.

There were still so many people wandering around and dead that needed to be accounted for.

I had felt the break of pack links throughout the fight, but had no time to try and recognize who it was in the heat of battle.

Every Alpha felt the death of one of their pack members. It was a certain type of sharp pain, like a one inch hot rod, poking you right in the ribs, right under the heart, but it was quick. That's when you felt the loss of the pack link, a small little thread would snap in your head.

I stood up from my seated position on the floor, my body felt over worked and strained and my mind was drained, I was having a hard time keeping my thoughts straight, so I needed to address everyone before my energy completely depleted.

The armies of warriors would be looking to their leaders to speak. To tell them what to do next, lead them forward.

I opened my mind and called my father to where I now stood, asking everyone to stop what they were doing and gather round.

Kellen, Crimson and Mathias called out to their own warriors that I could not connect with, and people started to gather.

I held Mathias' hand and Kellen came to my other side, but did not take my hand for the first time I could ever remember. It felt strange.  

“We need to address everyone.” I said to the two kings beside me. Hoping one of them would open the dialogue.

Mathias stepped up to the plate. “Clan’s, Packs and Clowders!” His profound and strong voice rang across the mass, he stood tall and robust like a mighty king, compelling all to settle and listen to him.

“We have suffered a great loss today! Each kingdom has lost brave men and women who fought for a just cause. The enemy we defeated today, would have had us thrown back into the dark ages, using unholy creatures they created by snatching away, humans and shifters alike!

"Today, a new era begins, one where freedom is offered to all, regardless of race. Today we, as a realm, move forward and embrace our neighbors. Today a new Queen rises! a Queen who is fair, a queen who will uphold the laws for both shifters and humans, a queen who will sit upon the throne of Riocht and lift the curse! she will rule above all other Kings and Queens, as she was chosen by the gods to lead us all from evils that threaten our ways of life...”

Mathias turned towards me, and took my hands in his. The look of pure love and adoration over shadowed the pride I could feel coming from him through our bond.

“…And, if she will have me, I will rule by her side and promise the people of this realm to deliver us from the clutches of future evils.” I nodded yes. Of course, I would have him.

We belonged to each other. Nothing could ever change that. He accepted me, he helped me move on. I fell in love with him. Even without the pull of the mate bond, we were destined to be together.

Kellen stepped forward to address the crowd when he realized Mathias and I weren’t breaking eye contact anytime soon.

“As King of the wolves, I pledge my allegiance to Mathias and Lamia, King and Queen of this realm, my kingdom will forever serve you.” He bowed to us then turned to my father “Delta Marcus, could I ask you to lead us all in prayer, to show our gratification and respect to our fellow men and women who have lost their lives today?”

My father stepped up and bowed his head in prayer. The combined armies all followed suit and bowed their heads, and some took a knee as my father’s words touched each of our souls.

“Selene, mistress of the moon, mother to us all,

We offer thanks to your many gifts and we ask

That today, you gift each fallen soldier with the right of passage,

That you receive their souls and let their spirit animals

cross in peace. Giving them passage into the next life,

may their paths be marked by the shinning of the stars light.

We offer our prayers and thanks, that you guide and care for our

Loved ones, who will no longer tread this realm.

Thanks be to the moon goddess”

“Thanks be to the moon goddess” collectively everyone repeated the last verse, before my father rose to his feet.

I walked to the front, knowing I needed to say something; after all, it was me who would be sitting on the throne and spilling my blood and it was me who was the cause of another war. . I truly hated being the centre of attention. One would think I would be used to it by now, but I wasn’t.

“Warriors!” I bellowed, finding my strength. “There are no words to describe my thanks to each and every one of you. You all fought valiantly for your realm, and my heart bleeds for the men and women we lost. Tonight, we make camp here. Tomorrow we begin anew.

Today you didn't just fight for me to take a title, you fought to keep your neighbors, brother, sisters. You fought for your fellow warriors. Let this be the last war for many centuries, that is what we fought for, to bring peace across the territories!”

Clapping and hollering cheers sounded out across the armies of three nations, and MacTire's.

Today they had fought together, three shifter races, working together to fight for a better future for all.

I honestly didn’t know what else to say, Mathias had pretty much covered it all. The crowd began dispersing as they were instructed to carry on with their tasks.

I moved over to one of the arches, and sat down on the ledge of one of the statues. Mathias came to sit with me, scooping me up in his arms and placing me in his lap as he too, perched on the ledge.

It had only been a few minutes before Lucien, the Lycan Alpha, along with Tawny and Crimson came over to us.

“My Queen,” Lucien began, “It is time.” I raised an eyebrow at him, questioning his words. “To, lift the curse.” He clarified.

“I thought we had to wait until the full moon?” I asked, feeling a little confused.

He chuckled “No, there is no rule, it can be done anytime. Fables and history always skew the details and make things more complicated, or seem more ominous.”

I looked at Mathias, who nodded his head, then at Tawny, making the rounds to Mike and Kellen, Hunji and Rhett.

“No rest for the wicked.” Mike jested and I just sighed.

“No rest at all” I agreed, “ OK, let’s do this. What do we have to do?” I asked, still unsure but too tired to argue.

Lucien explained, then led us into the throne room, everyone was there, and when I say everyone I mean all the key players and leaders, and then warriors started to gather, filling the grand room.

Mathias and I walked up to the two enormous thrones. They were made of pure gold with a velvet backing and cushions, in deep green.

I timidly sat on the seat, my hand holding onto Mathias’ for dear life. I was weary but also felt uncomfortable that I was sitting on something so luxurious in the dirt and blood-stained clothes. I always hoped a coronation would be something more... Pretty?

*Relax little wolf* he chuckled hearing his voice in my head, then feeling his calming emotions wash through me.

I couldn’t understand how he could be so relaxed, while I was literally sitting on the edge of the seat, my anxiety levels rising in anticipation. I took a deep breath and steadied my raging thoughts and felt Inanna stirring, offering me her strength. Her lack of worry and Mathias’ calmness eased me somewhat.

So when Lucien came forth with the dagger in his hands, I pushed my worries down further and put up a wall to my feelings and a mask on my face, still not letting go of Mathias' hand.

“My queen,” he bowed.

His voice rose and echoed through the grand hall, “We gather to witness the Rise of the true Queen and her mate, her king. The gods have written in the stars, that you would come and take your rightful place, leading this realm into a new beginning and bringing the races together.

With this dagger, we spill your blood. Your blood alone will lift the curse. Your blood is the key. You will be known as the queen of shifters, all will know your name and will feel your rise to power.” He stood. “Do you accept this position of power and pledge to uphold the laws of Riocht?”

“I do” I answered, surprisingly my voice was steady.

“Then with this dagger, I will cut your wrist, and then the kings, you will bleed into the bowl until the curse has been unlocked and lifted.” He finished, nodding to the stone pedestal that stood between the two thrones.

I had no idea exactly how much blood they needed, but I lifted the hand that I still held Mathias’ tightly, out to Lucien.

*Together* I asked Mathias.

*Together* he replied, giving my hand a slight squeeze.

We held out our hands for Lucien to cut, expecting him to slash our wrists open, thinking he was going to bleed me into the stone pedestal. The middle was hollowed down to form a smooth bowl and at the bottom was a rectangular slit, bordered by gold-colored metal.

I felt like a sacrificial lamb on the altar, ready to be slaughtered. Suddenly, self-doubt began to creep in. My face must have mirrored my thoughts when Lucien gave me a puzzled look.

Lucien lifted the dagger and made a small cut on my wrist, the blood began to pool and I let it run into the bowl. He did the same to Mathias and we held our wrists together and let our blood mix in the bowl. The thick red liquid dripped into the bowl and fell through the small slit.

Our wounds healed and I looked at Lucien, wondering if he needed to cut us again. There wasn’t that much blood at all.

I watched as our essence drizzled down into the open slit. There was a hiss at our feet and the stone cracked, opening on its own.

Lucien placed the tip of the dagger into the slit, a puff of air sounded and you could see the glow of a blue light beneath the stone. When the stone moved and slid back, another pedestal rose from underneath, and stopped when it was seated in front of the two thrones. This time, it, too, was gold.

Lucien laughed. “What were you expecting?”

“I’m not sure” I whispered to him, not wanting anyone else to hear, how stupid I felt, thinking they were going to bleed me like a stuck pig.

I had panicked about how much blood they needed, when it was only a few drops. I couldn’t help but be annoyed with myself. All the worrying for nothing.

I looked at Lucien confused, then back to the pedestal where two crowns sat. “Your blood is the key, your DNA unlocked the crowns. It was only your blood that could unlock the DNA decoder, the dagger acting like a lever, the true power.” He said, giving me a knowing smile. “The king's blood would not unlock the chamber alone, but it is his destiny to rule by your side.” He quietly said, to the both of us.

I had to reign in my temper, as it flared for a brief moment. Mad that all this could have ended so easily, without all the death and grief, if I had only known it was this simple. I opened and closed my mouth a few times, wanting to say something, but also knowing it wasn't the time. So I closed my mouth and bit back the outburst that was daring to come out.

Lifting the smaller of the two plain gold crowns, he came to my side. The crown was simple, no jewels, just woven pieces of precious metal, made to look like vines or branches twisting and coming to a peak.

He placed the crown on my head. “Rise Queen of Riocht, Queen of the shifters.”

I figured he meant in the literal sense, so, I stood and faced the crowd, who looked on in awe.

“Rise King of Riocht, King of shifters” Lucien said to Mathias, placing a similar looking crown on his head, but thicker and more masculine.

Mathias rose and took my hand again, which I let drop when I had stood. “Children of the gods, Alphas of the shifters, by the power of the gods I pronounce you king and queen.”

Lucien dipped his thumb in the blood residue from the bowl and made a mark on my crown; he then did the same to Mathias and began speaking in the same language Odeia and the priests used in Avalon.

I felt a humming, a buzz through my body, a vibration in my bones, almost the same feeling I would get when holding my swords.

Magic of the gods.

The ripple of pulsing energy shot through me and I could tell Mathias was feeling it too. Sparks ignited between our linked hands, and the static from our bodies built, buzzing through us. I saw the matching mark on Mathias' chest, the bear claw, begin to brighten, the blue ink seemingly dancing from his skin.

I looked down but could not see mine through my vest.

When I thought the vibrations couldn’t be any more intense, like a sonic boom, a pulse of energy rang out and swept through the entire realm, like a ripple on the water.

How did I know this? Because I could feel it, hear it, a whispered breath that sang throughout the minds of all spirit animals. My wolf's spirit reached out to connect with every shifter, her thoughts whispered through the universe.

“All Hail Queen Lamia. All hail King Mathias”

A sudden burst of energy leapt from me and Mathias, I felt my wolf’s presence and knew she was showing through my eyes, her energy strong and dominant as she, too, took her place as Queen, her spirit stretching out and connecting with other shifter counterparts.

I looked at Mathias, his eyes, too, were glowing, a bright and cosmic silver. Through the bond, I could feel Arcas and Inanna welcoming their new-found positions.

I was the Queen the Gods had destined me to be, and Mathias had become the King he was always going to be. 

A new King had risen and along with him came; the Rise of a Queen.