The Delta's Daughter Chapter 383

MIKE

Several Weeks Later

So much has happened in the last few weeks. It seemed like a major event for New Moon had taken place each week since Lyric and I had completed our bond.

In between trying to track down Senko, and working with the other kingdoms on this continent, Tyron was rightfully promoted and officially made Royal Delta. I couldn't be happier for our friend.

Tyron and Kellen had worked out their kinks, and Kellen recognized that Tyron was the right wolf for the position and not Rogue. Rouge is a great guy, one of the best fighters of our time, but he had made it clear where he fitted into New Moon and that was protecting our Queen, Tala. The thing Kellen treasured most.

Tala's official crowning had been rescheduled. Tala said she didn't need a crown and would be happy to use his mother's for the ceremony, but Kellen wasn't having any of that and had a new crown commissioned for her anyway. The crowning ceremony took place two weeks ago.

We kept it on the down low, inviting Alphas and their Lunas and Beta only. Though the whole kingdom celebrated and rejoiced the crowning of their new Queen. It was a new age for New Moon and the spirits of the kingdom had been lifted.

Lyric and I would be holding a mating ceremony next week, small and intimate just close friends and family. We didn't want to make a big deal out of it, and we didn't want word to reach Jonda.

Jonda had been released from the hospital and her belly grew larger each day. Unfortunately, her mind did not seem to be healing. Instead, it was getting worse.

Jonda was living on the Alpha floor with Tala and Kellen, she couldn't understand why we weren't living together. And no one had the heart to keep telling her I was mated to someone else or trying to explain the baby wasn't mine. She had outright rejected the idea that Rhett was her mate, or the child could be his.

Jonda's behavior had left Rhett in a conundrum. He didn't want to leave her, yet he couldn't stay. Constant rejection does something to a man's dignity. He had become bitter and lost. Rhett had to go back to MacTire, he was a Gamma, Alpha Travis' most trusted advisor and friend. So, with much hesitation and deliberation, he left, leaving a heavily pregnant Jonda with us.

I visit Jonda every day, and all I can say is how thankful I am for Lyric's patience. I don't take Lyric's patience with the situation for granted because believe me, she doesn't like it one bit. But thankfully, she can see that Jonda's mind has been tainted and she trusts in our bond enough to know that we are solid.

I truly hope that one day, Jonda will wake up from whatever reality she is stuck in, but it doesn't look good.

We are still searching for Senko. Lamia has teams of scouts in every kingdom and borough. The Kodiak Kingdom, Cambiador, New Moon, and MacTire have all joined in the Queen of Shifters' promise to hunt down the Shadow Witch.

Hunji and Morgan have been traveling between kingdoms, in hopes that Morgan will have a vision or pick up on something. The last time they were here was a few days ago before they headed to Cambiador to see Tawny, Crimson, and Mason, Morgan looked tired and drained. The poor witch had been pulled in every direction.

I was beginning to think maybe the realm needed more witches, as long as they were good like Morgan and not evil as shit like Senko. But they were few and far between.

Senko, his army of greys or the rogues he worked with, had not attacked since that time in Golden Circle. I was still debating if this was a good thing or if it was the calm before the storm. It was too much to wish that he would just disappear, and we could all live in peace.

I wasn't naive enough to think that was a real possibility.

The translation of the epitaph hadn't told any more than we already knew. It described the four stones and that a gateway would be open between realms. It spoke of a powerful light that was needed to activate the stones and break the magical spell that had sealed the portals between our worlds. Lyric had already told us that it stated: Upon his rebirth, he will open the gates between realms once more.

We could only assume that upon his rebirth, meant Senko as It mentions a dark witch with blood magic, Oliver had stated that too.

The whole translation read as such:

Four stones hidden - to shield the realm.

Fashioned from the blood of gods who ruled this realm.

To save the immortal born of the goddess's blood, a descendant of the first.

Upon his rebirth, the right hand of Aodh, the dark witch,

will open the gates between realms once more.

And the chosen shall return to the underworld as promised to Aodh.

Only the light of Zeus' bolt will break the seal of magic.

Lyric and everyone else seemed to think I was the key to the powerful light. Especially after Senko's remarks to me when I faced him in Golden Circle. I didn't want to admit it, but after what I did, how could I not?

One question among many was how I acquired this growing power.

Duke, my wolf who was content and happier than ever, is adamant that it was Lamia's bite and blood from long ago that changed my destiny. That and the night I became a Knight of the queen.

Duke's confession to me had not gone unthought of either, that his former form had been the leader of Aodh's army. He kept the name, Duke, as that had been his given title as he led the underworld god's army of dark.

I had had no more dreams of Ashe, and neither had anyone else. Hunji sent letters to the priestess Ascena with questions. So far, they have gone unanswered.

Finnegan Artos was trying to track down rogues and hybrids that were party to the previous attacks on the Kodiak Kingdom. It was our belief that they were either working for or with Senko.

In Cambiador, Crimson had increased security not only for the werecat kingdom but also for Tolba as the Pride concealed a mirror that was the suspected gateway. Mason, Tawny's Beta, led a search in Lewe where the children with yellow eyes had been found. Hoping to discover Senko's whereabouts.

Tawny's belly grew bigger each day with the twins she carried. It was suspected that she would give birth within the next month and a half or two. Their doctor seemed to think she wouldn't last full term and had her on light duties. I could only guess how much the little wild cat loved that.

Travis, I hope, hid nothing now that he confessed Oliver was still alive. Oliver had given him more details about what he knew of Silas, Orion, and Senko's history of acquaintance. Filling in some of the gaps that Shayna's letters to Farid left out.

Lyric worked with Damon, those two could accomplish anything when they put their brilliant minds together. They had increased our security measures as well as the security for the majority of the kingdom. Their combined knowledge of forgotten technology and skill was proving useful as they ran programs night and day trying to get a lock on Senko's location.

Lyric and Damon had managed to build a control board that can pick up airwaves used for radios, and phones as well as tap into mainframe computers. Chatter had been picked up about Senko but again, nothing solid had come of it.

It became obvious once Tala began to go through those letters that Shayna and Farid had been in love at one point. That love had tapered off over the years.

"This is crazy, how many letters had she sent to Farid over the years?" Tala says exasperated as we sift through more of the letters.

"What's even crazier is that Oliver saved all of them," I replied picking up the next one. I read out loud: "My dearest Farid, I don't know how long Father will make me stay with King Orion this time. Orion said we will be passing through the southern continent, heading north. I have no idea what he has planned. But already he is demanding I use my Alchemy to build the inhibitors I designed." I brush my hand through my hair.

Some of them didn't say anything. But for the first few letters, they all started the same.

My dearest Farid,

I miss you every day. I confessed to King Orion today what you and I are to each other. He promised, once he became the King of shifters, he would allow us to rule together.

I have hope in my heart once more that we will see each other again soon.

Forever yours Shayna

My dearest Farid,

Since my last letter, Orion has moved us to an underground compound. He and Silas left to find an old friend. Leaving me with Finnegan Artos.

I fear that Orion will never let me go. He has me designing new weapons every day.

I miss you with all my heart.

Your love Shayna

Dear Farid,

It seems so long since I have laid eyes on your face.

Yesterday was tough. Although he hasn't touched me, as you would possibly feel it. Orion Has me sit with him every evening. He tells me about his daughter.

I'm so sorry. I don't know how long I will be able to avoid Orion's advances. I'm not strong enough to fight him.

Always yours Shayna.

My Dearest Farid,

Today is my eighteenth birthday, did you know? Are you thinking of me as I think of you?

It's been two years now. I hope we return to Bhakhil soon.

I'm not sure if I have friends here, I feel like I can't trust anyone. Orion keeps me away from almost everyone.

Love Shayna

Dear Farid,

Each week I wait for a letter from you, knowing one won't come.

I hope my letters bring you some peace.

In my heart, I believe we were meant to be together. I do wonder if you met your mate or if the pull we felt as young pups is because of what we are meant to be.

Forever thinking of you Shayna.

The letters went on over the years, none dated but you could tell Shayna would send Farid a letter at least once a week.

My dearest Farid,

Orion and Silas brought home another alchemist. His name is Senko. He can manipulate blood. Orion has ordered us to work together. To create a super soldier one that can overpower shifters but can be controlled.

I suspect they have known this Senko for years. They act like old friends.

If only I could come home. Please look after Tala, she is young and doesn't deserve my father's wrath.

Love Shayna.

Farid,

Time passes and seasons change. Senko and I work closely every day.

I'm ashamed to say he has taken an interest in me.

I don't know what my future holds, but please do not wait for me if you are.

We will be together again, in this life or the next, this, I believe.

Love forever Shayna.

The letters, although short, became sullener. Sometime panicked. And less frequent.

Farid,

I have hidden my journals in the old cellar of Bhakhil.

I want you to have them in case something happens to me.

Orion's promises are looking bleak. I don't think he will ever let me or Senko go.

Love always Shaya

My dearest Farid,

It has been a while since I wrote to you. Orion's army grows stronger. I pray that he will become the King of all soon. I still hold hope that he will keep his promise and that you and I will be together once more.

Love Shayna.

My dearest Farid,

I write this letter in hopes you have found a mate.

I fear our paths have taken a turn. Senko helps me each day, together we have created some amazing technology. An inhibitor chip will be tested and sent to my father. Senko keeps me safe and dare I say he could be more powerful than Orion.

King Orion has already tested it on his own son.

Every night King Orion sits and talks to me. Did you know he had a daughter? He keeps her hidden.

Love Shayna.

Farid,

I have fallen in love. I'm sorry.

Senko has confessed his feeling for me. I'm lonely and all we have is each other.

Please forgive me.

Love always Shayna.

"Tala," I mumble and hand her the next one. The one I think she would be most interested in. I watch her read through it.

"Dear Farid, It pains me to write this letter. However, I promised long ago I would never keep anything from you. I carry Senko's child now. Please do not be angry. It has been just the two of us in the compound for some time. We have fallen for each other. I don't know if the child will be a wolf, a witch, or a hybrid. I hope you find love. Always Shayna." Tala drops the letter in her lap.

"You, okay?"

"Yeah," she replies. "I just never really knew my sister. I had no idea." Tala rubs her temples and picks up the next. We carried on reading because whatever was between Farid and Shayna, she never stopped sending him letters. until Tala reads out loud again.

"This one says she gave birth to her baby girl. I write this letter with joy in my heart, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Her hair is as dark as the depths of the mines. And her eyes are as yellow as the sunshine. I named her Petrina, after my aunt. Silas let her be murdered at the hands of the werewolf king." Tala passes the letter to me, and I scan it.

"Your aunt? Did you know your Aunt Petrina?"

Tala shakes her head, "No I was told she was married off before I was born to an Alpha with royal blood. My mother never spoke of her. Vargr never let her speak he controlled her, kept her silent then when her mind went…"

I couldn't say why but something in Tala's words and Shayna's letter stirred a memory from deep within. I quickly opened up my mind and connected with my father. *Dad, can you come to Kellen's office, please? And bring mother too.*

"This letter was written much later," Tala says and proceeds to read one of the last letters, "Dear Farid, I fear for my child's life. Senko discovered her blood holds magic, by drinking it they have found youth. I beg you to find my child and save her." Tala lets out a sob, "My poor sister, I thought I had it bad. She had been shoved into a life she couldn't control. She lived with fear every day."

"Just bear with me." I hold a finger up and Duke stirs as we catch the scent of my parents drawing nearer.

Kellen walks in with them.

"I mind linked him," Tala says sheepishly.

It was no skin off my nose, I would prefer Kellen to be part of this conversation, especially if my trail of thought was correct.

"What wrong son?" My father asks, folding his arms and leaning against one of the sofas in front of the large window.

"Oliver," I say and the whole room shifts uneasily. I swear I even hear a low growl emitted from Kellen. "He claimed his mother was murdered by Uncle Alex; do we know why? Or who she was?"

My father's head bobs sullenly.

"And Silas was the half-brother to Uncle Alex, making him Kellen's cousin?" Again, my father nods.

"What am I missing?" I ask my parents. I now have Kellen and Tala sitting up with interest too.

It was my hope that my father would be able to shed a little more light on Oliver's mother. I had a gut feeling and I wanted it confirmed. "According to Oliver, he told Lamia that Silas, Orion, and Senko had known each other for years, much longer than when they connected at Tolba."

"Tala's mother had lost her mind and ended up killing herself when we took over Bhakhil," Kellen interjects thoughtfully. "Uncle Michael, do you know what the name of Oliver's mother was?"

My father sighs, and my mother lays a hand on his arm to offer comfort. Tipping his head back he draws in a long breath. "You know by now that Silas was a product of Kellen's grandfather's infidelity. He was tricked with a potion and cheated on his mate. I am not clear on the details, but Silas was older, and King Alexander was born a little later, two years I think there was between them. One day when you boys were just toddlers, we had a breach at the eastern border. When we came upon the scene a woman begged for us to take her life. She said, Kill me please so my son will live. He is the true heir of Dimaztle. She said if we take her son will be killed. The only way for him to live was for her suffering to end and die."

Tala gasped and shot to her feet, "Dimaztle?" It was a rhetorical question, and she began to pace. "That was my mother's birthplace. It was on the edge of Bhakhil… the mines." She looked up at Kellen with wide eyes, lips parting, and all the color draining from her face.

My father shuddered at the memory. "Your father," He looks at Kellen, "Didn't want to kill her but he saw Oliver hidden in the bushes and he scented the stench of his half-brother. We understood what she was asking of us. And why. Reluctantly your father killed her, in a bid to save Oliver. It wasn't until Lamia came of age that we would see or hear of him again. We had hoped he was dead. It had been such a long time. Never in our wildest dreams did we think he would come for Lamia, or work with Orion."

"I think Oliver is my cousin!" Tala exclaims with a squeaky voice. "If his mother was called Petrina, and she was my mother's sister…"

"Well, that explains why he felt drawn to you." I chuckled even though it wasn't really a laughing matter.

Tala's hand flies to her lips. "He kissed me!" She declares disgusted and Kellen growls.

"He wanted to do more than that," My best friend snarls at his mate, not liking the idea of Oliver touching her at all.

I look at Kellen with seriousness, "So Shayna's daughter was named after their aunt. Petrina. I think I know who the child is. Or at least I'm grasping at straws. It doesn't add up but… Shayna and Senko's child would be younger than Crimson, the letters indicate they were written approximately twenty years ago. So, their child would be nineteen, twenty at a push."

Kellen picks up my trail of thought, "The yellow eyes. If the child is anything like Crimson or these Changelings… Then… Petra?" He scowls at me, not sure if he was on the same thought train as me.

I nod, "I know it doesn't make sense, but… It kind of does. What if Petra is like the children of Tolba? Didn't they think they were Skinwalkers at first? What if Petra was really Petrina, the names are too similar and like the children of Tolba who live, she can change into one form and that is of a little girl?"

"Get the fuck out of here!" Tala screeches. "You really don't think…"

"Oh, but I do. Too many strange things have happened and too many coincidences." I tell her in all seriousness.