says that your father is starting to act really paranoid. Can someone tell me where we are, exactly?”
“Why do you want to know?” The girl, Josette had her arms folded, eyes suspicious.
He glared right back at her. “I want my Shadowriders here.”
Nathan shot Josette a look. “We’re at the Tri-District Manor. This is my home.” It was clear by the look he was giving the firestarter that she needed to quit the hostilities.
“Thank you.” Mathieu reached out and informed Tesla where they were.
Two pops later and his Shadowriders were sitting on either side of him in their medium forms, fur having a steely tint to it and fangs dipping passed their bottom jaws. They were growling softly at everyone around them.
The blond man, Solomon, saw the two monsters and his face softened. “Peace, little warriors. You’ve come home.” Holding out a hand to Tesla, the Shadowrider sniffed the digits tentatively before become his kitten form and rubbing against the man’s hand.
A betrayed look crossed Mathieu’s face, but he turned away from Solomon, looking at Nathan expectantly. He had been here longer than he wanted to be and his hand was laid protectively on Avian’s knee. “When can we go?” He asked pointedly. Avian may feel like they were among friends, but he had been restrained and held captive. He didn’t like it.
“Anytime we want.” Avian wrapped an arm around his. “But leaving soon may be a good idea. My father, from the sounds of it, is starting to panic and we don’t need a war on our hands.” There was an appreciative laugh around the room.
The redhead man nodded. “You are an honorable woman. We will be very pleased when you take over the throne. I foresee a long time of peace before us.”
Smiling up at him, she stood and curtsied. “Thank you, Nathan. Please know that you are always welcome at the castle.”
Nathan took Avian’s hand in his and kissed it. “Your offer is very kind. We shall give you an Unithian carriage to reach your home in.”
Solomon stood and went to the door, sliding it open. “I’ll escort you out. Kiev, go pull the carriage around from storage; Avian, this way.” He held a hand out, which she took. Solomon swept the Princess through the halls.
Mathieu trailed behind them, the Shadowriders flanking him.
Solomon stopped just outside the door and looked up at the perimeter made by fifteen foot high walls, guards paroling them. “This is where I leave you. The car should be just beyond the gates.” The blond hugged Avian. “It was a pleasure to get to know you. Come back soon, won’t you?”
She kissed his cheek. “Of course I will. You’re very sweet. Come on, Mathieu.”
Giving the blond a hard look as he passed, Mathieu followed Avian.
“Wait, Mathieu!” Nathan’s voice was calling him from the door to the house.
Turning back to look at the older man, he saw Nathan coming out to meet him. “What?” He asked.
“Listen,” the red-head said once he had reached Mathieu, “I just wanted to tell you that if you ever find yourself no longer wishing to be under the rule of Unithians, there a place for you he--”
A scream shattered the air.
“Avian!” He knew that something had gone wrong before he ever turned around. Mathieu turned and his eyes alighted on a guard from the wall patrol, standing over Avian, covered in her blood. Protruding from the junction of Avian’s neck and shoulder was a long, thick blade stabbed in almost to the hilt.
Mathieu didn’t bother fighting the anger that rose up within him. It climbed from the core of his being, ripping and tearing its way up to the surface. Temporarily, all the pain in his head and body faded into nothing. Energy started to pour out of him, forcing everyone back. It became a tangible substance, swirling menacingly around his body as he sprinted to Avian, tearing the ground up below him as he ran.
She was lying there so helplessly, eyes glazing over and blood staining emerald grass around her to a vivid, sickening red.
He knelt beside her, his armor of energy allowing an opening for her to enter. Mathieu pulled her close to his chest, petting her hair; his hands trembled as he touched her. “No.” He said sharply, as if that would take back what had just happened. It didn’t seem possible for his body to get enough air into his lungs, for him to hold her close enough. Just like that, Mathieu’s world had frozen and