Winter's Promise

by G. Bailey

  “How terrible but it makes a lot of sense,” Angela says.

  “How so?” I ask.

  “Well it is said that Demtra didn’t always have a sister. Not at the start and not when she met the sons. The goddess’s sister was born many years later, no one really knows where the goddess’s parents are from or if they had any other children.” She says and opens the book. She moves a few pages of the worn book and stops,

  “Ah here,” she says and starts reading.

  “Elissa is a grown woman now, no longer the young baby Demtra brought back to the castle and told us was her sister. Elissa has fallen in love with the original sons, all four of them, after her heart was broken.”

  “So, she mated with all the originals?” I ask.

  “Yes. They all must have had several, or at least one child over the hundred or so years before they met Elissa. The book tells of a gathering where Demtra asked them all to come and see her. That’s when they first met. There’s another part which is interesting,” Angela says and flicks through the book carefully.

  “Elissa was very much in love with the king of demons. Demtra told me he thought himself a god but he was not. Only Demtra is a true goddess, Elissa is a goddess but with a tiny amount of power. The demon king had eyes for more than just Elissa, and cheated on her. Elissa found out and left. Demtra was very upset,” she says.

  “In my dreams, I see Elissa, my grandmother.” I tell Angela and Roger. Both of them look at me in shock.

  “One time, she was talking to your ancestor, Dabriel. He had long white wings with black tips and hair like yours. The point is, he said that the demon king could not be trusted and he had Elissa’s heart first. Elissa said she loved the demon king and all her mates the same,” I say to them all, and Dabriel watches me in fascination.

  “You saw my ancestor and he had both black and white wings?” Dabriel questions.

  “Yes,” I answer.

  “I heard people say that he had twins, one born dark and one born light.” Dabriel tells me.

  “There is one more thing that is said,” Angela adds in.

  “Demtra gave the originals and all the descendants that stayed to fight in the castle new powers, so they had a chance of survival against an army of demons. The witches were given weather magic, the wolves given a bundle of different abilities from being able to turn invisible to talking to the earth. The angels where given a power to cause pain with a touch, and to see the past and future. The vampires where given the ability to share their life with their human mates. The vampires were also given some special powers by accident; the goddess was growing weak as she protected her sister. The goddess says it’s all she can do to protect the future; she says the past is lost. I will fight to protect her, she is my goddess and Elissa is my queen.” She stops and smiles sadly at me.

  “So, do you know any more?” I ask her.

  “One more part, and it is a sad ending,” she says and moves a few pages in the book.

  “Elissa and her mates are dead, much like the rest of the castle as I write this. Demtra has a stone, which she says her blood can control and is using it to lock away the demon king. I will not survive much longer but many have, Demtra saved many today. May the goddess never die.”

  “Why would he kill her and them? He loved her or must have had feelings for her to mate with her?” I say and shake my head.

  “Is there anything else?” Dabriel says and as I swallow the sadness I feel for Elissa and Demtra.

  “No, I’m afraid,” she says and closes the book.

  “I have an idea. A dark angel owes me a reading because I told him his future. If he touches you, he can show you your past.” Dabriel says to me.

  “Is it safe? “I ask.

  “Very. I will always protect what is mine,” Dabriel says and lifts my hand to press a kiss to my knuckles.

  “Ah, young love,” Angela says, and I smile at her with a little blush.

  “Thank you for all your help; I really needed to know about this. About my family,” I say.

  “Oh, don’t thank me; you have helped me as well. Finally, I know how all the supernaturals were created.” Angela says. I smile and she comes around the table. After she hugs Dabriel and I, we walk out. When the door shuts behind us I hear,

  “One time, it was a one-night stand, Harris. It did not mean anything,” Leigha shouts. I look at Dabriel who winks and places a finger to his lips as he pulls me closer. I hold in a scream when Dabriel spreads his large wings and flies up in the air. He lands us silently on the other side of the roof. We can both look down to where Leigha and Harris stand very close at the back of the house, both of them looking angry.

  “The fuck it didn’t, Leigha.” Harris says.

  “I’m sure you will get over it,” Leigha says and pats his cheek. Harris grabs her hand and pulls her closer; they both kiss each other in an explosive passion that makes me look away.

  “No,” Leigha says and I look back to see her push him away. She stomps off into the woods and Harris shouts,

  “When you drop the cold hearted act, come find me.” Harris says and storms into the house.

  “He’s an idiot,” I groan.

  “Why?” Dabriel asks me.

  “He called her cold hearted. I mean; I know she comes across like that sometimes but I don’t think she really is. She just doesn’t let people close. If Harris wants her, he has to prove it. Leigha will never be with someone weak, someone who lets her walk away.” I say and Dabriel nods.

  “I believe I agree. To give up, just means you didn’t love the person as much as you thought.” Dabriel says. I lean back as his wings spread out again.

  “Are we going flying?” I ask a little nervous.

  “Would you like to?” He asks me.

  “Maybe a little?” I ask and he holds me closer to him. I wrap my legs around his waists as he lifts me, my mouth near his and he speaks gently,

  “You only have to ask.”

  I scream into his neck as he flies us into the sky, and he holds me closer.

  Chapter Seven

  Atticus

  "Paris is controlled by the demon king," I say in disgusted horror as I watch the news. The newswoman goes on about how last night; a red ward like wall appeared around Paris. The woman says the government is taking blame and saying it’s for protection purposes. What a load of bullshit.

  What I don’t get is, why Paris? Why hasn’t he attacked the witches or us here? From what I’ve heard, the new fake queen has taken control of the city and killed all the light witches that opposed her. Now she has complete control and I know she was helping the vampire king, to open the portal for the demons to come through. She must have gotten some power boost to be able to kill my mother and control the city. All I want to do is fucking kill her.

  "What’s in Paris that he needs?" Dabriel asks but he knows none of us know the answer. I glance around the room; Winter is sat close to Dabriel’s side, his arm around her shoulder and her hand on his knee. They look mated already; they are so close to each other. Winter looks gorgeous just wearing a long purple dress that sticks to her body and makes me wants to run my hands all over her. I have pushed Winter away, not because of anything she did but because I don’t want anyone close to me. Winter, especially, because her blue eyes see straight through me.

  "I need to return to my city, we need an army to stop this. I need to sort my shit out," I say angrily. All I feel is anger recently. I should have been with my mother; I knew something was wrong the last time I saw her.

  "The angels might help in the war, I’ll go to them after we take back your throne, Atti," Dabriel says and I nod.

  "I'm staying here with the wolves and Winter," Dabriel tells us all and I agree silently. He needs to be close to Winter, he can heal her if the demon king attacks or he can fly her away.

  "I'm going with Atti," Winter says. I snap my head to look at her and she stands up.

  "No, don't even try to dissuade me from this," she says t
o me, her hands on her hips.

  "You know I like it when you get mad, love, but they’re right. I won't be welcomed back," I tell her. She needs to realise it’s going to be a fight from the start. The fake witch queen is fucking crazy if she thinks I'll just let her rule. I fucking wish I could get Wyatt to use his power on the witches and make them do what we want. If only Wyatt’s power actually worked on witches. They’re the only race he really struggles with, and he can’t convince me to do anything. I know he can’t convince Winter to do anything, and I’m hoping that’s her goddess side, not her demon side. It would be useful if he could control the demon king. I have a feeling the fake queen will be powerful. The throne is mine and the role of queen belongs to Winter. I'll die to make sure Winter gets to where she needs to be and is protected.

  "So, I should be there, I'm not a damsel in distress. Don’t even try saying because I’m a girl I should stay home," she says, pulling out the sexist card. I can’t say anything. I was brought up around women and I know when not to talk. This would be one of those instances.

  "I will come as well, as your protector so I can defend you," Leigha says coming into the room. She doesn’t even fucking look a little sorry that she was eavesdropping, again. Leigha is dressed in a full leather outfit, has daggers all over her and a big ass sword on her back. She looks ready to fight at a moment’s notice.

  "I don't think this is a good idea," Leigha says to Winter and she raises her eyebrows at her.

  “Ok army brat, your opinion has been registered,” she nods.

  “I can’t wait to start your training again, this was only a temporary break,” Leigha says and Winter goes a little pale.

  “I’m good,” Winter coughs out and Leigha walks out of the room with a laugh.

  “Brat,” Winter mumbles under her breath, making both Dabriel and I laugh. She turns to me, a serious look in her eyes as she smiles gently.

  "I have to do this with you. I’m at your side, always." She says, her words meaning far more than she has to say. The tension stretches between us as I look at her gorgeous face. She walks up to me and places a hand on my chest.

  "Fine, but I don't like it," I finally say, she leans up and kisses me.

  “I know,” she says against my lips and moves away.

  I sit on one side and she holds my hand as she rests her head on Dabriel’s shoulder. Dabriel switches the TV on and we watch a show about a big group of friends. It’s funny and I wish it could take my mind of the future to come.

  It doesn’t.

  Chapter Eight

  Winter

  “Be safe lass, I don’t want to have to kick Atti or Dabriel’s ass for letting you get hurt,” Jaxson says with a slight growl. The growl sends shivers down my spine as he holds me close to his side.

  “You could try and I'll leave you on the stage at a strip club, again,” Atti says.

  “That wasn’t fucking funny,” Jaxson says loudly as Dabriel and Atti laugh.

  “You nearly got eaten alive by those women on their hen night.” Atti says with a chuckle.

  “You’re such a little fucker, Atti,” Jaxson moves forward but I stop him with a kiss. These guys argue all the time about the small things, in a way it’s nice to see how close they are to each other.

  “I think we should be going,” I say and Jaxson nods.

  “Be safe,” Jaxson says and lifts my chin with his one finger. He kisses me once more before I move away. I already said goodbye to Wyatt at the castle, his people need him right now and I can’t expect him to come with me. The same can be said of Jaxson.

  Atti holds his hand out for me as I walk away from Jaxson. My crossbow is in my one hand and my arrows are in a drawstring bag, tied to my back. Leigha has two small silver swords strapped to her back and daggers strapped to her leather covered thighs. She looks like a warrior princess where as I, I’m sure, don’t look half as good as she does. Atti doesn't need weapons; he’s a weapon himself, a very attractive one to boot. Atti has his long black cloak wrapped around him, the hood is pulled up and I can only see his bright grey eyes as they slightly glow from what’s to come. Once Atti explained it to me, I finally understood why they use cloaks with large hoods. It’s because the cloak is woven with magic and blocks other witches from speaking into your mind when they have the hood up. I glance over at Dabriel; he’s wearing all white again, his wings folded tightly at his sides and a long silver sword attached to his waist with a belt. The sword is black at the end, with swirls carved all the way up it.

  “That’s an impressive sword, almost as big as Jaxson’s,” I say to Dabriel and the guys start laughing.

  “I don’t think so, lass,” Jaxson gets out with a laugh.

  “It’s really how you use it that matters,” Atti says in between laughs.

  “I really don’t want to sit here and compare your dick sizes, can we go?” Leigha snaps, she is in a really bad mood recently. I know why but I’m a little scared to try and talk to her. Her dark eyes meet mine as I giggle a little,

  “I didn’t mean,” I trail off when Atti pulls me close to him.

  “We know, love,” he says and I blush. Atti lets me go so I can move in-between him and Dabriel.

  They both take my hand and I see Atti place a hand on Leigha’s shoulder before his magic moves us. The first thing I see is a large room with high gold walls and smooth silver panelled floors. The room has massive ceiling high windows that overlook a vibrant city with mountains in the background. The mountains look like they surround the city, or very large town, with dozens of sparkling trees in the middle. The houses all have different coloured roofs and the whole city is filled with colour. It’s like nothing I have ever seen. The witches’ hidden city, it's so beautiful and alive. I don't have time to look much more before a massive gush of wind knocks me off my feet and I go flying across the room. A warm arm snakes around my waist and I slam into a hard body. I look behind me to see Dabriel flying while holding me in the air. His sword is out at his side and he’s holding me with one arm like I weigh nothing. This could be good for my ego if it was a different situation.

  A bang draws my attention back to Atti and he’s glowing with a lot of different colours. His hands are on fire up to his elbows and around ten people are on the ground, burning and screaming as he moves a whirlwind of air around them in a circle. Most of the witches aren’t fighting back anymore; they’re passing out or holding their throats. Atti doesn’t seem to notice as he continues to use his power.

  "Atti!" I shout, and Dabriel flies us over to him. I glance over at Leigha by one of the windows, just as she hits a witch on the head with the back of her sword and he falls into the pile of three other knocked out people near her feet.

  “Atti, we didn’t come here to kill your own people. They are only doing their job,” I say loudly when we get near him. The heat from the fire on his arms is catching my skin, causing little burns as I try to get his attention.

  “Atti, please,” I say and he finally looks at me. Atti’s eyes are grey and swirling like an oncoming storm. He looks at me like he doesn’t recognise me.

  “I’m safe,” I say gently, his eyes don’t lose the stormy swirl but his arm stops setting people on fire.

  Atti looks away and waves his arm, which shines a white colour. Cold air shoots through the room and all the burning people get put out. All of them look unconscious, but I don’t think any of them are dead.

  "You could have just knocked, Atticus," A sweet sounding woman says walking into the room.

  The woman is stunning, with long black hair that hits the floor, and it looks shiny and perfectly straight. Perfect strong facial features make her look like a doll I used to play with when I was a child. On top of her head is a black crown with large black stones imbedded in twirls. It draws me in and reeks of power. She has a long black dress on that reveals way too much and a black cloak that slides across the floor as she walks. Her heels are clicking on the stone floors with every step she makes. Two more witches
walk next to her, they stop on either side of her like a practised routine. They both must be witches but I can’t see anything else about them as their hoods are large and stop halfway down their faces.

  "You dare to wear my mother's crown?" Atti says, his voice booming around the room. I feel Leigha come to stand behind me, her hand presses on my shoulder once to let me know she has my back. Atti’s still slightly shining a variety of different colours in his hands. The woman, who I’m guessing is the new queen, watches Atti with far too much interest. I move closer to his side, and rest my hand on his arm. That doesn’t impress her; every part of her skin starts glowing a little blacker; her dark eyes watching my hand on Atti’s arm.

  "I have a deal for you," she finally says breaking the tension slightly. I don’t think the offer is for me as she stares at Atti; he looks at me once before looking at the fake queen.

  "You can be king and I shall be queen. We only need to mate and unite our kingdoms.” She offers, and she watches Atti for his reaction, obviously not caring about me at his side.

  “That is never going to happen,” Atti says with a small dark chuckle.

  “The demon king is going to rage war on our city when he finds us, and we need to be united." She replies her eyes narrowed at Atti’s reaction. She looks pissed.

  Atti laughs deeply. His laugh is spreading around the large room.

  "No," he says simply and moves to step forward. The queen starts shaking in anger, black smoke flittering out of her fingers.

  “I do not wish to fight you. The battle for the throne was won in the arena. I did nothing wrong,” she says.

  “Then let’s go to the arena, call all the witches and we will see who fairly deserves the throne,” Atti replies.

  “No, because I am not taking your throne from you. You can still be king,” she opens her arms as she speaks.

  “Not with you as my queen. You will die for what you did to my mother,” Atti says darkly. The queen has a glimpse of fear on her features before she cools her expression.