DANIEL (The Starlight Gods Series Book 6)

by Yumoyori Wilson

  I was on my way down the stairs, reaching the final step when I heard the uproar.

  “I’m not here to stop her. She can continue,” Father announced and I heard everyone gasp.

  Even I was shocked by his words. He supported that woman for so many cycles. Why would he suddenly not care?

  “ARE YOU MAD? She’s your daughter!” Cassandra snarled.

  “She isn’t my daughter, she’s yours. If she wasn’t so ungrateful and conceited, she would have known she was out-matched ages ago,” Father continued.

  Even without seeing him, I could hear his rage. It was as if he was finally at his limit and couldn't care less what happened.

  “How dare you! She’s worked hard to reach such strength and you let her be humiliated in front of the King and Queen by that…that experiment!” Cassandra raged.

  I clenched my fist, ready to walk out and teach her a lesson.

  “Watch your words, woman,” Stryker snarled.

  There was a moment of silence and then I felt a shift in the air. I took a step forward, looking at the others and noticed Kane's body grow tense.

  “Fuck, stop her!” Kade screamed.

  My gaze darted to Cassandra who had entered the arena and was heading straight to Midnight.

  “FREEZE!” Cassandra commanded and we all stopped where we stood. FUCK!

  “I knew this would happen. Unbelievable. I didn’t waste all my cycles to lose my chance at being Queen all because of you! Filthy, worthless, MURDERER!” Cassandra screamed.

  I tried to fight against the influence of her gift, but I could only move a smidge.

  "DANIEL!" Azriel shouted in my mind. The note of fear that rang in his voice prompted me to look up.

  I saw Midnight backing away before her legs gave out on her.

  My eyes widened at the panic in her eyes as she looked down at her legs. She bit her lip and I knew from her hesitation there was no way she'd be able to walk. The amount of energy Hope and Midnight had used throughout the battle already pushed them. I was already impressed she was able to keep standing for so long, but this was the WORST timing for her legs to stop working.

  She retreated until her back hit one of the remaining trees standing. She stared at Cassandra while her body grew tense waiting for the pain she knew would come.

  The desperation in her eyes made my anger surge. How dare that bitch try and lay a finger on our woman? Mako and her spirits, they already endured immeasurable pain and torment for sixteen cycles. I won't allow Cassandra to lay a finger on Midnight.

  Midnight opened her mouth and it was like the world around me went silent, just to let me listen to her quiet plea.

  "Daniel," she breathed and closed her eyes, tears rolling down her cheeks.

  The woman who had been afraid of my kind and frightened I'd hurt her like the angel shifter in her past, was calling for my aid. Relying on me to save her. I would do just that.

  I let go of all the emotions that had pooled inside me: my anger, sadness, regret and the joy of being able to do something to help. I knew I could overcome this. All I needed to do was let go and let my fears dissipate, replacing them with the courage I needed to be rid of this woman.

  “NULLIFY!” I declared and the hold on me broke like a snap of a branch. I didn't delay, prowling forward as my form shifted. My hair grew in length and I could feel it flowing behind me as I spread out my wings.

  I expected them to be my usual pure white ones, just as they were when I first shifted to reach Mako's side during Leo's exam. But instead, I caught sight of black feathers, like a dark angel. I wouldn’t lose focus; my eyes returned to Cassandra who looked just as shocked as everyone else.

  I didn't care that I just revealed what I truly was. It brought me satisfaction and a sense of power at finally being able to reveal my true self. They didn't know what I could do. Maybe it was time for me to show them.

  My power made the air thick, but I had no issue breathing the suffocating air. My body enjoyed it, realizing I could still breathe even after taking away the air others needed.

  Cassandra fell to her knees, moving back until she bumped into Cecelia's limp body on the ground.

  “How dare you! First you tear my family apart, use my father for your own underlying tactics, allow your daughter to try and belittle and kill innocent ROYAL shifters, and now you dare to try and harm OUR woman. You definitely have a death wish, you pathetic piece of shit,” I snarled, stepping in front of Midnight protectively.

  “For…forgive me. I’m…sorry. Please,” she begged, trembling on the floor. Even so, her words didn't satisfy me. They brought upon more rage because I could tell they were a lie.

  She didn't feel any remorse for her actions. Her intentions were clear and she apologized merely to get out of this, to avoid the wrath I could surely inflict upon her.

  “I should rid the world of your existence,” I whispered, cracking my neck. I smiled at the way her eyes grew wide and she continued to beg for my forgiveness.

  I didn't care about her pathetic words. Lie after lie from her mouth only made me want to invoke justice on her. She deserved to be cut by my blade and feel pain for the few seconds of life she had left.

  Lifting my hand, a sword materialized in my grasp. I smiled, lowering the sword to eye level as I glanced at the silver blade that vibrated with power. This would decapitate her rather nicely. But she deserves to suffer. A puncture or two first? Let's give it a try.

  I raised the sword, relishing the thought of the blood that would pour out of her like water, but was halted when someone embraced me from behind.

  In my rage, it took me a second to recognize Midnight's body pressed against mine. My body was tense and I didn't want to stop my act of judgment, but Midnight's arms tightened around me and I could feel her face press against the back of my wings.

  “Daniel. Don’t. Please,” she begged.

  Why? How could she show this pathetic woman compassion? Midnight out of all of Mako’s spirits knew how cruel shifters could be. I bet she's watched the people who were friends be the first to rip each other's throats when thrown into the arena, just to save their own life. Why was she protecting someone who didn't deserve an ounce of pity?

  “She wanted you dead. She could have killed you and the other royal shifters. She knows the Starlight laws like all of us. Yet, she ignored them and was about to kill you. Why should I spare her?” I hissed, glaring daggers at Cassandra while still holding the sword aloft.

  “Because you’re better than this. We are in no position to judge. You…don’t need her to plague your conscience with guilt. You don’t see it now because you’re blinded by anger. But anger fades, Daniel. It fades and you know what replaces it? Regret. You are not their judge. Only the Starlight gods can judge us. And you don’t deserve to have blood on your hands. Please,” Midnight begged.

  "She's right, Daniel," Azriel whispered.

  He'd been lingering in my mind, watching my actions. He had no intentions of interfering and I could tell he would support whatever I decided but Midnight's plea's made me rethink if this was what the gods wanted.

  I lowered my sword and turned around to face her. My eyes met her midnight blue ones which were filled with tears. The one thing that hurt my heart had been seeing Mako cry, and now Midnight was having the same effect on me.

  I let out a frustrated groan, allowing my sword to fade into ash. I pulled in my wings, but remained in my shifted form, my long silver locks falling to my sides as I continued to stare at Midnight's trembling body.

  Her fear of me was apparent, but I doubt it was because of me specifically, but rather the power that still pulsed off me. I took another calming breath, deciding to shift back to my normal form. My power had gotten its moment of glory and had proved a point to everyone.

  No one would second guess my strength again and the word of my Fallen Angel status would spread across ArchAilennia the moment the other royals returned back home.

  I waited for my shift to f
inish before I stepped forward, closing the distance between Midnight and I, pulling her into an embrace.

  “I’m sorry. Did I scare you?” I whispered into her ear.

  “A little,” she admitted.

  “It’s okay. You’re safe,” I hugged her tightly.

  “DANIEL! MIDNIGHT!” Kai screamed.

  Everything seemed to slow down and I noticed Midnight's eyes widen. I wanted to turn my head to look behind us, but Midnight pushed me away before I had the chance.

  I fell back and saw Cassandra with a sword, the sharp edge of the blade slowly falling downward aimed at Midnight's chest. My heart stopped for a split second and my wings immediately shot out, but I wouldn't make it to her in time.

  “NO!”

  Cassandra's scream echoed through the arena as a blue arrow struck her chest, piercing her heart. The sword stalled just over Midnight’s chest; her royalty mark glowing brightly.

  I didn't hesitate, pushing off the ground and pulling Midnight in my arms. I pushed off the ground into the cool air. All hell broke loose as my fellow knights rushed over to Cassandra's lifeless body on the ground.

  Suddenly, I noticed a spike in Midnight's heart rate. As much as I wanted to contribute to the chaos below, I knew if I didn't get her out of here she'd go into shock. The adrenaline of the battle, the anxiety of almost dying not once but twice, and now watching the aftermath going on below would be too much for her.

  “Want to go somewhere?” I whispered.

  She looked up at me, her wide eyes displayed how badly she wanted to escape everything. She nodded, pressing her head against my chest.

  I placed a kiss on her forehead. “It’s nearby and you can cry or yell. Anything you need, okay? It will only take two minutes. I’ll tell the others where we’ll be,” I reassured.

  “Okay,” her voice was barely a whisper. I began to fly toward the spot I was thinking of, then opened the knight bond.

  "Midnight needs to calm down. I'm taking her to the hidden waterfall. If anything happens, I'll let you guys know," I informed them.

  "Got it," Ryder, Marcus, and Kai said in unison.

  "Make sure she's stable, Daniel," Elias emphasized.

  I knew he cared dearly about Midnight just as he did Makoto. EliaseAnne was probably just as or even more concerned.

  "I will," I confirmed, pulling out of the bond to focus on flying.

  I'd make sure she realized how precious she was. Then I'd tell her how I truly feel.

  "I'll meet you guys there. I have something I have to do first," I announced.

  The others paused on the stairs up toward the castle; they all looked confused, with the exception of Ryder. He started walking down the stairs, looking back over his shoulder at the others. Kai smirked and slipped his hands into his pockets.

  "I'm hungry. Elyion, can you make something?" he asked.

  "Not when you keep calling me that," she huffed, stomping up the remaining steps.

  "Ugh. You did that on purpose, didn't you? She's already cranky," Marcus whined.

  "I'm innocent. Now come help me persuade her," Kai encouraged.

  "You always drag me into doing the convincing. I don't want to listen to her nag," Marcus continued to whine as he slowly made his way up the stairs.

  Kai winked at me.

  Ryder grinned, shaking his head.

  I sighed. "I hope this doesn't count as a favor," I mumbled.

  "I think we’re good this time," Ryder replied.

  I sighed, running my hands through my messy hair. I was just now realizing how exhausted I was.

  Ryder frowned, scanning me from head to toe. "You look like you should sleep for a week," he commented.

  "Ya, maybe. After our meeting tomorrow,” I replied.

  After Cassandra and Cecelia were removed from the arena, the King and Queen of Heila called for an emergency meeting. Matthew informed us we had the night off, but would have a meeting tomorrow evening. That gave us all day tomorrow to try to catch up on some much needed rest and figure things out.

  Now that the competition was done, we had to start our expedition. I knew Mako wanted to start going around the realms in search for star knight number six, but we'd have to make sure Makoto rested enough and regained the majority of her magic before we set out.

  "You're going to talk with your father?" Ryder inquired.

  I gave him a nod, looking up at the sky which was already shifting to multiple colors as the sun began to descend. "I think I should."

  "Okay. If you need anything, let me know. I'll make sure Eli leaves you some food," Ryder reassured me, placing a hand on my shoulder.

  "Thanks, Ryder," I whispered.

  He shook his head. "No. Thank you. You handled the situation well back there and it's nice to see you out of your shell. I don't know about the others, but I could sense there was something more to you. You just had to remove your doubt and let it free."

  "It's nice to have all of your support," I confessed, giving him a slight smile.

  "Last time I checked we're best friends, Daniel. No matter what, I'll always support you. Even if that means knocking some sense into your stubborn head." He winked.

  I rolled my eyes. "You're just as stubborn, but I'll let this one slide," I mumbled and we both laughed.

  "I better go join the others. Knowing Kai, he's gonna tease Eli and she'll be nagging all night long," he predicted.

  "Her nagging isn't that bad."

  "Says the guy who won't be there to listen to it," Ryder grumbled.

  "I don’t think I’ll be long," I reassured him.

  He shook his head in disagreement. "Take all the time you need. It's been a long time coming."

  He gave me a quick hug and patted my back. Then he turned and made his way up the stairs and into the castle, leaving me alone. I took a deep breath, deciding to check the place I suspected Father would be.

  As I made my way toward the garden, I absentmindedly pressed my fingers to my lips.

  I never thought I'd kiss Midnight. I doubted we'd ever even get along. I could still remember the look of shock when I told her the truth. I loved Makoto and Midnight was a part of that equation. I knew her other spirits mattered as well, but because of how close Mako and Midnight were and the original introduction of them being split personalities, rather than host and spirit, it affected how I thought of Midnight.

  I didn't imagine for a moment that she'd kiss me, but I didn't hesitate, allowing my eyes to close while I kissed her back.

  Her curiosity and occasional shyness were beyond cute, and I was glad we worked everything out. I didn't have issues with any of Mako's spirits now and the relief that it brought me was like a breath of fresh air.

  Midnight's acceptance of my gift made it a lot easier so I was no longer afraid of offending her or her other spirits for using it on Mako, as long as it wasn't in a manipulative manner which I would of course never do.

  I hadn’t expected to confront EliaseAnne, but the situation turned out better than I anticipated and was thankful it didn't turn into a conflict in itself. I think we were all tired of this emotional rollercoaster we'd been on and I couldn't wait for a break with Mako.

  I strolled slowly to the garden behind the castle, taking my time to enjoy the view of the sun as it set. From red to orange, dark blue to pink, I couldn't help but smile on my walk.

  My nerves fluttered in my stomach, leaving me unsure whether confronting Father was a good idea. But then I remembered Freila’s happy expression as she giggled and laughed. Seeing her running around, full of excitement and happiness motivated me to try.

  If it wasn't successful, I could at least say I made the attempt. Mother would see from above that I gave it a shot and I prayed that would be enough for her.

  I walked through the garden and down the path toward the cemetery. Something told me Father would be somewhere outside rather than in the castle, so I followed that instinct.

  I noticed a figure standing at the top of the hill that overshado
wed the city below. From the familiar gold cape with white trim bearing the symbol of Realm Nine, I knew it was Father.

  I quietly approached and when I was few steps away he turned his head slightly to look at me. He looked tired from the black circles under his eyes and the way his shoulders sank in exhaustion.

  I reached his side and didn't say a word while I stared at the city below. My nerves had calmed and I felt more confident to face him. I always imagined that when I had to confront him, I'd be angry. I'd be so upset about how broken our family was and the childhood Michael and I had to endure.

  Yet here I was, calm as ever and didn't feel like I could even blame him. Was I really the victim? Or was he? Maybe our family was a victim of Cassandra and Cecelia or those awful experiences were needed to make us who we were today.

  I didn't have an answer, but I was ready to tackle whatever this conversation would bring. Most importantly, I'd make this work. I'd fight to reunite our family.

  "How is the Princess?" Father asked.

  "She's asleep. Karen said she'll recover just fine with lots of rest, but her magic level is extremely low," I commented.

  Father nodded. "Makes sense. Not to mention she had two spirits take control during the fight. I'm glad she wasn't seriously injured," he confessed.

  I nodded in agreement and we both stood in silence once more, watching the final minutes of the sun descending below the horizon. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes. Please Starlight gods, give me the courage to do this. I opened my mouth to speak, ready to apologize for the past but Father turned to face me.

  "I'm sorry, Daniel."

  I paused, my mouth half open and blinked in confusion, wondering if I had heard him correctly. Azriel popped into my mind, his curiosity overpowering his exhaustion as he waited patiently for Father to elaborate on those words.

  "What?" I asked. I must have imagined things. I can't remember the last time Father apologized to anyone, especially Michael or I.

  Father took a deep breath before he stepped back. I watched him go down on his knees and my jaw dropped and my eyes went wide in shock. There's no way Father is kneeling before me right now.