Revelation - Chapter 35 (Patreon)

Remus

“Once I open the channel, we will have to act fast. I don’t know if Iris is being controlled by Braith, or if they are sharing power. We will need to get there immediately and be ready for whatever threat they have. Whether it be the people or Iris.” I say. I look at Andrew.

“If this goes well and they don’t suspect me, I will have you dispatched as close to Iris’ location as I can. Find her, and bring her in. You’re the only person that she will trust. Do not tell her about me being alive.” I say. I look at the rest of the generals in the room.

“If Iris is being used as a weapon against us, do not attack. I will handle her, the rest will handle the people. Round them up, put them in cells, and we will return home for them to face their judgment.” I say. Everyone has hard looks on their faces.

“This mission is to be handled with the utmost care. Iris is your future queen. She must not be harmed.” I say. Everyone nods their heads in understanding.

“Dismissed.”

“The ship is ready.” I look up to see Xion coming towards me with a comforting gaze.

I nod my head looking out over the rails of the ship. The men are all loading up getting ready to go. Some kiss their lovers and families goodbye. I feel bitterness in my heart.

All my life I’ve been manipulated by my mother. So much that I was the cause of Iris’ miscarriage.

I couldn’t imagine the pain she felt at the thought of that happening again. I feel antsy just thinking about connecting with her again. What if she doesn’t want to come with me? What if she fights me to the death?

“You seem bothered.” She says.

“I’m nervous,” I say. She raises a brow.

“If he’s hurt her… or used her… what if she isn’t the same anymore. What if she doesn’t want to come with me? What will I do then?” I ask. Xion seems to be thinking for a moment. She steps forward placing her hand on my cheek, offering me a soft smile.

“Then you let her go, Remus.” She says. I shake my head.

“How could I let her go? Where would she even go?” I snap. Xion shrugs.

“I'm not sure. But she needs to know she can trust you. Isn’t that what you wanted?” She asks. I nod my head.

I may let her leave, but I’ll never let her go. I’ll keep an eye on her from afar. Making sure she is ok.

“How’s Ezra?” I ask.

“He’s awake last time I spoke with mother.” I nod my head feeling relief wash through me.

“And…Sky?” I ask. She looks out over the rails as well shaking her head.

“She may not make it through the night.” I nod my head. I hate that Ezra had to go through something like this, but it was necessary for him to survive. If he ever gains his memory, he will never forgive me. And I have prepared myself for that possibility.

The doors open on the deck and Andrew joins us.

“We’re ready.”

I stand before the ship, ready to give the coordinates as soon as I locate them. I take a deep breath preparing myself for whatever it is I will find once I open up my and Iris’ connection. I close my eyes slowly dropping the mental block.

The world around me explodes in an array of colors as her emotions wash over me. The one emotion that stands out above them all is sadness.

It’s like an anchor weighing so heavily on me. I feel regret, anger, fear, and confusion all rolled up into one person. I try and focus on her location, trying to ignore the bombard of emotions.

“Where are you?” I murmur. Her energy ties itself to mine, and I can see the physical connection. I sense her again her existence in the world. My eyes open, and I almost collapse from the barrage of emotion.

I feel a hand on my shoulder and tense when I see it’s Xion. Her eyes widen as she takes in my features.

“Did you find her?”

I nod my head, slowly reaching up to wipe the tear that rolled down my face.

“I’m going to kill that bastard,” I growl.

“We’re lucky. Her and Braith share no connection. He won’t know we’re there until we arrive.” I say. Xion is watching me warily.

“Remus, what did you see?” She asks. I shake my head. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. It makes me livid. All the pain he is causing her. He’s torturing her in the name of protection but he just wants to wear down her walls so he can control her. He’s no better than the people he hates so much.

“The only thing we need to worry about is getting Iris away from him. As soon as she’s in range, we need to force her unconscious. As long as he lives, he can control her. And he knows I won’t fight her.

Iris

I jolt awake. Something’s not right. Something feels different.

I slowly sit up in my cell, ignoring the throbbing headache that continues. I jump when I see Braith. He’s sitting in front of me on the other side of the cell. Watching me.

I flinch in pain. He seems to be using me as target practice more than training. It’s like each day he gets more and more angry with my existence.

“Sometimes, I wish Remus had lived.” He says. He looks down and begins cutting an apple in his hands.

“So that he could see what you have become.” He says. I don’t respond

“I adored you.” He says. He looks up at me as he pops an apple in his mouth.

“I thought you were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.” He scoffs.

“But you… you adore him. That monster.” He growls.

“Why?”

“That isn’t your business.” I snap. His gaze narrows and he stands.

“Isn’t my business? I gave you that power, Iris. I helped you escape-“

“You forced this power on me, and you used me for your escape.” I snap back. He stares for a moment and finally laughs. He steps to the side wagging the knife at me as he moves.

“What a sharp tongue you have.”

“Why are you doing this? Just let me go, I mean you or your people no harm.” I say. He shakes his head.

“Do you think I can’t sense your distress?” He says. “Your mourn for him!” He shouts.

“It’s pathetic! He destroyed everything you ever cared about, he hurt you and killed in front of you, he betrayed you for another! Why do you still care for that monster even after his death!” He shouts. I shake my head.

“I don’t know,” I whisper.

“He’s all I’ve known… He was kind to me. He was learning to be better… He wasn’t human, but he was trying to understand why I am the way I am. He had potential.” I murmur. Silence washes over us as tears slip from my eyes rolling down my cheeks.

I notice the cage bars beginning to light up and realize it’s absorbing the power that I unwittingly released. Braith shakes his head throwing the apple down and turning to leave.

“You’re a fool.”