The Ice Queen "Second Awakening" - Ch. 32 (Patreon)

Neytiri

A chill wraps its way around me, and not in a good way. Discomfort forces me to move and shift in my dreamless slumber. But consciousness slowly grips my mind, forcing me awake. I slowly open my eyes, taking in the ceiling above me. I’m home, on the estate. My gaze shifts to the window revealing the familiar surroundings of the estate, and I release a deep breath of relief.

I flinch as pain ripples through me when I attempt to move, just as the events that led me to this point slowly come back to me. I was attacked at the press conference by humans who knew my abilities. They had weapons that countered my body and my power almost killing me, especially when I attempted an escape. The wounds that are slow to heal pulse in pain as I recall the sniper on the roof. They were relentless in their attacks. When I jumped into the water I expected to die. I didn’t expect Mirena to be near, pulling me to safety.

“Neytiri.”

I follow the direction of the voice speaking my name. Cassian wears a worried expression as he studies me. His eyes glisten and he immediately shifts in his seat to place a kiss on my forehead. He then places his against mine, inhaling deeply. Usually, I could at least hear his heartbeat, but I am so weak, I can only revel in the sound of his breathing. He is alive and well and was not a targeted part of the attack.

“I thought I lost you. I’m so sorry. I should have protected you. I failed you. I won’t even ask for your forgiveness,” he murmurs between kisses.

I smile softly, placing my hands against his. I take note that my arm still throbs from the sniper attack, and when I look at it, it has bloody gauze wrapped around it. I’m not healing as fast as I usually would.

“How long was I out?” I ask.

My voice cracks forcing me to bite back a cough but Cassian notices, pulling away from me to bring me a cup of water.

“The Mirena brought you back two weeks ago. We were only able to move you back to the estate a few days ago.”

My eyes widen.

“How did they know I was in trouble?” I ask in shock.

“There are Ancients stationed all over the world. A few were watching over us during our time on the mainland. You mean more to our world than you know, Neytiri.”

I take a small sip of the water, enjoying the cool liquid as it soothes my throat.

“How are you feeling?” he asks.

I scoff.

“Weak. In pain.”

I watch Cassian carefully as I speak. He’s eerily calm in this situation.

“Does the world know?” I ask.

My stomach coils in discomfort as I think of what this could mean. It’s dangerous for us to exist in this world. But Cassian shakes his head.

“The people who attacked didn’t want anyone else to know of your existence. The cameras were already wiped or ‘malfunctioned’ prior to the attack. No one knows for sure what happened. They’ve been persistent in their attempts to contact me to investigate. It won’t be long before they try and infiltrate the island for answers.”

My heart rate rises as I think of what his words truly mean. I drop my head in my hands.

“I’m sorry. All these years you kept everyone safe and hidden. And I’ve ruined that in a few days,” I whisper.

The pain in my chest increases as I think of everything Cassian has worked for. Everyone on this island is now in danger. Cassian gently pulls my hands away from my face, his expression unreadable as he studies me.

“You had nothing to do with the attack. It’s their nature to place themselves where they don’t belong. And I won’t let them get away with it. Not anymore.”

My eyes widen as I suddenly realize why Cassian seems so calm. It’s rage. His emotions are perfectly contained as he projects his anger in one direction. A chill spikes up my spine as I sit in his presence. He is cold as he was all that time ago, his mind already on a path to destruction.

“What are you saying…”

Cassian’s dark expression never leaves mine. I feel his emotions through our oath. They are powerful as if they are my own, and I suddenly feel suffocated by them.

“They’re going to pay for what they did. That’s all you need to know right now.”

I immediately understand why Cassian’s emotions are so difficult to read. He’s battle ready. In the time I’ve been unconscious, he’s made himself prepared to go to war. Or rather, destroy whatever is in his path. He’s the same as he was when deciding to make my people pay for what they did to his family.

He’s the blood king.

“Who? Who will pay? Are you trying to go to war with the world?” I ask.

Cassian laughs, shaking his head. He notices my hesitance, a frown forming.

“Isn’t this what you wanted? To come out of hiding? It’s either us or them, they will not stop now that they’ve had a taste. They’ve not only discovered your existence but what possibilities your existence gives them. There is no more hiding. The longer we wait, the sooner they will attack. War is the only way for us to live in peace.”

The more he speaks the more discomfort that shifts through me. His words have no mercy on them and no need for reason. He is driven by his bloodlust. Cassian gently pulls my hand in his, his thumb rubbing lightly over my palm as he speaks.

“They have already begun. Over the last week, we have had to deter many attacks. Luckily we started evacuating the island from the moment they ambushed you. It won’t be long until everyone is safe and out of harm's reach.”

“Evacuate? To where?” I ask.

Cassian smiles softly, his dark gaze meeting mine.

“I told you I have other islands. We’ve had plans in place for years just in case something like this happened. We’re ready.”

My anger builds. They attack, and we have to leave. It feels as though it has always been like this for my people. Even in this new age, we are cruelly forced from our homes because outsiders once again want to take us. Cassian takes notice of my anger, gently gripping my hand in his. He runs his thumb over my palm lightly, giving me a soft smile.

“It’s going to be okay. I promise. I won’t let them take what we’ve built.”

Before I can respond the door bursts open. Caius has wide eyes as his gaze shifts between Cassian and me. He doesn’t seem happy to see me awake though. He looks distressed.

“We’re under attack.”

A myriad of emotions overcomes me from his words and what they mean. Someone has infiltrated the island. Cassian is up before I can think about our next move, ready for battle.

“Where are they.”

“They came in on the Dragonborn side, using the bay. Luckily everyone on that side has been evacuated for days. They are making their way to the Ikniri quickly.”

“How many Ikniri remain?” Cassian snaps.

“At least a thousand.”

I toss back the covers jumping out of bed, but I immediately collapse. I’m weak. My body can’t even hold itself up. Cassian is by my side instantly, gently lifting me to place me back on the bed.

“You’re weaker than you’ve ever been. Be careful, your body is healing at a slow rate.”

I hold my hands in front of me, my gaze narrowing.

“You’re suppressing me?” I ask looking at Cassian. His expression shifts slightly but he doesn’t have to speak. He’s already given me my answer. Caius, however, is the one to respond first.

“It’s not what you think. It’s dangerous after something like this to have you-”

“Caius!”

Cassian snaps at him but I can see he wants to speak.

“Say it,” I snap.

Caius looks between me and Cassian. But Cassian finally breaks the silence.

“When you first awoke, you killed humans—the doctors I hired. And you almost killed me. When you jumped into the ocean, your power was unstable. I’m doing this to protect everyone, Neytiri. This is a-”

He continues to speak, but I can’t hear him. The blood rushing through my ears is deafening as his words come together, solidifying what I was thinking all along. All of this is my fault. All of it. I tense when Cassian grips my hands, his face inches from mine.

“Evacuate with Caius. I’ll go to the village and ensure everyone gets out safely.”

I shake my head.

“I won’t leave you alone-”

“You don’t have a choice.”

Tears burn my eyes. I feel helpless in a moment where not only Cassian, but all of my people need me. And I can do nothing but cry.

“Cassian, if they find out about you-”

“I won’t let them. I swear, I will be right behind you.”