Chapter Chaper 11
I had enough time to change and get ready for today, after Avery went to his room to do the same.
Of all the things hanging in the closet, I felt most comfortable in the red dungarees one-piece suit.
All the dresses in the closet were beautiful, but for me this one piece was the one. It fit me like a glove and the color was fiery red and unique.
We all met in the living area of the villa and the king explained everyone what to do. After a short consultation, he decided Avery and his sister Ava , my brother Aidan, the king and I go to Devas while the others go about their duties. Inna would take over Aidan's duties until his return.
Mana was a sorceress, and after a few words I couldn't understand, and an orange glow, a bridge appeared in front of us. The bridge led from the Island back to Antaris Beach. We set off, each on his amicus. The king flew ahead on his Pegasus, and Ava hurried after him with Gea. Avery and I rode Eyon and my brother followed last.
Aidan's amicus was a Griffin, a magnificent animal with a huge lion's body and an eagle's head. The wings of Rapax, as he called the animal by its name, were huge and powerful. And as he flew after us I felt his mighty wings blowing the wind on our backs.
After a short time we crossed the sea and found ourselves on Antaris Land. The king and Aidan landed with their amicus and rode on their beasts beside us. Antaris is beautiful and every time I looked I discovered something new here. I watched the children play as we rode past them. They ran around and some had little wings and flew overhead. The children's play of colors looked like a rainbow, and I was amazed at the beauty that I had not known until recently.
All residents greeted the royal family with a short bow and waved at us. King Elior appeared to be a good man. He was popular with the local residents and they respected him greatly. This testified to my suspicion that he was a righteous and good king to his people.
We rode all through Antaris to the Mansion and made a quick stop to pack a few things. The king said that whatever we need will be brought to us afterwards.
Our journey then continued through the forest towards the mountains, and after a couple of hours the king stopped.
I was confused because in the forest I saw nothing but trees as long as my gaze could follow. But I felt like someone was watching us...Everyone got off their animals and Avery helped me off Eyon's back. The animals lay down in the moss and rested after our trip.
"I don't remember expecting visitors today," I heard a hoarse voice say.
But I didn't see anyone in the forest. I didn't even see people or animals nearby. This scares me and I held Avery's arm while hiding behind him.
"Devas! I hope you let us in even if we are unexpected." said King Elior.
It was quiet and there was no answer as if there was no one left. But then a black fog rose from the ground towards the sky. And as I watched the fog rising, a house with a garden appeared in front of us. A man stood in front of us with short black hair that was slightly curly and pitch black eyes. He looked at King Elior and his expression was worried.
"What brings you to me King Elior?" asked Devas as he walked in our direction.
And then he stopped and looked me in the face. He took a few steps back and his brow furrowed.
"Is that the Prodigy?" he asked in a stern voice.
"This is Iris....Baldur's daughter." the king answered calmly.
"She should get out of here! Last night I felt her presence all the way here. She is a danger to all of us!" said Devas in a venomous tone.
The king turned to me and gave me a reassuring look.
"We're here to ask you to help her," Ava said as she took a step forward.
"To help her? Are you nuts?" Devas replied while laughing mockingly.
"I'm here to remind you of your promise. And to ask you to fulfill it now." said the king as he sat down on a log next to Devas.
His expression changed from mocking to serious with just that sentence.
"You made a promise to Baldur! And that's why we're here." said the king calmly.
He raised his eyebrow and looked down at the demon as he stood up. Devas straightened and looked from the king to Aidan and then to me.
"The time has come Devas fulfill your friend's last wish." said the king as he stood next to him, and the two whispered something to each other. Then he bowed his head as a sign of respect to the king.
"I'll leave you here, Iris, with Aidan and Avery." said King Elior.
I felt fearful and unwelcome in the presence of Devas.
The king spoke a few more words of encouragement to me and explained that we would stay here with Devas for a while.
I didn't like the idea but if he's the only one who can help me then I have no other choice.
Ava and her father soon made their way back to the Mansion and my brother, Avery and I stayed.
Avery held me and reassured me with his presence while kissing my Hand.
Devas rolled his eyes and invited us inside.
His house was elegant and modern with dark red walls and decorated with black furniture, that gave the whole a classy look.
He sat down in a large armchair and threw his legs over the armrest.
" Sit down !" He commanded us as he watched us enter his living room.
Aidan was unfazed by Devas behavior and Avery seemed annoyed, but I just felt uncomfortable.
As we sat down, I watched as Devas created a black cloud in front of us. The cloud seemed to become a mirror and I saw my father in it, lying on the ground in Devas' arms. I heard the demon promise my father that he would teach his children to use our powers properly and protect us with his life if necessary.
And then the cloud disappeared and I looked Devas straight in the eyes.
His eyes were sad as he looked at the memory. But when he met my eyes he seemed to snap back into his old mood.
"You can have the two rooms at the back while you're here. Make yourself at home. I'll keep my promise and tomorrow we'll start," he said dryly and left the house.
"Well, that's a warm welcome." said Aidan as he looked after him.
"We need his help, so let's take what he offers." Avery said as he kissed my hand.
We spent the afternoon walking in the forest and again I felt like someone was watching me. Just like the day I arrived in Antaris, someone's presence was felt but no one was to be seen.
Avery and Aiden tried to make the situation bearable for me. They made a great effort and told me about Antaris and its inhabitants. They explained to me what kind of beings lived here and what powers they had.
I knew fairies had green auras and ruled over nature, witches had yellow auras and wizards orange. Mermaids were blue and ruled the water. Elves had purple auras, some could fly and make themselves invisible, and magic flowed through their veins, they controlled all elements. The healers had white auras and demons had black ones.
All evil creatures had black auras even those that turned to the good side.
Some had wings, others were large, there were some with pointed ears or tails, and even multiple heads ,on either side. That afternoon I learned as much as I could about everything I didn't know about them.
Aidan told me about the evil creatures and which ones are left. And with every sentence, my fear grew bigger.
In the house of Devas we were alone, he didn't come back when we got there from walking.
After we made dinner, we ate and went to our rooms. Aidan said he was tired and going to bed earlier, and Avery and I retired to our room.
"I can sleep on the floor if you're uncomfortable sharing the small bed." said Avery soothingly.
"No, that won't be necessary. I want you to sleep in my bed." I answered him.
We were soul mates and I feel safe and protected by his side.He would never hurt me and wouldn't force me to do anything I didn't want to.
What seemed impossible to me a few days ago is now understandable. I've never had a boyfriend, but dealing with Avery felt right. He was no stranger to me, and though we've only known each other for a short time, my soul has been bound to him since birth.
We lay on the bed and I fell asleep in his arms. Tomorrow my training starts maybe Devas will really help me....