CELESTIA (Unicorn Blessed Chronicles Book 4) Read online

  Shouldn't I have been able to protect her? Why couldn't I help her? I'm strong. I know I am, yet I felt like an amateur in that battle. I was the weakling and Old Darkness is probably laughing in mockery at our pathetic attempt to protect someone who meant the world to us.

  "It's not your fault, Orion. That man… he's not of this time. Doesn't feel that way. I don't know what happened or why I'm so sure, but I don't think any of us could have stopped him. The power and magic from that attack is a lot older than anything I've witnessed. Don't blame yourself. Celestia would tell you to keep your chin up and not think of this as your fault."

  I know… but it's so hard not to.

  "I know," Gabriel replied.

  Within our bond, I could tell he meant it.

  He could feel what I felt through our bond and he was listening to Arielle's sobs while I quietly cried in his arms.

  "Cry as much as you need to Orion. Let's take this moment to mourn what we've lost but use it to motivate us for the next steps of action. We'll figure this out."

  I nodded into his shoulder, hugging him a bit tighter as I absorbed his words and allowed them to sink in.

  We have to figure it out because time isn't going to be our friend in all of this, and I'm afraid this is going to lead into something over our heads.

  Gabriel didn't answer but feeling his acceptance through our bond was enough for me.

  He was giving me this moment to cry out all the pent-up emotions I'd been carrying since I'd read Odion's file.

  The sadness, guilt, doubt, and pain of losing Celestia. Even though she wasn't truly lost, it would take all of us to help find her and make it safe enough for her to return.

  My deepest fear was how vulnerable she was. Her magic was depleted from the battle that had just occurred before her Awakening Ceremony, which added to the problem.

  Believe.

  I just needed to believe that Celestia was strong enough and that Odion could protect her from the unknown territories of the Darkness.

  With a deep breath, I lifted my head and looked at the sky as the first set of raindrops fell. I zoned everything out, from the whimpers and sobs of Arielle to Charlotte's cries for her baby.

  I couldn't take any more of it and decided to do the one thing I was almost positive would work.

  It always had when we were younger, and I hoped that it never disappeared.

  Please, Odion. Protect our Blessed Love from the Old Darkness. I beg you... protect her and we'll do our part. Be safe, brother... be safe.

  ~CELESTIA~

  When I woke from the darkness, my body was scorching hot. It was as if there was a fire burning inside me, trying to turn me to ash from the inside out.

  I was in pain. It hurt, and it contributed to my involuntary whimpers and moans.

  Help… so hot.

  I tried to move or open my eyes, but there was no use. I felt drained, like I didn't have a shred of energy inside me. I needed help, but my words couldn't escape my lips because I was too exhausted to force them out.

  Help me.

  My body was still floating, the endless motion holding up to its name, but I wished it would return to the cold safe place. This heat would kill me if it continued for much longer, but there was no one to help put it out.

  Help me!

  The words echoed in my head, and alas, did nothing to aid in the growing heat that was contributing to my wavering consciousness.

  I'm going to die… alone?

  Even though my body felt like it was burning from the inside out, the thought of dying alone resonated within me.

  It made me feel sad, and my frantic mind was doing everything in its power to aid me on our quest to stop the internal flame that would lead to my unavoidable death if I didn't think fast enough.

  A name came to my mind, and without hesitation, I fought with all my might to scream the single word.

  Odion!

  Almost immediately, the intense inferno began to dim inside me, and I groaned in relief, feeling even more drained than before.

  The floating continued, but it was the least of my misery. To be honest, it was calming, aiding in my sudden desire for comfort.

  The floating movement was predictable; a downward descent that never changed.

  My mind, body, and soul could handle that, and right now it was helping me move closer and closer to the darkness that would bring me back to the dreams I was curious about.

  The memories were far better than what I'd almost died from. A whimper left my lips then, and I wondered if I was crying. It wasn't like I could feel it, but if I was, no one would hear me.

  No one would care.

  "Keep fighting, my Queen. Just a little longer."

  The voice that spoke left me speechless and curious. I didn't know who he was, but his words were exactly what I needed. Like a bucket of ice cold water being poured down my body and cooling me off.

  Whoever spoke, I was thankful to them. They were the reason I could finally sleep.

  Thank you...

  "Our Queen. Prince of Light is here to see you."

  I sighed and gave my guard a kind smile. "He knows he can enter without my permission but thank you. Please allow his entry."

  The guard nodded and hastily moved towards the gold metallic doors of my throne room. Opening the door, the guards at attention turned to face my guest as he walked in.

  With a quick flick of my wrists, the two guards standing at the door bowed and moved outside to give us privacy.

  Once the doors closed, I turned my attention to the graceful man that approached me.

  His long, white flowing hair, those glistening pink and purple eyes that twinkled with longing, and his 6'7" figure was cloaked in the finest silk.

  The white and lavender purple colors suited him well, not because he was the Prince of Light, but that it complemented his overall appearance.

  When he reached the three stairs of the platform I stood on, he bowed, placing his right hand to his chest in greeting. "Your Majesty."

  I smirked and began to giggle. "Can you put the formalities aside and come here so I can kiss you?"

  My eyes softened when he raised his head to look up at me, a satisfied smile on those smooth pink lips. He rose and took the few steps needed to reach my side. With a slick movement, his arms slid around my waist just as his lips smashed into mine to deliver a heated kiss my body desperately needed.

  The intensity of the kiss made me feel like I was floating, and when I gasped for air, he expertly slipped his tongue inside, making me moan while I wrapped my arms around his waist.

  I missed him so much...

  He broke the kiss and pressed his forehead against mine, both of us giggling when our crowns clacked against one another; mine was gold with various colors that represented the rainbow, and his was pure silver with pink and purple jewels.

  "I've missed you dearly, my Queen. We must work on this whole long-distance thing. It only makes me want to take you away and never let you go."

  "That's being selfish, my Prince," I teased, brushing my lips against his. "How would your comrades feel?"

  "They can come too." He winked, and I chuckled.

  "Then whisk me away, Prince of Light. Hopefully, that won't cause a war." I winked, and he laughed, the delightful sound like music to my ears.

  "The Prince of Nature is coming by."

  "Is he, now? Do you two always secretly plan to visit me at the same time?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow at him.

  "If I said yes, would I get to make love with you first?"

  My grin widened, and I deliberately leaned in to tug his bottom lip with my teeth. "Whatever you say wouldn't matter. We have plenty of time before his arrival to satisfy those needs."

  He gave me a slow kiss and whispered, "We've been neglecting your needs, my Queen. I guess we should work on that."

  "I have no objections," I whispered back, and he pulled me into a hug.

  "I wish this wave of peace would never end." He m
urmured, holding me tightly as if I'd disappear right this second.

  "Our duty as royals is to maintain the peace. We'll do just fine, my Blessed Love. As long as we are united, nothing can ruin the peace between us and our lands."

  He pulled back to stare into my eyes and nodded. "I will work hard to maintain the peace with Light."

  "And love," I said quietly. Removing my arms from his waist, I let my hands slide upward against the rich textured cloth of his chest and wrap around his neck. With ease, I pulled him down for a steamy kiss, and he didn't disappoint, dominating my lips with his as his hands glided down to my ass.

  "Bedroom?" I moaned lightly through pants and I could see how those pink-purple orbs darkened.

  "I think that would be best if we'd like to do some pleasurable activities." He leaned over to whisper in my ear. "Though, I would be happy to take you right here and now, my Queen."

  Those husky words trickled through me, contributing to the warm blush that began to blossom on my cheeks and to the growing ache between my legs.

  "The guards would hear us," I mumbled, feeling slightly embarrassed.

  He grinned and snapped his fingers, and I felt the magic spread across the room. My eyes caught onto the Queen size bed that appeared behind the throne and I looked back to him with widened eyes.

  "What did… you do?"

  "A little magic. No sound will exit these walls until I command it, and your guards know not to disturb you when any of us Princes are present." He scooped me up and headed towards the beautiful bed.

  "And the bed?" I asked.

  "My Queen, would I allow such a beauty to lie on the bare floor when I take you? I think not. Comfort is very important."

  My face must have been deep red because he chuckled and gave me a playful kiss. "My honesty always throws you off."

  "That's because it's a rare trait not many carry," I mumbled and smiled. "Thank you, Blessed Love."

  He blushed, and I giggled happily.

  "I love how embarrassed you get when I praise you."

  "Ugh. Don't tease, my Queen," he muttered, pouting his lips which made him adorable to look at.

  "Then make love to me, Prince of Light," I purred, just as he lowered me to the bed.

  With a satisfied grin, he leaned down to press his forehead against mine once more, and our crowns clicked which caused us both to laugh.

  "How is that crown still upon your pretty head, my Queen?"

  "The maids use magic to ensure it remains on my head. Silly rules. Will it become a problem?"

  "Not at all," he whispered. "I can work around anything, as long as it leads to my Queen receiving as much pleasure as I can single-handedly deliver."

  With those words, he laid his lips upon mine, igniting the pleasurable events that followed and left me screaming in pure bliss.

  * * *

  "BiBo."

  "She'll wake up soon?"

  "BiBo, BiBo!"

  "Where are you going?"

  "BiBo..."

  "You don't need to run away. She'll like you."

  "Bo."

  "And… she's gone. Hmm."

  I squeezed my eyes and tried to turn over, feeling completely stiff and uncomfortable. I wanted to return to my dream, to watch the events that followed with the Queen and the Prince of Light, but I'd woken up.

  My mind was still hazy, and though I felt utterly exhausted and a tad warmer than I normally felt, I didn't feel like I'd fall back asleep now.

  "My Queen? Are you awake?"

  Queen? Who… me? I'm no Queen. I don't think so. Or was that dream mine?

  My curiosity got the better of me and I opened my eyes slightly to the rather dark room.

  To be fair, I couldn't tell if we were even in a room. That was how dark it was. I could at least see I was in some type of bed and the small weirdly shaped nightstand and the light that gave off a weird purple illumination was aiding in my quest of figuring out where the hell I was.

  "Mhm." I moaned and closed my eyes once more, not bothering to look and find the person who called me.

  If that was even me.

  "Celestia."

  I opened my eyes again and reluctantly shifted my gaze to land on a familiar person. His long black hair was currently in a ponytail, the silky strands falling down his back with a few hanging on the side of his face and behind his ear.

  He was sitting in another oddly shaped piece of furniture that was a pale purple and was curved weirdly. I wondered if he could even sit on it because it looked beyond peculiar.

  When my gaze met his, I had to pause and just stare. Those light lavender eyes looked almost white, and though I noticed the relief in them as we continued to study one another, I could tell he was tired.

  The black circles under his eyes were evident, leaving me to wonder when he had last slept.

  It was taking a bit of time to figure out who this person was, but it was in the back of my mind and taking its time to resurface.

  The man was patient and didn't say another word, which was rather comforting. I didn't want to feel rushed into figuring out who he was, but I didn't want to offend him by taking too long either.

  "I'm… trying to remember..." I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep.

  I must have been asleep for a while, and I unconsciously wished I had a cup of rich coffee to help remove the fog cloaking my mind.

  He nodded, a small smile crept onto his lips and I swear, his exhaustion faded for those few seconds. I wished I could help him feel better. It wasn't like he was sick, but I had the urge to hug and hold him while he slept. He must have done something tiring to look so spent.

  Yet, there he was, sitting and being patient with my slow mind.

  Lifting his hand, he reached out to stroke my left cheek as I continued to rest on my right side, my gaze never leaving his.

  "Take all the time you need, my Queen. You went through a lot to survive. Your body needs rest."

  "Body needs rest? What did I do? I don't recall," I mumbled quietly.

  I wanted to sit up, but just the slightest movement was difficult. The man noticed and got up from his chair.

  "Want to sit up?" he suggested.

  "Yes, please," I replied, needing the extra help.

  He helped me sit up and scooped me up to bring me further back in the bed, my back now rested against the headboard with a supportive pillow.

  "Thank you," I whispered, my eyes taking their time to take in the room that was giving me weird vibes. It was more abnormal than anything, and it told my mind that something was off with how everything was shaped compared to "normal furniture."

  "You’re welcome, Celestia, and it's a bit hard to explain. Don't work yourself up trying to remember. It will come to you in spurts. Traveling and surviving the entry into the Dark World does that to you."

  "Dark World… is this where we are? It's… well… dark." I tried to think of what to say regarding his explanation, but I soon gave up.

  Can't think properly without coffee. Or anything drinkable.

  "BiBo..."

  My head turned to look at a medium sized looking rag doll. Its body was black, but its head was a round circle with white string-like hair.

  It wore a lavender dress, something a doll would wear, and it even had little black buttons on the front.

  I wasn't sure if it was a girl, but from the pigtails of her stringy hair, I could only assume until told otherwise.

  Her eyes were huge white circles with a black spiral which I hoped was her iris. They were spiraling in a slow motion, making me curious that if I stared at her long enough, would I become super dizzy.

  What pulled my attention from my analysis was the scent of hazelnut that drifted to my nose, and when I lowered my gaze to see the black cup of coffee, I almost squealed.

  Maybe I did, I wasn't really sure.

  "Coffee..." I whispered and looked at the creature who tilted her head.

  I could tell she was slightly trembling, making me wonder if she was
scared.

  "For me?" I asked.

  "Bi...Bo," she replied and lifted the cup to me.

  To reach my height, it took her raising her little hands, and I smiled and reached out for the cup, not wanting to let her struggle for too long.

  "Thank you," I said softly.

  "Bi." She dashed away, and I blinked my eyes a few times before glancing at the man who had a sheepish smile on his face.

  "She's afraid you won't like her. She'll be back."

  "Why wouldn't I like her?" I asked, and it felt like a light bulb went off in my head; the man's identity finally revealed itself to me. "Odion?"

  His smile widened at my recognition and he whispered, "Welcome back, my Queen."

  I blushed at the sweet tone of his voice, needing a moment to calm my poor heart that had skipped a few beats.

  And to ignore the fluttering butterflies in my stomach.

  "Hey, Odion. Uh… sorry. I didn't mean to forget about you. I… hmm. I'm still pulling up a few blanks here," I admitted and stared at the coffee in my hand. "I'd love to drink this though."

  "You can," Odion replied. "There's no rush in remembering. Let it come naturally."

  "But..." I trailed off, trying to think of the right way to ask.

  Isn't he going to leave?

  I had no clue where we were, but in the back of my mind, I had a nagging fear of being alone here. With Odion around, I felt safe, which wasn't making much sense to me.

  I wasn't in any danger sitting in this oddly shaped bed drinking coffee, but his presence alone was helping me remain relaxed and not freak out at not knowing what was going on.

  Not to forget, I was still having holes in my memory, unsure how I'd gotten here and what had happened to land me in this place.

  The last thing I remembered was the night before my Awakening Ceremony when we were picking out clothes.

  Did that already happen?

  "I'm not going anywhere," Odion stated, pulling me out of my thoughts.

  "You aren't?" I asked.

  "Nope." He leaned to the side to reach the top shelf of the dark purple nightstand. It had a little top shelf and the bottom half was a spiral spinning pole that entered into the blackwood of the floor.