Tainted Rose (The Starlight Gods Series Book 2) Read online

“I’ll pray, too. He won’t be able to handle it if...none of us will.”

  I couldn’t attempt to finish the statement. I wouldn’t dare speak of it. I knew the power of the mind and I wouldn’t jinx our princess. I hadn’t even gotten to show her my love.

  I vowed I would make more time for her and train harder. I wouldn’t waste the hours of the day sleeping, when those same hours could be spent making her smile. Life was sacred, and I had to take advantage of the time we had.

  “I’ll take Ryder back to his room. Elias, why are you here? Karen’s going to kill you if she finds you’re out of your room,” Marcus pointed out.

  “I hate being in there...you know that. I don’t care if Karen scolds me, I can’t sleep there,” Elias confessed; his voice sounded vulnerable.

  “Fine. Come help me. You think you have enough strength to glamour us, just in case anyone comes by?” Marcus questioned.

  “Yup. I can. Um, can I stay with you then? I don’t want to be alone right now,” Elias admitted.

  I stood up and walked to his side, placing my hand supportively on his shoulder. I knew he dealt with his own demons thanks to that medical center. I told Karen it was a bad idea, that he could be treated in another room in the castle, but all the major equipment was in there and she wanted to make sure Elias wouldn’t die in his sleep thanks to the poison flowing through his veins. Now that it was almost diminished from his system, we weren’t too concerned.

  “Of course. You don’t mind my snoring so it’s fine,” Marcus replied.

  “It’s cause you sound like a fucking Mustang starting up,” Kai commented.

  “It’s not that bad,” Marcus argued.

  “It’s pretty bad. I’m surprised Elias or Mako can sleep in the same room as you,” I complained.

  “I’m used to it,” Elias voiced as I watched him shrug.

  “Whatever. C’mon, let’s get Ryder to bed. Kai, if anything happens, wake us all up immediately,” Marcus ordered.

  “Will do,” Kai agreed before his mind left our bond.

  I assisted Marcus and Elias in holding Ryder, his arms perched on their necks as they supported his body weight. I could still see the exhaustion in his face; his cheeks still flushed; though, the tears that had run down them had dried.

  I said my goodbyes, reassuring them I would get some rest, but I needed to check on her one more time. I made my way back to the medical center, walking through the quiet halls.

  Now that it was evening, most of the medical staff was gone, leaving only a few for the night shift. Karen was on call and rested in one of the rooms closest to where Mako was being treated, just in case anything happened.

  My legs came to a stop, facing the transparent door, spelled to make the room appear empty, hiding the true contents within its protective walls.

  I pressed my left hand against it, the gold Celtic knot work caught my eyes. I took a moment to compose myself as I felt the various emotions flow through me – sadness, anxiety, anger. Yet, the strongest emotion was regret.

  Ryder had tried to reassure me that this wasn’t my fault. Yet, no words could console me. I couldn’t get to Mako and Elias fast enough, that was the reason why we were in this predicament. I wasn’t strong enough to shift fully and release my angel’s wings like other advanced angel shifters.

  If only I had gotten there faster. She wouldn’t be on the verge of death.

  “She isn’t going to die Daniel. It’s not her time. We need to have faith in her. The gods wouldn’t allow her star to fade away. Believe in them and they will do their work.”

  I took a deep breath, smiling at the gentle, melodic voice that entered my mind, in an effort to comfort me.

  “Thank you, Azriel.”

  My angel spirit, Azriel, always consoled me, when I attempted to wallow in misery. The boys knew both sides of me; the good me and the darker me. They simply didn’t know the extent of the darkness residing in me. Only Azriel truly knew and understood that part of me I hid in the shadows. They didn’t call me a Sinister Angel for no reason.

  I allowed my magic to seep through my hand and into the door; the magic circle glowed a light orange before the door slid open. I walked in, allowed the door to close behind me, before a pair of amber eyes met my gaze.

  “You should be sleeping,” Kai acknowledged; his hand stopped in place, hovering above his sketchbook.

  I smirked before walking towards the large, white bed; the multiple, soft sheets cradled our Princess as she slept. I couldn’t stop my eyes from lingering on her peaceful face.

  “I’ll give you five minutes. You need rest like the others. You all look like shit,” Kai stressed, putting his sketchbook on the side table before making his way to the exit. He gently patted my shoulder before leaving. I whispered my thanks before making my way to the chair next to her bed.

  I sat down at the edge of the seat, noticing the unfinished sketch on the side table; Mako’s sleeping image sketched out in multiple colours, as silhouettes surrounded her bed, each figure a different colour.

  I knew it was us, by the colours. Five figures surrounded our queen. I forgot how talented Kai was, especially in regard to art. It’s what he did to relax from thinking too much, a good coping mechanism and use of his talents.

  I reached out to hold her hand, pressing my lips against her cool skin. I hated how cold she was. I wanted to feel her warm embraces after our hair sessions. She loved when I helped her with her hair in the morning; her eyes glittered with eagerness as to what I’d do. That was one of my motivations to get up in the morning, though I still managed to skip breakfast. I would work on that.

  “Makoto...stay with us, please. Don’t leave us. We have so much to show you. So much to tell you. Be strong,” I whispered, tightening my grasp as I closed my eyes.

  I just had to be strong for the both of us. I allowed myself to relax as I held her hand, the sounds of the humidifier and vitals monitor on the opposite side of the bed filled the silence.

  I will get stronger. I’ll surpass all of the healers here. I’ll aim for the top, so I can mend all her wounds and keep my friend’s safe. When the darkness tries to overtake us...I’ll be ready.

  I opened my eyes to continue watching our princess as I finished my silent vow, waiting for Kai to return. Once I left here, I would go straight to the training room. It was time for me to work towards my goal. I’d slept enough.

  Chapter Two

  “Makoto…stay with…please…don’t ...so much to show...stay strong.”

  I tried to pick up the broken sentence, my hearing wavered in and out.

  I felt weak and tired; the depressing continuation of floating made me want to return to slumber.

  My conscious faded yet again, unable to ignore the pull into the abyss.

  ~ MARCUS~

  “Marcus.”

  I turned my head to face the blue-eyed brunette calling me from afar, surrounded in a field of sunflowers.

  As beautiful as the yellow flowers were, they didn’t compare to the woman a few feet away – my Princess who I’d come to love.

  “Makoto.”

  I made my way towards her, wanting to pull her into my arms and lavish in her sweet taste. Her vanilla scent was addicting, and I loved how it lingered on my clothes.

  I wanted to hold her hand, as we made our way back to the castle. She was home in Heila, and I wanted to enjoy every moment I could by her side.

  I continued walking – my long strides should have helped me reach her faster.

  Yet, my mind became confused as to why I wasn’t getting closer. No, I was getting farther away.

  “Mako?” I called out to her.

  She tilted her head in confusion before her eyes grew wide – something plunged into her chest.

  I didn’t register the scream that left my mouth as I charged forward, watching as the tip of the blade dug deeper; blood seeped into the white shirt – into the cotton fabric.

  She trembled in her spot – her eyes wide with fear.
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br />   “Marcus? I…I don’t want to die,” she whispered. Her voice trembled as tears pooled in her eyes.

  I cursed, running as fast as I could, yet she was still so far away.

  “Firefly, you won’t die! I’ll save you. Hold on,” I begged. I was so desperate to get to her. Why couldn’t I reach her?

  The blade pulled out, the blood flowed freely as it stained her shorts and legs, oozing onto the soil beneath her.

  The clouds began to darken while the sunflowers, once filled with life, withered away to nothing but ash.

  I reached out to her, before my foot got caught in the dead, grey soil, causing me to fall.

  I kicked myself back up, the urgency to get to Makoto was far more important than the burning pain in my lungs – the fear of losing her to death tore at my heart.

  “Makoto! Makoto!”

  I watched her eyes began to dull; her knees dropped to the ground.

  She gave me a weak smile; blood dripped down her mouth till the remaining specs of life in those turquoise eyes faded; her body fell forward into the ground as blood pooled around her.

  “No! Makoto! No, no, no! MAKOTO!”

  I woke up with a jolt; my eyes snapped open as I lunged forward. I scanned my surroundings as I felt the sweat drip down my face; my breathing frantic and quick, as I attempted to catch my breath. My eyes landed on the sleeping figure on the other half of the king size bed.

  I sighed in relief, glad I didn’t wake Elias due to my sudden movement. He wasn’t a deep sleeper compared to Daniel, but he’d been so drained the last couple of days. His body worked on repelling the remaining remnants of the poison Blair Aspen inflicted on that bloody lightning spear.

  We were all thankful for Elias’ fast action and sacrifice, though I hated the fact he struggled with his own demons. What happened to him and Eli still lingered in his bones, even after sixteen cycles. I didn’t blame him; I was dealing with my own demons – the nightmares resurfaced in the past two weeks after two months of being nightmare free.

  The arrival of Mako in our lives had done something to calm me and keep the nightmares away, but now they were back with revenge.

  I noticed something move under the sheet at the end of the bed. I frowned, raising my eyebrow at the movement, before my lips formed a smirk and a white, fluffy tail appeared from under the blanket, followed by two more tails.

  “Nightmare?” I questioned gently; my voice low enough to not wake up the sleeping fairy shifter next to me. Her furry, white head popped out from under the blanket, turning to face me.

  “Mew?” She blinked a few times, her mismatched eyes stared at me before making her way towards me.

  She climbed onto my lap, purring as she rubbed her head against my stomach. I struggled to hold back the laughter that wanted to escape; her soft fur tickled me.

  “Hey, no more of that. I’ll wake up Elias if I laugh.” I picked her up with my right hand, placing her on my shoulder before swinging the blanket off me. I took another glance at the sleeping Elias; his body wrapped in his portion of my blue blanket. His body stirred, pulling the blanket before nestling back in place. I shook my head in amusement.

  After all these cycles, he still continued to be a blanket hog. I wondered if he and Mako fought for the blanket when they slept. Knowing Elias, he’d just cuddle with her and cocoon them in his massive green blanket. Yup, he’d have no problem sharing with our Firefly.

  I took a moment to stretch my sore muscles. I hadn’t been working out lately, and my body ached because of it. It had become so use to the multiple stretches and active movements that it now rejected my sudden lack of movement.

  I spent more time sitting next to Mako’s bed or resting in our designated room than training. I didn’t have the motivation to workout, fearing something bad would occur if I set foot outside the castle walls. I wanted to be here if anything happened. It was the only thing kept me from shifting.

  I would pat my dragon on its scaly back if I could for being so cooperative these past few days. I knew he struggled with the same fears I dealt with, but he tried to stay calm, so we would be allowed to stay close by. We both came to the conclusion that losing control would only put Mako and anyone else in the castle at risk. If it came down to the point we felt like we’d lose control, we’d leave and fly somewhere that would be safe to shift.

  I walked towards the drawer. I opened it, grabbed a pair of black sweat pants and a grey fitted top; slipping them on quietly.

  Nightmare nestled against my neck; her tails secure around my neck, keeping her steady on my shoulder. The small, white ball of fur had rotated amongst us during the night, offering us some comfort with her company. During the days, she would rest next to Mako; her grey markings glowed a soft blue or yellow every so often.

  We figured out blue meant she was sad; her soft whimpers pulled at our heart strings. It usually occurred when Mako’s breathing lowered, which prompted Karen to apply the oxygen and assist her body from working too hard.

  The light-yellow glow, apparently some type of healing spell, or that’s what Karen and Daniel both agreed upon. The small familiar would do it three times a day; its effects usually helped Mako breathe on her own. We all loved her for her immense devotion to Makoto and Midnight. She’d done her portion in fighting off King Aspen. Even though, she was exhausted from the energy loss after the weapon modification, she still summoned Matthew and the others.

  It was thanks to her, we were able to revive and stabilize Makoto as well as Elias. He had waited until Karen assured us Mako would survive the transfer back through the portal before losing consciousness.

  I could still see the relief in his emerald eyes before they closed; his body fell forward. I never lunged so fast before; his body temperature felt like he was burning up from the inside out as he struggled to breathe. We had to rush them through the portal before Kai helped teleport Mako, Elias, Daniel and Karen to the medical center.

  Kai’s teleportation gift was a blessing in times like these. He’d not only teleported Karen into Realm One with ease but was able to bring all four of them to the medical center for treatment. He had informed us later on that he’d arrived at Minato by teleporting there an hour before our exam, reaching Knightwood a few minutes after we’d made our way to the portal entrance. It was extremely draining on the average shifter to use their powers that frequently, yet he was still able to stick around and ensure everything went smoothly, before he finally rested. He was definitely the strongest in our group, though Ryder and Elias weren’t too far behind.

  I was stronger in physical combat than in magic casting, but Elias with Eli made him a double threat, and Ryder’s dark flames were a rare trait few demon shifters possessed. I didn’t even know if Mako’s demon, Rose, could call upon those demonic flames.

  “Mew Mew.”

  I smiled as my hand unconsciously petted the familiar. “You want to go check on our Princess?” I asked softly.

  “Mew!” she replied; her tails unlatched from my neck to wave frantically side to side. I chuckled quietly at her excitement. She was probably worried sick.

  “Okay, let’s go,” I whispered as I pulled my shirt on; Nighty jumped down to the floor, waiting for me to finish before she climbed up and back onto my shoulder. I tiptoed out of the room before closing the door gently.

  It didn’t take me long to reach the medical center. It was on the other side of the gigantic castle the King and Queen resided in. I pressed my hand against the transparent door; the magic circle lit up before sliding open, allowing me entry.

  Once closed, I made my way to the side of the bed, the chair neatly placed along the wall. I knew Karen was probably awake, watching Mako’s vitals through her device in her office. She had probably forced Kai to go rest up, by reassuring the phoenix shifter she’d awaken him if necessary.

  Kai was just as stubborn as Ryder, both of them willing to push themselves till their bodies begged for rest. The number of times we scolded them during our younger tr
aining days was ridiculous. They simply went on the motto, ‘Sleep is for the weak’ and kept striving forward to excel in their skills and abilities.

  I pulled up the chair, placing it next to the bed. I allowed my body to relax as Nightmare jumped off my shoulder and onto the bed. She made her way to Mako’s neck, cuddling against Mako as her tails lay softly against Mako’s chest. Her grey markings soared to life; the soft, yellow glow made another appearance as she purred quietly.

  I smiled; my hand reached out to cradle hers. I noticed her hand felt slightly warmer than the last time I held her. Was she healing?

  “Mako, Firefly? Won’t you open your eyes? I miss you,” I confessed, allowing myself to lean over and kiss her gently on the lips. I wished she could hear me or feel my acts of affection. My heart begged for her lively conversations and humorous remarks.

  “Keep fighting sweet Firefly. We have to venture to Realm Six for your gift, remember?” I whispered in her ear. I knew she wouldn’t reply, but I hoped my message went through to her. I prayed she wouldn’t give up.

  All hell would break loose if she didn’t overcome this ordeal, starting with my rampage. I knew what my dragon was capable of...but I was less afraid of his outbreak. Ryder on the other hand...or even Elias. No, Daniel was the worst out of all of us. Nothing would end well if he allowed himself to let loose. We knew what he could do, but it took a great deal to push him to the edge and no one wanted him to reach there. His actions could very easily affect ours and that was something no one – not even the gods themselves – would want to happen.

  I grasped her hand tightly and decided to stay with her until one of the others came to take over. I felt less restless when I knew one of us was with her. She needed as much moral support as possible to win whatever battle she faced within, and I’d do anything to assist her in becoming victorious.

  “Mako, Firefly? Won’t you open your eyes? I miss you.”

  “Keep fighting sweet Firefly. We have to venture to Realm Six for your gift, remember?”