Chapter 37
I couldn’t still believe what I was hearing. Memories and moments from my life suddenly made sense, and I felt a strong sense of purpose burning inside me. Yet, it was still coupled with confusion.
“But why? I don’t still understand, why was I chosen?” I asked, feeling curious and a little scared.
Adrian looked into my eyes and spoke with confidence. “Okay, here’s a reason I can tell you, It’s your spirit, Lily. Your determination, kindness, and strength. Guardians aren’t just picked randomly; they are made through the challenges of life. They become symbols of hope in the face of darkness.”
He explained the responsibilities that come with being a Guardian-the sacrifices, the difficult trials, and the constant need to protect our world and keep everything in balance.
As Adrian spoke, I felt fear and purpose welling up inside me. I realized that the weight of the world was now on my shoulders and I was definitely not ready.
“Adrian,” I whispered, uncertain yet resolute, “what do I do now? What do I learn? What about you, me, us?”
He squeezed my hands gently and reassured me, “Lily, being a Guardian doesn’t change who you are, and it doesn’t weaken our relationship. If anything, it makes our bond stronger because we’ll face the toughest challenges together. As for what you do now, it’s about accepting your destiny and developing your abilities. I’ll be by your side, guiding and supporting you.”
I looked deep into Adrian’s eyes and saw comfort. I hugged him once again, knowing fully well the path that was ahead of me would be walkable if he was by my side.
“Thanks, Adrian,” I said, feeling grateful. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I’ll try my best. I don’t know a single thing about being a Guardian, but I promise I’ll learn fast.” I sighed and pulled away.
He smiled at me, filled with pride and affection.
“Lily, you have the heart of a warrior and the soul of a protector,” Adrian said. “I believe in you.”
And I believed in us too.
“But you have to tell me, how do I switch from being a golden eagle back to myself because I don’t want to be transforming rampantly around others.”
•••••••••
In the quiet of the empty dining room, Sarah, Adrian and I sat, staring at each other.
Sarah had something important to tell us.
“Okay, Sarah. Lay it on us.” I said.
“Okay.. so you remember what Jax had told us about that secret group threatening him to do stuff to sabotage our grove?”
“Yeah.” I answered.
“I did some digging – don’t ask me how, I have my sources – and found out they aren’t a rebel group, well they are, but not really. 5 of our hunters had been captured recently for attending those secret meetings and if you’d pay attention like I do during their questionings, they’d always make mention of an object, an artifact they’re trying to find that they’ve been ordered to in exchange for a huge sum of money…”
“An ancient artifact of great power?” Adrian asked.
“Yes. The hunter that was questioned yesterday blatantly said he attended the meeting and sold his soul to the cause of finding that artifact and retrieving it for their.. cult, group whatever. So I started thinking to myself, which possible artifact of great power would a so-called underground rebel group or cult that seek to overthrow both the powers of the werewolves and vampires, want?”
“Only the most powerful of artifacts.” I didn’t get it yet.
“Yes, yes.. it is.”
“The Ring of Lythian.” Adrian and Sarah said simultaneously and then I remembered.
“Oh, yes.. I remember.”
“I remember reading about it in old stories and my mom would always tell me about it. Lily knows how my mom loves ancient tales and stuffs.” Sarah said with bright eyes.
Adrian nodded. “Yes, that’s the one. It’s been lost for a long time, but I believe we can find it if we study the prophecies and learn more about our lineages.”
I was curious but also worried. “But where do we start? Our pack doesn’t want to share their secrets, and my dad won’t tell me anything.”
Adrian gently said, “We need to look beyond our pack. There may be other relatives who can help us find the ring and learn about our past.”
“Aunt Belinda was the one I asked and she had told me little but she warned me not to go deeper into it.” I said.
“She needs to know the fate of our existence lies in us knowing exactly what she’s warning us not to look into. We’ll go visit her and get answers.” Sarah said.
“But I don’t remember where her house is.”
“We’ll find it.” Adrian said with a shrug.
We spent days and nights studying old books and asked as many people as we can, but noone showed knowledge about it. We found some clues in some old texts in the library that helped us understand the prophecy. We realized that the Ring of Lythian could also unlock our true potential.
I was also finally able to get the location of my aunt’s new house and Sarah and I planned to visit as soon as possible.
••••••••
Adrian was now more or less promoted to the frontline, like a soldier stationed close to the boarder but not a boarder protector, so, his work hours were longer. I don’t know if my dad did this to increase his likelihood of being killed on sight but Adrian had accepted his role and did his best everyday.
He would come back very late at midnight and be so exhausted that it would be hard for us to see eachother. If he had a night shift, it would be worse cus we’d barely see each other for days-on straight.
A particular night, I planned to spend some time with him and, give him comfort. I just wanted to be with him so I asked his roommate if he was going to be staying in. He told me he had a night shift after Adrian’s. My parents were also gone that particular day to the main pack for meetings with Rex so it was all perfect.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.
Night came and I bathed, prepared, perfumed, robed and waited for Adrian on his bed I had carefully rearranged.
It was well over 10 he had come in when I was almost on the brink of falling asleep.
When he entered he eyed me curiously and smirked, “Lily, what are you doing here? You’re meant to be asleep.”
“I was waiting for you.” My voice was airy and like a whisper. I had only realised later how it looked like and thought of what Adrian would be thinking. I didn’t come to have sex with him, but seeing him take over his dirty and sweaty shirt had me rethinking.
“You really shouldn’t be in here. What of The-”
“He’s on nightshift.” I said and sat up straight on the edge of his bed.
He threw his shirt away on to the chair and removed his boots. “You can’t sleep?”
“You’ve been busy since you got a new promotion; well, I wouldn’t call it a promotion, but I’ve barely got time to spend with you this week. Just wanted to come to…”
“Come to…” he teased me. I wasn’t really good with all these things.
“See you.”
“You only came to see me? With that sexy robe you have on?” He smirked and held his hand out beside my waist. I flinched, thinking he wanted to grab me but he just took a towel on the edge of the bed and hung it over his neck.
His bare chest was in front of me and I couldn’t help but drool. His finely sculpted muscles and arms made my head swoon. I wondered how it would be if he held me up to the wall, and pressed his chest into my breast.
“I…. just put this on. I didn’t think too much of it.” I said and bent my head sideways.
He was just smirking at me and didn’t say anything, “Let me take a shower first then. I reek.” He said and entered into the bathroom.
I checked the time. 10:36. The night was still young. I tapped my feet on the floor impatiently as the sound of the water running down his body turned me on. What did you come to do here, Lily?
I was restless so I stood up and paced around, biting my nails. Suddenly, I felt the urge to go inside.
I held the door frame and slid it open slowly. I gulped hard and stepped inside. I could see Adrian’s side and I continued to stare like a hungry animal. He turned and saw me, his face turning red.
“Lily…”
From thereon, I couldn’t suppress my body’s need any longer. I disrobed and walked straight to him. His eyes shone brighter under the shower as he looked at me with admiration, “You could’ve told me this is what you came for.”
I had already stepped in to join him and our bodies were inches from eachother. He cupped my face in his hand and my lips responded swiftly to his kiss. There we stood, under the shower head, passionately kissing in the dead of the night. I held his shoulders tightly and pulled myself into him but he stepped forward, guiding my back and pressing it to the wall. His hands explored my body and every sensation made me lose my senses. He then pulled away and placed more kisses down my neck.
When he stopped he asked, “Do I need to tell you that I love you before you confess that you want me, Lily?” I’ve never heard him sound so flirty. I loved this side of him, every single bit.
“I want you, Adrian. I want you inside of me, really badly.” I sounded like a baby sulking for a lollipop and Adrian’s smirk turned me on more.