Eldora watched Steele for a few moments. “You don’t know do you?” She tilted her head. “Most Rosenites bare their children by themselves after conception. We’re a race that hardly has any men so situations like my mother are quite common. It was just a matter of finding someone who wouldn’t be afraid of me.” She gave him a smile at his last few words. She wasn’t trying to make it sound like it wasn’t a huge deal. “I am afraid that I don’t wholly understand. I will learn though.”

Her blue eyes got wide and she shook her head. “No, that isn’t what I meant at all. I would very much like it to be you but I could understand if you didn’t want it. We are new after that and that shouldn’t be your burden. In case, we have ten years to figure it out. I’m sure Lotus won’t want to jump into it right away either.” She leaned into his hand as he pet her ebony hair.

“You are not the sin completely Steele. Look at you and the way we are together. You are capable of so much more. We just have to raise the child to understand the differences. I would not want them to fear me… and I know that could very well be the case.” When it came down to worrying her she just smiled at him. “I guess I still have a lot to learn when it comes to emotions. I’ve never really had anyone worry about me that I knew about. I didn’t even know Lotus worried the way she does. She hides it well.”

Eldora put her hand on his shoulder before she got up and stripped out of the dress. “We should sleep and relax before tomorrow. Especially you Steele.” She cupped his face and smiled. “Come,” she kissed him softly and pulled him into bed.

“No, I hadn’t.” Before she explained, he had hardly known a thing about Rosenites, other than they were a race that he could have sworn Dante would have fit excellently into. He especially didn’t know how the norm was when it came to raising their children. “I wouldn’t want that for my…” He stopped himself midway and lowered his eyes. “That shouldn’t be what you or the child deserves. It sounds like a heavy burden with a father.” The problem wasn’t that she couldn’t find someone; it wouldn’t be very hard for someone that took interest to her to see past her barriers. It was more so the parts after that was what worried Steele if she chosen a complete stranger.

“Right now it seems like we are rushed into this. Regardless I wouldn’t have your life risk because of my insecurities if it comes down to it.” He didn’t know where Dante stood in the situation of Lotus having to have a child of her own, especially since he didn’t seem like the type to be tied down. But he had to look at the mirror himself- he didn’t seem to be like that either. “I can’t speak for my brother. Perhaps he would be willing to sacrifice. He’s done so much for her than any other woman I’ve heard about.”

It came down to him having to be aware of himself and to have more control. He wasn’t his sin wholly, and Eldora was right about it. Again he would have to deal with his insincerity soon enough. What he did know was that he was falling for her, as dangerous as that felt for him. Especially so soon. His face nearly grew red from how gentle she made him seem. “We all still have a lot to learn it seems. Both us and our siblings.”

Steele watched her move away and her clothing soon dropped to the floor. He had recalled every curve and inch of it as it came back fresh into his mind the things they had done hours prior. Soon his coat was off and his items put away in time for her to practically drag him further into the bed with her. “You need it to. Even if father had healed you…”, he stated before kissing her again. It wasn’t long before he got lost into her as his arms wrapped around her body and held her close to him.

Lotus lazily pulled herself out of bed and started to dress herself. She had gotten a mental shock from Eldora. “I really hate it when she is punctual.” She groaned as she pulled her raven locks up and tied them. They would just get in the way for what they were doing today. “Did she zap the fuck out of you as well?” She looked over at Dante. Her hand went over and she caressed his face. “After today we can run and escape. Do whatever we want again.”

She wasn’t a fighter but she could be. She pulled on her clothes and laced her boots. She looked odd compared to her normal self. She was sure that Eldora just looked normal. Eldora didn’t need to be fast or quick, she was sure that no one would get close enough to the oracle to ever hurt her. That alone scared the half Rosenite. Eldora could kill everyone if she wanted but the gods. There was shiver down her spine.

After they dressed Lotus wrapped her arms around him. “I am severely conflicted about all this. Mainly because I am a lover and not a fighter but I will do what I have to. Hopefully, I can keep up with whatever Eldora is going to do. She woke me up with a zap to my brain. She must have been up for a while now.” She sighed a bit. "Can't wait for this to be over."

Dante didn’t want to wake up and crawl out of bed. He was perfectly content with laying in bed with his arm draped around Lotus, but it was her stirring out of there that caused him to leisurely open his eyes. “Already? How about five more minutes?” When it was clear that it wasn’t going to happen, he begrudgingly came to and slid off the bed and started to get dress. “Can’t tell, but I wouldn’t put it past her if she had. Either way, she might as well had then.” His lips curled up as he pulled up his trousers and tightened his belt. “My, I like the sound of that. We can leave Colden with Steele and Eldora to deal with then.” The moment they were freed from the burden of both Cyprus and Colden, then they would surely not be found for some time. Hell, he wasn’t going to say anything that could give away their current thoughts. They just needed to play along for now.

He found himself in her arms and his hands sought for her hips with ease. “We will be fine. If there’s one thing my hot headed brother can do, it’s fight. I’d take him over an army any day. First, because betting against him would not be wise. Secondly, it's cheaper to reward him than them. I’m sure that they been waiting for us for a bit now.”

Taking her hand, he lead her back to the throne hall where sure enough, their older siblings were there. Steele was in black leather armor and his sword seated against his side. His eyes looked like a raging storm that was threatening to brew at any more. It wasn’t towards either of them however, it was him anticipating the battle ahead. “About time. Let’s get on with this. The sooner we get this done, the sooner some of our problems will be vanquished.” Dante took a wide yawn and nodded. “Are you bringing that thing again?”

It took some time for his mind to figure out what he meant by that because he grinned a bit. “Oh, you mean this old thing?” A hand was lifted to show off a seemingly mere rose. “Of course you would. How long has it been since you used it?” 

Dante shrugged and flicked his wrist and soon the rose transformed into a long whip like weapon with gruesome thorns sticking out. “Mh, it's been a while. I not a fighter often but I can when needed.” Father made sure of it. Steele rolled his eyes before one of the chaotic portals came. His power wanes a bit to Parvpora, so we will have to make the rest of the trek there ourselves, but this as close as the portal can take us. Nearby, my men are ready to rendezvous and join us. Ready when you all are."

“I wish… I asked and that was the wrong thing to do.” Lotus laughed a bit. “Her methods are shockingly effective.” There was a slightly groan she thought it could have come from Eldora. She was glad that he liked her idea and she gently kissed him. “That private island is sounding really good.” She reminded him of the talk they had in Nisshoki.

The half demon curled up into Dante’s arms. “That sounds like me and Eldora. I wouldn’t ever bet against her. It would be a stupid decision to. You’ve seen how she can be. She’s extremely talented with that magic of hers. I would say it is a product of Bryony training her all these years.” Lotus had a shiver to her.

When they finally joined the others Lotus noticed that Eldora was back in the traditional oracle robes of Arri. They were a blue colored cloth with gold on the outlines. They were missing one sleeve, for advanced casting and it dip down and tied. She could see the undergarments that Eldora was choosing to cover herself with, that shocked her. The robes were deep cut up on one side. The other sleeve was one and bellowing like most robes. The oracle’s long black hair was braided and she thought she saw gems in her hair but upon closer inspection they were bones.

Lotus jolted for a moment staring at the small woman with her big bag. “Is that a death bag? I’ve heard that’s what you and Bryony call them.” Lotus stared at the bag. Eldora took a look at the bag for a moment and nodded. They listened to Dante and Steele and Eldora suddenly stared at Lotus.

“What will you be fighting with? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you fight.” Eldora asked as Lotus shrugged. She was staring at Dante’s weapon of choice.

“Oddly enough something similar to Dante was made for me when I went to Kurayo. A gift from the great incubus himself.” The black rose whip was in her hands it was elegantly crafted much like Dante’s. “I’ll mostly be using offensive magic like you though.” She attached the whip to her belt. “Just not on your level.”

Eldora tilted her head and nodded. “Alright… Just don’t get stuck in my vortex. You won’t get out.” Lotus took the warning to heart. Once they were all ready they started the trek through the portals to meet with Steele’s men.

“What is Kirika doing that she wouldn’t be joining us?” Lotus asked Eldora.

The oracle tilted her head again. “They are torturing subordinates of our mother back in Arri. Kirika and Cathrine are working together for information.”

Lotus shivered. “Now that is one woman I don’t want to get on the bad side of. Cathrine is the embodiment of wind. Like most of the queens she has an element. I’ve watched her take the air from someone and she let them choke until they spoke to her. She is the mother of the girl who volunteered for Colden. Toya is scary but I expect it of her. Cathrine is methodical and you don’t realize when she is angry until it is too late.”

Eldora nodded. “It’s very true. Cathrine is the oldest and most regal of the queens, in my opinion. But that is why Kirika can’t be with us.”

“Good reason, I’ve not yet seen Kirika fight so I don’t know if she can… or if she has been for a while.” Lotus mused.

“She is powerful but her talents are better saved for Arri at the moment. It would be overkill to have all three of us.” Eldora had the jar of ashes in her arms now as she remembered it.

After the pleasantries between them were said and done, he lead the way once they were ready. They would not be alone in this, no he had some of his best men ready for the charge and scout ahead to make sure that Cyprus wasn’t ready for company. “My hunters are very skilled and served with me for a number of years. They are nigh fearless and will do everything in their power to subdue the enemy. Whatever creatures or servants she still has in her stead, they will deal with. We, of course, will deal with the main course.” Dante looked to his brother and chuckled, “So your dogs get the leftovers?” Steele ignored the comment entirely as he crossed through the portal. Meanwhile the younger sin keeper looked to Lotus, “I didn’t know they came in black. I have to say that I’m slightly jealous. And you.” His eyes latched onto Eldora’s outfit, “You should have wore that when we first met.” He made a playful tiger growling sound before his eyes went back to her sister. “Just kidding, love. Just kidding." Of course with Dante, it was hard to tell and Steele refrained from punching him for now. There would be plenty of time to shut him up after all this was said and done. For now, they had a battle to win.

Once everyone had crossed over, he led the trek forward before he came across one of his men waiting for him from the distance. Making sure the coast was clear, the warlord signaled for them to follow him to the man. “Lord Steele. Preparations had been made. We are just waiting for the signal now.” He held the handle of his large axe, his fingers drumming softly against it. He was in similar black leather armor as Steele was in, as all of the other hunters were. “Very well. Do so now and again her beasts’ attention. We will take advantage of the situation and get to their leader.” The man saluted to him and quickly made his way to the others. Quickly he unsheathed his sword and looked to the small group. “Once her attention is gained of this, it will be likely that she plans on fighting or fleeing with Colden. She’s not leaving that place with him, and ideally not at all alive.”

Soon they could hear the sounds of explosions nearby, followed by sounds of conflict. “Let’s go now!” He said between the grunts and battle cries.  

Lotus smirked at him for a moment not wanting to tell him. “But…” Eldora stopped as she turned to Dante. “This was what I was wearing.” She was highly confused. “Oh! I was dirty that’s why you couldn’t tell.” Lotus was now laughing as Eldora caught up to Steele as they walked.

Eldora’s eyes slit just a bit so she could look up ahead at a tall spot that no one was paying attention to. “Bryony,” She pointed with her finger. The woman was as tall as Steele or Dante. She was lithe and darker skinned than Eldora or Lotus. The blue eyes shimmered down on them. “What is she doing here?” Eldora mused as she ran over to the woman.

“Oh fantastic a family pep talk just what Eldora needed.” Lotus said to Dante as she listened to Steele give order. They watched as Bryony handed Eldora a scroll and kissed her forehead. The oracle stood up and waved to Lotus before seemingly disappearing into nothingness. “What the hell was that about?”

Eldora came over and held out the scroll. “Locking scroll. Better than what I could do… It was crafted by five oracles. It will serve as a secondary locking mechanism for keeping Mother in place even if Dalanesca were to fall.” Lotus looked impressed. “Bryony figured we could use it.” She put the scroll into her bag and held onto the jar again.

She moved over to Steele. “Not alive. I won’t let her.” There was a warning in Eldora’s eyes not that she had permission to kill.

Once the explosions started to happen Eldora was more or less off far from their main group. She had a scroll, blank this time, on the ground. “Hand,” She did a grabbing motion at one of the three. Lotus rolled her eyes and gave Eldora her hand. “Thank you,” Eldora took the ceremonial dagger and pricked her sister with it. When the blood hit the map it revealed the compound. It wasn’t overly large under the service. She put the dagger away and gave the map to Steele.

“They are in the back holed up. It looks like Mother is going to fight us.” Eldora mused. “Let’s say hello,” she said as she went down into the compound. There were doors every which way and soon she put up her hand and the doors flew back with incredible force. “Hello,” Eldora yelled as the doors all hit the walls.

They didn’t need the element of surprise. Soon some Rosenites came out at them and Lotus growled a bit at her sister as she worked on putting them down. “They already knew we were here Lotus, there is no sneaking once we got in here.” Eldora warned as Lotus used her whip to choke and break necks.

“Very well,” Lotus sighed. “You are right. At least with the doors gone there are no surprises.”

“That’s why I did it… and there is only one way out.” Eldora watched as the others fought their way in. She was saving her strength for the most part as Lotus cleared the way with her own magic. When they reached the back of the compound they found Cyprus hugged poor Colden to her.

“See they did come for us, they are going to kill us,” Cyprus said as she put her lips to her son’s ear. “They see you like they do me.” Cyprus was a beautiful woman just like her daughters but it was clear that her daughters got more features from their fathers than from her. Even with their black hair and Lotus's red eyes, they looked vastly different.

“No, you are a vile unfit mother. Colden is just an idiot.” Eldora spat at her. She held onto the jar tighter now and Cyprus’s eyes went to it.

“You know I always thought Angela got rid of my body.”

“No, she kept it for good reason. So we can rip your heart out and put an end to this.” It was Lotus now who was staring at her baby brother. “Come on Colden don’t listen to her. Look at what she did to you to get to Eldora. You aren’t any different than the rest of us to her.”

For the longest time, he had felt like he was going to be where he belonged. Even though he had been separated from both Rayne and Lilith, he had his mother with him and that’s all that mattered at the time. She had came back, solely for him. To help her regain what was hers and what would at some point become his own- the throne, the power, the Court. He had went willingly, his thirst for power and revenge too strong to ignore. He wanted them all to pay for the betray they had performed. He wanted to see them all hang for their crimes against them.

Mother had been informing him of what was going to happen- that his siblings would try and take him away from her, or worse- try him and kill him for exposing their corruption. And her? They would do gods know what to her yet again. He couldn’t let that happen, so anything he could do to help her, he would make sure to do. While he had planned to help her punish them all, he was…hesitant about her plans concerning Kirika. She was the one that dashed his hopes of becoming King and though he was willing to see her to her demise, what their mother had wanted him to do perplexed him. He recalled asking why she wanted him to attack his sister in such a way, it seemed a bit strange but she said it was for the best, and that there was a surprise waiting for him once he did it. He was still unsure about it, but mother would have never lied to him, right?

They were secured in a hidden location and were plotting their plan. He still felt the pain beneath his skin when she had bestowed her curse against the seer yesterday, but again it was all for the best. He held onto his stomach, reliving how he was practically carved alive. She told him that they were planning on attacking any day now, and what was worse was that they somehow brought the help of Xunatar’s other children, likely with their female wiles like usual. They were guarded but that didn’t last too long for the explosions came from outside and they were infiltrated. “Mother…”, he looked onto her with pleading eyes, wanting for her to secure their safety and punish the infidels. He felt her embrace against him and he fell into it like a good son. She would make sure nothing came from this. If anything, they were like moths to the flame.

When they made it there, Steele growled to himself at the disgusting display of Cyprus cozening up Colden and Dante nearly burst out laughing. “Aren’t you a little young to be a mama’s boy, Colden?” Colden didn’t recognize the two men nor did he really know who Eldora was other than the one his mother had sent the message to. Lotus, however, was a different story. The young man’s teeth clenched in anger at the seer’s words. “I’m no idiot!  And Mother is the best! She was the best queen until you lot dethroned her and put that child onto the throne! It should have been mine!”

He was growing agitated by the sight of them and he pulled away from Cyprus as a flame came up from his palm. “Great, what a hothead needs…to have fire magic”, Dante said with a shrug. “Colden, don’t be stupid. Father wouldn’t be very happy with…”

“That demon is no father!” The flame grew larger with his temper. His eyes watched on with wicked flames of their cast to the party. “And you both are demon spawn and have no reason to be involved in a family affair.” His attention turned to the only person he knew. “And you, I don’t know of these savages, but I thought better of you at least until I learned you played a hand in screwing me over!”

“You damn fool. You would have never been in charge!” It was Steele that let out a growl, threatening to rip Colden away from Cyprus whether he liked it or not. “Ask your mother about the trials…ask her what would happen when you took them or if you just tried to steal the crown. Hell, I doubt she would even be able to regain it herself”

“Liar, you are all liars!” He threw the fireball at them before conjuring another in his grasp. “You surrender now and maybe mother will let you live for a few moments longer.” Dante and Steele dodged the poorly aimed attack and within a moment, Dante used his whip to wrap itself around Colden’s wrist. The boy yelped in pain as he felt the thorns dig slightly into his skin. “Sorry, but I don’t beg, well not like that anyway”, he winked. “Cyprus, you are outmatched and outwitted. If we don’t get you, then Angela or Xunatar will. The latter doesn’t care that you are hiding out here. Smirking, his eyes glowed strangely as they bore into her. “As a matter of fact, he knows you are here now. And if they don’t get you, then your daughter’s assassins will. No matter how much you think about this, you are screwed in every way but the good way.”

Colden looked on, feeling his body overcome with heat from his rage before a stream of fire came from his mouth and burnt away the whip, breaking Dante’s attempt at control. “Silence!”, he yelled before throwing another fireball. 

“Yes, yes all hail the great queen,” Lotus bowed her head and frowned deeply at Colden. “The great queen who has done nothing but lie to you and win you over by telling you EXACTLY what you want to hear.” He wasn’t about to listen to her though. Not right now she would need to wait.

She watched with Eldora for long moments, Eldora hadn’t broken eye contact with their mother yet and she blinked a bit before tilting her head to the side. Lotus put her hand on Eldora’s shoulder and approached Colden with caution. “Ask about the trials Colden. Ask about why after I promised you I wouldn’t leave you alone if I could help it that I got ousted from our court. I never tried to screw you over, it was the exact opposite.”

“She’s lying!” Cyprus yelled and Lotus looked at Eldora. Eldora flicked her wrist and Cyprus went flying into the wall.

“I’m not. I wouldn’t lie on the bones of my brothers and sisters that you killed for trying to protect Colden and Kirika. I wouldn’t do that. We may not have known about Kirika at the time but we did our damned best to protect Colden from whatever sick plan you had. Have you told Colden that you want to use him to rape his sister and father a child? Have you told him why?” Lotus stared at her mother as Cyprus picked herself up off the ground. “You haven’t because then he would know the truth.”

She took her whip and used it to secure where Dante’s had been as well. “Do not be stupid Colden. I have never once broken my damn promise to you. I’ve been trying to save you since this whole thing started. Since Eldora came to tell me you were in danger. Past the assassination attempts by our mother to make sure that I couldn’t tell your father what was happening.” She slid eyes over to Eldora and for a minute there was unspoken communication.

“I mean why believe us when you can read it from her own words.” Lotus took the book out of her pouch. She held it up and offered it. “Everything is in there. You, your birth, Kirika, her birth, the rape, the child. Everything. Read it. I even have the pages marked.” Cyprus was fast though as the book began to burn.

“You will not fill his head with lies!” Eldora force threw Cyprus again.

“If it were lies you wouldn’t have acted as fast you did. You don’t want him to know. Kirika fought for you Colden. She was in Arri and she made them promise that you wouldn’t be hurt during this. That if we brought you home that you wouldn’t be punished. We all fought for you and the only one in this room who has ill intentions for you is the person you are so desperately clinging to.”

“Enough games,” Eldora said as she held her hand out to Colden. The past engulfed the room and Cyprus began to panic.

“NO, you will not undo everything I have sacrificed for.” She screamed at Eldora and the seer ignored her mother.

There in the center of the room was Cyprus, much more Rosenite looking than the demon in front of them now. “Speak your name,” the room bellowed.

“Cyprus Rose, I am the chosen for the Black Court. I am here for the trial of darkness.” Even then she looked vile in her eyes. The room came in with nightmarish things as it began to attack Cyprus. It was tearing limb from limb and the only thing that saved her had been a vial of blood she had drunk in front of all of them.

“You have survived because of dumb luck. The next of your kind won’t be so lucky.” Cyprus and her body parts had been flung out of the cavern. Angela had run to her and began to stitch her together.

“She’s bleeding out everywhere. It’s amazing that she survived.” Angela was patching her together.

“Barely,” a white-haired woman said as she turned to leave the room. “She’s unfit to be queen if she had to cheat to get it.”

The vision faded and Eldora stared at Colden. “That’s the truth. The trial of Roses is one where the future rulers must endure a trial. Mother only got through hers because she cheated and used demon blood to make herself live longer. If you had attempted it, it learned from her… It would have killed you. She knows that and she doesn’t care Colden. The creature she was going to summon using you and Kirika would have killed you both. Again she doesn’t care. She is nothing but a pawn. Just like our siblings were.”

Ghosts of the past formed in the room. There were dozens of them all looking similar to the living three Black Court siblings in the room. “These are our siblings,” Lotus said. “Eleven of them died to protect you from her. She mercilessly killed them because we plotted to save you by overthrowing her. The day we had talked about it she had taken a knife and put it through your hand because you wouldn’t leave her alone.” Lotus motioned to a scar he had. “Aunt Angela healed you because I took you to her. Mother gouged my eye out… and Eldora… Mother was going to rip her heart out at birth to make the Luzil. You think you are any different than us? You are just another pawn in this game. She’s not even strong enough to deal with Eldora. You can’t protect her Colden, she doesn’t deserve your love. So please stop trying to protect her."

Cyprus finally had enough strength to lunge forward and grab Colden. She put a knife to his neck. "Who gives a damn? I would have killed you all eventually anyways. Colden was just a willing idiot. I couldn't very well get Kirika to turn her back on the Rosenites. She was raised by Willow to know better. Colden is just my poor idiot son who wants his mother's love for some damn reason. I'll take Colden with me and make sure that Xunatar will never be happy. You all can live the rest of your damn days knowing you failed to protect your brother." Cyprus laughed a bit.

Eldora went to move and Lotus shook her head. They had to be careful about how they went about this. "See Colden? Just a pawn to her. Like everyone else."

Colden couldn’t believe how disrespectful Lotus was towards the mother that gave birth to her. She was their queen and these was how these cretins decided to treat her? If that was the case, then how would they be to him, the rightful heir? “She tells me that because it's true! You all are against us!” He was disgusted at these turn of events, and the more this continued the angrier he became. Steele noticed this and rose his sword, pointed squarely at him. “Control yourself, stupid. We aren’t against you. We are trying to save you, blockhead.” The prince looked to his sister again as she repeated the same thing Steele had. “I don’t care about the trials, I would have succeed…”, he spoke before turning to his mother with confidence, “Right mother, just like you had.”

When his mother was sent flying, Colden looked at them dangerously before flames erupted from both hands. He would burn them all alive right there and then if they continued this assault. “All I know is that you left me, Lotus. I don’t know why”, he snapped, gripping the flames tighter. He didn’t know to the extent of how his mother wanted to attack Kirika, and for a moment, he looked on slightly puzzled. That distraction allowed for his fire to die down a bit and Lotus took advantage of it. He felt her own whip restraining his wrist and he winced against it. “Why should I believe you lot? Mother came back for me specifically. I was denied my birth right.” He hardly knew any of his other siblings and he was led to believe that they sought to protect him? His eyes lingered onto the book that she had in her possession. He had seen it once before in his youth; it was his mother’s grimoire. A memory came back when he had stumbled into her chambers and took a peek at the book before he was found and then she… He shook his head of the dreadful thought and then saw that it was lit on fire. 

Dante shook his head, “Damn woman, can’t stand to see the light of truth?” Steele started to circle around them, heading to the boy, “No, I can tell that much. I can see why Father wants you dead.” 

Watching Eldora, he was on the defensive since he knew not of what she was planning. Was it all a ruse after all? But then something strange happened- they were all ushered into the past somehow. He recognized his mother, younger now in the middle of the floor in a place he didn’t know. The scene played out and he saw her get torn apart, the horror in his eyes as he concluded that this was the trial that would make her queen. That was what he was to endure? He took a step back, his lips quivering as the terror ended and his aunts coming to her aid. “Mo…mo…mother. You told me that you passed it with flying colors. No, this is a trick, right? This can’t be true.”

“It is, Colden. That is why Father refuses to help you get the throne now.” Steele drew nearer to his brother, “He didn’t want to have you die. Cyprus on the other hand…she knew the whole time that you’d likely get yourself killed if you took it.”

“No!” Colden gripped at his head as great pain vibrated in him. Why was this happening? Why were they trying to turn him against mother? “Eleven siblings?” He didn’t know of any of them but something wasn’t adding right with what his mother told him. So many holes in her story were starting to come to surface, still he wasn’t sure if they were all true or false. Looking onto his hand, he recalled that he got injured but her stabbing him? Why? Why would she do that to him? His mouth grew drier as he tried to come to grips with what was fantasy and reality. Looking to Lotus, he stared into her eyes before…recalling something. “Your eyes, they both used to be red, like mother’s are…” Dante glanced from him to Cyrpus but was too late to warn him as she took hold of him. He winced as he felt the cold blade of the knife against his neck. “Mother…what are you…” Her words stung him greatly and hot tears started to form in his eyes as more memories came out. It was a ruse, her love and affection, everything had been one giant lie. He remembered parts of his past and none of them had her as the loving mother. “How could you do this to me? Use me like that?” He struggled but she was too strong. Steele halted and was forced to watch this unfold and Dante carried a deep frown.

“You stupid woman…you shouldn’t have done that.”

As soon as he finished speaking, footsteps echoed throughout the room. It seemed to be coming from every direction. They grew louder and heavy before someone in robes of black and white appeared right beside Colden and Cyprus. A hooded figure that turned to the deranged woman with deep crimson eyes looking to her. “I warned you once, Cyprus. You should have taken heed to it.” As his words ushered to her, Colden was gone from her grip. He appeared on the ground several feet away. “You were always so foolish to believe you’d be grander. Whoring yourself for power, making deals with the wrong devils, enticing a war with your Goddess sister, and now you wish to provoke me and my blood?”

His hand stretched out to take her by the throat, firmly squeezing his finger around her julgar. The moment lasted for a brief moment before he dropped her. Colden turned around on the ground to see him. “Father…”[‘b] Xunatar spoke nothing towards him, his center of attention was on Cyprus. “You will die, but I won’t do it. That is reserved for those that you have wronged, woman. I merely come to watch.”