Fractures of Eternity

Taking the opportunity that silence had fallen in between us, I took the gem out of my bosom. Gerta was focused on her pendant, and the two others with us were asleep, leaving me to find out what message Papa had for me. Activating the gem required some magic to infuse it—a simple task. The moment I did so, a message became available to my eyes alone.

Dear Vivian,

I hope this finds you well. There have been a few issues on the coven’s end, but nothing you can’t handle. I wanted to bring to your attention a rogue shadow warlock named Jin, who has shown promise as a tactful planner until now. However, I have my doubts that he can outwit you, my love. Anyway, he seems to have an aim for Rem, and I fear he might try to harm the boys. So, be wary of this. I’ve also heard rumors of what has been happening in the castle, which speak about a personal maid and Prince Loki. I won’t pretend to know what led to this development or if that’s you, but as a father, all I can say is, I hope you know what you’re doing.

I guess I’m feeling protective of you, but I know you’re an independent woman of your own making. So, I won’t waste more time on that since there’s another, more pressing matter I need to inform you about. It’s also the main reason I’m not going after the rogue faction of our coven. Sadly, they’re secondary to the aberration Lilith found a month ago.

Aberration?! Crap… That means… Why did it take you a month to tell me?!

I know, I know, I should’ve told you sooner, but I had to make sure it was significant enough to cause concern.A rift is forming between the celestial plane and the mortal one within Raman. We don’t know if any beings came out of it, but I suggest you keep your magic usage to a minimum. Also, wear your brooch at all times while I study this phenomenon more, and send information when I get it.Please stay safe, my love.

Sincerely,

Your caring father, Cain

Argh! If things couldn’t get worse than they are now!

These phenomena happened occasionally throughout the years, but if they caught Dad’s attention, then it had to be a big one.

Just another hurdle, I guess. Luckily, when I was with Tania, I didn’t cast any time spells. Crap… That would’ve been a bad idea if I did!

When I read the message, I never thought I would find a warning to keep my powers in check.

It seems I’ll have to get rid of this defector the old way.

I hid the stone again in my bosom and tried to collect my thoughts, as Dad found out the warlock’s name, Jin, but what he planned was entirely out of my reach. The silence I needed to think would only last an hour, which wasn’t enough, and ended when Thea woke up from her slumber.

“Arg… my head… Where am I?” She mumbled, wiping her eyes.

Even though the drugs were wearing off, she was still groggy and probably saw doubles, too, from how she was squinting to focus her sight.

“Kidnapped,” I answered.

She struggled to gaze at me, slowly sitting against the bars near her.

“Oh! You’re the girl banging my big brother, right?” She asked point-blank, prompting me to stiffen.

No breaks are heading my way, are they? Argh… You’re as blunt as the bat they used to hit me.

For a moment, my headache was secondary, as finding out what she saw before we were taken interested me more.

“Why were you in the hall?” I asked, ignoring her question.

Hm… that eye patch…

From the reports, Loki had blown her eye out of her socket, but the details of how it happened never made it past the family. However, that was the reason Loki decided to go to Night City, which is probably why he was reluctant to use his magic.

“I heard magic going off nearby, and I wanted to investigate it, but then I got whammed.” Thea sighed, touching her sore neck.

Hm… you heard me casting magic on Tania. Crap… I didn’t notice you don’t have those enchanted earrings. Lycans usually have them to block out the ringing incantation of spells that they have. Hah… I was careless.

“Well, I knew Lycans were brainless creatures, but to bring your little sister with you—” I began, she stopped me by raising her hands.

“What?! No, I left her with Dad!” She defended herself, puffing her cheeks.

“Really? Well… what do you call this?” I pointed to the little girl who was slowly waking up.

The moment she sat up, mumbling, Thea’s jaw dropped.

“Luna?!?” she yelled, eyes almost popping out.

The girl smiled at her sister. “I had to find the princess, TT.”

“Oi… Lu, you see her as a princess?” The wolf asked the little Luma, narrowing her eyes.

The girl nodded as I shook my head. “It’s my dress, I guess,” I mumbled.

My words caused little Luna to stand up on her feet, pointing towards her sister.

“She’s the most beautiful princess! The one who’ll save us all!” She declared, prompting my eyes to twitch.

What the heck is Rem feeding her kids?!

“I think your mother’s feeding you too many fantasies, little one.” I sighed, shifting my gaze away from her and onto her sister, who winced.

Sadly, the sedatives weren’t without side effects, especially on someone as young as her. She was seventeen, nine months younger than the twins and me.

“Urgh, my head hurts.” She complained, shaking her head a bit.

I shrugged.

Everyone has it.

Even Luna’s scratches were gone—thanks to lycans and their speed healing.

“You’ll feel better after the drug wears off,” Gerta spoke, placing the pendant away.

That was when Thea found the new accessory around her neck.

“What the heck is this?” she spluttered, trying to take it off—a futile attempt, which she quickly noticed when it didn’t budge.

“I’m guessing our hosts are using that to keep you in check. Seems we might be stuck here for a while.” Gerta informed, biting her lip.

“Eh?! How long have we been here already?!” She gasped.

“Hours.” I sighed.

At that moment, Luna seemed startled by something, and Thea quickly caught on as footsteps approached us. What came next would define me once again.

But will my heart stay strong?