The Prophecy Of The Wolves I - The Beginning
~ Chapter Twenty-Five ~

When Nathan had finished, Liliana had bandages wrapped around her entire body. Her ankle was in a brace. “There are going to be scars,” Nathan solemnly said as he stood up straight. “Mostly on her back,” he said as he hooked up the IVs. “He must have used a whip made of silver or covered in wolfsbane.”

Cayden let out a low growl as he pulled Liliana closer to him. “But she’s going to be okay?” He questioned.

Nathan nodded. “Physically, she’s going to be fine. Mentally we can’t be sure until she wakes up. What she went through….” he shook his head with a sigh. “Trauma like that affects everyone differently,” he explained. “She could be as good as new. Or the trauma could cause some issues. Just keep an eye on her. Watch out for the signs. If you see any of these, then bring her to me immediately. Nightmares, panic attacks, anxiety, hallucinations. Anything like that.”

Cayden nodded. “She’s not going to be alone again. From now on, there will always be someone with her,” he promised as he kept Liliana close to his body.

Nathan nodded. “I’ll leave you guys now. Just make sure you guys come and see me for an ultrasound.”

Cayden gave him a nod. “Thanks, doc.”

Kaine sighed as he looked at Cerberus. Then he looked at Jacques. “Want to tell us what happened in Tartarus now?” He asked.

Jacques took several deep breaths before he ran a hand through his hair. He leaned into the chair he had sat in after starting the fire. “I’m not sure how long I was down there,” he said as he gazed into the fire.

“You were in Tartarus for almost a month,” Axel said quietly.

Jacques stared into the fire for a couple of minutes before sighing. “When I first woke up, I had been between a couple of prisoners. I believe there was Tantalus on one side. Then Sisyphus was on the other side. I knew I had to get out of that area as quickly as possible. So without even blinking, I ran. First, I ran right into the barrier. I had to turn around and double back. I walked for a few days, doing my best to avoid the creatures of Tartarus. Finally, I found the cave I was in when I saw Liliana appear. Once I was in that cave, I was pretty much left alone. A couple of hellhounds came sniffing around the entrance, but I had been in Tartarus long enough for my scent to be masked by the environment,” he sighed as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Whoever sent Lily into Tartarus left her in the center of a manticore nest. I’m not sure if it was intentional, but I’m thankful I was as close as I was. Or else she may not have survived. She was unconscious when I got to her.”

Cayden let out a growl that shook the entire house. “He tried to kill my beloved dove and children without even giving them a chance?” He demanded in a deathly voice that could frighten even the deadliest of beings.

Jacques gave him a single nod. “I guess that Atlas assumed I had gotten trapped in a prison of my own. So he had her sent somewhere she’d be alone,” he clicked his tongue. “Anyway. I managed to get to her just in time. The manticores were so close to her. I suppose I ran off pure adrenaline and got to her in time. I carried her back to the cave, but the manticores followed us. We should have been dead. I felt claws whisper over my back and could have sworn it was the killing blow. Liliana woke up just in time though. She burned all of the manticores inside the cave to ash and saved my life,” he shook his head. “She saved both of us. I checked her wounds after that. Yes, the cuts and burns were terrible, but her back….” his voice broke as he pressed a fist to his lips. He took a couple of deep breaths to steady himself. “Her back was a slab of meat. I couldn’t see any remaining skin. It was so bad, and I was too drained to help her.”

“She prayed to Artemis right after that and got help,” Kaine guessed.

Jacques nodded. “When she returned, she was healed just enough to get through Tartarus. And she had enough blood for me. We rested for three hours before we left for the barrier,” he closed his eyes as he tried to lock up the images of Liliana as she had been when he first found her. “She had to use quite a bit of magic to get us out. First, she had to make us invisible and put a shield of air around us to mask our breathing and footsteps. Then, we had to get past a ravenous pack of hellhounds devouring one of their own. While we were running through the trench, she twisted her ankle. Pretty badly, as you’ve seen. She couldn’t walk on her own. I helped her until we got to Cerberus’s home. As we neared it, six wraiths appeared. We were both weak and as we all know, wraiths only have one weakness. So we ran as quickly as we could and made the rash decision to run into Cerberus’s home. We were hoping he’d get rid of the phantoms, but it seems they are his weakness.”

Axel nodded. “It makes sense. You can’t fight a phantom. Anything will go straight through them.”

Jacques gave him a nod. “Liliana being the sweetheart that she is, couldn’t leave him alone. So she used her magic again to burn the phantoms to ash. As a result, we now have an overprotective mother hen guard dog.”

Kaine chuckled. “Of course, she saved him. She couldn’t just leave a creature in need of help. It’s not who she is.”

Everyone agreed as Jacques continued. “Because of the atmosphere of Tartarus and her pregnancy, she was so exhausted. At that moment, I didn’t know Liliana was pregnant. She slid to the ground and rested for a while. I only found out because of Cerberus. He sensed it on her and has been protective of her ever since,” he clicked his tongue. “After we rested for a few minutes, we made our way towards the River Lethe. I was carrying Liliana by the time we got to the river,” Jacques looked at his hands that were clenched in his lap. “She had to use magic again to get us across the river.”

“How did she do it?” Axel asked curiously.

“She used her magic and split the river in two. She created a path for Cerberus to run through. He let us ride on his back as he raced across the river. She managed to hold it just long enough for us to get to the other side. Once we were safe on the other side, she fainted. Cerberus carried us to the barrier after that,” Jacques explained.

“How did she manage to break through the barrier?” Kaine asked. “From what Cayden learned from Atlas, the barrier should have been unbreakable.”

Jacques sighed. “Do you remember that queen who was half demigod and half-witch? She had that power that could heal anyone or anything. But, unfortunately, that same power could decimate an entire city in a single wave.”

Kaine nodded. “Queen Destiny. She was the most powerful queen of her time. No one could take her down until that whole situation with Ares,” he clicked his tongue and shook his head. “Such a devastation,” he frowned. “What about her?”

“It seems that she had at least one child that only a rare few knew existed. And Liliana is a descendant of that queen,” Jacques explained as if that answered all of their questions.

Axel stared at Liliana in shock before looking at Jacques again. “You’re sure?”

Jacques nodded. “I saw that magic myself. It was magnificent,” he said in awe.

Kaine shook his head. “I can’t believe this,” he let out a humorless laugh. “That could explain why your children are already so powerful,” he said as he looked at Cayden.

Cayden sighed as he rested his head against Liliana’s shoulder. “I can’t believe this is happening,” he muttered. “Everyone will want to get to them because of this.”

“Then keep it between us. No one else knows,” Kaine said with a shrug.

Cayden shook his head as he looked up at Kaine. “She’s going to tell Ryan and Evelyn. They’re her family,” he said softly.

Kaine nodded in understanding. “So just us and them then. No one else should know.”

“She’s going to have to practice this new power, though,” Axel said. “If she doesn’t, it might consume her. Or it could do what it did last time,” he said, gesturing to her body. “You said she was ice cold right after she used the gift, right?” He asked as he looked at Jacques.

Jacques nodded. “Yeah. She’s still not as warm as she should be,” he said with a frown.

Axel blew out a rough breath. “That’s because she used so much power without even knowing what it was. She may have had no choice, but she should practice it.”

Kaine voiced his agreement. “Yes. If she doesn’t, with a powerful gift, it could destroy her if she doesn’t master it.”

“It can destroy her?” Cayden asked as he felt his chest constrict painfully.

Axel scrubbed at his face. “If she doesn’t master it, yes. That or it’ll start to control her. And that is something else that no one wants.”

Cayden didn’t have to ask why. One of the most dangerous types of power was a power that could control the person who possessed it. Most feared it. Some wanted it for themselves.

“We’ll keep her safe, Cayden,” Kaine said as he took in Cayden’s concerned face.

“No one will get to her,” Jacques promised firmly. “Not again.”

Everyone went quiet as they got lost in their thoughts. “Let’s give Liliana some space so she can rest,” Kaine said quietly. “Axel and I will start researching this new power and learn how to train her. We’ll also look for a place well hidden so she can practice without fear of being discovered.”

“Thank you,” Cayden whispered. He looked up and stared at Jacques. “And thank you. For bringing her back to me.”

Jacques smiled briefly before leaving the room with Axel, Sebastian, and Kaine.

Cayden gently got out of bed so he wouldn’t jostle Liliana. He went to the closet and did quick work of changing his clothes. Before returning to Liliana, Cayden entered the bathroom and rushed through his usual night routine. He wrapped her in his arms and curled around her protectively. With Daemon and Cerberus lying on the floor on her side of the bed, he finally closed his eyes and let himself relax enough to fall asleep.

Liliana opened her eyes to see nothing but darkness. She frowned as she tried to look at her surroundings. There was nothing but blackness surrounding her, and she started to panic. “Where am I?” She whispered in a rough voice.

“Please do not panic, young one,” a soft feminine voice said from behind her.

Liliana spun around and gasped as she took in the middle-aged woman behind her. She was gorgeous. She had golden blonde hair down to the middle of her back. Her eyes were a brilliant amethyst purple that shone brightly in the darkness around them. Her smile was soft and instantly put her at ease. “Who are you?” She whispered in wonder.

“My name is Destiny,” she smiled brightly. “I am your ancestor,” she said softly.

Liliana’s eyes went wide. “You’re the reason I have magic,” she said in wonderment.

Destiny nodded. “Yes. You have that new power from me as well.”

Liliana stared at her with wide eyes. “I don’t know what type of power it is. I just found out that I had it. I only used it to break the barrier in Tartarus.”

Destiny nodded and moved closer to her. “Yes. You have to master your other gifts before the gift comes to life. It stays hidden and buried until it believes you are ready.”

“So this gift is like an actual living being?” She asked curiously. “It can sense things like that.”

Destiny smiled at her. “You’re a brilliant one, aren’t you?” She asked in adoration.

Liliana blushed as she played with her fingers. Before she could say anything, Destiny continued. “This gift isn’t an actual being. It can’t survive outside of you. However, it can sense when you’re ready for it to awaken. It can also sense when you’re in danger and usually works in tandem with your emotions,” she sighed as she stood directly in front of Liliana. “You can use this gift for everything good. You can even heal anyone and anything. But you can also use the gift for great destruction. If you let your emotions get too far out of hand, it can decimate an entire city in a single wave.”

Liliana rubbed at her face. “It sounds like a gift many people will want for themselves,” she muttered.

Destiny nodded. “Yes. Anyone who learns of you having this gift will come after you for it.”

Liliana sighed heavily. “Is it possible for someone to steal this gift from me?” She questioned in concern.

Destiny shook her head. “No. No one can steal it from you. No matter how hard they try, it won’t leave you.”

“And no one can force me to give it away, right?” Liliana asked as she played with her hair.

Destiny shook her head once again. “No. No matter how one tries, the gift will never leave you.”

Liliana nodded. “Well, at least there’s that,” she muttered.

Destiny grabbed her hands softly. “You must know something about this gift, though,” she let out a small sigh. “You must learn to control this gift. Master it. If you don’t, it can take control of you.”

Liliana frowned as her forehead creased in confusion. “What do you mean?” She questioned.

“I mean what I said,” Destiny said a bit firmly. “If you don’t master this gift as you’ve mastered your other abilities, it will take over your body,” Destiny shook her head. “This power needs release. Once it awakens, it can not be bottled up. It needs constant release. And for you to release just enough of it to keep in control, you need to master it. And it needs to be soon.”

Liliana groaned in annoyance as she looked up. “Great. Another thing to add to my list of things to do.”

Destiny let out a small laugh. “Trust me. I understand exactly how you feel.”

Liliana looked at her with her head tilted slightly in confusion. “How so?”

Destiny smiled softly. “Ask Jacques when you wake up.”

Liliana stared at her in shock. “You know Jacques?” She asked in surprise.

Destiny laughed and nodded. “Yes. He was young at the time and didn’t care much, but he was sweet and helpful when you spoke with him. He often helped me, even if he doesn’t remember it.”

Liliana laughed. “I doubt that. He remembers everything.”

Destiny giggled again. “Yes, he does,” she sighed heavily. “Talk to Jacques. He’ll explain everything. Kaine and Axel will help you train and master your gift.”

Liliana nodded. “Okay. Thank you, Destiny,” she whispered.

Destiny pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Master your gift and make me proud,” she whispered against her forehead before disappearing.

Liliana groaned as her eyes slowly fluttered open, and she was blinded by sunlight streaming through the curtains. She went to lift her arm to block the light but frowned when she saw the bandages wrapped around her arm. She followed the IV tubes to the stand sitting by her bed. Her eyes went wide as she realized that she was in her bed. Her head whipped to the left, and she couldn’t hold back the small sob that escaped her. “Cayden,” Liliana sobbed out.

Cayden’s eyes snapped open at the sound of her voice. “You’re awake,” he whispered as he gently caressed her cheek.

Liliana sobbed as she leaned into his hand and reached for him, causing her to let out a moan of pain. “This isn’t a dream?” She asked in a broken whisper.

Cayden shook his head. “You’re here, my little dove. Jacques and Cerberus helped bring you back to me.”

Liliana sobbed into his chest as he held her close. “I was so scared,” she sobbed out as she clung to him with everything that she had, ignoring the pain that was once again coursing through her body.

Cayden shushed her and whispered sweet nothings into her ear until her sobs stopped. Liliana looked up at him. “I need to talk to Jacques, Kaine, and Axel,” she said hoarsely.

Cayden nodded. “Of course, but there are a couple of things that we have to do first,” he said softly.

Liliana frowned. “What is it?” She asked.

“First thing is a shower and putting fresh bandages on you. Then we need to take you to get an ultrasound,” Cayden sighed. “Hopefully, both of our little ones will make themselves known this time.”

Liliana let out a rough laugh. “I felt them both shortly after Atlas took me,” she whispered as her laughter died. “Even before Eileithyia came to me and protected our twins,” she sniffled. “At first, I thought it was just one baby, but shortly after being taken, our first child let that little shield down, and I felt the second one,” tears were once again sliding down her face. “Only three thoughts were going through my mind at that moment. One, our children would protect each other for their entire lives. Two, I had to keep them safe. I couldn’t let anything happen to them. And three,” she let out a slow breath as she looked into Cayden’s eyes. “We had to get back to you,” she whispered.

Cayden had tears as he held her close to his body. “I’m sorry I couldn’t keep you safe, dove,” he whispered in a rough voice.

Liliana shook her head against his chest and drew in several shaky breaths. “You kept me alive,” she breathed out.

Cayden frowned as he pulled back just enough to look down into her eyes. “What do you mean?” He asked softly.

“The thought that you were here alone, that you loved me and needed me as much as I needed you, kept me going,” Liliana said quietly.

Cayden let out a soft grunt of pain as he felt a twinge in his heart. “Oh, my little dove,” he whispered brokenly.

Liliana hugged him tightly. “I would go through any hell to get back to you,” she breathed out.

Cayden sharply inhaled as he pulled away from her again. He looked into her eyes and softly muttered. “I love you, my little dove. So very much.”

Liliana gave him a teary-eyed smile. “I love you too. So very much.”

Cayden held her close for a few minutes before he let out a soft sigh. “We should get up and go see Nathan. Then replace Kaine and Axel,” he said reluctantly.

Liliana groaned in annoyance but gave in. “Can you help me up?” She asked softly.

Cayden quickly got out of bed and moved to her side of the bed. He carefully placed a hand behind her back while he grabbed her hand and gently pulled her up into a sitting position. Liliana giggled when she found Daemon and Cerberus lying on the floor with their heads up and staring right at her. “I see you somehow managed to shrink to a semi-normal size,” she said with another giggle.

Cerberus seemed to give her three lopsided smiles. Then, finally, she shook her head and looked at Cayden. “Let’s go take a shower,” she said softly.

Cayden shook his head. “The water pressure from a shower will hurt your back. So we’re going to take a bath,” he said firmly yet gently.

Liliana smiled brightly. “Thank you, my beloved.”

Cayden pressed a featherlight kiss to her temple before leading her to the bathroom. He carefully lifted her and set her on the sink counter. He turned the bathtub on and put the drain stop in once the temperature was right. He stood in front of Liliana again and kissed her forehead. “We have to get these bandages off of you, dove,” he said softly.

Liliana nodded and held up her arms as he got to work. He meticulously unwrapped her arms, legs, and torso bandages. He also took the brace off of her ankle. Once he had all the bandages off, he carefully picked her up and carried her to the now full tub. He lowered her into the tub and let go of her once he was sure she was situated.

Cayden quickly took off his clothes and climbed in behind Liliana, careful not to bump into her. He grabbed a soft fabric washcloth and dunked it in the water. He put a bit of soap on it and washed her back as gently as possible.

It didn’t take them too long to get cleaned up. Once they were both thoroughly clean, Cayden climbed out and dried off. He wrapped a towel around his waist before bending at the waist to lift Liliana out of the tub. Cayden set her on her feet and ensured she was steady before grabbing a towel and lightly patting her dry. Once she was dry, he wrapped the towel around her. Next, he helped her to the couch in front of the fireplace. He quickly got a fire started before turning to her. “Let me grab everything I need, and then I’ll take care of you.”

“Will you also dry and brush my hair for me?” Liliana asked in a hopeful whisper.

Cayden smiled in adoration. “Of course, little dove.”

Cayden kissed her forehead before rushing to the closet. He got dressed as quickly as he could. He knew Liliana would wait for him, but he had just gotten her back. He feared she’d disappear if he left her alone for too long. So he rushed as he finished getting dressed. Before going into the bathroom, Cayden grabbed a light, flowing dress and a pair of slip-on flats for Liliana. He took out everything he needed and sat next to her on the couch.

“Okay, dove. Nathan said that this cream would help your wounds. He said that most of them will heal, but there are a couple on your right arm, and the ones on your back will leave scars,” he explained roughly.

Liliana nodded. “Max used a knife covered in wolfsbane on my arm. I could feel it burning me and weakening me,” she said in a harsh voice as she stared into the fire, losing herself in the dancing flames. “For my back, he used a silver whip that he had dipped in wolfsbane before each hit against my flesh,” she choked back a sob as she continued to stare into the fire.

Cayden sighed heavily from behind her. “I will take care of you, my little dove. You will never have to go through something like that again. I promise,” he vowed as he looked into her eyes.

Liliana nodded slightly as the tears rushed down her face.

Cayden pressed a gentle, loving kiss to her lips before having her turn around, so her back was facing him. He lightly rubbed some cream onto her back before wrapping gauze around her torso again. Cayden did the same for her arms and legs. He put her brace back on her ankle before grabbing her dress. “I know you usually prefer to wear those cute little bra and panty sets, but I don’t think that will be such a good idea with your back.”

Liliana nodded. “No, I agree. My wounds are still too sensitive for those,” she eyed the dress and smiled. “It’s perfect, love. Thank you.”

Cayden smiled and helped her put it on. “Let’s brush your hair, and then we’ll see Nathan.”

Liliana turned so that her back was to him, and he took that as an answer enough. Cayden chuckled as he grabbed the towel wrapped around her body and dried her hair. When her hair was dry, he carefully started brushing the knots out of her hair. When he had it silky smooth, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the side of her neck. “All done, dove.”

Cayden stood up and helped her to her feet. They walked to the doctor after that. Cayden knocked on the door before stepping inside with Liliana at his side. “Hey, Nathan,” he said as he closed the door behind Liliana.

Nathan looked up and smiled. “I see you’re awake,” he said as he stood up and walked towards them.

Liliana nodded. “I’m sure I was asleep for quite some time,” she said quietly.

Nathan nodded. “Though, I will admit I was expecting you to sleep a bit longer,” he said as he looked her over.

Liliana shrugged. “I don’t know how I’m awake right now, to be honest.”

Nathan frowned. “Well, let me give you a quick check-up, and then we’ll do an ultrasound.”

Liliana nodded with a smile. “Okay.”