Chapter 167: Parallel Universe
**Cassius**
We went through a portal, and it took us into a parallel world to the Primordial one we had just left, so we sought refuge under the World Tree. I stand amidst the ethereal glow of the parallel Primordial realm, the air thick with ancient magic and the whispers of forgotten eras. The World Tree looms above, its branches stretching endlessly, cradling the stars. My companions are scattered around, their eyes gleaming with a mix of awe and unease. We’ve just witnessed Avery’s encounter with Drake, the undead enigmatic warlock who offered her the Eclipsed Amulet in exchange for a night of submission. The tension between us is palpable, a storm brewing beneath the surface of our unity. I can feel it start to strangle me. I know what it is like to see the dead again because I saw my parents, but that was different. They didn’t mean any harm, and I think Drake did. I think he wants to cause a wedge between Avery and us, and I won’t allow that to happen. He might be Draven’s brother, but he is nothing to me. I need to spend some time with Avery. I need to make sure that she has no doubts about how I feel towards her.
Avery steps closer to me, her hand brushing mine. Her touch is electric, a silent plea for understanding. I can feel her turmoil, the weight of her decision pressing down on her. She’s done it for us, for the power to control the Primal Flame and protect us all. But the cost—a night with Drake—has left a bitter taste in our mouths.
“We should rest,” James says, his voice tight, his green eyes flickering with unspoken anger. “Tomorrow, we’ll face whatever comes next.”
The suggestion hangs in the air, heavy and unwelcome. I know James is struggling, his dominant nature chafing at the idea of Avery being with another. But he’s not the only one. Clint’s jaw is clenched, his usual charm replaced by a brooding silence. Conner, ever the strategist, is pacing, his eyes distant as he calculates our next move. Even Vincent, the Ancient One, seems unsettled, his tattoos glowing faintly as if mirroring his inner turmoil. Draven, Rory, and Jace stand on the outskirts, afraid to say anything to us. I know that they had their bonding time, but they seem as if they now fear us. Yes, I am pissed, but I am not angry at them or Avery. Honestly, I don’t think that I am angry at Drake either. I am furious about the situation we have been stuck in. Time and time again, something or someone is trying to break us or take Avery from us. Why all of these trials? Why can’t we just reach Altima?
Donn, ever the provocateur, smirks. “Rest? Or are we just avoiding the elephant in the room? Avery’s made her choice. Let’s not pretend we’re not all thinking about it.”
His words are like a spark in a powder keg. Clint turns to him, his voice low and dangerous. “You’d do well to keep your mouth shut, Donn. This isn’t about you.”
“Isn’t it?” Donn steps closer, his void eyes glinting with challenge. “We’re all her mates. We all have a stake in this. Or are some of us more possessive than others?”
The air crackles with tension. I step between them, my voice firm. “Enough. We’re not going to tear each other apart over this. Avery made a sacrifice for us. The least we can do is support her.”
Avery’s hand tightens on mine, her voice soft but steady. “Thank you, Cassius. I know it’s hard, but I had to do it. The amulet is our best chance against whatever’s coming.”
James crosses his arms, his gaze unwavering. “And what about us? What about the bond we share? Does that mean nothing to you?”
Avery’s eyes fill with tears, but her voice remains strong. “You mean everything to me. All of you. But this—this-this was necessary. I won’t let any of you be hurt because I was too proud to make a hard choice.”
The silence that follows is deafening. I can see the conflict in their eyes, the struggle between their love for her and their pride. I understand it—I feel it too. But Avery’s right. We can’t let our emotions cloud our judgment.
Vincent steps forward, his presence commanding. “She’s made her decision. We’ll deal with the consequences together. But for now, we rest. Tomorrow, we face whatever comes next as one.”
His words seem to ease the tension, if only slightly. We retreat to our makeshift camp beneath the World Tree, the ancient magic of the realm wrapping around us like a protective cloak. But sleep eludes me. I lie awake, my mind racing, my heart heavy.
Avery slips into my arms, her body trembling slightly. “I’m sorry, Cassius. I know it’s hard for you.”
I pull her closer, my lips brushing her forehead. “I know you did what you had to do. But it doesn’t make it any easier. You have been through so much and forgiven me for all of the cruel shit that I did to you or said. I love you so much, but when are we going to get a chance to just be ourselves again…free from all of the tests and trials?”
She sighs, her breath warm against my chest. “I don’t know. I wish there were another way. But this—this-this is our reality. We’ll get through it together.”
I hold her tightly, my resolve hardening. She’s right. We’ll get through it. Together. We all have to keep telling ourselves that we will endure together, not out of survival, but out of the love we have for Avery. If we fight amongst ourselves, it will distract us, leaving us weak and vulnerable. We must be united and strong for Avery, as she has been to us.
As the night deepens, the realm around us seems to pulse with life, the World Tree’s roots intertwining with our destinies. I close my eyes, my mind drifting to the challenges ahead. The Eclipsed Amulet is now a part of Avery, its power coursing through her. But at what cost? And what will it mean for us, for our bond, our love, our future? The answers are elusive, lost in the shadows of the Primordial realm. But one thing is certain: we’re in this until the end.
However, as the night stretches on, the stars above twinkling like distant eyes, watching, waiting, I can’t help but feel that somewhere, in the depths of this ancient realm, a new chapter begins. One filled with uncertainty, danger, and the unyielding strength of our bond. Can I keep from letting my pride and self-doubt war with one another, from allowing my darkness to win? As Avery sleeps curled up beside me, I put my hand on her stomach, which is beginning to show the life growing inside of her. I feel them vibrate and move. Their movements are comforting. I will be better not just for Avery and me, but for them…all of them.
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