Chapter 168: Dark Tempest
**Avery**
We were all under the World Tree in this parallel realm to the Primordial one we had just extended when a storm erupted. The storm rages on, its howling winds and torrential rain a relentless force that drives us deeper into the heart of the enchanted glade. I stand amidst the chaos, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and anticipation. The sudden tempest has torn us apart, scattering my mates—Cassius, Clint, Conner, James, Donn, and Vincent—across this mystical realm. I also don’t know where Draven, Rory, and Jace are either. I worry about my friends almost as much as I worry about my mates. Yet, it is not just the storm that has separated us; it is the choice that now lies before me.
The glade, bathed in an ethereal glow, seems to pulse with an otherworldly energy. Towering trees with silver bark and leaves that shimmer like moonlight surround me, their branches swaying in an unnatural rhythm. At the center of this sanctuary stands a figure, both alluring and terrifying. It is a creature of shadows and light, its form shifting between that of a man and a beast, its eyes glowing with an ancient wisdom. I recognize it as a being from the Primordial realm, a guardian of secrets and power. At least I hope it is a guardian.
"Avery, Queen of Dragons and keeper of the Primal Flame," the creature's voice resonates, deep and melodic, echoing in my mind as much as in my ears. "The storm has brought you here for a reason. A choice must be made, one that will shape not only your destiny but that of your mates."
My heart quickens as I step forward, my dragon-scale patterned gown rustling with each movement. "What choice?" I ask, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. "What must I do?"
The creature smiles, a knowing glint in its eyes. "You may gain a powerful new ability, one that will make you unparalleled in this realm and perhaps others. But to do so, you must risk losing one of your mates forever. Their bond with you will be severed, their love for you forgotten. Choose wisely, for the consequences are eternal."
My mind races as I consider the implications. My mates—Cassius, Clint, Conner, James, Donn, and Vincent—are not just my lovers; they are my strength, my family, my everything. To lose one of them is unthinkable, yet the promise of power is tantalizing. The Primal Flame, the source of my abilities, could be amplified beyond measure. But at what cost?
"Who would I lose?" I ask, my voice trembling.
The creature's form shifts, its eyes hardening. "That is not for me to say. The choice is yours, and the outcome is uncertain. But know this: the bond you share with your mates is not just emotional; it is magical. To break it would be to unravel a part of yourself."
I close my eyes, reaching out with my mind to sense my mates. Their presence is faint, distant, but I can feel their love, their worry, their trust in me. How can I choose? How can I decide who to risk losing?
"You have until the storm passes," the creature says, its voice softening. "Take your time, but remember, the longer you wait, the greater the risk to all of you."
As the creature fades into the shadows, I am left alone in the glade, the storm's fury still raging around me. My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts, each more terrifying than the last. I think of Cassius, my steadfast protector, his blue eyes filled with ancient wisdom. Clint, with his charming smile and cunning mind, is always ready to face any challenge. Conner, reserved and intelligent, his loyalty unshakable. James, the King of Kings, dominant and fierce, his love a force of nature. Donn, the Reaper, arrogant and flirtatious, yet deeply devoted. And Vincent, the Ancient One, his dark past and wounded soul intertwined with mine.
How can I choose? How can I risk losing any one of them?
The storm begins to subside, the winds calming, the rain slowing to a gentle drizzle. The glade grows quieter, the only sound the soft rustle of leaves and the distant rumble of thunder. I take a deep breath, my hands clenching into fists. I must make a decision, not just for myself, but for all of us. As I stand there, torn between the promise of power and the fear of loss, I feel a presence behind me. I turn, my heart leaping, to see Cassius, his leather armor damp, his hair disheveled, his blue eyes filled with concern. "Avery," he says, his voice low and urgent. "What's happening? I felt your distress, and I came as quickly as I could."
Relief washes over me, and I step into his arms, burying my face in his chest. "Cassius," I whisper, my voice breaking. "I don't know what to do. I can't choose. I can't risk losing any of you."
He holds me tightly, his hands running through my hair. "You don't have to decide alone," he says, his voice firm. "We're in this together. Whatever you choose, we'll face it as one."
His words give me strength, and I pull back, looking up at him. "But what if—"
He silences me with a kiss, his lips pressing firmly against mine. It is a kiss filled with love, with passion, with the unspoken promise that no matter what happens, we will face it together.
As the kiss deepens, I feel the presence of the others—Clint, Conner, James, Donn, and Vincent—their energy surrounding us, their love and support a tangible force. In that moment, I know that whatever choice I make, I am not alone.
The storm has passed, but the decision still looms. The creature's offer remains a tantalizing yet terrifying prospect. I take Cassius's hand, feeling the strength and solidarity of my mates. The glade grows quieter still, the only sound the soft patter of raindrops on leaves. I look into Cassius's eyes, seeing the trust and love reflected there. I know that whatever I choose, it will be with them by my side.
I stand in the heart of the enchanted glade, the ancient temple’s ruins rising behind me like the bones of a forgotten giant. The primordial guardian’s offer echoes in my mind, a seductive whisper that promises power beyond measure—but at a cost that makes my heart ache. My mates form a semicircle around me, their presence a fortress of strength and love, but the decision before me is mine alone. The weight of it presses against my chest, a physical burden that threatens to crush me.
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