124
Lucy
I blinked not understanding the joke, but he chuckled.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure someone you know will bring you up to speed on pop culture references.” He looked over at Duke. “How are you feeling?”
Duke's eyelids fluttered, and he groaned softly. He looked like he might be slipping back into sleep, but his eyes stayed open and darted around the room. Confusion filled his face as he struggled to sit up, his movements were sluggish and uncoordinated.
"Easy there," Luke said, rushing to his side. He placed a comforting hand on Duke's shoulder, his voice soothing. "Take your time.”
Duke blinked, his gaze finally focusing on me. "Lucy? What... what happened?"
“You went into a trance,” Triton said calmly. “Do you remember what you saw?”
He shuddered and nodded and looked down before looking back at me.
“Who’s he?” He asked, nodding toward Triton.”
I smiled gently. ”He's... well, he's the prince of the sea."
Duke's eyes widened, and he glanced at Triton, clearly taken aback. "The prince of the sea? Seriously?"
Triton chuckled, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Indeed, I am. It's a pleasure to meet you, Duke."
Duke shook his head, still trying to process everything. "I must be dreaming or something."
“I certainly hope you don’t dream of me,” Triton said with a sly smirk. “We’ve hardly just met. Seems a bit much don’t you think?”
He scoffed. “Prince of the sea…. On land? Are we due for a flood or something?”
“Oh, no, I don’t make visits when we declare war.” His eyes flashed as he grinned. “I like the full effect of a surprise attack. Rage of the Sea and all that.”
Duke nodded. “Good to know.” He looked at me. “You’re sure I didn’t hit my head?”
I laughed. “I’m sure.”
Triton chuckled. “I am sure several in the future will have wished that you had, but you are perfectly physically healthy… I’m sure with young David’s help you’ll be heading towards mentally healthy as well.”
I blinked and looked at Duke. “Triton… knows something about the Moon Goddess, we were talking about it while you were out.”
I tried to fill him in as Duke blinked slowly. Then, he frowned.
“A black wolf,” he said softly. “You… You’ve dreamed of a black wolf too?”
I nodded.
“Of that I’m not surprised.” Triton hummed, scanning Duke with his eyes. “She is going to have quite the hard time with you two.”
He glanced at me. “And you… especially you. Be sure to keep your head up, hm? The old witch deserves it for everything she’s done.”
I looked at Triton. “You said before that I have the spine to set myself free. What did you mean by that? Considering everything else you said, you make it sound like there’s… some sort of war coming, but I… I’m not…”
I looked down at the anchor. “I don’t even know if I’ll make it to t-twenty-five, let alone be strong enough to—“
“There is more than physical strength in this world, Miss Graves,” Triton said. “Strength of character. Strength of Will. You have been… given a heavy burden, the destiny you’re pursuing is so very different than the fate she would have for you.”
My face from that vision, the blank look in my eyes, flashed through my mind and I shivered.
“That sow has chosen you as a piece in her grand scheme.” He looked at Duke and then Luke. “You two as well, but there is enough strength in you all to evade that. It will not be easy. Many forces on the land are looking to change your mind, to make sure it goes to plan.”
My heart pounded in my chest. “What am I supposed to do? I’m just one person…"
Triton's lips curved into a wry smile. "You've already made your choice, haven't you? To enter law enforcement, to protect and uphold justice. That path you've decided on, it's going to be crucial."
I nodded. “I-Is it really that simple?”
“For now,” Triton said. “With the amount of protection around you? You need not worry. You will have the time to nurture all the strength in you, to bolster other and let others bolster you. When it’s time… that restraint will be the work of nothing.”
I looked into his eyes and smiled. My eyes stung as I clutched the anchor in my hand.
“I… I’ll be okay?”
Triton smiled. “I see a very long, adventurous, and impactful future ahead of you, Lucy Graves. If you believe nothing else, if nothing else gives you strength, remember that my predictions are never wrong.”
I looked at Luke who smiled and nodded at me. “He’s a terrible person to play in poker.”
Triton laughed. “Never bet against someone who can see the future.”
I felt some part of me relax. I could trust Luke. If nothing else, I felt like if he trusted Triton, then I should be able to as well.
Triton nodded. “Glad I could give you a bit of assurance. Though, I must warn you…”
My stomach clenched.
“The road you’re pursuing is not a straight one. There will be pitfalls and detours, but if you decide to leave that path, if you give up, Lucy, it's going to be a shit show, for lack of a better word.” He waved his hand. “The delicate balance between the supernatural races will be in jeopardy. The war that destroyed the werewolf community and led us all to this room will look like a bar fight in comparison.”
A chill ran down my spine at his words, and my stomach turned.
“That was a bit much don’t you think so?” Luke asked. “She’s…. she’s so young…”
Triton looked at him. “I tell people what they need to hear when they need to hear it, Luke. And that statement was meant for all three of you.”
I frowned and looked at Luke as he went pale. I looked at Duke who seemed to press back into his couch.
“Why… Why do you look so scared?” I asked Luke.
He looked away. “It’s… a story I don’t think I should tell right now.”
“Of course not,” Triton said, getting to his feet. “That would be too much. Well, I think I’ve overstayed my welcome a bit, hopefully he won’t be too put out.”
He pat Luke on his shoulder. He turned to me and asked, "Is there anything you would like me to pass along to David?"
I hesitated for a moment and shook my head.
Triton nodded and headed towards the door. He stopped just before he reached the door. The air seemed to grow humid and he turned around. His eyes glowing. Luke groaned softly.
"There is a threat in the shadows. Waiting, lurking, prowling forward. He will be watching. He will come. You must learn to fight. You must be prepared to fight, Lucy, not just for your own sake but for the sake of others too."
His words sent a shiver down my spine. Then, the glow in his eyes vanished and he smiled at me.
“Until next we meet.” He grinned mischievously at Duke. "You've got quite an impressive coalition of future warriors on your side, Lucy. I hope that fucker is ready. "
He turned and whistled as he left. I looked back at Duke as he slumped against the couch.
“Warrior, huh?” Duke whispered. “I guess, I should take David up on those combat lessons.”
“Combat lessons?”
Luke groaned. “The Academy hosts magical combat lessons as an addition to the basic curriculum. You don’t need it to get into the Enforcer Academy, but it would look good on an application.”
I licked my lips and thought back to what Triton said.
“How do we sign up?” Duke asked. “Given everything he just said, I don’t…”
He swooned. I reached out to steady him. He was still trembling and looked like he was going to pass out at any minute.
“We’ll talk combat after you’re not about to pass out.” Luke stood and nudged Duke back into a lying position. Call this a study hall for now. I’ll be back with a potion for you. Lucy, work on whatever you’ve got homework wise and I’ll send you both home.”
I wanted to protest, but looking at Duke and the way he was fighting to stay awake made me hold back. I opened my bag as Luke gave me a reassuring smile before leaving the room to retrieve the potion.
Duke took a deep breath. "I feel like I’m holding you back… Me and stupid trances.”
"It's okay, Duke," I reassured him, placing a hand on his arm. "You've been through a lot. We can talk about it when you're feeling better."
His lips twitched. “Sounds good, little warrior.”
I took his hand and he squeezed.
“There’s no one I’d want more on my side…” He said softly. “Except David… Everyone wants David on their side.”
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
