Possible Solution
POV: Alexandra
Before I had left for the retreat, Mordred had told me that he was going to try to find a way to break the curse that had a hold on my heart. He had sought me out until he found me in Blackwood Manor in Terre. He stood there in the study in my parent’s home telling me that he had been looking for me. I rose from my seat, “What did you say, Mordred?” Mordred smiled, “Always to the point, darling. It is endearing at times but I would like to see my father.” My grandfather had been sitting smiling at Mordred, “Nice to see you again, my boy. How is your sister? I trust you found her well in her tree.” Mordred walked over to me and sat down right next to me, “She’s been treated very well in Blackwood. She was welcomed into the manor by our darling little rose. She has been raving about being accepted there which, as you know, is very hard for her on account of her different personality.” I spoke up, “I don’t see her personality as different. I see her as an introvert and introverts are highly misunderstood. They’re seen as aloof and disinterested when in reality they are just drained by certain energies.” Mordred looked at me proudly, “This is why she feels so comfortable around you. I must hand it to Darren, Reggie, and Talia, they have done a fine job in raising you to be sensitive to others.” My grandfather shook his head, “She’s sensitive to others because she has been a social outcast for almost all of her life. Her experience has taught her empathy.” I rose to my feet to go pour myself a glass of water, “I would argue that you both are right. Experience is indeed a teacher but so is the way one is raised.” Mordred chuckled, “Kind and wise. I imagine that is your fine genetics, father.” My grandfather sighed, “So did you get to meet Vanessa then?” Mordred clasped his hands and looked down at them, “I did. She’s a brilliant young woman. I am indeed impressed.”
I crossed back over to the settee and sat next to Mordred who turned to me, “Enough visiting. I have a ritual that Whisperia and I have found that may get us in direct touch with the God who cursed you.” My grandfather leaned forward, “Oh? I would ask if this would harm her but I think I know the answer.” Mordred smiled, “I would never. Talia would murder me in my sleep and I have lived too long to be done in like that.” I laughed, “You know my mother too well.” Mordred winked at me, “The only drawback to the ritual is that it needs to be done during the full moon at the ritual site in Blackwood so I’m afraid your lycan protection will not be present.” I shrugged and said, “Bash.” Suddenly the black wisp appeared in front of me and made its way in between Mordred and me. Eventually, it formed into the sleeping black pup that was given to me for protection. Mordred smiled down at him and made his way to pet him when a hard growl came out of the small creature napping on the settee. Mordred looked up at me with a smile, “I had never seen a heavenly shadow creature before but I had heard of them. He is indeed fascinating.” Sebastian opened one eye and regarded Mordred for a few minutes before getting up to stretch, yawn, and fall back asleep in my lap. I sighed, “I don’t think he knows what to think of you, Mordred.” He laughed, “I should say not, I’ve never been particularly good with animals. I don’t think my aura is suited to their nature. I thought, perhaps, this creature would be different but it appears that animals are animals no matter what realm they are from. It is a relief that you will have him to protect you while the lycans run but I fear that he won’t be much help against a God.” My grandfather grunted while he shifted in his seat, “Will anything be much against a God? How are you so sure she will be safe?” Mordred winked at my grandfather, “God magic. Aphrodite and Apollo are key here. We’d have to get them to agree to show up once he is summoned.”
I thought about this for a little while, “I would have to ask them, of course. They need to get permission to come to Vellum.” He nodded, “Of course, I will leave that to you but you’ll need to get in touch with them as soon as you get back. We have so much to prepare for and so little time.” My grandfather stood up, “Well then, I think we should get going then.” We both looked at him and Mordred spoke first, “What do you mean by we should get going?” I stared at Mordred, “I will not let Xan face this without me around, I will be the calming factor for her.” Mordred nodded in understanding, “Very well, Father, but I must insist that you have the magic barrier I made for you with you. Do you still have it?” My grandfather reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring with a crystal inlaid into it. Mordred nodded, “Okay, well we must apprise the young prince and Talon of our plans so that we may be successful. Talon is mighty powerful with a blade in his hand and the prince is cunning enough that he will also be able to protect the little rose.” My grandfather looked at me then at Mordred, “I believe Delilah had planned on feeding us before Alexandra, Talon and His Highness were supposed to leave. I wouldn’t want to disappoint her.” I made to rise to my feet when Sebastian jumped down and followed me out of the room, across the foyer into the dining room. The other two of my party had already been seated and Delilah was pouring them some white wine, “I’m sorry, Your Highness, young master Talon, but we only have human-made wine here. I hope you don’t mind.” Blacked took a careful sip of the wine and he smiled at her, “I quite like it, Delilah.” The tension in her shoulders eased up now that the prince had given her approval.
The rest of dinner went on with the conversation around Mordred’s plans and Blake's question and answer session with him. He was detailed about what he wanted to hear from Mordred and Mordred countered with detailed information. With every question answered, Blake’s expression towards Mordred had morphed from cautious friendliness to a sort of admiration. Blake clapped his hands together once, “I am satisfied but I must insist that I stay at Blackwood until the ritual. I would like to help Alexandra prepare to defend herself as well. I know she hates to be reliant on others when she likely feels she is well capable.” I smiled at him, “I got a taste of it at the retreat with a fencing session with Blake. I would like to know more about defending myself.” My uncle cleared his throat, “I believe she can have many capable teachers in this area. I know His Highness can teach her the fine parts of fencing. I can teach her defensive moves and Derek would be able to strengthen her. It won’t be enough to get you fully ready but it would be enough to help you defend yourself should the need arise. I must insist that it be the last resort.” My grandfather seconded the notion and invoked the elder card. I would not argue with him at this point but I didn’t want to sit around waiting to be a rescued damsel either. I had relied on others too much in Vellum and it was time that I rely on myself as well. Even after this summoning ritual, I would ask, “Would it be okay to continue training even after this ritual? I know Uncle Talon would be capable of helping me with all of those points.” Talon nodded, “Of course, it will be another payment for my sins against you. If I can help you save your own life, this would be my penance.”
We all loaded up into the car and drove out to the portal. Blake and his tracker went through the portal first so that he could summon a carriage to bring us back to Blackwood. We waited for about ten minutes until Talon went next, then my grandfather. I was left alone and I looked around the dark forest and sighed, “This was an interesting trip.” I walked up the stairs to the portal, placed my locket in the nook, and walked through. Once on the other side, I was helped into the carriage by my uncle and we set off back home. Derek was waiting outside for us as we rolled up, he smiled at me, “Lex, your aunt finally woke up about fifteen minutes ago. I thought you placed her under a sleeping spell.” I looked back at Talon, “Time to go grovel, buddy. Good luck and Gods speed.” Derek laughed and clapped Talon on the shoulder, “Well, at least it isn’t your sister that you have to answer to. Good luck, man. I’ll start planning the funeral.” I grunted, “That’s not something to joke about Derek.” A chill had ran down my spine at the thought of if we hadn’t found my uncle in time. I looked back at Blake and walked up to him. He smiled at me, “What is it, Alexandra?” I got up on my tiptoes and gave him a kiss on the cheek, “I never tell you how much I appreciate you. You’ve helped me out yet again.” He placed a hand on the place I had kissed him and blushed. He then muttered, “It was nothing really. I wanted to save the kingdom’s hero.” I excused myself from the group and went up the stairs with Sebastian in tow. We entered my room and he plopped himself on my bed. I drew in a deep calming breath and spoke, “Aphrodite, Apollo. I need you.”
