Love, Life, Loyalty and Honor by Lady Adellandra Dratianos (e book free reading .TXT) 📖

She never did like when A’isha took over her daughter’s form.
“I’m thinking the same as what we did some years ago with the ‘Unmentionables’.” Adarramena supplied. “We bring the families together through blood and magic, perform a ritual and use Ishanar’s full power against her.”
A’isha nodded. “Remember what Sibylline and Locarra told you, and you will think of the solution. For now, I must rest. If you will, Draconai?”
“Certainly, my dearest A’isha.” Draconis caught her now-Immortal form as the physical body fainted and the Goddess-form disappeared.
“Something tells me we’re going to be in over our heads.” Dran’a’vir supplied, and Drakkar nodded in agreement.
Alexia had been silent, watching and listening after she sheathed her blade. It was her turn to speak. “Mia Familia, Royals and Draconians alike; She’s right.” She began, catching the worried eyes of her twin Dranus. “Whatever you did back then Adarramena, it must be done again.”
“Do you think that’s wise?” Dran’a’vir asked Alexia. “You don’t know what happened back then. We may have won the War of the Realms, but it changed us. ‘Darra could hardly control the magic she wielded from the Dream Realms’ Sphere.”
“Dran’a’vir.” Drakkar growled. “I Felt what she did, and it brought me out of hiding.”
“I don’t understand.” Dia supplied. “What did you do?”
Adarramena bowed her head and explained. “Using the Dream Realms’ Sphere, which had the most powerful magical jewels connecting it, I bound all Earthbound Ancient Mystics together.”
“So you have to do it again? Now I don’t understand.” Alexia asked. “How will binding all Ancient Mystics together allow us to use the full power of Ishanar? Ishanar was a place, just like Mal’estar.”
“Grandfather created it as a sanctuary for all Dragon-kin.” Brakkon said. “Since Draconis and Adellandra brought its form back, opening the portals in the Outer Realm, that power returned to the present.”
“How very true, Dratyr.” Draconis walked up to the group.
“How is she?” Adarramena asked, worried.
“She’s Resting in our quarters. Sharra is at her post in front of the door and will send word should anything happen.” Draconis said.
Adarramena nodded, relieved.
“I’ve been thinking, ladies and gentlemen.” Draconis started in his best Lord Emperor-and-Guardian tone. “Mutyr Sibylline is right. The only way to manipulate and use Ishanar’s power is by binding us together.”
“Just as I bound all Earthbound Ancient Mystics together?” Adarramena supplied. “I was ill for a week and it almost cost the entire line our lives.”
“I figure we do the same with the Dratianos lines.” Draconis supplied. “I’ll talk it over with Adellandra when she wakes up and we’ll see what we have to do.” He surveyed the family around him. He could sense the power each had, and thought together, it would be enough. “For now, we return to our respective lands and whatnot gather whoever we need, and do what must be done in preparation for an upcoming war.”
 
Chapter Two:
Destria’s Return

“No one seems to understand, nor care about the severity of our problem.” Destria, the Demon King’s sister announced. “I have seen it for myself, brother, and so has the Lady. MagDaliah has gone too far, and she’s bound to go farther before we are finished with her once more.”
“Aye, Destria, I know the severity of our problem.” Demarian supplied. It was perhaps the hundredth time she’d brought it to his attention, and the thousandth time the name MagDaliah crossed her lips. “Lord Draconis enlightened me to the Goddess’s return. A’isha told her tale and left them bewildered, as usual before disappearing and leaving the Lady’s body pleasantly Resting.”
“There you go, more proof we must do something before she goes through with her plan.” Destria was adamant. “I am leaving for Mal’estar while I still can. Are you to join me?”
“This time, I will stay here.” Demarian said. “I send you with a warning, sister. If you take over the Lady’s body without her permission and I find out about it, both Draconis and I will Destroy you. Is that clear?”
Destria blinked at her brother’s serious tone. “Clear as water.”

Back in Mal’estar, Draconis, Alexia, Dranus, Drakkar and Adarramena all waited for Adellandra to rise. Draconis’ son Kronin stood aside with a mug of Healing Elixir in his hand, worried about his mother.
“To bind the family together,” Kronin started softly, and all were listening. “I know how; we just have to wait until Matéré Rises and up to the magical challenge.”
Alexia looked at her younger nephew. It would seem even he had changed from the shy young Dragonwolf pup. He’d grown in maturity, not only in mind but body as well.
“What are you thinking, Kro?” ‘Karr asked him, sharing a confused look with his mate.
Kronin shook his head. “I’m not sure how to explain it, Uncle. It’s simple to grasp, yet complicated to perform.” He looked at his Aunt ‘Darra. “Do you remember anything of how you tied the Earthbound Ancient Mystics to the two of you?”
Adarramena shook her head. “It’s all kinda fuzzy now, Kro. Sorry.”
“Who else would know about it?” Kronin asked.
“Besides all the Earthbound Ancient Mystics?” Adarra replied sarcastically. “Oh, just about every Dweller-kin in Romania at the time.”
“Which includes Bella and Ramon,” Dranus said. “Shall I look into it, Bratton?” He asked Draconis, who nodded.
“I am coming with you.” They heard a whisper of a voice supply. They turned to see Dia there, and she continued as she walked up to them. Dia stared at the resting Lady Adellandra. “I have had a lot of Dreams that turn into visions that give me nightmares. The Lady has helped me through them.”
“You do not have to go, Dia.” Draconis pressed gently. “You’re still weary and not used to travelling through the Realm Portals as we are.”
“I can handle it just fine, Lord Bratton.” Dia frowned at him. “If I can travel safely through Dream-time, than I can surely travel through a Portal to the Mortallan Realm.”
Dranus stood up for her. “I will be there with her. Should anything happen to us, we will return. Agreed?”
Draconis eyed his brother-bodyguard a moment before he nodded. “Go, before I change my mind.”
Dranus took Dia out of the Lady’s and Lord’s Chambers.
“I will stay here with you and Adellandra,” Alexia responded quickly, seeing Draconis was worried; not only for his Branno but his younger sister.
“Aye. Go alert Sharra you’re taking her place.” Draconis said as he stood.
With a salute, Alexia was gone as well.
“What about us, Drake?” Adarra asked him softly.
“Go back to Mek’anar.” He told her. “Your people need you more than we do right now.”
“Very well, Bratton, but you will relay the message when you have need of us?” Drakkar asked and Draconis nodded.
When they left, both Adarra and Drakkar could see the worry lines on Draconis’ face. Even Kronin was on the verge of crying.
As Adarra shut the door behind her, she saw the single tear drop from his eye to their joined hands.
“He will be okay, once she rises.” Alexia said gently, placing a hand on her Brattonata’s shoulder. “You will see.”
The couple thanked her and was on their way back to Mek’anar.

Destria flew her fastest, trying to get to Mal’estar without being seen. She didn’t have any of her demon magic anymore, so she wasn’t able to just disappear and reappear at will. Instead, she flew in the only other-kin form the Lady would allow her – the gyrfalcon.
Destria knew all about the changes in Mal’estar from the moment she flew over the gates. Whatever she didn’t know was immediately given to her in Memories that flashed before her mind’s eye.
“Damn Memory-Spell.” Destria frowned. “Wonder whose brilliant idea that was?”
She descended to the ground, meeting a guard at the huge onyx entrance to the Castle.
“Who be ye?” The dragon-guard asked.
Destria put on her brightest seductive smile when she shifted back to her demon form. “Don’t you remember little ol’ Destria?” She ticked, running a finger up and down the guard’s chest. “I know it’s been awhile, but it hasn’t been that long! Could you be a dear and escort me to the Throne Room? I need to speak with my Soul-sister.”
“I-“ The Guard started, but shook his head. “I do apologize, but there is none to relieve me.”
Destria pretended to pout, putting her hands on her hips. “That’s just too bad. I would’ve loved your company handsome.”
The Guard opened the doors for her. She blew him a kiss and he blushed.
As soon as she was in, there was another pull of magic to her system. It was as if the Castle itself were forcing her to be herself, and not the evil sex-goddess that used men as she was known for being.
She looked ahead of her and didn’t see the Emperor or Empress in their Thrones. No one was around, and that bothered her. Usually, they’d meet her there, as they would any ‘guest’ to court.
This time, however, Destria sensed something wrong. No Dranus, Sharra, Draconis or Lady? Where is everyone?
That same something led her to sensors to the upper rooms of the Castle and to the Monarchs’ private room.
“You must be Destria.” She heard a voice beside her. She looked to see a face she hadn’t seen before. It reminded her of a female version of Dranus, Draconis’ Branno.
“That’s right, and who are you?”
“I’m the Lady’s Branna, Alexandria.” Alexia supplied, moving in Destria’s way to stop her from entering. “I’m afraid you cannot go in there.”
“Why not?” Destria asked with a suspicious look on her face. “I need to see the Lady.”
“She’s…indisposed at the moment.” Alexia stumbled over her words. “Whatever your need be, it will have to wait until she Rises and at full awareness.”
“What about the Lord?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Alexia asked. “He stays with her.”
“Fine.” Destria huffed. “Just tell me what the Hades is going on!”
“You’ve not heard about MagDaliah’s attack?” Alexia asked, surprised. “I thought the Lady told us you did?”
“I’ve heard plenty about MagDaliah and her Fe-Minions.” Destria supplied. “That’s why I’m here and need to speak to Her.”
“You’re welcome to wait in the Hall.” Alexia supplied. “I’ll send for you when she wakes and is up to talking.”
Destria frowned, turning on her heel and leaving.

Meanwhile, Dranus led Dia through the Portal to Romania and the Dweller Kin-Clans. He insisted they shift to Immortal forms, so they wouldn’t attract unwanted attention.
“Who are Ramon and Bella?” Dia asked, following behind him.
“Ramon is the leader of the Dweller kin-Clans.” Dranus supplied. “Bella is his Ancient Mystic Bondmate.” He stopped and waited for her to catch up. “Dia?”
Dia smiled. “I’ll be fine once the visions end.”
Dranus couldn’t help feeling bad for her. Dia was just about the most powerful female in the Dratianos line. All that power wracked at