Smoldered Flames: Part I of the Edonia Series
Chapter 19

Valeri

“Please stand with your new pod so we may conclude today’s Selection,” Chancellor Barati commands gently

How long did my mind drift away? I notice other students are in particular groups, and I stand alone outside of the glowing stalagmites. Tanni stands with a familiar man on my far left, but I couldn’t remember who. Greta is grouped with Bianka, the bully. Oh, boy. That wasn’t going to be good.

Bianka had it out for hybrids, it seemed, and I had a feeling she didn’t take too well to peculiar beings. And Greta was definitely peculiar. I’m not sure if it’s the aura around her or the way she carries herself, but her eyes held secrets.

Murmurs from nearby students enter my ears.

“Who does she think she is?”

“They want a killer to be one with the Hunters? What kind of fucked up logic is that?”

“She’s so lucky to be in close range with the Princes! I wish I were that lucky!”

Adeyemi’s pod is located near the Chancellor and the Provost. He still wears that slap worthy grin on his face. Eros stands beside him, his smile is a little more welcoming, Daxter stands behind both Adeyemi and Eros. He winks at me, and my half dead heart quickens. What is it about them that makes my body respond this way? Even -and I hate to admit this- Cassius has some influence on my person.

Provost Ritenour’s voice scratches through my thoughts. “Any day now, Miss Valeri.”

I walk in Adeyemi’s direction. The stalagmites glowed brighter when I entered their range. They are thrumming with hidden exuberance. The provost waves her hands in the air, the wind blows in response to her motions. A pop sounds in my ear, and a small knife manifests in my hands.

“Everyone gather around the nearest pillar and listen to my words.”

As one, my new pod and I step around the pulsating pillar. It stands at my hip, and takes on an even brighter hue.

“You will begin by slicing the center of your palm.”

I slice the center of my palm as directed. Blood wells to the surface and I quickly place my hand over the bright pillar. The others follow suit.

“Next you will say the following vow:”

“Goddess of Light, we call upon you to accept our lifeblood as an offering.

We seek unity and peace

We swear loyalty and devotion

We shall cast light in the shadows

We shall restore balance on the Earthen planes.

Please accept this bond.”

I close my eyes and repeat the vow. I feel the earth rumble and the wind whip around me. I notice a cool sensation behind my neck and heat stir up in my sternum.

A soft whisper, like a gentle summer breeze, caresses my ear. “I accept your offer, young one.”

My eyes flew open and I whipped my head around. The only person to stand a few feet from me was the Provost and the Chancellor, and their voices were far from gentle. Who was it then? And what was it that I felt a minute ago? A sense of foreboding whirls in my gut.

Provost Ritenour concludes the selection. “New pod members will have new room accommodations.”

I was starting to like my little room. And privacy! Hopefully these new accommodations will still have this.

Everyone files outside, leaving just my pod and Bianka’s. Behind her, stands two other women besides Greta. One, is a slim beauty with long dark tresses that surround her tanned skin. Her S-shaped eyebrows held dark colored eyes. She wears a dark green shirred crop top with dark blue jeans and black floral heels to match.

The other woman wears a fiery red maxi dress that compliments her russet brown skin tone. Her sharp features held a touch of otherworldliness. Her dark brown eyes glinted with dislike when she gazed at me. Her thickly arched eyebrows furrow slightly.

Bianka sashays to Adeyemi. “Kamau, it’s good to see you again. You haven’t visited Lēos in years.” She places a finger on his chest and purrs. I wanted to bite her finger off for touching him.

Adeyemi quickly grabs her hand. “I haven’t visited, because I have far more important things to do than dabble in gossip.” I wanted to laugh.

The brown skinned woman sneers. “What’s so funny, mutt?”

I chuckle. “Now, that I think about it. You.”

Her furrowed eyebrows deepened. She slowly stalks towards me as if she were a predator, and I, prey. I don’t give her the satisfaction of backing up. I knew that’s what she wanted. The lady raises her hands and her fingers begin to open and curl like a violinist. I start to cough as a tickle forms in the back of my throat. The feeling of suffocation is overcoming and my heart pounding in my ears blocks out the sound of protests coming from some people. I take lungfuls of breaths as my throat seizes abruptly. I begin to claw at my throat, willing it to open while I fall to my knees. My eye widens to its sclera and the evil bitch grins from ear to ear.

“Know your place, bitch. On your knees, right where you belong,” she sneered.

Daxter helps me to my feet and rubs small circles on my lower back. “That wasn’t necessary, Gisele!”

“She deserved it, and you know it,” Gisele protested.

“Thank you, Gisele. I see no problem here. An Omega knows their place. The prisoner is no different.” Adeyemi intervenes. “Now, go and prepare Naka for the return journey.”

“Excuse me?! I am not going to get that big reptilian bag of bones! Fuck that!” I screeched.

Adeyemi cuts me a severe look. “My command is unquestionable. Gisele.” Gisele curls her hands again, and I fall to my knees gasping in pain.

“Gisele, enough!” Eros shouts, his eyes begin to take on a scarlet hue.

Gisele immediately stops and I take deep lungfuls of breaths. Bianka’s eyes twinkle with delight at seeing my pain. These fuckers were a bunch of sadists! And not the good kind.

“I wanted a little fun, love!” Gisele exclaims with a sickening giggle.

Ew.

Eros purrs. “There are other ways to have fun, you know.”

Double ew.

My stomach churns as Gisele walks over to Eros with her hips swaying. She giggles again as he nibbles at her ear, whispering sweet nothings. Bianka tries to do the same, but Adeyemi brushes her off. Our unwavering eye contact was impregnable. The sounds of conversation are tuned out with Adeyemi’s fiery stare and a growl erupting from his chest. My back begins to sweat, I refuse to break the stare down.

“Let’s get Naka ready, shall we?” Daxter cuts in.

Much to my displeasure, I’m the first to break eye contact. Daxter physically quails under my withering glare. “Sure, whatever.” I stomp away.

Laughter ensues after my departure. I grumble to myself, ignoring a second pair of feet trailing behind me. I really should get a hand on this magic. I’d be sure to get the last laugh then. I felt more humiliated than angry. If we were supposed to be a “pod” then why allow another to “discipline” or make me “submit”? All of this domination crap was annoying as hell. Who’s idea was it to do this? I’d rather be alone.

“Hey! Wait up!” Daxter shouts.

I continue to ignore him while I figure out how the hell I’m going to call down that beast. The sun reaches its highest peak and people mill around with their daily tasks. They seem to skirt around my general area, and I was fine with it. I needed space. From everyone! I couldn’t breathe. I wish I could escape this place. It’s my second day and I was already sick of it.

My body freezes suddenly. The hairs on the back of my neck seemed to stand on end. The sensation of being watched seizes my body and I whirl around to see who could make me respond this way. I receive strange looks from people ushering the children out of the way.

It seems everyone knows my face. Is there television in this world? Technology? This day in age takes on a natural setting. Trees stand in the center of old dirt trails. Verdant vines wrap around buildings with overgrown flowers. People seem to rely on winged beasts and normal horses for transportation. But yet I notice solar panels on most roofs, so they must conserve energy, right?

Daxter stands besides me, looking around. “Is everything alright, Val? You seem a little shaken up.”

Val. I like the sound of that on his lips. “I’m fine.” I decided not to tell him about what I felt a while ago. It could’ve been paranoia. I’m in everyone’s line of sight today.

“Here, I’ll show you how to check Naka’s saddle.”

He guides me near an enormous stable. Reptilian heads of different shades peek out from each stall. They snarl and hiss when we approach their stalls. Naka’s dark gray head pops up and she growls in my direction. Oh boy.

“Now Naka, I’m sure Kamau has told you we were coming.” Daxter says.

“What exactly am I doing here?” I ask.

“You are going to place the saddle on Naka’s back and ensure that the straps are secured.”

“Now when you say “you”, you do mean yourself, right?” I chuckle weakly.

He frowns slightly. “Naka isn’t that bad of a dragon, Val. Give her time. She will warm up to you… Eventually.”

“And how many times must I be flung to the ground for that to happen?”

“Depends on her mood.”

“Wonderful.”

Daxter attempts to distract Naka while I walk in from the side and grab her saddle. He verbally directs how to place the saddle on the dragon and which straps go where and in which direction. When I fastened the last strap, I accidentally tightened it a little too tight. Time seems to slow down and my surroundings are muted. I glanced at the dragon and she’s reared up with gaping jaws.

“Val, look out!” Daxter shouts.

But it was too late. Naka shoots out a plume of fire. Daxter screams in alarm. My body soaks in the flames again. It felt like an energy boost I never knew I needed. Vitality thrums through my bloodstream as Naka’s continuous funnel of flame like rain. The egg within my breasts moves slightly. The dragon stops her attack so suddenly and brings her enormous head to my chest. She inhales my scent and I push her smooth snout away.

“Get away!” I shriek.

“Val, is that you? Are you alright?!” Daxter exclaims

“I’m alright! Just trying to get this beast away from me! If you could help, that’d be great!”

“You are unworthy of such possession. How is it that the likes of you come across great treasure like this?”

“I don’t have to explain myself to you, dragon. It chose me. Isn’t that what you all do?” I whispered.

Naka snarls. “Killers like you should never be rewarded.”

I snarl right back. “Who said I killed anyone? I was accused, remember? Or are dragons as dumb as they look?”

“Watch it, maggot!”

“Or what, you’ll flame me? Good luck.”

“There are more ways to skin a cat, I believe the old saying goes.”

I felt bold suddenly. I let out a small laugh. “I’m not afraid of you, old beast.” I was met with stunned silence. “Now, be a good dragon and meet up with your rider. He’s in a rather bad mood.”

I started to walk out of her stall until I felt hot air at the back of my neck and a chopping sound that soon followed. My heart quickened, but I showed no outward signs of fear. When I exit the stable, I feel mini earthquakes behind me. Before I could turn around, I’m knocked to the ground as Naka charges past me. Son of a gun!

Daxter rolls with laughter. “I see you’ve royally angered Naka.”

I flipped him off. He helps me up and dusts my clothes off. The feeling of butterflies fluttering in my lower abdominal stills my breathing. His medicinal scent pleasantly hits my nostrils. I wanted to slam him against the wall and make him surrender to me again. No, I wanted him kneeling in front of me, begging for just a taste of my cunt’s flooding juices. I wanted him on his hands and knees begging to stroke his cock while gazing at me in worship.

Daxter’s voice snaps me out of my desires. “Valeri?”

I look into his handsome green eyes. “Yes?”

“I asked if you were ready to go?”

“I am.”

We stroll back to the Pinnacle where the others are waiting. Ouranos chirps in delight when he sees his rider. He trots towards us and nestles Daxter, before greeting me the same way.

“Omegas, you took your time.” Adeyemi observes.

So Daxter is an Omega as well?

Eros’ eyes turn a shade of honeyed topaz and he sniffs the wind coming his way. “Yes, yes you both have.” He smirks, giving Daxter a knowing look.

Gisele sneers and grabs Eros’ chin. She gives him a slobbering kiss and moans excessively. “I’ll see you tonight, baby?”

“Yeah, sure.” he says distractingly.

Bianka turns to Adeyem. “Kamau, we will have to schedule dinner soon.” He grunts in reply.

The other woman stands back with Greta. She looks forlornly at Daxter. She then looks at me, and the look I received sent shivers down my back. I didn’t know why, but it felt as if we’d known each other before.

“Come along, Mystique.” Bianka commands.

Two dragons and a black pegasus arrive. Bianka settles in a sleek pink rose dragon, Mystique and Greta get on the black pegasus, and Gisele rides a dark green dragon. The pod leaves soon after.

“The prisoner will ride with me.” Adeyemi left little room for objections.

I sigh heavily. Naka grins darkly before gently grabbing my torso. I’m surprised by the gesture.

“Whether you are worthy or not, you carry a precious gift of life. Protect it with your own.”

The take off was rather steady and almost enjoyable. Bright blue skies greeted me with the sun at our backs. My only thoughts were, if we were supposed to create this pod bond, then where was Cassius? Didn’t he have to be here to be included? The less I saw him the better. Sadly I don’t get my wish.

Naka sets me down gently before landing in the courtyard of SU. Adeyemi doesn’t converse when we enter the university’s corridors. He holds his silence as we enter two gigantic doors and I have a flash of déjà vu. I wasn’t in the mood for more humiliation.

I breathe in relief when we turn left and a gigantic rectangular gray building appears. Adeyemi guides me towards the building. My stomach starts to whirl again when we enter a living area. My heart thunders in my ears when we reach a staircase. My hands shake when the sounds of moaning assault my ears. Adeyemi opens a door to an even bigger living space. Squeaks and animalistic groans penetrate my heart in betrayal. But why am I feeling this way?

The manhore! He has betrayed us! The voice cries out. The sound of it shatters my heart even more.

Adeyemi growls. “Really man? You have a whole living suite for that! And on my favorite spot as well!”

I come in behind Adeyemi and my eyes widen in disbelief at what I saw. The ginger headed bitch from my dreams writhing on top of Cassius. Cassius holding her hips and slamming his cock into her cunt. A deep growl erupts from my chest and flaming red enters my vision. I push past Adeyemi and blindly launch myself at Jillian. My fists fly at Jillian’s face in a blur. Blood splatters on my face and neck while I shriek like a banshee. Someone pulls me off of the now bloody woman.

“I said, enough!” Adeyemi commanded.

My body immediately shuts down. I am as still as stone in someone’s arms. They toss me aside and run to Jillian’s side. She cries in his arms, and I realize it’s Cassius that’s comforting her.

He sets Jillian on the couch and shoots me an evil glare. “Look what you did, you feral bitch!” He then looks over at Adeyemi. “Adeyemi, what the fuck is she doing here?!”

“Someone needs to keep a close eye on her. Don’t worry, she will be leashed soon. I’ll see to it.” Adeyemi says.

My breaths are still choppy and uneven. “I’d like to see you try.” I snarled. I had so much pent up energy today, I was practically a lightning strike ready to land another blow. And I did. I backhand Cassius before punching him in his gut.

I grab his right shoulder, my claws sinking deeply. “Think about this the next time you want to have another bitch on your dick.” I whisper, my slitted eye peer into his spinel colored eyes.

“The reason why your little piece of meat is in this condition is because of you. Fix whatever the hell you’ve done to me. Or else.” I say telepathically. I release the bastard, licking the blood off of my claws as I do.

“What the hell just happened?” Someone asks.

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