27 Ch.27: Love is the sum of all things

:: Quinn POV ::

It's been months since Syrath left with Puck. I knew it was going to happen but there was nothing I could do to block out the pain and guilt I feel every time I think of him. I was the one who drove him into doing something like that.

I was beyond furious when I found out what Syrath did. It was unthinking and loathsome. It was earnest and selfless. And to be honest, I feel undeserving of such a beautiful gift.

I wanted to command Puck to retract the second I found out. Raziel asked me to talk to Syrath first, to hear his explanation and then decide what I wanted to do after. But after my talk with Syrath, I felt more confused. I still stand by my original decision, to have Puck rescind the bargain and release Syrath.

But during the course of our conversation, something in Syrath's eyes whispered to my conscience. In my heart, I knew Syrath needed that excuse to leave. Even if it pained me, even if I didn't want it, I cannot be selfish and take that reason away from him.

I'm afraid of not seeing both of them, of not knowing how they are and what they're doing. If they are safe or if they need help. Puck would be back, eventually. He is, as he declared, Mauve's servant. But he wouldn't return soon, at least not until Mauve is ready to be crowned as queen.

But Syrath, I'm not sure if he'd ever come back. I noticed that look on his face. I've seen it on my own, on several occasions, when I thought I'd given up. When a person looks like that he would go no short distance to get away. But sometimes, in the heat of the moment, due to the intense need to get away, one loses their way and purpose. I don't want something like that to happen to Syrath.

Raziel was more optimistic. He's positive Syrath would come back. I remember him being skeptical at first and he was more upset than me. But something changed his mind, or more like someone. When I tried to pry more information out of him, Raziel just laughed it off and diverted my attention. I didn't want to push further since I know the situation must be hard to talk about. Raziel and Syrath have been inseparable since they came to be and being away from his brother for the first time since they were born, and not knowing when they'd be reunited must be hard on him.

Life has been very peaceful for our family since the children's birth. Don't get me wrong, after all we've been through I think we deserve a little down time. And aside from entertaining a few important figures from the supernatural world, who wanted to pay respects and extend greetings to the children, we mostly kept to ourselves.

The security around the house was tightened, not that we're expecting an attack but with the children to consider we have to be open to all possibilities. It's a bit funny when you think about it, since he's been sent as an assassin to kill me, but Puck was the one who oversaw the security of the house and the land before he spirited Syrath away.

As predicted more fae and woodland creatures have been living on the forest bordering our land in order to be closer to Mauve. And Orion informed us that more dragons are relocating to live at Saints' Isle after the news of Asher's birth began to spread.

It's a bit daunting, really, knowing that my daughter is the future fae queen and Raziel recently told me that Asher would be crowned as the next Saurian King.

I was shocked, of course. This is our baby boy we're talking about. He's barely months old and they want to crown him king? It's absurd! I don't know why I was so bowled over by the fact and honestly, I did not take it well.

When Puck informed me that Mauve was to become queen I felt it was fine. With proper guidance, Mauve would do great as queen. She would learn and grow into a good and just ruler. With fae creatures like Puck to serve under her, Mauve would be protected and taken care of. And when her time to ascend the throne comes, Mauve will be more than ready to handle those responsibilities.

But when Raziel disclosed Asher's ascension, I went a little crazy. I went into full defensive mode. I don't need to be a full-blooded dragon to know what being a 'dragon king' entails.

Dragons are one of the last mythical creatures of the realm. They go way beyond the time of man and other creatures, to the time of the gods. And although they are not immortal, a dragon's body contains more magic and power than that of a god's. A Saurian King hasn't been born and crowned for more than three millennia, the last being Raziel and Syrath's grandfather.

I get a front row seat on how Raziel and Syrath have been living their lives as the last Dragon Lords. It's not a walk in the park. Although the brothers made it look easy and they never complained about what they had to go through, it wasn't something I'd wish for my own child. As Dragon Lords, they have been drilled to be constantly alert. Someone or something is always after their lives and since common dragons are not as strong, they had to learn how to fend for themselves.

Raziel and Syrath learned how to survive on their own and navigate the world without much guidance since they're literally the strongest of their species. And thinking that my son would soon have to live twice that kind of pressure and danger was too much for me to take in.

But Raziel soothed my fears by telling me that Asher wouldn't be crowned until he comes of age, which in a dragon's life is when he turns around ninety years old, and by then he'd be more than prepared to take on the mantle and fulfill his obligations.

I breathed a sigh of relief because of that. Ninety years is enough time to prepare myself for the inevitability that my son wouldn't be just my son after that. And with that amount of time I could ensure that Asher would be well equipped to deal with whatever he has to encounter in the future.

Personally, I'm starting to understand why Mauve had been fiercely protective of him. The Saurian King is the most important and one of the most powerful figures in the supernatural world. Asher's birth changed history and when the time comes, he would be able to shape the supernatural world.

Nile and Orion are, of course, frequent visitors in our home. Orion is paying particular attention to Asher's rearing. As a Great Wyrm, it's one of Orion's duties to document everything about Asher's life. He recently informed us that soon, Asher would be able to weave magic.

Apparently, all Asher has been doing for the past months was discovering his physical strengths. He was content with allowing his sister, Mauve, to show off her magical talents. But now that he's growing stronger by the day, Asher is looking for an outlet for the magic energy contained within his small body.

Raziel warned me that dragonlings could be very destructive when they first discover magic. They have no control over their strength and it could be quite a handful to deal with. He and Syrath, being Dragon Lords, first weaved magic when they were about ten years old, a regular dragon would be able to do such a feat at around forty. Raziel also shared that even at age ten, their parents had problems with keeping the house from burning to the ground or being brought down by a flood. Due to his and Syrath's contrasting affinities, it brought chaos within the Rheinalt household.

As preparation, we've been fireproofing and reinforcing everything in the children's room. Since Raziel is a fire dragon, there's a huge possibility that Asher's strongest affinity would be with fire as well. But Orion informed me that most dragon kings have strong affinity towards all the elements. He warned us to be prepared for the worst.

Asher had just finished making the wind howl and the ground shake while breathing out his first fire when I felt the breach to the barrier around the house.

Raziel was out with Orion to meet some elders from the vampire community, who requested an audience, and I was left alone with the children at home.

Somehow, I knew the intruders heading our way were not a threat to the children or to me. Still, I gathered Mauve and Asher in my arms and weaved a protective barrier around the three of us with the dragon magic that Orion has been teaching me how to use.

After the children's brith, I was drained of all my fae magic. Nuri warned me about the possibility since Mauve is a much stronger fae and fed off my fae magic. But during that time it wasn't much of a concern and I didn't think it was a problem. As long as the children were alright, they could drain all my magic. I don't mind.

But when I tried to weave magic after my recuperation I was saddened by the fact that with the children so young and attracting too much attention there was no way I could protect them without any form of supernatural ability. Raziel wasn't concerned about me losing my fae magic. His biggest concern was how it affected my life span.

We agonized about various possibilities and outcomes. It came as a shock to me that I wouldn't be able to live longer to watch my family grow. We were so focused on our grief that we failed to notice how the changes, how my senses became stronger and sharper. It was Orion who noticed the difference and patiently pointed it out. He then asked me to perform a simple spell to see if I could weave dragon magic.

When sparks of the elements shot from my once powerless fingers I knew I had it. The dragon blood in my system has fully awakened and so did the magic that comes with it. Since I could only be considered a quarter-blood, I'm not as strong or as magical as a pureblooded dragon. But because of my lineage, I was stronger than the average. And because of that, I now have enough magic to keep my family safe.

As it happens, my life force is now connected to Raziel's. It was one of the good outcomes from Puck's careful scheming. As long as Raziel lives, I would too.

"There's no need for dramatics, Quinn." The woman, who everyone chimed as a splitting image of me, said. "We mean you no harm."

I knew they would come. Raziel told me that Puck warned him of their visit but I didn't think they'd come so soon. And they would do so when I am alone and unprotected.

"Hello, Titania." I greeted amicably, not letting my guard down or allowing my fears show. "Or should I call you Mother?"

Titania may not want to harm me but the man beside her is another matter, entirely. After all, although Puck switched sides in the end he was still an assassin sent by Oberon to dispose of me.

The queen of faeries seemed to pick up my mood and aimed to smooth things over. "I do apologize for my beloved consort's behavior towards you, Quinn." Titania said in a very cultured and softly lilt voice. "If it's any consolation, Oberon was never serious about taking your life. My beloved consort could be very emotional and rash, but he's not that cruel."

I don't know how old Titania is. But looking at her, she appears to be no more than eighteen years old. Her ethereal beauty is definitely unmatched in the world. Titania has an air about her that I can't really explain or comprehend. I could feel some sort of weird pull every time she opened her mouth and fastened her gaze on me. I vaguely understand how she could easily seduce men and women both human or otherwise. It wasn't just her physical attributes, Titania is magic herself.

"Why did you come, Titania?" I want this visit to end sooner. The earlier they leave, the better everything would be. "There's nothing for you here. Tell me what you want and then you may leave."

I don't like having them at the house when I'm alone and the children are not properly protected. I don't think Titania would do anything particularly harsh, considering I am her flesh and blood. But I feel uncomfortable being around the two of them, especially Oberon.

Who could blame me, really?

This is the woman who abandoned me, her own child. And although I'm not attached to my magic, Titania unthinkingly sealed that part of me until it was too strong to be contained. And Oberon is the man who wanted me dead for years just for being who I am. Do I really need more reason to be wary of him?

I feel upset being around them and frankly, I think I could be excused for feeling that way. These people are unnatural and unbalanced, even for supernatural beings, and that's really saying something.

"Such insolence!" Oberon interjected and I took a cautious step back.

Mauve and Asher felt my distress and both clung to me closely, their round eyes never leaving the two figures standing not far from us.

"I wouldn't take another step if I were you!" Raziel growled from the other end of the room. I don't know when he arrived but I'm glad he did.

Oberon turned to him then back at me before breathing out harshly and resuming his apathetic look. But he moved to stand closer and protectively beside Titania and kept his shrewd eyes fixed on Raziel.

Raziel walked forward slowly, keeping his eyes trained on Titania and Oberon, and stopped when his body was shielding me and the children. I don't know how he did it but within a breath his magic reinforced the barrier I created, strengthening it with layers of complicated magic until I felt no one could break through it.

"I apologize for the inconvenience," Titania started, flashing Raziel a winsome smile that could make anyone's knees turn into jelly. But Raziel was unaffected and immediately cut her off.

"Your glamour does not work on me, Queen Titania." He informed, solemnly. There was an edge to his voice that sent cold shivers down my spine. "As my mate requests, please state your business and then, please leave."

Titania narrowed her beautiful eyes but still kept an amicable facade. Then she asked, "Do you often treat your visitors with such rudeness, my lord?"

"I don't recall inviting either of you to our home. You may have forgotten but you caused Quinn unnecessary pain and trouble by abandoning her with humans and sealing off her magic. Your consort sent assassins to eliminate her while you stood by and watched. So forgive me if I'm not so inclined as to welcome your presence in our house." Raziel grounded out and from the tense line of his body I could tell that he's prepared for a fight. No, scratch that, he's fucking spoiling for it! "Now, I'm not going to ask you again. State your business and leave before I force you out!"

"We've come for your daughter." Titania declared inclining her regal head. "She is the…"

"You cannot have her." Raziel replied without pause. "Now please, leave!"

I think Titania is not used to not having her way or hearing the word 'no' in response to her demands. The look on her face when Raziel denied her claim was almost comical and when Raziel cut her off, the second time, her carefully crafted mask shifted yet again. But I have to applaud her because Titania quickly recovered herself.

"You cannot keep her in this realm. She is the future fae queen. All fae creatures would be attracted to her magic. Unseelie beings would hound her day and night. Not to mention the predators on this realm who feeds on fae blood!" Titania hissed irritably. "The child would be safer with us."

I understand their concern. And I appreciate it, really I do. The sentiment is almost endearing. If only Titania wasn't talking about taking a child away from her family. I don't see how those things she listed are any of her concerns. Mauve is our child, our daughter. Her safety and protection falls on Raziel and me, her parents, and no one else's.

"I think you forgot who you're talking to," Raziel replied icily. "We're more than capable of protecting our children. Thank you for your concern. Now, please leave."

I heard the sound first before I felt the aftershock. But because of Raziel's presence and after he reinforced the barrier, the children and I barely felt the tremors.

"You think the puny barrier you set up around this place would hold up?" Titania screamed her face contorting into a feral snarl. "Stop being absurd! If I can break through it, others can too!"

The ground shook and cracked, glass and windows shattered from all around the house. Titania was glowing brightly and the strong fae magic oozing out of her was wreaking havoc and destruction in our home.

I held Asher and Mauve closer to my chest. They've started to fuss at the sudden animosity and threat. Their distressed sobs broke through the sound of destruction my mother was deliberately unleashing.

Raziel drilled me on what to do when a situation like this happens. I have to take the children and flee. I should not look back or worry about anything, except for my and the children's safety. But my body wouldn't move. I couldn't. I can't leave Raziel with the two of them. Who knows what they would do to him!

I decided to try and counter the magic Titania was emitting. I know I'm no match for her and with my fae magic gone, I can only rely on my elementary dragon magic. I may be too weak but I could perhaps distract her, long enough, so the whole family could get away together. But before I could make a move, Raziel was already on her. It happened so fast I barely registered any of his movements.

"Move and I'd sever her head!" Raziel snarled at Oberon who was also taken by surprise by his sudden action.

"Raziel…"

I haven't seen him in this form before. I guess this is what one could call a half-morph. Raziel's massive dragon wings were out. It ripped his shirt to shreds and was now in full view. Fiery red and gold scales covered his spine, shoulder and arms. His dark hair was longer and his body seemed bigger, more powerful than before.

"You think you could come here, threaten my family and demand to take my daughter, without me getting in your way? I am afraid I must disappoint you!" Raziel growled as he held Titania by the throat, hiking her higher so her feet would be off the ground. His nails dug into her porcelain white skin and Titania started making choking sounds. "I don't care who you are. No one threatens me and mine and gets away with it!"

"Titania!" Oberon threw magic at Raziel but it only bounced off him. The fae king flashed forward, with the intention to come between Raziel and Titania, but Raziel lightly beat his wings and shoved him away.

"I told you not to move!" Raziel snarled as Oberon hit the opposite wall, cracking and breaking it upon impact.

"Raziel, let her go!" I cried out in fear. I may have no fond feelings for my mother and her consort but I don't want Raziel to dispose of them either. The two probably meant no harm and Titania's show of power might have been just that, for show, and to prove that we may not be equipped to protect the children.

I thought he didn't hear my plea but Raziel looked at me and sighed. He slowly brought Titania down so her face would be on the same level as his.

"Let me tell you a secret, Queen Titania." He said. His address of her title sounded more like sarcasm than actual respect. "The reason why you could easily breach through the barrier around the house was because Puck made it so. Why? Because I told him to."

Titania's eyes grew more fearful and round and her face got paler. She's smart enough to fear Raziel, now that he's shown what he's capable of. I know Raziel has a vile temper but I've never seen him explode like this before. And from the looks of it, he's not displaying his full strength.

"I knew you'd try to sneak in. Why would I make it hard for you to do so?" Raziel explained slowly. His menacing aura was frightening, even to me. "I was hoping we could sit and talk about this, like mature adults. After all, I understand how important Mauve is to your people."

Raziel loosened his hold and let Titania drop on the floor. She coughed and held her injured neck, looking hatefully at Raziel. Oberon was immediately beside her, performing various magic to heal her injured throat. Raziel just watched them with apparent distaste on his features.

"You barged in here like a couple of immature lowlifes. Intimidating my mate, shooting magic without care, destroying our home and scaring the children." Raziel spat angrily. "The only thing you proved to me and to Quinn is you're not capable of being anyone's guardian!"

I thought that after having her threats thrown back at her face and her life blatantly threatened, Titania would have the forethought to hold her tongue. That she would retreat and strategize. But I was wrong.

"But she needs to be taught our ways!" Titania cried helplessly, like a spoiled and errant child. "She needs to be around her people!"

Raziel sighed and tightly closed his eyes. I could easily understand what he's feeling and thinking. Talking and reasoning with Titania is like dealing with a child throwing a tantrum. She wants something and usually she gets it without much thought or effort. Everything is handed to her, whenever she desires it. And when she meets resistance, she doesn't know how to properly deal with it. And usually she has a lot of people to depend on and fix the problem for her. But life doesn't work that way, not for us. And from the hardened look on Raziel's face I'm betting he's running out of patience.

"One hundred years," I blurted out, startling everyone.

"What?" Titania asked, puzzled.

"Asher would be crowned dragon king by that time and there's no reason why Mauve wouldn't be able to ascend by then as well." I said as everything clicked firmly in my head. This is for the best. It would give us time to prepare the children and at the same time, appease everyone concerned. "But Mauve would have to be taught here. You can come and visit her, teach her the ways of the fae. But Mauve would not go away from home until she's ready and consents to do so. You cannot take her to the fae kingdom until it's time for her to take her place as queen of faeries."

Titania looked at me, shocked, and I met her startled gaze head on. Her cheeks flushed to a deep shade of scarlet when her eyes locked with mine. After a while, she forced herself to look away, seemingly overwhelmed.

"You would allow that?" She asked in a small, uncertain voice.

"Why wouldn't I?" I asked gently. "The great wyrm is documenting Asher's upbringing. I think it's only fair for the fae court to see how Mauve is raised as well."

"But I thought after everything you'd hate me for it, that you'd blame me!" Titania cried, her tears forming into clear-cut diamonds as it fell on the ground.

"Titania, my love, hush." Oberon cooed gently, wrapping his arms around her. "Aren't you glad? We could come here as often as you like. We would be able to see the child and your daughter. Stop crying, my love."

I wanted to laugh. I don't understand how it all came down to here and now. But it doesn't matter. It appears, for now, everything is resolved.

If I told anyone that the faery king and queen, whom no one had seen for centuries, are in my home, creating mischief and bawling their eyes out after being reprimanded for their behavior, like spoiled children. I don't think anyone would believe me. But it is happening.

Oh gads! How troublesome…

I smiled at the sight of the two of the most powerful beings within the supernatural world and felt a bit complicated. I hesitated for a bit before I stepped out of the barrier and carefully handed the children to Raziel.

I crouched down in front of Titania, peering at her beautiful tear-streaked face. Oberon stiffened when he noticed me near but I just smiled at him gently.

"Come here." I said softly, taking Titania's sobbing form in my arms and enclosing her in a tight embrace.

I immediately felt the connection, the one that binds a parent to a child. I've been unsure, from the moment Orion told us that Titania, queen of all fae, is my mother. But now, holding her close like this, I am sure. There's no mistaking it. This beautiful woman, crying desperately in my arms, is the one who gave birth to me.

"You don't need to worry about the past." I whispered in her ear so only she could hear. "I never knew you so I never missed you. You cannot mourn what you never had in the first place. But it must have been hard for you leaving me like that. After all, you were the one who gave me life."

"I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me…" Titania cried, clinging on to me.

I don't know how different my life would have been if Titania kept me with her or if she didn't send me away. My life has been hard but I don't regret any of it. Growing up, I was loved and happy. Although I felt different and detached at times, I wasn't truly alone and unprotected.

I went through a lot of experiences that no normal person should. But in the end, I am not normal, am I? Far from it. To be brutally honest, if I could choose, I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't think my life would be as it is now if Titania didn't leave me alone to discover the world by myself.

It is true, I never missed her. But that's only because I never knew she existed. The only mother I've ever known was the gentle and kind woman I had to leave behind and erase all traces and memories of me. But now I have her and Titania as well.

I don't know how much of a parent Titania would be or how much I would allow her to meddle in my life, now that we've found and acknowledged each other as mother and daughter. But at the moment, I'm content to slowly accept her and invite her to my life. It's enough to get to know her and to allow her to get to know me.

"It's alright, I don't mind." I answered, hugging Titania closer, tighter. "The people you left me with, they were good people. They've been very kind. They loved me very much. Besides, everything turned out for the best and we still have the future ahead of us."

I looked over at Raziel and our children. I couldn't help the smile that bloomed in my face at the sight they projected.

Yes, everything turned out for the best. Perfect, actually.

It doesn't matter what happened in the past, the present is what's important. It's not wrong to reminisce and look back. But if we keep looking back, what about the future? We should live in the moment and look forward to tomorrow.

The end... or is it?