Chapter 11

WhileTessa is with Zllera, and before reporting to our main headquarters, I decide to make a stop. AsI near his dwelling, doubts about coming here start to creep in. Since my mother passed away, I haven't had any communication with him at all. However, as I'm getting ready to leave, he unexpectedly opens his door.

"So, the rumors are true? Come inside, ZoD. We have much to discuss."

ReluctantlyI follow behind, heading into a dwelling I swore I wanted no part of, nor would I ever enter into again. He instantly starts talking to me like we're friends. Old feelings emerge I thought were long buried and I have to fight the anger surging through me.

"I pulled this manuscript out when the rumors first hit my ears. I didn't believe for a moment they were true, but seeing you now…" He waves a hand up and down my body. "There is no denying it, a true Soulkin. Until now, I thought this was just a myth as I've never witnessed it with my own eyes. I need to research a few more scrolls before we can say for sure what's going on with you. When did your ruins begin to move, or tingle under your skin? Do you have any new markings?"

"I was at the research center when a smell caught my attention. The tingling has not stopped since."

"It's sad that there are few references in our history books about the Soulkin. The ones I have been able to locate have been more from the female's point of view than the males and none were of a different race. What can you tell me about the pull you have towards her?"

"Even right now I am fighting myself to stay here. I want to touch her constantly. The sound of her voice is soothing and the feel of her in my arms is unlike anything I have ever felt before."

"Have you taken these feelings any further?"

"No, she is new to our world and has lost everything. If she never grants me more than I have now, I will accept it. Simply holding her in the darkness settles my soul somehow. She brings me a peace unlike anything I have ever felt before."

"And neither of you have new markings upon your skin?"

"Not that I know of, no. Her skin is flawless, there would be no missing markings upon her."

"You may not believe my words, but your mother saw her coming."

"What are you talking about?"

"Your mother was blessed by the gods with dreams. She spoke of them to no one. I only found out because I woke her up one darkness. Because she was screaming out in terror. WhenI asked her about it, she pulled away, an unfocused look come upon her face. She refused to speak of what she saw no matter how many times I asked. She told me that if they remained unspoken, then they had no power over her, other than the torment of a bad dream. If spoken aloud the likelihood of them coming true intensified so some things were better left in the darkness never to be thought of again. The bed-time story she told you of the fairy with gold hair I believe is your little human."

Mother's words echo through my head. A being that held the rays of our sun within themselves. Hair so bright it would hurt to look upon it, with piercing green eyes that could see into your soul. The being is small but is a force so strong, men bow at her feet. If she captures your heart, all will envy you.

"It all started one darkness after you were born. Once again, I awakened to a cold bed. I got up, angry only to find her walking the floor with you. I believe you were getting your teeth in or something, but as usual, you wouldn't sleep. You were always fussy and demanded to be held or attended to.

"Knowing it was only going to lead to another huge argument between us, I still confronted her on this matter again. It was difficult for me to comprehend why she refused any assistance with you. I felt lost as to how to fix things between us, as each rising, she pulled away from me more. AllI had to do was say your name for the fight to begin. You may not believe this, but I cared for her deeply. I could see our lives being torn apart piece by piece, but she wouldn't give an inch.

"You were everything in her eyes, there was no winning when it came to you. She forgot that, without me, you wouldn't have even existed at all. Frack … after a little while, I no longer did in her eyes. I become resentful of you and her all-consuming love. So, I thought that if I could make her jealous seeing me with other women. She would realize the mistake she was making and come running back to me.

"I should have known better. Your mother was a prideful person, and once I made that mistake, she never could forgive me, and I ended up losing you both. She made a point to make me look like the bad parent and I allowed it. I blamed your birth and her obsession for the reason we split, but that was only a small piece of it."

Igot right in his face, glaring down at his weak, older frame. "That's enough of your rattling, old man. You have spoken, and I have heard your words. However, I will not stand here and let you badmouth the one person who never left my side. That cheered me on when I was at my lowest points. She didn't make you look bad, your own actions towards the both of us did that on their own. Yes, Mother was a proud female, she had every right to be. You only went after her because of her warrior status and what you could gain from your union. She knew you never truly cared for her."

"ZoD, your words are not all … false. Originally, it was a gainful pairing for me, but your mother soon captured what part of my heart I would allow her to have. I wronged her in many ways and have paid for those decisions for rotations now. I never once thought she would turn from me the way she did. To this rising, I wish I had done things differently, but we cannot change the past no matter what.

"Do you know that not many even know I am your sire? You stand before me the Commander of our entire sector, and I can't take any credit as to how you become the male you are this rising. I should have tried harder to be a part of your life. Instead, I have stood on the sidelines and watched. I spent my entire youth striving for knowledge to help our people. Only to fail the ones who were going to lead in my place. The regrets of our youth will always haunt us when we are older, and your mother haunts my darkness constantly. However, I know the tales of this old male are not why you sought me out after all these rotations.

"I will continue my search through the archives to see if I can find anything more on the Soulkin. The only advice I can give you is to follow your heart, Son. Don't do anything rash and keep her close until these feelings start to settle. Show her the joys of our world and maybe that will help her not only get closer to you, but decide you are worth staying for."

Ilet his advice sink in, as I can tell it is genuine. "Thank you, your words have given me much to think about." Just as I turn to leave, he reaches out grabbing my arm.

"I am proud of the male you have become, ZoD. IfI could go back in time, I would. I was so focused on what I thought was important, I forgot what was. I understand that the fate of our people consumes your thoughts, but don't let that blind you. TheLord of Light has blessed you with a rare gift, don't waste it like I did."

Istep away from him only to hesitate. "Zllera has spoken to me about this several times. She is fascinated by the studies and preservation of our people. Would you be interested in sponsoring her?"

"It would be my greatest honor."

"I will let her know and thank you … Father."