

The Immortal Stars

Battle of the Stars

Copyright 2016 R.J. Adams - Smashwords Edition

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## CHAPTER 1

Feeling betrayed and hurt, I head to the bedroom out of the whispering crowds, their gossiping mouths talking about what has happened, how it happened and probably coming up with their own theories.

I'm sure the people will start blaming me for bringing Ophelia here. I mean, they were safe, living their lives and I brought a nasty evil woman here. I barely knew her and I let her loose on their city, learning their ways of life, infiltrating families.

Yes, I guess that was my decision, but she was in danger, or so I thought. I thought I was being a good person, recusing her from those who wish harm.

I cannot believe my own flesh and blood would do this to me. I feel so hurt, so betrayed and like my trust has been totally torn apart.

As no-one is around to see or judge me I let go, I break down into tears, my baby has been kidnapped by someone I trusted.

I need all the back-up I can get, I know it's a lot to ask, considering their current turmoil but I need their help.

I want to ask the people of Benthos to help me but I am not sure they will, I mean, who am I. Yes ok the rightful heir to their realm but will they help me? Will all of them trust me?

They are dealing with war in their own realm, but with their strength I'm sure we will win the battle against the star king.

I need to get into Benthos without being detected; I don't know how to do that though.

Every time I go there, those rotten soldiers are alerted and start coming after me.

I am the most powerful half-ling ever created; surely I can defeat them on my own, can I? Is that wishful thinking or me being so naïve, thinking I have the power to go at it alone.

I guess there is no time like the present, I have to go back, and firstly, I need to think of a spell to make me invisible to their alarms.

I go the library and obtain a book of spells. I have done them so easily in the past but I need to make sure this one works. Scrolling through the book, the only invisibility spell I see is one that hides us from mortals.

I see nothing on how to stop you being detected in other realms. As invisible as we can be to mortals, when I went to Benthos they saw me instantly.

Does my invisibility have no effect on them at all? Shit! This is all too much to think about.

Surely I can think of something so those people will not be put in any danger.

Well now I guess I have other questions I need to ask my aunty when I am there, but for now I have to cast this spell.

I don't dare go home, if Ethan knew what I was up to, I guarantee he will do anything to stop me. He always tries to persuade me from doing something he thinks is bad.

I won't let him, no way; I am going to save my daughter one way or the other, he cannot stop me this time. There is nothing he can say that will change my mind.

Looking around the library to see if anyone is looking, I stand between the bookshelves and cast a spell "may the eyes of the true only see, may the eyes of the evil not see me!"

A swirling vortex appears around me, as it does I think of Benthos and swoosh, I am gone.

As I arrive in Benthos, I see that once again their homes have been destroyed.

How can they be so evil? Why destroy what they have worked so hard to build. I guess that is a silly question, those things are evil, what do they care if they destroy other people's hard-work?

I walk over slowly; there I see black horses and a guard or soldier talking to the men. They are firm, strong looking and rather large in size, not fat but definitely looks like someone has been on the juice.

Behind him are others just like him, they are all holding weapons and seem to be questioning the people, people who look extremely terrified.

As I approach them behind, I see if my spell has worked by standing right in-front of them. They say nothing, their eyes do not move and they are not affected by me.

From this I know my spell has worked, however, as I hear a gasp behind me, I turn and see that the villagers can all see me.

I look to them and put my fingers over my mouth signalling them to be quiet, I don't want them giving anything away, for their sake and mine.

If they give anything away, then they may be in a whole lot of trouble, or worse.

I get close enough for my magic to work; with a wave of my hands the entire soldier formation is frozen. Stood in their formal formation with angry evil faces and their eyes glaring at those in-front

"Lorelai you have returned," my aunty states relieved.

"I have, they cannot see me so fear not, they are now frozen, and they cannot hear us, are you all alright?" I ask looking at their saddened faces.

"Yes," my aunt replies as everyone soon nods in agreement with her.

"What is going on here?"

"They came for our taxes but we had nothing to give, then they said we were working with evil and were questioning us as to who the evil was," my aunt sobs.

"Evil? What evil?" I ask puzzled.

"You," a man answers.

"Me?" I point at myself shocked, "why would I be evil?"

"Because they are over-run with demons and demons believe they are the good guys and you are the bad one, they know of your existence, they want you dead before you can over-throw them."

"That's ridiculous, demons, really? C'mon people you need to fight back, there are no demons, just bad people."

The man looks at me, his face serious, "demons are real my dear, hell is real whether you choose to believe it or not, it is run by a demon so evil even the souls that perish there are afraid, and some of them have done some terrible things, but even so, no matter how terrible their crimes, upon death they pray to themselves not to go to that awful place."

I take a step back "hang on a minute; you're trying to tell me that Satan is real?"

He laughs at my stupidity "no, no dear child not Satan, Satan was made up by mortals of your world to make you believe in something awful, there is a hell, but it is not Satan that dwells there, it is Rasantios, the keeper of evil souls."

I look at him, frowning with confusion "ok, so Rasantios and what about heaven? Is there a God?"

"God? Not in the way earth mortals are taught, there is a keeper of the heavens too, he guards those after death, the good ones shall we say...."

"What's his name?"

"No-one knows," my aunty interrupts "it is a secret that is heavily protected, it is said that those who know his name can enter into the heavens, you are only given his name upon death, if you are meant to stay with him."

Well that's a lot of new information in my head to contend with but now isn't the time to delve deep into that conversation.

"Ok, ok I get it, listen, I need your help, it is a matter of life and death," I tell them, my voice panicky.

"Sure but first, what about them?" The man points behind me.

Shit! I forgot they were all frozen behind me; I unfreeze the main soldier who seemed to be giving them a hard time. He carries on from the point he was frozen, his speech continuing with him not realising what had happened.

They all know he cannot see me so they stand in silence, he stumbles in his words and then he looks around at his frozen men.

"Which one of you has bewitched us with this evil spell?" He asks them all angrily.

But no-one says a word; they just keep a straight face and look directly at him.

I move closer to the frozen soldiers and without hesitation I blow them up one by one.

Each of them disappears in-front of everyone's eyes as the main soldier begins to freak out.

He looks at the villagers but no-one is moving, out of anger and fear he grabs one of them, holding some sort of sword to his throat, "I demand to know who is doing this or fear not, I will slit this man's throat and his blood will be on your hands. Who is it?" he demands, his voice weak and fear in his eyes.

"Me..." I whisper in his ear, as he moves suddenly I blow him up too.

The people cheer and thank me, however it isn't over that easily. Their so called king will notice when they do not return and surely, he will send someone after them.

"Please come, advise us what you need," another man kindly offers.

Everyone gather's round, I try to keep my emotions in check as I ask for their help, "everyone, I know none of you know me that well but you know who I am, I need your help in a battle against the star king."

People gasp and then start whispering amongst themselves, fear and doubt of what I am asking can be seen all over their faces.

"I know it is a lot to ask of you all, but he has kidnapped my daughter, he plans to raise her for the sole use of his own greed and when she is old enough to will him her power, he will kill her."

I look at their faces again and I feel like time has stopped, for a moment, everything around me zones out.

Am I asking too much of these people? I am their rightful leader, should I play that card to get them to help me? Should I forget about asking and just demand that they do? No, I cannot demand, that would make me just like those soldiers.

I want them to respect who I am and I want them to help me of their own free will.

I feel extremely guilty right now and my mind and emotions are pulling me in all different directions.

' _Please, help me'_ my inner vice screaming, begging for their willing participation and alliance with me.

I hold back myself, I try not to be so pushy, I try not to be so desperate but inside I am.

I want my daughter back.

## CHAPTER 2

' _Get a grip, show no weaknesses_ I tell myself trying to remain strong. I sometimes with my inner voice would shut up, its distracting and encouraging, and sometimes not for the better.

I am asking these people to risk their lives, but I need to make them see it is something worth fighting for. "I understand this is a lot to ask," I tell them hiding my nerves, "but this is my daughter and if it were anyone of your children you would want all the help you can get, I know I can defeat the star king, but I need help against his soldiers, please," I practically beg them, not believing my own words.

The fact is I am not entirely sure I can defeat the star king. Everyone has told me I can, everyone has made out that I am the one they were waiting for, the one he feared but deep down I am not sure I can do this, but I guess I still have to try.

Their faces turn from fear to sympathy, I must have hit their hearts when I mentioned if it was their children. They would do anything for them, just as they can see I will do anything for Lilly-Rose.

A man stands next to me, strong and confident, "I will stand with you," he confirms.

"And I," another says.

"And I," more say.

One by one they agree to be by my side but there are some who are not as willing. They are hesitant, unsure of me, of course I understand, I am someone they have never met. I am a magical being that descended on their land, claiming to the daughter of their deceased mortal king.

My aunty gets by my side "my people, I understand you have doubts and fears waging into battle with a powerful immortal, but know this, this woman," she points at me, "she is our princess, the rightful heir to our realm, she has the power to defeat the star king and with her our realm can return to its former glory, please help her."

"I cannot promise to keep you safe," I interrupt, "and I cannot promise you will return safely home, but I can promise you that I will defeat him and those he has down here will also perish. He has taken over your realm; I will not let him use my daughter to destroy my home." My words are encouraging but I don't believe them myself, doubt prickles through my heart like thorns on a rose, I want to believe I can do this but I don't know if I can, that's why I need their help.

"Who's with us," the man shouts.

Everyone starts chanting, waving their arms and cheering for me. They seem to be on board quicker than I expected. I guess they want their home back as much as I want Lilly-Rose back.

A part of me feels relieved that I have them on my side. They are mortals and have no magical weapons of sorts.

Power is only given to the king and to royalty, these are only mortal gods, their power is their inhumane strength and knowledge.

They learn to fight easily, they can break down enemy walls and use their weapons against them.

But I will take them back to Ebon City where they can be trained on our weaponry and learn to fight against immortals.

They tell me they can fight however it has been a while since they trained as those who rule here, are fierce and have weapons they have never seen before.

No doubt the star king has provided them with such weaponry, after-all, I have learnt he has control over this realm and is working with Rasantios.

They go and gather some things they wish to take with them, even though I keep telling them they do not need to.

I go to my aunty "not much left is there," I say softly, looking around at a realm that seems to have nothing, it has all been destroyed.

She sighs in sadness, "No, we salvage what we can when they attack but this is all that we have left."

"One day, you will be able to live as you used to," I assure her, "I do have one question though."

She turns and looks at me, "of course my dear anything."

"Well two actually," I smile, "first, how is it you saw me when stars are invisible to mortals, and also, what is your name."

She giggles, "oh yes of course, I have never introduced myself to you other than I am your aunty, please forgive me."

"It's ok," I laugh, "things seemed to happen a lot so slipped your mind."

"My name is Serena," she smiles.

"Serena, my aunty Serena, pleased to meet you," I bow with some sarcasm as she giggles.

"And the reason I, or we all could see is because even though we are mortal, we are mortal gods therefore all magical beings are visible to us," she tells me.

"Ahh now that makes sense I guess, come, we must leave," I take her arm and lead her outside.

I gather them round, there are about one hundred people here, not a lot but every person helps.

I have never transported that many people back before. No time like now though to give it try, I don't have any other choice.

As they all look at me, I take a deep breath, swirls of glitter surround us as I concentrate hard on the light.

It surrounds everyone, takes a little longer than normal but boom, we're gone.

As we arrive back in Ebon City, alarms sound yet again and Ethan comes rushing only to find a hundred or so people behind me, they stand close looking protective but holding back slightly, their faces unsure of what they see.

"Lorelai where have you been," he demands, "I thought you had gone there," he looks behind me "wait, who are these people?"

I turn to face them standing at Ethan's side "Ethan, these are the mortal gods from Benthos, they have come to help us at our time of need," I turn to him, "so be nice will you."

My aunty steps forward to shake Ethan's hand "Ethan it is so lovely to meet you. You have to excuse my people, they are a bit weary knowing who your father is."

Everyone stands back looking at Ethan up and down. He sees their judgemental faces.

He coughs clearing his throat, nerves have set in as he tries to reassure them "people of Benthos, I understand your concerns about me and my parentage, but I assure you my father has nothing to do with me or this city. I do not agree with his evil ways and I plan to stop him, he has my daughter and I will do everything in my power to get her back."

There are a few whispers amongst them and hesitation at first, but then they come around and welcome him.

I look at Ethan who looks relieved, "please let me show you round," he offers kindly.

In a big group they follow him around the city and are led to the training unit where our soldiers are.

I leave them to themselves and go and find my mother, I left without speaking to her. I find her next to the park where I once had my vision; I miss my baby so much.

I hope she is ok and is being looked after; I'd hate to think any harm has come to her. I shouldn't think those thoughts; she is the star king's granddaughter after-all.

"Mum...." I call out behind her, she turns to look at me and I smile, "are you ok?"

"Yes dear, was worried about you is all and thought you would have been here."

"I'm ok, just had to seek some help is all from people. I hate her not being here, I will get her back."

She places her arm around me "I know you will dear, I know."

The star king will not expect us to attack so soon. He would have expected me to go straight after her.

When none of us show tomorrow he will think we are waiting it out, he thinks he's clever but he isn't. He is just a coward, a monster who wishes to rule with fear and not respect.

We will attack in two days and I will get my baby back, every time I think of her my heart aches. How can someone steal a defenceless little baby?

My mind is racing, swirling round like a roundabout, so many thoughts to process, so much worry. I doubt myself, my own capabilities of being able to defeat him.

"C'mon sweetie," my mum orders, "let's go back, after the day you have had you need to rest, eat and get some sleep, you look exhausted."

"I don't need to rest mum, I need to train, and I cannot be unprepared. I have no idea what he is going to throw at me and for that reason I need to be as prepared as I can."

My mother looks at me worryingly, "but Loz, you need your rest, surely you will be weaker without it."

"I'm not resting until I have my baby back, how can I rest knowing she is with him? How can I relax knowing my baby may not be safe, or worrying about what he will do to me?"

My mum nods and agrees, I guess any mother who has lost a child would feel this way, it wouldn't be easy to just sit and close my eyes. Of course, she doesn't know about her loss yet.

And it's true, I don't know what the star king will attack me with, he is extremely powerful and no-one knows the true extent of his power, plus working with Rasantios is bound to give him an upper evil hand.

We head back to the main city but I don't want to be part of the crowds right now, I decide to go to the meadow, I want to be alone to practice.

The soldiers will be hard at work training, and I am sure Ethan will be helping my aunty and the others. Testing their limits and pushing them as hard as he can.

As I enter the meadow, the smell of summer, the dry hay and the orchards surround me. It fills the air as the city winds brush passed me.

It reminds me of home when I was little and my dad used to bring my mum home orchards.

She loved them and used to plant them in the garden on occasion and every week my father would bring some home where they would be placed in a vase on the table.

I quickly snap out of my daydream, there will time for reminiscing and making more memories but not now.

I stand in the middle of the field inhaling deeply; I want my mind clear of all the drama to focus on one thing, fighting to get my daughter back.

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## CHAPTER 3

Firstly I practice my power to freeze items. I have noticed that the further I am away from an item I have no power to freeze them, so instead, I test my limit to see how far away I can be.

I throw some items on me in the air; I manage to get them about three meters away before I lose the ability to freeze them.

Well that's a bit shit, means I have to get very close to be able to use that power. I mean, what if I am far away and he is attacking me? Do I want to be that close to him?

Don't think I want to be that close, so instead I focus on my internal light. The power Ethan said I had. We all have light, we are stars, but my internal light is apparently a very strong power, a power that could weaken the star king.

It springs from my hand in a white colour, like shattered pieces of glass, the angrier I get the more it changes into a red colour. I think of everything bad that has happened recently and I feel the strong power leave through my hands, like broken pieces of glass lit by light flying into the air.

I seem to be able to shoot this at some distance, which is good; I don't have to get close to the enemy for that and therefore not putting myself in danger.

I feel a gust of wind and suddenly I hear a voice, I look around but I see nothing. I am alone. Again I hear a voice, it is calling my name.

' _Lorelai, please, please hear me'_

It whispers through my mind and then I realise, it's Ophelia. What the fuck does she want? How dare she try and contact me. Why would she think I want anything to do with her?

' _Leave me alone and get out of my head' my inner voice snaps at her._

' _Lorelai, please you must know that was not me, I would never hurt you' she pleas trying to sound genuine._

' _You took my fucking daughter, you fucking betrayed me and I will find you and I will fucking get you' my inner voice getting angrier._

' _Lorelai, now isn't the time to explain what happened, I am being held in a dungeon and Lilly-Rose is safe and well, know that something bad happened'_

' _I don't believe you, get the fuck out of my head'_

With force I stop her communicating with me, I don't want to be tricked into her stupid mind games. How dare she!

I know she will draw me in, make me feel sorry for her, I will go rushing in and be trapped. Rushing in to save my daughter, you may wonder why I don't but me being captured in a trap is no good for anyone, especially Lilly-Rose.

No fucking way will I ever let her fool me again, she will die for what she has done and I will make sure of it.

"Lorelai," a hand touches my shoulder; I jump out of my skin and turn to see Ethan.

"Oh my god Ethan, don't sneak up on me like that, you frightened me half to death," my heart is pounding.

"Sorry," he kisses my forehead, "I didn't mean to frighten you, I have been looking for you everywhere, are you ok?"

I look at him and smile; do I tell him Ophelia just tried to contact me? Or just keep it to myself?

"You look deep in thought; tell me what it is that is troubling you so?" He asks worried about me.

I guess I have to tell him, keeping secrets is never a good thing is it, "Ophelia contacted me."

His face boils with anger, "she did what? How, I mean why would she contact you, she has a nerve."

I shrug, "I guess, she said that Lilly was safe and well and said I should've known it wasn't her, as she would never hurt me."

He frowns "and do you believe her?" he looks disapprovingly at me.

"What? No of course I don't, why would you even think that?" I snap.

"You have the need to see that things can be fixed Lorelai, I thought your heart..."

I cut him off angrily "how dare you doubt me after what she has done to our family, is that what you think of me Ethan?"

"No I...."

"You've said enough," I snap as I turn walk away.

How could he think so low of me? I would never believe someone who did that. If I believed her I would have left without thought, men!

Ahh I'm so angry I storm back home, the city streets are empty as the men prepare to battle, the women are at home preparing things for their husbands or partners or families. Typical aye, the men fight the women knit, that certainly is not going to be me.

Some of the women refuse to step aside however and are preparing themselves, they will go into battle too and they want to stand and fight. Others are no able to fight or simply have no courage to do so, not that there is anything wrong with that, I don't want anyone putting themselves in danger when they know they will not be able to defend themselves.

Still fuming with Ethan, I storm home and slam the doors behind me.

My mother hears and comes in, "Loz? What's wrong honey are you ok?"

My face is so red I could burst, "men, why do they have to be such fucking dickheads." I snap.

My mother giggles, "Oh sweetie, men are men no matter what planet they come from."

"Ophelia contacted me and he had the nerve to accuse me of believing her and state that I had forgiven her," I scoff.

My mum tuts and rolls her eyes, wrapping her arms around me she tries to calm me down, "sweetie, I'm sure he didn't mean it, with everything that is going on he is probably stressed and worried just like you are."

"Mum I know you're trying to the _'nice'_ thing but right now I don't want to hear it, I'm hurt and worried too, there is no need for him to be such a prick!"

I don't mean to be snappy with her; so much is going on in my mind right now I can't possibly think straight. Ethan is just being a twat in my books.

I go out onto the balcony; I look over the city and close my eyes. Trying to calm myself I think of happier times, when I first met Ethan, things my mum dad and I done as a child before Lewis was born.

And then I think, is it selfish of me to not let my mother remember her own son? Am I wrong in keeping this from her?

Sure yes I done it so that she wouldn't feel any pain, but I had a go at Ethan for the same thing, so isn't it hypocritical of me to do the same thing I had a go at Ethan for?

Trying to gather my thoughts in an organised way and not all over the place, I realise the right thing to do would be to tell her the truth. I don't want to hurt her of course I don't but I don't think I should keep it from her any longer.

Some people may say that doing so now, when a battle is being prepared for and so much is happening, is not the right time, but now may be the only time; I don't know what will happen when we go into battle.

My mother will remain in Ebon City as the battle commences but afterwards, god knows what will happen, I or Ethan may never return.

She needs to grieve as any parent would. It is wrong of me to take that away from her.

I'm feeling extremely guilty as I head back inside and see my mum happily cleaning trying to make things easier for Ethan and me.

"Mum," I call out my voice a little croaky, "can you come here please."

She puts the cloths down and walks over, what I am about to show her will hit her right in the face.

"Mum," I start feeling nervous, "there's something I need to tell you but before I do, know what I did was so that you didn't feel what I felt."

"What is it honey," her face is serious; "you're worrying me."

I take her hand, "please forgive me for this," as I say that, I place the memory of Lewis back into her mind.

I place everything back right up until the day they found out he had died, well been murdered and everything since then, it flows back inside like the missing pieces of a puzzle finally fitting together.

For a moment she is still, she doesn't utter a single word and to be honest I am not even sure she is breathing. I look at her closely, and she completely frozen in shock.

I don't say anything to her yet, I think she is still processing, I don't want to push her to say anything to me but then suddenly she inhales deeply.

"I remember," she whispers, "my boy, my poor boy," tears stream down her face, "why did I forget? Why would you make me forget?"

"Everything was happening, all the bad and I saw how hurt you and dad were when you found out, I was going to tell you but then dad became ill and it got hard to do so, I didn't want you to feel more pain" I sob.

She doesn't look impressed, in-fact she looks ice-cold, "Lorelai," she says cold and icy, wiping her tears from her expressionless face "I understand what you thought you were doing was the right thing, but you cannot take away someone's memory and feelings because you don't when them to feel pain. We all feel pain; it is part of human life."

"Mum it wasn't that, I was planning to fix it, bring him back, change the past but thigs have postponed...."

She waves her hand and cuts me off "change the past? No Lorelai, you cannot alter events to suit your own personal need, I miss Lewis and my heart has broken for his loss, now that I feel the loss I should have felt," her tone unimpressed, "he is my boy and I will always grieve, but one thing I have learnt in my life is that everything happens for a reason, you cannot change what has been done."

"But I can, I have the power to...."

She stops me again, "No Lorelai, changing something like that could interrupt something else, you must never do that do you understand me."

I nod and agree with her, I see her point, what has happened could have been what was always meant to be.

She hugs me and tells me to never mess with her emotions again and then leaves.

I hear her crying and I know that she is fully mourning her loss this time as I took the memory away before she could fully get to grips with it.

I leave her be for the time being and decide to head to the halls to see how the training is going.

## CHAPTER 4

As I enter I see people being thrown about, light spears flying everywhere and a hell of a lot of noise. Jesus, I didn't think training would be so violent.

Aunty Serena comes up to me, her face all red and sweaty from training, "Lorelai," she smiles, "are you ok?"

I nod, "I'm good, I have been practicing my magic and speaking to my mum, just preparing really."

She dries her face with a towel, "aww sounds lovely, ell not lovely but you get me, have you mastered what you need?"

I nod and politely smile, "I think I have, all I know is I am focused on getting my daughter back."

"Well, you have all of us behind you," she looks at her fellow people behind her, "we will do anything to put an end to his evil tirade."

I understand where she is coming from; no-one wants to live under his evil reign anymore. I always believed it was just the stars he controlled. But I was wrong.

I really believed that his evil reign of terror was over the immortal stars and that's why they hid in Ebon City, but I have since discovered that he has gained control of the Benthos realm too.

The people who over-threw my father are now loyal followers of the star king; however I am not sure they were that before over-throwing my father.

I guess I will learn some things in time, when I confront the evil tyrant.

I join in the battle training, although I have immense power it would be useful to learn about hand to hand combat. You never know how close they may get to me, although I am hoping they will not be that close. I'm thinking I can quickly run it, stab him then boom, and be gone.

As I am throwing punches and flying kicks, the room goes hazy and I feel a gust of wind, it feels familiar, I feel hazy like I am no longer part of the room.

I take a step back and my vision is once again blurred, as it comes into focus I am again on the outside of a playground.

I see a girl on the swings, same as before, in slow motion going backwards and forwards, smiling and having lots of fun.

She comes running over to me, _'mummy'_ she calls out, her voice so angelic, so sweet.

I look at her closely, she has the same eyes as Lilly-Rose and for a moment I almost weep in her presence.

She reaches out and hugs me, her little arms barely reaching all the way around me, I kneel down to her, I hold her and as I feel her in my arms I hold her tightly.

She giggles slightly as she then pulls away to look at me. Her small child-sized hand touches my face, she smiles at me _'it's ok mummy, I will be with you, have faith.'_

With those words my vision returns to normal as I see my Aunty Serena looking at me confused with me kneeling on the floor, as if I was acting out my vision here.

"Are you alright my dear?" she asks concerned, helping me back to my feet.

I stutter slightly, "yeah, yeah I'm ok I just got to do something, keep training and make sure to rest, it will be a long day of training tomorrow," and with a polite smile I leave.

I go outside and try and catch my breath, my face feels wet and I notice that I have actually been crying, and not just in my vision. Could it be that my baby girl has given me a glimpse of the future? Surely that's not possible.

I haven't had any visions in such a long time, could what I have seen be real? Does my little girl even have that power and even if she did, in my vision she was a lot older and right now she is just a baby.

Or is a trick the star king is playing on my mind to make me rush in unprepared so he can destroy me? Is he trying to make me believe in a vision so I drop my guard thinking the outcome is inevitable?

I'm so confused, how would he know of the vision I had before? He wouldn't know, it is impossible for him to know, unless he read my mind when I was unconscious.

My mind is swirling, I cannot think straight, I just want my baby-girl back safely in my arms, this is destroying me inside and out.

I feel like I am going to breakdown, I don't know how long it will be until I cave in. I fear I will succumb to my own weakness and it will be used against me.

As I begin to fear my own thoughts, my mother comes up behind me, "Lorelai," she says out loud half frightening me to death.

"Jesus!" I shout as my hand goes over my pounding heart, "don't sneak up on me," I turn away trying to hide my face.

"Sorry sweetheart, you ok?" she asks trying to look at me.

"I'm ok," I look up hiding my pain and turn to face her, "you ok? You look better."

"I am," she nods, "I'm sorry if I was cold with you my darling, the pain of losing a child is not an easy one to bare, but I know how it felt when I first found out and I know you were just trying to help me."

"You seem more together and calmer than expected," I tell her looking at her _'at ease'_ expression.

She takes a deep breath and smiles, "I fell asleep and had the weirdest dream, I dreamt Lewis came to me, he was covered in the most amazing white light," her eyes close as if to picture the memory, "he told me he was ok and that I didn't need to worry about him."

"You got all that in a dream?" I look at her, her face still warm and happy.

"Yeah, sounds weird I know but I feel in my heart he is where he should be," she smiles still.

A tear comes to my eye, my little brother maybe in the place he is meant to be after-all, even though I still wish I could have stopped what happened to him. But my mother is right, everything happens for a reason.

I feel exhausted, it has been such a long day and my poor baby-girl was taken from me this morning, an image and memory I will not be able to forget.

I fear that when I do get her back, and I will, that I will not be able to forget and will be too overprotective. I am scared I will smothering her with my own fear that something bad will happen.

My mum ushers me into the apartment, she really has cleaned up, and everything is gleaming ever more than it was before.

"You need to rest," she orders firmly.

I don't disagree with her, I nod, my eyes all sleepy and my body all limp. I go to the bedroom and look around and notice Ethan isn't here.

We didn't have that big of an argument so why is he staying away? I don't know, maybe he needs some space. A lot has happened recently and maybe he just wants to be alone.

My heart aches, my body is sore and my mind is exhausted and as I think I need him I feel a familiar gust of wind behind me.

My mind tells me to turn straight away but instead I stay still facing away from him, I don't have the energy to move but also, I am still mad at him.

"Lorelai," his soft voice whispers, "are you alright?"

I nod, I still don't turn and face him, I'm waiting to see what he does.

"I sensed your pain, however you said not to come running all the time and I knew you were angry so I didn't."

I smile slightly, he does listen to me after-all. I turn slowly and look at him, the smile gone from my face as I look more serious, "thank you," I reply.

"What's wrong?" he asks concerned.

"I don't know where to start," I take a deep breath, "I told my mother about Lewis, first she hated me and now we have spoken and it's ok but that's something to add to my pressure, I practiced combat fighting, using my magic within, contemplated what the king could do to me, had a vision of what I think was Lilly older and feel like I am falling apart with it all, I'm scared you don't feel for me like you used to as your affection has dwindled and I'm scared."

He looks at me, his face softens "Lorelai, don't ever think I do not feel for you, I'm sorry I have been distant, it isn't intentional, I have just wanted to make sure you and Lilly were always safe. I have always done everything in my power to try and make sure nothing happens to you and her and today I feel like I have failed at that."

I look deep into his eyes as they start to fill up, I suddenly see the pain and anguish he is feeling.

"Lorelai," his voice so sad, "I am meant to always look after the both of you and I failed."

His head lowers in shame so I lift under his chin, his eyes now looking back into mine, "you didn't fail, you have always looked after us, and we weren't to know what Ophelia as going to do."

Finally he breaks, "my baby-girl has gone and I did nothing to go after her, I even stopped you and I'm scared too, I want her back."

I pull him into me and hold him tight, "I do too and we will get her back, I promise, in my vision she told me not to worry and she will be with us, have faith," I look at him and smile but its forced, not even I have faith in myself yet I am telling him he needs to have it.

"Together we are stronger," he tells me, sniffling and wiping his tears, "that vision sounds beautiful, full of hope."

"It is, please just trust me and know that when we go get her, we will get her back."

He moves a part of my hair that has fallen from my face and kisses me, and slowly with my support and love, he pulls himself together.

"So," he says with a bit more contentment in his voice, "you told your mother the truth about Lewis, how did she take it?"

"Umm," my mind recalls the memory, "pretty well actually, well not at first but she came round, it's a long story, I'll explain it another time."

He smiles at me and leads me over to the bed, we lie down together, Ethan behind me with his arms wrapped around me tightly.

For the first time all day I feel a sense of ease, worry still feels my heart and I still miss my daughter, but with that vision fresh in my mind I feel at ease enough to get some shut eye.

After-all, I must be as prepared as I can be for this battle and being fully rested is always a bonus.

I would be useless if I was tired and drained.

## CHAPTER 5

' _Mummy can you hear me, look what I have'_

A little girl shows me a picture of a family, it shows a happy family playing together and a little boy in the corner.

' _Who is that?' I ask her._

' _Silly mummy, that's Ben, look' she points behind her to a crib._

There in the crib, is a small beautiful baby boy.

' _Don't worry mummy, we will be together soon' she smiles'_

I awake feeling hot and dazed from my dream. I look and Ethan is still snuggled in tightly behind me, his starlight filling the room. As he has me so tight I feel the need to pee.

I sneak out of bed and go to the bathroom quietly. Bit of a pain in the ass having to pee halfway through the evening, Ethan never has this issue.

Then again he doesn't eat or drink anything, he is immortal and his body doesn't rely on such items, so I guess there would be no need for the toilet uses.

I wish I had that, I always wonder if I would be stronger if I didn't have to rely on food just as they don't.

' _Wait'_ I think to myself, it's far too early for my mind to be racing with all these blimming questions.

I open the bathroom door and look into the bedroom. There shining away on the bed is Ethan blissfully sleeping away.

I have never noticed how much he shines when he sleeps; it's amazing how a light so bright doesn't disturb you when you sleep right next to him. I guess it's something you get used to without evening noticing.

I climb back into bed and snuggle down beside him. My mind is too wired to fall back to sleep but Ethan seems to be sleeping like a baby.

Tossing and turning with things on my mind I decide to get up and go practice my combat skills. I know it's early but I have to do what I can to make sure I am ready.

As I head to the meadow I think of the fairies, I wonder if they will be willing to help us against the star king.

As my mind wonders I realise that the star king, who is in-fact my father in law, doesn't seem to have confirmed his name and Ethan has never told me either.

It's amazing what you think of when you're alone, I guess Ethan and I happened so quickly that it's not surprising I don't know much about his family.

' _Lorelai' I hear in the whisper of the winds. 'Lorelai please listen, I know you can hear me._

Fuck sake, its Ophelia again, her voice echoing in my head.

' _Go away,' I snap, 'I will not fall for your bullshit again'_

I feel a pull, as if someone is calling me to them, like my body wants to go and I cannot stop it. It feels like a force wrapped round me pulling me against my will. Swirls of stardust form around me, like glitter falling from above, before I can stop myself I am gone.

' _Where am I?'_ I think to myself looking around at the dark and gloomy place.

I realise then that I have been here before, with Ethan when he showed me I was immortal.

I am in the star king's home; not his actual home but I am in the star kingdom, I recognise the dark glittering buildings and the dirt gravel on the floor.

I hear my name whispered in the air, clearly Ophelia has dragged me here, how she done so I do not know. Why would she bring me here?

Do I follow the sounds of her whispers or quickly leave? It could be a trap though and if I am stuck here then all the preparations may be for nothing.

Then I think of my baby, the urge to make sure she is ok consumes me, propelling me to follow the whispers in the air.

As I draw closer to the sounds, they become louder and they lead me to a black gate leading down into darkness.

Using my star-light, I light the way through the tunnels and follow them as deep as they go. There underneath the dark city or stars is a dungeon. There are people down here who look like they haven't washed for decades.

It smells rotten and everything looks like it needs some sanitation. It's revolting. Bile rises in my throat as I take in the rotting smell that surrounds these cages.

I walk through passed each cage holding at least two people who look extremely weak and filthy.

They are spread out on the floor as if they have no energy and are filled with diseases. I don't think I have ever seen anything like this, except maybe what I read about in books at school

I try not to touch anything, I dare think what I may catch if I do. That sounds cruel I know but you don't know why they are here, who they are or what they have.

As I reach the end of the dark filth-pit I see a familiar figure being held captive, it's Ophelia. I gasp in shock but I do not run to her aid, I'm still cautious that this could be a trap.

"Ophelia? What the hell are you doing here?" I whisper.

She looks pleased to see me, "Lorelai, I told you I would never hurt you and I wouldn't, what happened back in Ebony City, you must know that it wasn't me," she proclaims.

"How the hell did I get here?" I demand annoyed.

"I have the power to bend your will remember, make you do as I please, I needed you to come here, I needed you to see that I am telling the truth."

"And risk me being captured, are you insane?" I snap, voice still a whisper as not to be heard.

"No, I wanted you to see. I knew you wouldn't believe me after what I had done but please know that wasn't me," she begins to sob repeating herself.

I don't know whether or not to believe her, this all seems too easy and coincidental. Sure she has the power to bend my will and I remember her saying she would use that power for the star king, am I being stupid by not fleeing?

"You stole my daughter from and brought her here," my tone angry, "how could you do that?"

"I didn't, please believe me," she pleas "the star king has gone completely mad."

"He was mad anyway!" I mumble.

I hear the sounds of heavy steps coming towards me; I look and see shadows on the walls reflecting off the fire-light.

"Quick hide," Ophelia begs.

Where am I going to hide? There is no way I am jumping in a cell, so I quickly hide behind a large amount of boxes that seem to be full of people's possessions. Who has boxes in a dungeon in a star kingdom, do they have deliveries here?

I keep myself hidden as much as I can and I peak through a gap, and there entering the dungeons are star king soldiers with Avaya, they looking into the cells.

They open one and grab a man, he looks no older than Ethan but seems incredibly weak, and he has cuts and bruises everywhere. I thought stars have the power to heal themselves? What the hell is going on?

They drag him out of his cell, beat him slightly and then drag him away; Avaya stands behind them with a smirk on her face. What a bitch!

As they are leaving she approaches Ophelia's cell and looks in, such an evil look in her eyes "you know, I thought you were completely useless, but it turns out your little stunt with Hendeos has worked in our favour, the baby is here and your precious daughter will kill you for that," she smiles.

"My daughter will find out what you have done and it is you that will die Avaya, your crimes will not go un-noticed," Ophelia tells her trying to sound confident.

Avaya gives an evil sort of giggle, "you think your daughter will ever know? When she attacks, and we know she will, I will be protected by the star king looking after that god awful baby," she shivers as if in disgust.

My mother gasps in fear that something has happened, I put my hand over my mouth to stop any sounds escaping, I want to get out and kill the bitch but I can't not without putting everything in jeopardy.

"Oh don't worry," Avaya laughs, "the precious little one is ok, but your daughter will perish at the star king's feet," she gets up, smirks at Ophelia and leaves.

When the coast is clear I come out from behind the boxes, Avaya didn't know I was there so I guess what Ophelia has said was true.

"Are you ok?" Ophelia asks caringly as I emerge from behind the boxes.

I nod checking my surroundings "yeah, who the hell is Hendeos?"

"A demon who works for Rasantios and now the star king, he possessed me and it's my entire fault," she sobs with her head in her hands.

"Shhh" I try to calm her, "explain to me, I thought you were going shopping for baby stuff?"

"I was," she wipes her tears, "I wanted you to have something nice and I went into Ebon City but they didn't have a baby store, nothing, so I went over to your old home, the human realm."

I put my hand up to stop, "wait a minute," I look at her, "you went into the human realm for baby stuff?"

"Yes, I wanted you to have something nice,"

I sigh "Oh Ophelia, everyone else managed to bring a gift from where they were; you didn't have to do that."

"I wish I didn't," she mumbles, "everything went black and then the next thing I knew I was in Benthos, something stood next to me and then it was like I had no control over my own body, I was screaming in my head but Hendeos had full control."

I look at her and for a moment I do feel sorry for her, but I refuse to get close just in-case this is a trap. Is this just something she wants me to believe, did Avaya pretend she didn't know I was hiding?

"Ophelia you should have stayed where you were protected, I thought I saw you in Benthos, you ignored me and then you were strange but I don't know you well enough to know that, that wasn't you."

"You should know that I love you," she whispers.

"I should but I don't, I don't you well enough to know if you're being out of character, I just thought you were a bit distant and cold, but for all I know that could be the norm for you" I shrug.

"I would never harm you," she smiles sincerely.

I look around the dungeon going off topic, "who are these people."

"They were stars, they did not agree to the star king's rule so he has placed them here and stripped them of their immortality."

"And where did they just take that other man," I point at the exit.

"To die," she whispers painfully.

Oh my god, he is killing his own people now? This place is revolting; it shows what type of man he is. I know I have to get out of here.

"I have to go," I tell Ophelia pulling away, "I cannot take you with me otherwise they will know someone has been here and I will not jeopardise my daughter's life."

"Wait," she says grabbing my arm through the bars, "you must know that Lilly-Rose is safe and the star king is working with Rasantios."

"I know, I think."

"He has promised him the souls of the damned if he helps give him what he wants; he has promised him you also. You must be careful Lorelai. Once the star king has control of all realms he will rule in the most evil way, he has control of Benthos, Hell and Infernum. All he wants now is the human realm, realm of the Enchanted City of the Fairies and Lucindere Realm."

I nod as if to agree and then stop confused, "Lucindere? What's that?"

"The realm of magical beings."

"Wait, can they not put a stop to this?" I ask with hope.

"No, as magical as they maybe they cannot force and end to this and the battle will have to be won as it should be, by the one who is destined for victory."

"And that's me right?" I reply as if it were a question I'm supposed to know the answer to.

"We hope so my dear," she smiles softly holding my hand.

I smile back at her and pull away. I walk back through the tunnels the way I came leaving her alone.

I have no choice, I need to get back to Ebon City, and with one thought I am gone.

## CHAPTER 6

As I reach Ebon City, the alarms sound as everyone comes rushing. I hold my hand up pointing out it is just me, my god everyone is so on edge.

Ethan comes running "You ok?" He asks embracing me in a hug.

"Yeah but I need to speak with you?"

He sees the urgency in my face and ushers me away as the rest continue to prepare for the battle.

I explain to him what happened and that Ophelia dragged me against my will.

At first he thought the same as I, thought that it was a trap but then I tell him about Avaya and the things I heard her say. I explain though I still do not trust Ophelia, I mean, would you?

I see the look on his face as he realises we have an advantage, our daughter is safe, they want us to believe they would hurt and Avaya gave away the fact Ophelia didn't do as we thought. So they can believe we will go charging in after her first but we won't.

We could use Ophelia and her power to make soldiers do as we please. But I have left her there and with good reason. If I break her out they will know someone is there or has been there.

She is still immortal and still has her magic; therefore the star king must still feel like her needs her, otherwise why would he keep her around, I bet he's counting on me to kill her.

We make a plan to sneak back into the dungeon and free her before heading out for the attack, although we say nothing to anyone else.

You never know who might be working for the star king in disguise, if he managed to get a demon into Ophelia and she got back into Ebony City, and then giving our plans away could cost us.

We will prepare them to follow our instruction, that way we are not giving our battle plans away, well maybe some but not all of them.

I tell Ethan about the realms and who his father has control over, I ask him however about Ebon City.

"No," he replies, "Ebon City is not a real realm, it is made up, I made it up," he tells me, "he wants control of the stars, if that happened, Ebon City would completely vanish."

I nod, I understand what he means. Although an alternate realm to my own, well, my original own, this was created as a safe haven for those stars fleeing an evil tyrant.

If they were all captured, this realm would cease to exist as there would be no need for it anymore.

"I need to find my mother," I tell Ethan looking around for her.

"She is in the great hall, she is preparing for battle," he points out.

"What?" I shout, "Is she insane," I turn and run to the great hall.

Banging opening the door I see my mother stood there fighting with a Benthos villager. I go over and grab her, pulling her away like she has been a little naughty child.

"What the hell are you doing?" I ask her like an angry parent.

"Training" she tells me like it's no big deal.

"Mother, we are going into battle with people with magical powers and weapons not if this world, you are not going, you are staying here," I order firmly.

She looks at me disappointed and tries to say something but my face says it all. There is no way I am budging on this.

I storm off in a mood; she quickly follows behind me trying to get me to calm down.

I have lost my father and my brother; she is all I have left. Why would she even consider going into battle in the first place?

I head back home and stand in the silence for barely a moment before my mother comes in behind me.

"Loz I'm sorry, I understand look come here," she walks up to me and hugs me tight.

"I can't lose you," I whisper holding her back.

"I know and it's ok."

"I have to get my things, we attack tomorrow and today is the last day to prepare," I smile back heading to the bedroom.

I pick up small items of weaponry given to me by Lawson, easily concealable and I am trained well to use them.

I go into the closet and see the end to a knife on the floor, the blade is missing but the handle is there.

I have seen this before; I swear I once saw it in a book I was being showed by Aunty Serena about the chosen one killing the star king.

Holy shit! This is the knife I will have to stab him with; I wasn't planning on getting that close. They want me to stab him?

"Something tells me you will need this," she says holding up a box looking at me staring at the handle piece, "it came for you when you were about five years old, someone gave it to you and eventually I thought it best I hold onto it and I have held onto it since."

"What is it?" I ask her intrigued by this beautifully hand carved decorated wooden box.

"It's a box," she replies with sarcasm.

I look at her like _'haha very funny,'_ "no I mean what is inside it."

"Oh," she laughs "I don't know; it has been locked ever since we have had it, looks like it needs some sort of key."

My memory flashes back to when I was a child and I was given a locket by an old lady.

I was playing in my garden and she approached me, a sweet kind old lady who just seemed friendly.

She told me I was special, I didn't know what it meant back then but before she left she gave me a locket and told me to keep it safe.

I didn't know what it was for and thought it was just a lovely gift. I kept it on me for years but the on day Lewis yanked it off my neck and broke the chain.

I placed it then in my jewellery box and planned to one day get a new chain for it, but I never got round to it.

"I know where the key is," I mumble to myself, I turn to my mother, "the key, it's a locket, I had it as a child and I know where it is."

"A child?" My mother frowns confused, "I didn't give you a locket as a child."

I laugh, "No not from you, an old lady gave it to me once when I was playing in the garden," I remember again as I stare at the box, "I never saw her again but Lewis broke the chain and I put it in my jewellery box, and that's where it still is."

Just as my mum and I are having a conversation, Ethan walks in noticing me holding the box and the broken end of the blade.

"How do you have that?" he asks confused.

"I found it in the closet, I...." but before I can finish he cuts me off.

"That's the blade of death, well the handle of it anyway, I put it in my closet so that no-one would find it."

I laugh, "oh great hiding place," I cannot hide my sarcasm.

"No," he rolls his eyes, "it was hidden in a box, I don't know how you found it."

I tut, "as I said, on the floor and it isn't much use to you anyway, it's broken; anyway I have seen this knife before, in a book when I was in Benthos. What is it for?"

He takes the handle from me, "it's the blade of death, and it is to capture the soul of the star king, no matter whom he is, it can also be used to capture immortal stars."

"Why is it broken?" I ask staring at the edges of the handle.

"Because my father ordered it to be, he doesn't know I have this part, he ordered it to be destroyed."

"I don't understand," my eyes narrow as my brain tries to think, "why would you have a blade that would kill the star king, who would invent something like that?"

"Rasantios," he confirms, eyes still fixed on the blade handle as if trying to re-call a memory.

Rasantios made the blade using powerful dark magic when he and the star king were at war; he planned to use it in battle to defeat the star king. But when the star king he fell out with stepped down and Ethan's father took over, Rasantios and he worked together and the star king took over Hell, much to the disapproval of Rasantios, but he did not have the power to go against the star king.

Cutting off Ethan's story, "well I think the blade is in this box," I show him, "but you have to open it with a key and the key is in the form of a locket which is in my old house."

He looks disapprovingly at me, "no, no, no way you cannot go back there, are you mad. You know what is waiting for you there don't you?"

I tut, "stop treating me like a child Ethan; I have to, to open the box fix the blade and kill your dad. I was obviously given these things for a reason, if this is how I meant to defeat then it makes sense, blade means kill dad get it!"

He looks mortified "charming Lorelai but one, I'm not treating you like a child and two have you forgotten what will happen if you go back? They are constantly watching your house like a hawk."

I roll my eyes, "I am quite capable of defending myself Ethan and besides, we don't have much time, we go up there tomorrow and we need this blade, stop being such a gummy ass and let me go."

He looks shocked and puzzled, "a gummy ass?"

My mother hears the expression and laughs; Ethan shoots a look at her as he doesn't understand why it's so funny.

"Human term, never mind," she tells him quickly as she sees he is far from impressed.

He sort of nods his head, a sort of _'I don't get it but never mind,'_ head shake.

He isn't meant to get it, it isn't something defined in the dictionary, just a term my father would use when we were children instead of swearing and calling someone a twat.

He thought by hiding swear words Lewis and I would never pick them up, how wrong was he? Bless his soul.

"Ok well, who gave you the locket and how did the blade end up in that box," he asks still puzzled.

"An old lady gave me the locket when I was a kid, she said I was special, not that I paid much attention to her, and yeah I've kept it ever since. And I have no idea how the blade came to be in this box."

I hate it when he asks me questions I don't know the answers to. But I guess there is one way to find out, and that is to open the box.

## CHAPTER 7

Ok, I have to think carefully about how I am going to do this, I mean sure, I have enough power to defend myself against mortals, especially mortals of the human realm and I have surely mastered how to control it.

But that isn't the point, one marshal already managed to bash me over the head, I cannot afford at this moment to make that mistake again.

I decide that I am going to go alone. Ethan offers to come with me and remain invisible, which he would be them but I don't want to risk it.

Clearly that government is more than perfectly aware of our existence and is working for them, otherwise why would one bash me over the head?

I can guarantee they are getting something out of it only god knows what.

I can cast a spell to remain invisible again I suppose, but if some of them are working for the star king then he may have given them the ability to see us. Any immortal star can see other stars.

We can hide from a human, that's easy but what if those trying to catch me are not humans?

I guess that's why we were always told to go our safety unit, they knew and they had to hide them from us to allow them to battle it out and find the betraying stars.

I wonder if the star king already has control of my old world, it would make sense when you see those who run our government.

Dictators, evil nasty dictators who refuse to let you have your own freedom and punish you for being poor.

Wait, I cannot let my mind get side-tracked, I'm sure there will be a time to find all this out but not now.

I need to get the locket and get back here as quick as possible, no matter what I will concentrate on the reason I am doing this, to get my baby-girl back.

I kiss Ethan, I tell him not to worry even though the look on his face says he's absolutely terrified. I kiss my mother and tell her the same but she is just as perplexed.

As I stare into their eyes, I surround myself with my inner light, the swirls of the glittery stardust surround me and before they can say goodbye I am gone.

I arrive outside my old house, the sun is shining down nicely and I hear the cars and peoples voices going about their day to day lives.

It's as if nothing has changed her, still the same routines for everyone, how crap! To them a normal world, no idea what is really going on, no idea that this realm, this world is not the only one in existence.

I enter the house and it looks an absolute mess. The furniture has all been turned over and ripped, as if someone has been looking for something. The cabinets have been smashed and there is rubbish all over the floor.

Someone has clearly been in here looking for something, although I couldn't possibly guess what it was, unless they were looking for my locket. Does someone else or maybe even the star king know about my locket?

As I head upstairs, I have to climb over yet more rubbish and pieces of glass as I head towards my old bedroom. They really have trashed the place.

My bedroom remains untouched, _'that's weird'_ god knows what they were looking for in the house then. Surely if they knew about my locket then the first thing they would head for is my stuff.

I go straight to my jewellery box, find the locket and put it down my bra. Well, I don't have any pockets and it seems the safest place to be.

There on my bedside table, is a picture of me and Lewis. For a moment I stop and relive the memory of when that photo was taken.

It was a lovely summer's day and dad had been given a reward to take some time off, which was extremely rare, mum also had time off. We spent the day at the park, laughing and making shapes out the clouds, playing on the swings; it was such a happy day for everyone.

Although I never felt like I fitted in this world, even as far back as I can remember, I still had some amazing times with my family and I will cherish those memories forever.

As my mind is drifting into memories of the past, I hear things falling downstairs and I realise, I'm not alone.

I quickly cast a spell on the photo-frame and my locket that safely transports them to my mother in Ebon City. I cannot exactly fix the photo frame down my bra and knowing someone is in the house, it makes sense to transport them back, that way no-one can take them.

I should leave now, but I have never been one to leave when something is dangerous or I am curious what noises are. Hence how I met Ethan, I was being nosey.

Instead, I slowly head out onto the landing and look down. I cannot see anything at the bottom, the house still seems empty but then I hear the crashes again.

Someone is down there; all I have on me are a few knives so I slide one up my sleeve ready to throw. Slowly I creep down the stairs, being very aware of my surroundings and trying not to be heard.

Not so easy when you're having to climb over all this rubbish!

I hear the motoring sounds of a robot moving around; it's moving through all the rubbish on the floor which is making the noise.

As I reach the bottom of the stairs, in the corner of my eye I notice Tommy, the bloody robot stood in the front doorway.

I thought I closed it behind me but I bloody left it open alerting him to the fact someone had come in the house. My stupid fault being in a rush!

I stand still for a moment, trying not to make a sound. Yes he is a robot and he sees all but he doesn't have sensors that will sense you around him.

He has to be looking at you to communicate, stupid cheap robot and basically goes off the sound of any noise, so I stay quiet. That's how he knew someone was in the house, even without noise, he registered that the door was closed and then it was open.

I cannot get out whilst he is by the door and I cannot transport because he will notice, I don't want him latching on to me as I go and being taken to Ebon City.

There is far too much risk here, what the fuck shall I do? Shall I bash him over the head with something and make my escape?

All of a sudden he moves, he slowly turns as if he is going to leave, I let out a sigh of relief and bam, that's when he hears me. Fuck!

He turns towards me and his eyes scan my body, I have been rumbled and he knows it's me.

With a wave of my hand he is launched across the room, I run outside only to be confronted by the marshal, and no other than Lord Justice himself. How the fuck did they get here so fast? Did Tommy alert them when he saw the door open? Crap!

"Ahh, I knew it was only a matter of time before you came back Miss Stone," he smirks.

I could just transport and leave, Ethan done it when they last had me in their grasp, but something in my gut tells me to stay put.

"I see you lived after being chucked out the window Lord Justice, what a shame," I smirk with sarcasm.

"Not to fear Miss Stone," he smiles curling up his lip as he adjusts his tie moving closer, "I knew that you would return and now it will be my turn to punish you."

I laugh, "Punish me? You have no idea who I am do you, there is no way you will ever be able to punish me."

"On the contrary, I know exactly who you are," his eyebrow raises, "but it makes no difference to me, you see, I will be rewarded greatly for killing you."

I see a dark twinkle in his eye and then I realise, he isn't a mortal, he is an evil star. The star king does have possession over the human world after-all.

"I'd like to see you try," I tell him as I wave my hand and send him flying.

The marshal goes with him, smashing into the wall and his body breaks, killing him instantly.

Lord Justice comes running at me, I run away as fast as I can.

I need to get back to Ebon City but if I transport too close to him he can latch on and come with me.

I try to freeze him but as I run it isn't working, stupid bloody power, what fucking good is it to me.

I hear him shouting behind me, I pay no attention and run into the busy streets. There, people are going about their everyday lives, nothing seems to have changed.

They know nothing about what is going on, if they did would they fight back? Or sit back and allow their lives to be run this way.

Lord Justice arrives behind me, I turn to face him, no more running, and this man needs to die for good.

"You are witty Miss Stone, but not as clever as you think you are, by coming here they know and they will come for you."

I feel breathless, that running has worn me out but I remain strong, "you know nothing, they have already come for me and they have already taken something that is mine."

"Your time will come," he spits out as he launches a light ball straight at me.

It hits me in the shoulder forcing me to fall to the floor. For a second I feel pain but Lilly-Rose is strong in my mind and I get back up as if it doesn't affect me.

I look directly into his eyes as anger fills me, how fucking dare he, he ruined my life for years and now he is trying to kill me, trying to stop me saving my daughter.

I think he knows not to come to close to me, I see him holding back; he must know what power I have. I move closer to him but as I do, he backs away, clever little dickhead.

Fuck this, I don't have time for a standoff, I charge at him, as I get closer I manage to freeze him but I need to tell him something so I unfreeze his head only.

"What the..." he says not being able to move, "let me go," he demands, but I stand and smirk at him.

People gather around and watch as the person who has made their lives so miserable is caught in a trap.

I look at them and then at him, "listen here, you may think you won but I promise you, this will be the last time you ever take a breath, when you die and they come for you, you will face nothing but torture for the rest of your soul's immortality. You destroyed these people, and now I will destroy you," with a wave of my hand I blow him up.

Immortal star he may be, but with no body, his immortal soul will be collected and taken to hell, well Infernum hopefully.

Everyone is stunned by what they have just seen, there is no time to explain it to them, I hear the emergency sirens sounding and I know that is my queue to leave.

## CHAPTER 8

I arrive back in Ebon City where Ethan is waiting patiently for me. He notices my wound and immediately comes running to my assistance.

"Oh my god what happened?" he asks looking at my bleeding wound.

"Oh that would be Lord Justice trying to kill me,"

He looks at me puzzled, as does my mother who hears me say that just as she approaches, "Lord Justice, he's human though," she proclaims.

"Didn't he die?" Ethan asks.

"Nope and nope, he isn't human, I saw the black sparkling stardust in his eyes," I look at Ethan, "your father already has control of that realm."

They both look at me like I have just told them the worst news in the world and fear swipes across their faces.

They shouldn't worry so much, I am going to seek help of the other realms, whether they do or don't there is no harm in trying.

So there are about seven realms in total and the star king already has control of four of them, and unfortunately I understand now why Ethan has fear, we are severely outnumbered.

Unless we get the help of the fairies and the magical beings, there will be a lot of death. I cannot let that happen, the star king has control of Earth Realm, the Star Kingdom, Infernum and Hell, he could soon gain control of the remaining realms and I cannot let that happen.

I think of Lucindere, having never been there before I just imagine what it will be like after having a discussion with Ophelia, and before Ethan can stop me I am gone.

I guess having the power to transport anywhere at thought is pretty cool and does come in handy when you need it.

As I arrive, I look around to see where I am and I seem to be in a fairy-tale book. Is this place real? Or am I simply dreaming?

The sky is the perfect shade of blue and the land around a perfect picture. It is as if someone picked out their favourite picture in a story book and used that as their inspiration to create this realm.

I see a woman in the distance, coming towards me at speed; she is looking angry and fearless. I guess she sees me as an intruder. I understand that, most people do!

"Who dare's enter here," she spits out sternly pointing a sword at me.

"Sorry, my name is Lorelai, I..." shit how do I explain this? "Uhh I'm from Ebon City," does she know what that is?

She lowers her sword but still looks defensive, "has Lord Ethan sent you?"

Lord Ethan? What the fuck? "I am his wife," I tell her calmly, "I come on a quest." Oh how noble of me.

She looks me up and down as if to study me carefully, after a brief tense moment, she comes around and approaches me.

"You must be the new princess we have heard so much about," she smiles kindly. Wow, and now I can breathe.

"You've heard of me?" my eyes narrow.

"Yes, Ethan is a dear friend to our people and news of the new princess has spread throughout the realms."

Well who would have thought, someone has informed them of me, but who could that be? It wouldn't be Ethan as he never leaves Ebon City, or does he do so without me knowing?

"Well, ok lovely, have you heard then of what is happening at the moment," I ask her.

"Oh yes," she's very bubbly, "the birth of the new baby, you must be so excited."

Ok well I guess she doesn't know what has been happening, "yes, I was until she was stolen from me and now I want her back."

"Stolen?" her eyes widen in shock, "how could someone do such a thing?"

"Someone did, the star king has my daughter and I have come here to seek your help."

She looks concerning, it's as if her brain is trying to think about what has happened and whether or not she should help me. After-all I have learned it seems no-one is willing to jump at the chance to go against the star king.

"Come with me my dear, you will need to speak to my father," she turns and starts walking away before I can say anything.

I quickly follow her, not knowing where it is she is taking me. The lands are beautiful and I can't help but look in aww of the beautiful surroundings.

Buildings look as if they are out of a fairy-tale book. The people look as if they are drawn from model magazines. Not an ugly or normal person in sight. Is this real? Are these people real? My eyes see but my mind does not believe them.

She leads me to a massive castle, the guards stand formally outside with their suited armour on. They don't blink and they barely even move as we enter the large wooden doors into the castle.

We enter what looks like a massive hallway; a grand stairs case is directly in-front of me with a huge ass picture on the top of some man.

I can only assume that the man in that picture is the owner or resident of this large extravagant castle.

"This way," the woman orders at me.

I follow her as instructed and she leads me to a room at the end of the grand hall. Inside this room is basically an office, a very human looking office.

I see the top of a man's head sat on a chair facing the wall. The woman walks over to him and whispers something in his ear. He looks at her and then slowly turns his chair around to face me.

His face is serious, "Princess Lorelai I assume," his voice very authoritive.

I nod, "Yes, you are?" Not to be rude, but who the hell is this man?

"I am King Jonathan, please sit," he orders nicely pointing at the chair in-front of him.

I sit down and look at him, not to sound horrible but I have never heard of a fairy-tale king called King Jonathan and plus the last king I met tried to hold me hostage.

"My daughter tells me you are seeking our help in a battle against the star king," he starts as he stands walking towards me, hands formally behind his back "my dear, the star king is the most powerful king in all the realms, would it be wise going against him?" he sits on the edge of his desk looking down at me.

"I realise he is powerful, and my father-in-law and probably one of the most dangerous people, person, stars I will ever have to deal with, but he has kidnapped my daughter in hopes to steal her power and take over the remaining realms, including yours," I tell him my voice drying, "it is a lot to ask, but I came here to ask for your help, to ask if you would join us in battle."

He scratches his chin, "this is a lot to ask of us, especially when we haven't fought a battle in many centuries, we are a peaceful realm."

"Are your soldiers not prepared in-case something happens?" I ask him seriously, "my daughter is in danger."

"Our soldiers are always prepared and train regularly, we never stop training no matter how peaceful we may be," he explains confidently.

"Good, because once he finishes with my people what do you think he will do next? Rest? No! He will come for yours and he will keep going until he gets control of everything, don't you see? I need you as much as you need me."

He stands closer to me in an assertive domineering manner and peers down at me, "I understand your predicament Lorelai but I'm not sure it wise for us to wage into a battle that is not ours to fight."

I sigh, rolling my eyes at his ignorance, "look, whether or not you think it _wise_ , this is everyone's fight, I am telling you that if you do not help us, your realm will be attacked afterwards and all this," I point to his surroundings, "all this, will be his, gone and destroyed, plunged into darkness and all of your forced to bend to the will of an evil tyrant. Is that what you want for your people? For your daughter?"

He looks down at me and folds his arms; he looks like he has nothing left to say.

He takes a deep breath, "Ok Lorelai, as you make it sound so threatening to me and my people, we will help you."

I sigh some form of relief and try to hide my smile, "thank you, it is highly appreciated."

"When does the battle begin?" He asks seeming more curious.

"Tomorrow."

He looks at me awkwardly, like he is shocked "tomorrow? Well that is really soon my dear, we must gather our soldiers, come," he orders walking away from me.

I proceed to follow him outside where crowds of people are gathered, going about their daily lives in this beautiful fairy-tale realm.

His presence is immediately known and all persons stop and turn towards him. They are silent and obedient to their king.

He looks at them with pride and power, "My people, a great request has come upon us, one which I feel we have a duty to accept" he looks at me, his eyes widen, turning back to the crowd, "a battle has commenced in the realm of the star kingdom, one that may cost us our realm if we do not fight to stop what may be. I call upon all persons to join me in this battle."

I stand behind him, nervously watching them to see their reactions; they see me but say nothing. This is my request, and they know it.

One by one, the men step forward to be by the side of their king. The soldiers come forward also accepting the king's request.

Not one man hesitates to step up and honour the request being made to them. I had trouble trying to persuade Benthos to do this, but these are so willing. That is what love, dedication and respect of your king looks like.

I want to jump up and down, to be pleased that they are so willing to help. But it isn't that easy, I am again asking these people to risk their lives, not just for my home, but for theirs too.

## CHAPTER 9

After all the soldiers and men have made their pledge, to fight for their realm and their king, the king takes me back to his beautiful castle where he instructs me on what to do next.

He tells me that they will follow me to Ebon City where they will meet with our soldiers and discuss the battle plan.

Although this is all really happening, from the life I was brought up to believe was the only life I had, I still find it strange that there are other worlds out there.

One day I'm scared I will wake up from a very detailed dream, a dream about worlds I wish existed in my crappy boring and dictated life.

I know it isn't a dream, but it still doesn't stop me having a fear that it is. I mean, what if my imagination was so wild it created all these alternate worlds and realms to cope with the fact I hated my life.

As the men say goodbye to their partners, they all gather around me and the king to be taken to Ebon City.

Upon arrival, Ethan greets me with affection and care as he looks to our visitors with respect.

As I approach the hall, I see the training is going incredibly well, plans had been put into place and everyone was prepared for the battle ahead.

I couldn't help but feel a little useless. I have the gift of foresight and I have never had an issue with seeing the future, but when I tried to force the premonitions and see the outcome of this battle, I had nothing.

I couldn't tell them if they would live or die, I couldn't tell them what would happen even though it should be within my basic power to do.

Ethan told me it was because I was only meant to see the future if it was meant to be revealed, that I can only see something that is meant to be changed. I guess that's what fate has her hands in.

It made no sense to me, but I assume that what he meant was that the battle may have different outcomes; therefore no specific premonitions could be seen by me and the outcome will be what is meant to be.

This doesn't comfort me; there are so many people from all different realms and they have joined to be at our side in a battle that has been caused by, well technically, my family.

My mother and father produced me, the half-ling that would bring the king down and then Ethan and I produced a powerful child. All this stuff drummed into me, I am the one to defeat him, I will make it all better, me, me, and me.

And how did they find out about my child? Maybe this was all seen by someone else, but it doesn't change the fact that yes, this is down to the actions of people related to me.

No it doesn't give the star king right to try and kill everyone for power and greed but, I am a threat and I am only a threat because of who I am.

I think that if I was a normal star, just like Ethan, would the outcome of my life remain the same? Would it be different? Would the star king still start a war and try to kill me? Would Ethan still love me?

I think of my beautiful baby-girl and hope that every moment she is safe, if I had just kept her closer to me, if I had just kept her in my arms, she would be here and not in danger up there.

I try to dust it from my mind, I cannot forget about my daughter but I cannot be seen as weak and vulnerable to the king, I need to be strong so he nothing to use against me.

I go to the hall where the soldiers of Lucindere are working together with our soldiers and people of other realms.

I situate myself on the side, quietly observing the training and watching them all come together. I haven't trained as much as these guys but I am being told I am so powerful I don't need to.

These people, these beings are risking their lives for us, in a battle that is not yet theirs. It will be at some point I guess, this is only the beginning.

Ethan spots me from across the room, his eyes look at me with devotion and care, his smile is soft and warm as he slowly starts to walk towards me.

As he stands in-front of me, his arms wrap around me like vine, he holds me so tight I can barely breathe.

"Are you ok?" He asks with such sincerity in his voice.

I smile, still embraced in his tight squeeze, "yeah I'm ok, just wish it didn't have to come this and I wish our baby was here."

I hear him sigh in my ear as he pulls away and looks at me, his face looks so sad, "me too my love, I wish I kept her by my side, then maybe we wouldn't be going through this."

I stroke his cheek softly as he nestles his face into my palm, "I don't blame you, I wish the same thing, but either way, even if he didn't take her, I suppose we would still have to face your father one day."

"I suppose," he shrugs, "I haven't seen my father in so long, facing him again will definitely be a challenge."

"It's me that has to kill him, you cannot stand in the way of that Ethan no matter what happens," I warn him being as sympathetic as I can, after-all, that's his dad. I don't know how I would be if someone said they had to kill my dad but I know I would jump in at any time to defend him.

He kisses me softly and tenderly and just gives me a warm smile. I smile back at him, he doesn't have to say anything, with his eyes I know he is dreading all of this but trusts me completely.

Ethan and I join the rest of the soldiers as we both prepare one last time for the battle that lay ahead of us tomorrow.

King Jonathan approaches me, he seems very stiff and formal still, can he not relax a little, "Lorelai," his tone very manly, "I would just like to say that I think your soldiers are wonderful, very well trained and speak very highly of you."

I cannot hide my shock, "wow, thank you."

"A pleasure, at first, I was a bit nervous and sceptical of coming here. Meeting the Prince of the Stars and fighting against his father gave me some serious doubt, even when you told me my realm would be in danger. However, after meeting him and seeing the devotion your people have to the both of you, it is now clear he is nothing like his father and you both have my complete trust."

Wow, he was sceptical but came anyway? I smile at him and bow my head in respect, "and you have ours King Jonathan."

The king hugs me, I was not expecting that but it was nice to be seen as an equal to him, an ally and a friend.

After running around between realms and training, I feel myself getting hungry. Got to admit, this really sucks having to rely on this and a part of me panics as to what may happen if I need food halfway through the battle.

I mean, these people, they rely on nothing, just the air they breathe, no food, I mean they really live on nothing, like they have nothing inside of them.

The only thing that gives them their strength is sleep, but me, I have to be different and awkward don't I.

I cannot exactly pick up a satchel and carry it round with me with snacks in it just in-case I get hungry.

I guess I am just going to have to make do with what I eat now and hope that I don't become weak from hunger.

I know my reasons for doing this, to get Lilly-Rose home, I must just focus on that and I am sure it will give me all the strength I need.

I go back to the apartment where my mother is resting peacefully. I lean over her to cover her with a blanket but as I do I accidently wake her.

"Sorry," I whisper, "didn't want you getting cold, are you ok?"

"Yes," she mumbles with croaky voice, "I hadn't realised I had nodded off. Is everything ok?"

I nod, "yeah, just came back for some food, I feel so hungry, it's been a really long day and tomorrow, well tomorrow it will all begin."

My mum gets up and offers to make some food for me. I love my mums cooking, it always tastes the best.

I explain to my mother everything that has happened today, the people who are now here and our growing army standing by us. Seems like the longest day of my life so far with so much going on.

I see the look of worry in her face and it doesn't matter how many times I reassure her, it isn't going to go away. I never understood before why she worried so much, but now being a mother I finally get it.

Her son was murdered, as much as I have offered to change this she has refused to let me but still, it doesn't change the fact he was taken away from her. Her husband has died after battling a long illness, I am all she has left and I understand she fears for my safety or even wonders if I will return home.

The only way to kill a star is to chop off their head; they then become nothing but a star burning in the sky, unable to return to any human form.

They can be stabbed and injured but they will soon heal from their wounds, quicker than normal, however if they lose their heads, and they lose their life. There is no possible way to heal that. Their souls are taken to the places that they need to be those stars that watch over them good or bad they have a job to do.

I am however, partially mortal so I guess I can be hurt in ways they cannot.

The king however will not be so easy, he will need to be stabbed and he can easily possess another immortal body should he wish, so his soul will need to be trapped in the blade.

After much discussion, I find myself feeling sleepy, I don't want to sleep, but I know that if I don't the star king will have an upper hand and I cannot let that happen.

Without fighting it anymore, I go to bed and lay my head down, thinking of Lilly-Rose being in my arms I slowly drift to sleep.

## CHAPTER 10

I awake early the next morning; Ethan is sleeping next to me silently so I sneak out and onto the balcony, I need some fresh air, I need to gather my thoughts.

I look over at the beautiful city I have since called home and notice the streets are silent. It's appears ghostly.

Normally there are people walking around, doing their day to day thing and not having a worry in the world, but today is different, not a person in sight.

Today is the day we enter above the clouds into the star kingdom and attack the star king and his men. I never thought this day would come so soon, it's been the longest two days of my life however I wish we had more time to prepare, more time to learn about the star king and what he can do.

No doubt that the stars of Ebon City are spending some precious time with their loved ones right now, or preparing for what is ahead, including our guests.

It's so quiet, almost like a ghost town, for a moment I fear everyone has left, that no-one wishes to enter into a battle against the star king. I know that's just my mind over-thinking this.

I feel terrified, my stomach is in knots and my mind is racing with a thousand thoughts of what could happen.

I know I will get Lilly-Rose back, that was the one thing I did see in a vision, but that vision didn't determine the outcome of others.

As much as I was to reassure them or make them feel safe, I am simply not able to. My heart fills with sadness as it sinks down; it is with a heavy heart I have asked these people to possibly sacrifice themselves for my daughter.

I hear the rustling of feet behind me; I turn to see my mother coming to the balcony wrapped up in a blanket.

I turn and smile slightly, trying to hide my fear "morning mum, you ok?"

She yawns, still a little sleepy "yes my darling so, today is the day."

I nod, "it is indeed, I just cannot believe this is happening, why things can't just be normal aye."

She puts her arm around me, pulling me under the blanket with her "life is never simple honey," she then looks down below the balcony onto the streets and whispers "wow; it's so quiet, so peaceful."

"Yeah, makes a change doesn't it, I don't think I have ever seen it so peaceful."

She looks and agrees, for a moment we stand together in the silence of the city, admiring the building around us as they appear to stand empty.

For the first time in a long time, this beautiful glittering city can be seen for the fine beauty it is. So much is normally going on that you never really stop to appreciate how beautiful it is.

It's still early and I know we are not due to set off for a while, whilst I assume everyone is in their homes, I head out and to the park by myself.

I want to gather my thoughts and put my head straight. Right now I feel like breaking, charging up there with all my might but I know that I can't.

I have to be strong; I am prepared as much as I can be. As I sit on the swing and slowly go back and forth, I think of everything that has happened to me.

This may be a weird time to think of such things, but I have gone from a stubborn teenager with attitude, to a grown woman, wife and mother. Not to mention a Princess.

It may be a lot for some people but I think I have handled it pretty well if I do say so myself. I've simply grown up.

Swinging back and forth I once again, for the last time I try to force a premonition to see the outcome of the battle and once again, it fails.

I feel frustrated with myself, yes Ethan explained to my previous premonitions and why I cannot see this outcome but I should still be able to do it with all the power that I have.

I feel a gush of wind and as I look behind me, there stands Ethan, worry and panic all over his face.

"You ok?" I ask him.

"What's wrong?" he frowns "I felt you worry, your upset, is everything ok?"

I roll my eyes "for god's sake Ethan what have I told you about that, you cannot do this, we are about to enter the most important battle of our lives today, I need you to be strong, not worrying about me and my feelings ok."

He lowers his head, "I'm sorry, I just want you to be ok. I want to protect you and have you confide in me so that I may help."

I stroke his cheek and smile, "I know, but right now, I need you to be strong. You worrying about me will not have your mind focused on what needs to be done, understand?"

He agrees, I understand that he loves me very dearly but if his mind is focused on me and what I am feeling, and then he isn't really focusing on the battle is he.

He takes me back to the great hall where we await the arrival of others. My heart is beating so hard in my chest right now that I'm scared Ethan can hear it through the silence of the room.

I put on a brave face as our soldiers and gathered friends are joining us in the hall one by one.

They stand around Ethan and me as Ethan grasps my hand; he smiles at me and then looks among his people "my friends, my stars. Today marks an important day in history. For too long we have hidden in the shadows, running from our rightful home in fear of a tyrant king who wants nothing more than slaves and power.

Today, it will be the beginning of the end. No more will we live in fear; no more will we live in the shadows, and no more will we allow him to bully us into giving him all that we have.

The time is now, the time to fight is upon us and if we stand as one, we will be victorious."

The men and women, stars, fairies and magical beings, everyone in this room is cheering for my husband. They show how much faith they have in him and his words.

I watch him, everything seems to slow down around me as for that split second, and I stare at my husband. My wonderful brave husband.

The crowd stop cheering and then look to me; I clear my throat and look upon them with pride, hope and faith, "my people, my stars, as Ethan has said today we put an end to the star king's evil ways. Not just for ourselves, but for our homes, our children and future generations.

No more will hide away and live a life of fear, live a life beyond the shadows. We deserve to live in our homes, no matter the realm or being that you are.

He has taken my daughter, and for that he will pay. I cannot guarantee the outcome, I wish that I could but I am forever grateful that you have chosen to stand by our sides, to fight for what is right and the aid you giving us."

It falls silent for a moment as they seem to stare intensively at me. I slowly smile, rather nervously. But as I do, they all lower.

Each person lowers themselves down and bows before Ethan and I. It is an extraordinary moment as they put their faith and beliefs in us.

Not to mention right now that I feel a hell of a lot of weight on my shoulders, but nonetheless, I am glad they are here with us.

"Please gather our things and suit up, weapons to be carried on you, as close as possible, those who can cast defence and power spells will lead at the front, those with combat skills in the middle and rest behind," Ethan orders.

"Sir," Lawson approaches, "I think it ideal you and Lorelai head in first, after-all, Lorelai has the most power and collectively the both of you are the strongest."

I look Ethan, "that's a good idea, if you hold my hand our power can connect and we have double what I have."

Ethan rolls his eyes, "don't be silly, you are the strongest one out of all of us, you know the end depends on you being able to kill my father."

I tut annoyed, "gee I didn't know that," my tone filled with sarcasm, "thank you though for the lovely reminder," I finish with a sharp thumbs up, no pressure there is there.

Ethan stops fussing with his armour and looks at me, "I didn't mean it like that Lorelai, and it's just....I'm sorry, I'm just worried."

"I know but what did I tell you, you need to concentrate, don't focus on me and what I am doing, and focus on what you need to be doing."

He agrees, Lawson helps him suiting up his armour and Ethan also helps Lawson. I look and see our soldiers getting suited and booted, everyone turning around to help each other. Not one person is seen to be doing things on their own, all working as part of a team and that's exactly what is need, unity.

It's mad to think that someone who is immortal will need to protect themselves in such a way. But I guess as they can still be wounded they have to. They can never bleed to death as the power within them will stop this, but the wounds can bring them down and stop them in their tracks.

It can hurt them and make them weak, the weaker they become the easier it is to chop their heads off and destroy them completely. The thought makes me feel sick but again it's something I will have to put to the back of my mind for now.

As Ethan has said to me before, the only way to kill a star is to chop of the head or trap their souls, in the case of the star king; both will need to be done to insure his death and defeat.

I am still hoping deep inside that I'm not going to have to get that close to his dad. I'm hoping my freeze power will work and I can use the dagger then, well, that's my plan anyway.

We gather at the watery entrance and look onto the world on the other side, we are going to cross over there and then head up.

Ethan and I go first and we are shortly following behind us. With butterflies in my belly and uncertainty about the outcome, we head towards the Star Kingdom above prepared to battle out, and to get back my little girl.

## CHAPTER 11

As we enter above the clouds, we drift into the darkness beyond the still glowing stars, shining in the darkness of the skies.

To the world below, stars only come out at night, but in the Star Kingdom, those stars, the ones whom no longer wish to be an immortal person, shine constantly. It fills the sky light fairy lights glistening in a forever sparkly room.

It's strange to think what is actually above the clouds, people think heaven is there but there isn't, it is another world constantly watching over humans, heaven is a realm a lot further where we are not able to venture.

The Star Kingdom is as dark as I remember it the first time Ethan brought me here.

We are surrounded by blackness, ash and what appears to be black matt colour below our feet that shimmers in the dark. The ground is covered in gravel as if from destroyed buildings that have come crashing down.

In the distance the colour changes, where the stars rest it is orange and black, like a night sky where the sun is setting in fire.

It's cold up here, cold and miserable. It's if as soon as you enter you feel like you want to leave, you can feel the evil around you, nothing feels good here.

Our soldiers and allies gather behind us as we make very careful moves over the gravel beneath us.

We don't want to alert them too early to the fact we are here, so we glide in slowly, spreading out across the land ready to attack.

"I know what's down there," I whisper to Ethan looking to an opening in the hills.

"What?"

"The dungeons!"

He looks at me curiously, "yeah so what about them?"

"Ophelia is down there and so are some other people, maybe we should go there first?"

"No" he snaps in a whisper, "we must head towards the castle, his armies will be there, they will be surrounding him and our baby."

I look at his eyes, I want to help those in that dungeon but Ethan manages to bring my attention back round to Lilly-Rose.

We slowly head towards the hills in-front of us, climbing to the top and peering over to what lies ahead.

There in the distance we can see the castle, it has was looks like fire surrounding it, probably burning from light holders, not too sure, seems so far away.

Ethan signals the soldiers to spread out and make their moves towards the castle.

They have been given specific instruction on where to enter and how to approach.

Ethan and I take what's left and lead them forward. Walking over the coble floor, we sneak as quietly as possible.

As we edge closer, we can hear Lilly Rose's cries echoing through the darkness. It doesn't seem like a painful cry but a normal baby cry, the one you hear when they want mummy to come get them for a hug.

It pains my heart to hear her cry, I want to run and pick up her up but if I do I not only put her in danger, but everyone else too.

I look at Ethan, "you guys should enter from the back, and I should go alone at the front."

He shoots a disapproving look at me, "no way that is going to happen, you cannot go alone, we stick to the plan Lorelai."

"Ethan, I am strong I know what I am doing, besides if I go alone they will think I have reacted on mother instincts and believe I am weak, they won't suspect you coming too, I know we made a plan but I need to follow my instincts."

He shakes his head, "no, we stick to the plan; we do not deviate from it."

I snap a serious look at him, "Ethan," I hold back my temper, "for once will you not underestimate me and trust me on something instead of doubting my decisions."

My words stop him; he looks at me shocked like I have just made him feel like he never trusts me, and well the fact is he doesn't.

He hesitantly agrees, "ok, but if you need me or us or anything you signal me ok, all you have to do is think it and I will know."

I nod and kiss him and head towards the front of the castle alone.

I quickly glance back to see him watching me like a hawk, I wave and they disperse and carry on with the plan that was arranged originally.

Outside the cast iron gates that seem taller than Mount Olympus, _talk about over compensating_ , I see the guards watching carefully by the castle doors.

They pace back and forth with their weapons held close, carefully watching their surroundings, monitoring everything and looking for the slightest movement or something out of the ordinary,

I feel a gust of wind and as I do, my vision goes blurry, I sense a premonition coming. I quickly duck down and move away from the gates behind the wall as the vision over-takes me.

' _I walk in through the gates'_

' _GET HER' the guard screams._

They blast me with their weapon, it hits me quick and I am on the floor.

' _I have her what shall we do'_

' _Tie her up and take her to the king'_

I suddenly come round, that was the shortest vision I think I have ever had but it was based on what I was about to do.

I was just going to walk in the gate, basically my ego getting in the way but they manage to blast me with their weapon before I can defend it off.

I wasn't quick enough, I know what will happen if I do that so now I have the upper hand.

I look around for another entrance; the wall that surrounds the castle is just as high as the gate. I understand protect the castle but this just takes the piss.

I decide to go under, underneath them and surprise them. Waving my hand I cast a spell which opens an underground tunnel.

As I crawl through as quietly as possible, part of me starts to panic, I hate small spaces. _'Just think of Lilly-Rose'_ I tell myself.

I crawl through silently, they do not even realise how close I am to them, that I am right under their feet. I get to the point I need to be at and shoot some light from my hands above me.

It creates a large noise and a massive hole above me open up above me sending the guards flying across the way. It looks as if a bomb has just exploded under the ground.

I crawl out of the hole and look around, the blast has knocked them down, thank god, and I speed towards them and chop off their heads one by one. I do it as quickly as possible, as fast as I was taught to, ninja style.

Their immortal lives, so easily, being ripped away by my hand and their bodies no longer whole. Their head severed violently from their bodies in one quick swing, no thought, no emotion, decapitated and lifeless.

The adrenaline is rushing through my veins that I didn't even think twice about doing it.

When I finally come to a stop, I look around at the headless bodies of the immortal stars. For a moment I freeze, I cannot believe I just ripped their life of immortality away without thinking it, how could I be so cruel?

' _Think Lorelai think,'_ my inner voice screams in my mind. I need to calm down and I need to calm down quickly. I cannot face the star king with a fear of killing him.

My god I feel sick, my stomach is swirling round and round, _'pull yourself together'_ I tell myself. _'Sort it out'_ I scream inside as I try not to have a panic attack.

Why am I freaking out, this is what I have been trained to do, what I have been told I must do. Jesus! I didn't think it would have this much of an effect on me.

They would have heard that, and probably someone will be out any minute to see what the huge noise was. Shit!

I don't know what is worse right now, the fear, the star king or killing people.

I know what is worse than all that, never seeing my daughter again. My light blasts the bodies out of the way as I see swirling dark dust above me, I assume that is the blackness in their star souls moving on to be nothing but a burning star forever, never to return to human form.

I head towards the huge iron doors and force them open. Inside is like a labyrinth in front of my eyes. What the hell is this? This is meant to be a bloody castle not a mind trick operation!

Corridors and stairs that lead off in all sorts of directions, not one looking like the obvious choice. Some of the stairs even led into the walls, am I meant to walk through them or is it just a mind trick.

' _Which one am I meant to choose?'_ I question myself hoping for a sign or something to reveal an answer, but instead I am left with nothing. Nothing screams out _'go this way'_ so instead I am left guessing, hoping that my instinct makes me choose the right one, or some stroke of good luck.

Now I am wishing Ethan was here, he used to live here, surely he would know which way to go to get to the star king. Has it always been this confusing?

I could scream trying to figure all this out, well, he's not exactly going to make it easy for me is he.

I could spend god knows how long trying each of these corridors and stairs and I don't have time for this.

As my mind is racing trying to figure out a way through this, I hear footsteps coming towards me. At first I see nothing, just the clip-clop sounds of high heels on the stone floor.

As I look up I see her, Avaya is heading straight towards me. She looks stunning, wearing a floor length black gown sparkling in the starlight. She shines her star quality as she beams with a smug smile.

She looks like she has been to some sort of ball, or glamorous event. However I know this isn't going to be glamorous.

She walks down the stairs so casually; cool and confident until she reaches the bottom and stands so close that I can smell her breath.

This is not going to be pretty!

## CHAPTER 12

I don't smile back at her, why would I? What is there for me to be happy with her about? Besides we're not exactly the best of friends and I'm just so happy to see her because that isn't the case.

She doesn't say a word, she just keeps that smug look on her face, she is starting to fucking irritate me that's for sure.

"Where is my daughter?" I ask her calmly, refraining from ringing her neck.

"You mean....my daughter?" she replies, still looking smug.

"MY daughter Avaya, where is she?"

"Why, she is with her grandfather of course," she smiles evilly.

I hold back as much as I can, clenching my fists, "if you don't tell me where she is Avaya, I'm going to wipe that smug fucking look off your cheap ass face."

Her face suddenly changes, "wipe the look of my face?" she repeats, "you think you can waltz in here all by yourself and defeat me."

"I beat you once I'm sure I can again," now I'm being smug.

Anger fills her face, "your daughter is mine," she snarls.

I laugh, "Yours? She will never be yours, she is mine and Ethan's, and we made her because he fucked me, not you because he never ever wanted you." I start to circle her just to be intimidating, I guess I'm proving she doesn't scare me, "you, a cheap nasty little whore willing to jump at the first man who will give her the power she craves, you are nothing, you will always be nothing and you will never have what I have, I know all about your little plot, using Ophelia, Hendeos and how you used her to get my baby, face it scumbag, you lose"."

She loses it and swings for me, she misses me luckily because I was expecting her to do that. I guard myself with protection spells as each of her attacks bounces off. I'm quicker than the little bitch thinks!

Feeling more infuriated, she runs towards me, the light from her spear shoots out but bounces off hitting the walls behind her as they crumble to the floor.

I hit out the light from my hand, those pieces of light that look like broken glass hit her and sends her shooting across the castle labyrinth. I do it again weakening her as she falls to floor in a slump, feeling to powerless to move.

After finding strength she gets up and we engage in a combat battle. Got to give it to her, this bitch has guts. She takes a few swings at me but her blows are too weak to cause any actual harm.

I have wounded her, the more I hit her, the less powerful she is and the weaker she becomes. I am not going to give her the time to regenerate herself and attack me.

As she draws closer one last time to attack me, I become fed up and I freeze her. There she is in-front of me, frozen and powerless.

I suppose it would be unfair for me to just kill her in this way, but then the other part of me says _'nah fuck the bitch, she should feel it all.'_

I unfreeze just her head, she looks at me, and fear fills her eyes as she begs me to unfreeze her.

"Let me go" she begs.

"Hmm, now let me think about this," I cannot disguise my insolent tone, "I let you go, you go to the star king, you tell him I'm here, you both steal my child and try to kill me."

"No, no I won't, please let me go," she pleads, "I promise I will not say a word, I will leave and I will be good I....I promise."

I laugh, "You must think I'm fucking stupid Avaya," I take a step back and pull out a sword, "you are one nasty, sneaky little conniving bitch, have fun for the rest of your life as a forever burning star."

She screams for me to stop but I don't listen, I take one swing and chop her head off.

Her head rolls across the floor as her body remains like a frozen statue in-front of me. It is kind of weird but hey, the little bitch is gone.

I feel a sense of pleasure from that, should I feel this good after taking someone's immortality? All of a sudden it thrills me and doesn't make me feel like this horrible person. I am happy she has gone. I know why we are at war but part of me will always think she started it, she went running to the star king when she couldn't get what she wanted, stupid cow!

I look up at the corridor she entered from; I know I must go down there to find what I seek. It seems the only reasonable way to go, she came that way and she would have been with the star king.

For a moment, I wonder how Ethan and the soldiers are getting on; I haven't heard anything major so I can assume that they are dong ok.

I head down the corridor to try and find the star king, putting Ethan to the back of my mind. It's quiet and dark and feels more like a tunnel than a corridor.

It's sparkly and lit by the light I have surrounding me, I don't want to use it but without it I would not be able to see a thing.

I am distracted by the carvings on the wall; they seem to have been hand carved. As I look at them I wonder if they had been there for some time.

There is an image of a small boy playing with what I believe to be his mother, they look happy. The carvings continue down the wall, like a story being drawn out. It distracts me as I look and put the story together, it's interesting and captivating.

The mother seems to be caring and sweet and they are having lots of fun, then it changes.

A man comes along and takes the mother away, the boy appears to be crying and begging but as I read more, the mother is gone and the boy is alone.

I think this is Ethan's story, if not then someone had a similar story to his, I guess with the star king in power this is life for many of them now. This could be anyone's story, a sad story of life living under the rule of someone so evil.

As I reach the end of the tunnel I hear the sounds of things clanging together and raised voices. I duck down and I enter what appears like the fiery room of hell.

I see the star king, stood next to him is the most evil looking creature I have ever seen in my life. A tall creature with yellow snake eyes, dark red skin and fingers so black looks like they are rotting. That must be Rasantios. They are ordering their soldiers around, they must be aware that our army is near.

In-front of them, in a small crib is my baby, from here I cannot see if she is asleep or not, but I hear no sounds.

Fear sinks into my heart and I resist every part of me to go charging over there, I don't want to put her in danger.

I assess what is around me, a few star soldiers, the rest are making their way outside, oh no! Ethan must be there.

Two of the soldiers make their way around and are beside me; quickly I duck down, still keeping a watchful eye on Lilly-Rose.

"Do you think we should?" One says curiously.

"I'm not sure, isn't that treason?" Replies the other.

"Yes, I think it is, but I think he wants us to."

One steps back, "kills the star prince? Hasn't this gone a bit too far?"

I gasp, oh my god, they are on about Ethan? I can't let him kill him, wait, didn't I just hear them say it was treason? And they seem as if they doubt the actions, like they do not want to go through with it.

Their heads turn in my direction; they must have heard me gasp. I try and stay hidden, putting my hand over my mouth to hide my breathing.

They move closer, clearly trying to inspect the simple noise they just heard, as they come closer I move and freeze them.

Wanting to get closer to the star king, I place one of their uniforms on myself and the helmet, trying to disguise myself.

The star king shouts to them wondering what is taking them so long. Taking a deep breath I come out, hidden under this clothing of armour and stand next to the king.

My god I am shaking under here; will he sense my fear? Will he smell that I am someone different, oh god please let this work

There in-front of me is my baby-girl, she looks at me and instantly smiles. She cannot see my face but maybe she knows my eyes. I want to grab her and hold her but I cannot put her in danger. She seems happy, looking at me with her sparkling eyes. How has she gotten so big in two days? It's been two days? How does she look so big? She should be a new-born but she looks like a six month old baby. How?

' _Stay calm'_ my mind tells me as I breathe deeply listening to the star king go on and on about how no-one will defeat him.

"My lord..." a soldier approaches, "they are close, and they have fought against our defences, should I release more?"

"No," the star kings voice grumbles, "let them enter, I need you to protect me and this baby, they must not get anywhere near her, is the Princess with them?"

"I did not see her my lord," he replies nervously.

Holy shit! Are his armies looking out for me? Is it only me they want? Ethan has pushed back their defences and I assume is heading this way, I hope they are ok.

My heart is pounding.

"I want her found" he snorts angrily, "make sure she does not get here, you!" he points at me not knowing who I am, "take the baby and place her safely in my quarters, I will not let her near that child, make sure you give her the mixture, she seems to be responding well to it...." he then looks around, "where is Avaya?"

"No-one has seen her my lord," the soldier replies, cowering before the king.

"Find her;" he demands as the soldier leaves, "and you" he points at me, "get that baby away."

I nod and agree as I scoop up my daughter and cradle her in my arms, it feels like I have not done this in years and it has only been two days.

He has been giving her a potion? What potion? Is it to speed up her growth, is that why she looks bigger than she is? He is trying to make her grow faster? What a dick!

I hurry down the hallway as fast as I can without looking to obvious. Lilly-Rose is safe and in my arms but I am not going to place her in his room or anywhere else for that matter up here.

She needs to be back with my mother, she needs to be under the protection of Ebon City.

I think of Ethan, my heart and my mind call out to him and as I feel a gust of wind he is there by my side. Relief is all over his face as he looks into my eyes and realises it's me under the armour. He sees me holding our baby-girl and I see the happiness on his face, but also the confusion as to her size.

I tell him of the potion his father mentioned and Ethan confirms my fears, he has been giving her magical baby juice to speed up her childhood and make her grow faster. What an absolute dickhead, he couldn't wait for her to grow so he is trying to force it!

I look at her holding her tightly as Ethan looks her over. He pours some sort of liquid in her mouth which runs through and shows up a bright purple.

"She's ok, the potion hasn't affected her badly, she has grown a bit yes but she's ok, she will grow normally unless she is given more," he tells me, finally I stop panicking and we both just look at her.

For a moment everything around me just stops as we dive into our own fairy-tale land, our own la-la land if you will. We feel lost, caught up in the moment.

But a large bang soon brings us back to reality.

## CHAPTER 13

"Lorelai what are you doing? Snap out of it!" Ethan shouts above the noise, pulling me to the side for safety.

"Sorry, just couldn't stop staring at her. Ok so long story short, killed soldiers outside, killed Avaya, came here froze soldiers, stole armour, become disguised, took baby and called you," I tell him as fast as the words can escape my mouth.

He looks stunned, like he doesn't know how I have managed to do all of that "wow, ok, where are you taking her?"

"Your father thinks I am his soldier, he asked me to put her," My mind goes blank, "ummm, anyway I'm not, and she needs to go home."

Limping towards me behind Ethan is Ophelia. Instinct tells me to step back, I know I should trust her and I suppose I do but I still refuse to get to close. I mean she did steal my baby, whether or not she was under the influence of a demon, she still did it and it could always happen again.

She looks like hell, beaten and bruised, I don't know what's happened to her since I last saw her and I don't have time to sit down and discuss it either.

"Ophelia will take her" Ethan calmly suggests.

"Are you fucking insane, she's the reason we are in this mess," I snap.

"Lorelai, you know she was possessed by Hendeos, hurting Lilly-Rose was never her intention, I know it's hard for you to trust her but trust me," his eyes soften, they look so sincere.

He is right; it wasn't her fault, but what's to stop it happening again? She looks so weak, so frail, anyone could stop her and take my baby, and do I want to risk it? No I don't!

"I can't" I whisper clutching on to my baby, "Someone else needs to go," I look behind and there in the crowd is the Princess from Lucindere, what is she doing here? Somehow she senses my anguish and comes to me.

"Princess Lorelai, is everything alright?" She asks so nicely, her voice sweet like a little Cinderella.

"No, I need you to take my baby to Ebon City, take Ophelia and go," I order, "there is no time to explain, please just get them to safety."

Without hesitation she agrees sensing the urgency, she takes Lilly-Rose and Ophelia and in the blink of an eye they are both gone.

My heart race slows for a second and I find relief knowing that my daughter is home safe, but it only lasts for a second as sudden reality kicks in that the battle is far yet from over.

"Ethan," my voice husky, "I have to go back, he is expecting me, and me only."

"He knows we are here now,"

"Ethan, he has ordered his men to kill you, you must stay here and fight, do not go into the throne room do you hear me?"

He is hesitant but he agrees. He should know better by now than to argue with me. I place the armour back on and head back, trying once again not to be sussed out.

As I enter the throne room, it's airy and almost empty. The star king is still sat on his throne, Rasantios by his side with two soldiers, everyone else has disappeared.

Cautiously, I walk forward approaching them, hearing their conversation as I get closer.

"Did they find the girl?" asks Rasantios.

"No, they did not see amongst the army, soldiers say that no women are amongst them."

"She best come like you said she would, you promised me her soul, if you can defeat her," Rasantios sounds annoyed.

"She will not defeat me, I am stronger than she, what you may have heard is lies, she is only half of what I am, you will have her soul, trust me."

Charming! My soul promised to an evil being when I haven't even gotten used to what's inside me yet, but hey that's ok for them to put a claim on me. Not!

Does he honestly still think I cannot defeat him? Wait, am I thinking that I can? Can I? It was written that I am the child who will defeat him so why do I doubt myself?

As I edge closer and they continue to talk about me, planning how to kill me, I try to freeze them but nothing happens.

I remove the gloves from my hand and slowly place them at my feet, both of them still oblivious to my presence, ignoring me like I am below them, just a meaningless soldier.

I try again but it doesn't work, they keep talking as if nothing happened. I move closer and closer and keep trying but all efforts to freeze them fail, except for the soldiers stood next to them.

They must be protected from this power.

The soldiers are motionless, completely stiff and frozen by my power; soon, they are going to notice that neither of them is moving. I stand still. Completely still.

' _Think Lorelai think,'_ as I try to come up with a plan as to how to approach them. I have the dagger, it's tucked away and I have my protections and spells, but my actual freezing power doesn't work.

I was relying on that to freeze him and then kill him but that plan has now failed me. No-one told me he would be immune to any of my powers, I thought I was meant to be stronger, god damn it!

The star king looks over and starts to curiously stare into my eyes. "You," he orders, "come here."

I stay still, if I get too close he will see the colour of my eyes and he will instantly know who I am. At the moment I am not close enough for him to see, they are covered partially by this helmet thing that is really starting to annoy me.

I hold my hands together behind my back and just stand firm.

"Come here I said," his voice getting louder.

I still refuse to move, I need to think and I need to think fast, if I cannot freeze them can I blast them? Will it work?

My heart is pounding, think, think faster.

I see the light spears being held by the soldiers frozen next to them, as Rasantios comes towards me and the star king is ordering me to move, without thinking, the light bursts from my hand straight into the chest of Rasantios sending him flying.

I move quickly to the soldier and grab the spear. Rasantios and I then engage in a combat battle.

This man is strong and combat battles are not one of my best techniques. I did not train as much for this as I should have. I was more concerned on focusing my power to kill the star king.

The star king does nothing but observe the fight, Rasantios uses powerful evil to blast me across the room. Fire sprays from his hands like a burst of liquid, it's hot, very hot.

He seems to be protected by the evil that surrounds him, I blast him but it doesn't seem to hurt as much as I want it to.

I have no idea how to kill this being and as he is the ruler of hell I am not sure that I can. If I kill him will there be chaos in that realm or will he just simply return?

I don't know, why am I thinking of such things right now, it's irrelevant what happens right? I put everything I can into trying to defeat him. He begins laughing at me. His cruel evil laugh echoing throughout the large open throne room as the king sits and does nothing, but then again why would he?

"You are nothing," Rasantios sniggers with an evil grin, "the most powerful star, the half-ling they all feared," he mocks me as I lay on the floor in pain.

My mind is telling me to move, screaming at me from the inside to get up and fight but his blasts of fire hurt. They burn. Like the strength of a million souls fighting within him, how can I beat that?

"Look at you, worthless and weak, and supposedly you have the power to defeat us all, I will feel nothing more than pleasure to use your daughter."

Lilly-Rose. No! I cannot let that happen. Hearing those words from his evil mouth gives me the courage to stand on my feet and face him.

I look straight into his eyes, "you will get nowhere near my fucking daughter, do you hear me?" My voice makes the room shake but it doesn't faze him, he just looks around confused.

"She is my daughter," my voice becomes more threatening, rattling the room violently as this deep voice echoes just like before, "and I will destroy you before you lay a single hand on her, do you understand me?" I throw the strongest beam of light I can conjure from my hand; it blasts through his chest and sends him flying out of the room.

I refuse to give him the chance to fight back, I run towards him thinking only of Lilly-Rose and stab him in the stomach.

What looks like black tar seems to pour from his body, down onto my hand and onto the floor. Instead of dying or bleeding to death, a vortex of fire opens up and things, which can only be described as half skeletons, come out and drag him into the vortex. He screams in anger as they take him away. I assume they have taken him back to hell, what opened up and what came out did not look like the nicest of things.

Suddenly I feel slightly better as something inside me kicks in and begins to heal my wounds. It's like I suddenly feel a burst of energy, surging through me and healing the bruises and wounds he caused.

I turn around but I see the star king is no longer sat on his throne, he seems to have fled yet his soldiers are still frozen.

I wonder if I shall kill them or leave them be. Are they only doing what they are doing because of the star king? Or are they really horrible people.

I peak around the boxes where the other two soldiers are and they are still frozen, however something inside me tells me that they are good people, forced to do the star king's bidding in fear of their own lives.

I move back and look at the soldiers by the throne. I stare at their frozen bodies, statues frozen in time, not being able to move under my power. I decide to leave them, who knows how this will end, but if it goes my way and the king dies, I will see who they are then. They will be captured by my armies anyway; I don't want to kill someone who doesn't deserve it.

I have to go find him; I leave the throne room and head down the only hallway that leads out.

I don't know how my armies are doing but I hope that Ethan is ok. He hasn't looked for me since I left him, ok yes I know I told him not to come here but since when does he listen to me.

I head off in search of the star king, preparing my mind as I walk for the battle and bloodshed that I will face. I feel sick and I feel scared, but I know this is something I have to do, life or death.

It's now me or the Star King.

## CHAPTER 14

I follow the narrow black hallway down to the end and I am led to a great room. I followed the same hallway when I had Lilly-Rose, how does it suddenly look so different? It wasn't like this the last time I walked down here, what the hell is going on?

I look around the room I am in; it's filled with large pictures on the wall of a woman and a small boy. There are other pictures of men with what appears to be light painted around them.

Who are these people? Are they the former kings? Is the little boy Ethan? They all look so happy, is this what was life was like before the Star King took over?

I move through the room and exit through a large wooden door, behind the door are several other corridors. Which one am I supposed to choose? Looking down them they seem to go on for miles. They are dark and a slight howling noise of wind echoes through them.

I know what he is doing; he is trying to distract me, to confuse me so I cannot find him. Is he scared? Is he running because he fears the legends are true? Are the legends true, do I believe I can do this?

I wish for Ethan, I need his help. Normally when he comes running to my aid it pisses me off but right now I need him. I need his guidance. I need his help on strength, no-one would know the star king better than him, I mean it's his father, and surely he knows what all this is, the mind tricks and the changes.

I stand waiting for him to be by my side, but he doesn't come. Why isn't he here? He's normally here faster than I can blink.

Is he dead? No, please don't be dead.

I think hard, very hard, using as much of my power as I can to will him at my side but still nothing. I know something is wrong, he isn't here, something is seriously wrong.

I need to go to him, I need to find him and make sure he is ok, but I have no idea where he is. I use the power within me to take me to him but instead I am transported to another room.

The room looks old and dull with what appears to be cobwebs everywhere, are there even spiders up here? Right now after what I have seen I will believe anything.

It seems to be a teenage boy's room, filled with boy stuff you would imagine a teenage boy to have, well a star teenage boy.

It looks like it hasn't been used in centuries, is this Ethan's room? Was a brought her because he was my thought? The urge surges through me like electricity to go snooping through the bedroom.

There are robes in the wardrobe and male jewellery lying about on the bedside table, the drawer is slightly open. I feel the need to look inside. After-all, I may find something useful that could help me in all this.

It's a mess, but there is something inside that catches my eye, an envelope that's been opened. The writing is smart and cursive, have I gone too far?

I open the envelope and inside is a letter, sitting on the bed I ponder whether or not I should read it, I mean, this is invasion of someone's privacy. I have only guessed this is Ethan's room but I could be wrong.

Curiosity fills me and I have to read it:

My dear son,

The time is coming soon when I will have to leave you. I have been trying to hide this secret for many centuries but I can bare it in my heart no longer. Your father has become a tyrant, an evil twisted soul with only darkness in his heart.

I feel I can no longer remain at his side when my views on our people are to protect them and guide them, not steal their power for my own use.

I know you are young and to you, your father is who he is but he was once an amazing, smart and loving man who I could bare my soul to.

One day, you will understand why I could not stay but know I did not do any of this to hurt you; you are the one thing in my life I am most proud of.

Be safe my darling, I will always be with you.

Mother Xx

Oh my god, this is Ethan's room and this is a letter from his mother. He told me she was banished and stripped of her immortality where she was then sent to earth and died of old age.

She warned him she was leaving? How old was he? I always thought his mother just disappeared but she didn't. She knew what was going to happen to her but was it of her own choice? Ethan had known, he knew about his father and did nothing, is Ethan secretly by his side? Is that why he isn't responding to my call?

Wait no! I cannot think like that, this place is messing with my mind; I cannot let the star king manipulate me.

I quickly try and snap out of the ridiculous thoughts running through my mind. Still holding the letter in my hand I feel a familiar gust of wind surround me as my vision becomes blurry.

A vision? Seriously? Right now?

Still sat on the bed I allow the vision to take hold of me.

' _Playing in the garden holding my dollies I look up and see an old woman walking passed the fence. She seems friendly, smiling, holding a box._

' _Hello little one' she says smiling at me, her sweet face so inviting._

I smile back at her and she comes passed the fence and into the garden, 'I have something for you'

She hands me a wooden box and a beautiful locket, and without question I take it from her, 'you will need these someday, one day everything will change, take care of them,' she smiles once more and leaves.'

Holy crap! The old lady who gave me the box with the dagger half was Ethan's mum. Wait, did she know about me and him before I even knew what I was?

I put the letter back in its place, my mind is swirling, and I'm not sure what to believe right now.

I go to the far left of the room and exit through a small door next to the wardrobe.

I am in a dark room and I feel sick and tired of the star king playing with my mind and this building. Where is he? Why doesn't he just come out and face me instead of being a bloody coward.

I cannot hear the battle taking place outside and I'm not even sure it's still happening. I haven't seen or heard anyone, are they there? Are they dead?

My heart fears the worst.

Enough is enough, my light shines as I try to light up a way out or breakthrough the king's spells.

The building begins to shake and creek, using every force I have I continue. I feel the power around me weakening and it isn't my own, it's someone else's.

The walls come down around me and glass falls from the sky. What once surround me is now turning to rubble on the floor.

The rooms and traps that surrounded me were nothing but traps and illusions, he was trying to distract me all along.

What remains among the rubble is a small black castle; I assume the rooms I saw were real, what has fallen to the ground were king's magic, set up to distract me. The magical make-believe hallways and labyrinths are nothing more but dust in the wind and gravel on the floor.

I am suddenly outside surrounded by corpses with no heads. I cannot identify who they are, are they my soldiers or his.

Walking over the destruction of so many, my heart begins to sink as the fear of lives lost becomes real.

I still cannot force a premonition for the outcome of this war. Where is he? Where is Ethan? Where is the star king?

I walk over the corpses trying to determine who each one is as I pass them. The bodies are all in armour, with no head, how am I meant to determine who they are? The armour is the same for what my soldiers were wearing, this is a bloody nightmare!

I fear the worst that all those who stepped up and chose to help us have perished, that their realms will have very few men and no leaders, this is my entire fault.

For a moment I am frozen, fighting back the tears that are pushing to fall from my face but as I look up, I see a figure coming towards me.

As the figure comes closer I see its Lawson. He looks fine, no wounds no bruises, nothing.

"Princess," he exclaims relieved, "I have been searching for you all over, are you alright?"

I nod, "yeah, well as good as I can be, have you seen Ethan?"

He shakes his head, "no, not since the end of the battle, I assume he went to Ebon City but he is not there, when neither of you returned, I assumed you were both still here."

Worry fills me, "no I have tried calling him to me but nothing, you said untied our power will be stronger but it isn't."

"Something must be blocking it, you must come with me," he pulls my hand but I pull away.

"No, what is to be done has not yet been done and I cannot leave without Ethan. Is Lilly-Rose safe?"

"Yes" he smiles, "beautiful and full of smiles, she is with your mother."

"Where is everyone?"

"Back at Ebon City," he tells me.

"Wait, you've left us?"

"No, we defeated the star king's armies and the survivors are being held in the dungeon until your return."

"Did we lose anyone?" My voice lowers.

Lawson lowers his head in sadness, "a few in our army but a lot of people survived, his army was weaker than expected. Our wounds have healed."

I smile at him and tell him I am going to look for Ethan, if the armies are defeated then that just leaves one more.

The Star King.

## CHAPTER 15

"Where are you, you coward!" My voice echoes in the darkness, "you want me, then here I am, come and get me."

Nothing comes but the echoes of my voice and wind in the darkness that surrounds me. I am offering myself to him on a plate and still he hides away?

"I'm right here, come and get me!" I yell once more, my echoes further and further away.

I feel more confident, more ready to fight knowing that the ones who fought for us are safe, minus some losses and for those my heart goes out to them.

I need to concentrate, where is he? Why won't he come for me, what a fucking coward!

I walk through the black land towards a building in the distance; I don't know where I am going but something in my heart tells me to go there.

As I approach the building I realise it's where the pool of immortality is. It's where I first found out I had star magic.

Memories come rushing back of my first meeting with Ethan, I wish life was that simple again, just me and him and our baby.

"Lorelai" I hear whispered through the building in-front of me. As I enter I see a boy stood by the fountain.

His back is to me but there is swirling sensation in the pit of my stomach and a tick in my mind that I know that person.

"Hello?" my voice trembling.

The boys turns, it's Lewis "Lorelai, you left me, you let them get me."

Tears fill my eyes, "no, no I didn't, I'm so sorry I didn't know. I wanted to change the...."

"But you had magic to stop them and you didn't"

I stare at Lewis's sad face, my poor little brother I was made to forget, if only I had known I could have saved him, but it was too late.

As he looks at me with death and hurt in his eyes, I see something unfamiliar, his soulless eyes; his black and evil soulless eyes.

Lewis is looking at me with hurt, sorrow and loneliness but alive he was the happiest little boy in the world. His eyes would never display something so cold and hideous. But then I suppose he could be looking at me like that because he is dead but there is just something about him that just doesn't feel right.

Then I realise this isn't Lewis, it's another illusion put there by the star king to distract me.

Damn it!

This man is more powerful than I ever imagined and far more powerful than Ethan or books told me. Or did Ethan purposely hide this information from me?

I pull back my tears and look into the boys eyes "you are not my brother, you are nothing, you are shit, you think you can manipulate me, come out and face me you coward."

Black dust bursts across the room knocking me flying. I bash my head on something hard which makes me go a little fuzzy.

As I look up in a daze I see a man, he's in a thick black fluffy robe, a crown on his head and darkness in his eyes, and it's the Star King.

"Look at you, pathetic and weak and yet you are meant to be the one who destroys me," his callous voice echoes.

Behind him I see a blurred cage, inside a someone. Who is that someone staring at me, my vision is so blurred even the star kings words sound funny. My head hurts!

I must have hit my head really hard, I lie completely still as I try to heal myself, I hate being half human, this is my weakness and it's pretty easy to figure it out.

"Lorelai you must get up," I hear whispered. "Get up," it whispers again but I cannot move.

I tell myself to stay still, is this man really stronger than me? Was everything I read a lie? I'm beginning to think he cannot be defeated.

I feel like I am giving up on myself. Should I give up, his armies are defeated, is there any need for me to defeat him.

My mind is swirling with so much doubting questions. So much going around in my head, it needs to stop.

"You are nothing compared to my power, the half-ling that was meant to defeat me when you cannot even get up off that floor," he laughs, his ego kicking in.

I slowly get up off the floor, using every part of my strength I have to lift myself up and stand before the man who threatens my every existence, my family and my home.

"Oh look, it moves," he mocks me.

There behind him is Ethan in a cage surrounded by some sort of green light. That's why he didn't come to me, he is held captive by magic.

The magic up here goes way beyond what I imagined, far beyond my own mind and capabilities. This realm, this world is nothing for what I prepared for.

I walk over to Ethan as fast as I can; my body still hurts, not healing as fast as I want to, as I approach him he reaches out for me. He seems a bit weird, a bit off and distance.

He looks so hurt, so beaten, "my god are you ok?"

"Yes," his voice barely has strength, "I felt you calling me but I couldn't get out of this cage, I'm so sorry."

"Shhh, don't apologise....I."

"Oh shut up," the star king snaps, "look at you, pathetic and weak, full of hopeless love that will destroy you both. You cannot defeat me; you have no idea what I have done."

"You think love is hopeless?" I snap back, "look at you, all alone and after power for yourself and for what, to rule your whole life with no-one there to love you? Love is strong, love is something more than you could ever imagine."

Distracted by Ethan, who is still in the cage, the star king blasts me sending me flying once again. The pain surges through my body and before I realise it, my hands are bound behind me.

"This is what love does to you," he sniggers, "it makes you weak, worthless and easy to control."

The star king has once again managed to attack me without me being able to defend myself.

I am again doubting everything. Am I really the half-ling they all feared or was it just fed to me so that I would be ever so willing as to jump into battle without question?

Bound, wounded and feeling defeated I sit on the floor and slowly lift my head to look at Ethan, I feel like I have disappointed him.

"You will give me your power," the star king snarls at me.

"My power is my power, give it to you? For what? So you can abuse the realms for nothing but your own greed. You are pathetic," I snap confidently, "you are nothing, the only reason you are who you are because of your father and his title, the power you have was gained through fear and control, without them, without any of that you are nothing."

"I AM the star king and you will respect me," he slaps me hard across the face knocking me to the floor, "you will give me what I demand from you or so help me I will destroy you. Your soul will not sit amongst the stars; you will be disintegrated into nothing."

The evil in his voice and in his eyes is so extreme. It was as if the kingdom is shaking just by a look.

My hands are tied behind my back, that stupid magical tie that's his speciality. I tried to break free from these before, I couldn't, how am I meant to stand up to this man bound like this.

Fuck sake!

The star king walks away from me. His heavy footsteps make the ground vibrate beneath me.

I look at Ethan who seems to be withering in his cage. Defeated and weak, I should have got to him sooner. I know my husband and instead I wondered if he had turned against me.

How could I be so blind and stupid to think such an evil thing? I shouldn't have doubted him. But why does his okra seem different? Is it because he knows I am meant to kill his father and although he may have thought it, he is now actually going to see it! If I can untie my blimming hands, I need to think of something fast before we both die.

My mind is spinning, I need to get out of these cuffs, and god knows what he is up to. The star king has some sort of black pot in front of him. He is throwing stuff in, mixing and chanting and for god knows what. Like a witches cauldron, witches....seriously!

I shuffle my way over to Ethan, my legs feel sore and weak. As I reach his make-shift prison, I use whatever energy I have left to bring myself to my feet.

Ethan looks up at me, his eyes red from the tears he has shed, his face bruised and pale. My poor Ethan!

I lean into the cage as he leans against the inside. Our foreheads touch and for a moment, it's silent.

I cannot hear the star king's chanting or fumbling around with whatever he is doing.

It's just Ethan and I.

Memories shared between us begin to filter between our brains. I see what he sees and he can see what I see in my head. Some of it is blocked, something else is stopping it, but I brush it aside and place it down to the situation we are in.

Memories off our first meeting, our blossoming fast romance to Lilly-Rose and our wedding.

It all seemed so magical but now I fear that this is all going to be taken away from me, that I'm not the one to defeat the star king after-all.

As our heads rest upon one another, I feel a connection I haven't felt in what feels like such a long time. Ethan and I have been so wrapped up in defending Ebon City and god knows what else that we forgot how connected we were. I even forgot our unity, what we shared as one.

As he looks into my eyes, I realise that love is a powerful thing, and so am I. Suddenly, a huge ray of light shines between us, which blasts throughout the skies.

In shines so. brightly that the above and below can see the shine of pure love.

I fall to the floor and Ethan looks at me. He's healed as am I. I realise then, I needed faith in myself and I needed faith in Ethan and I.

As Lawson said, our power was stronger together and as it once united us on our wedding day, it has united us again making us stronger and making me have faith to do what I need to do.

It's time to save my world and my family.

## CHAPTER 16

My legs feel stronger and I feel extremely powerful all of a sudden. Maybe its courage, maybe its faith or maybe its love, I don't know but what I do know is I have to act now.

With the power I feel surging through me; I manage to remove the cuffs binding my hands. I could never do it before.

I always doubted myself because there were things I could not do. I always thought if I was as powerful as everyone claimed, then I should be able to do everything.

I couldn't do everything, that's why I had doubt and that's why I have been captured by Avaya and by the star king.

Everything is suddenly starting to make sense to me. I snap out of my mind and my own world of thinking and release Ethan from his prison.

He wraps his arms around me so tightly I struggle to breathe, but it doesn't matter, this is worth it. I've missed him, I've missed his embrace, that smell, that Ethan smell that is so calming to me.

For the moment I am in his arms, I feel peace and I feel safe. It feels to me like nothing is happening, there is no war, no battle for control, just comfort.

I am soon brought out of my doolally world when I noticed something stumbling in the corner of my eye. As I turn my head to look, the star king is staggering towards us, he seems drunk and unsteady all of a sudden.

"Ethan I need to do this," I tell him, my confidence filling me.

"The blast must have knocked him, look you have me here with you and I can help."

"I know," I smile softly stroking his cheek, "but I have to do this, it must be me or this could go on for centuries, and I would kind of like to go home and have my family back."

He gives a simper smile, his mouth curling up on the side, and I know that's the face that says _'me too'_.

He takes a step back, not that he is being a coward; he is following my very adamant instruction.

I move towards the star king who is obviously stunned by the light blast shared between Ethan and me.

Without hesitation, I hold up my hands and using all the energy and anger, red light blasts from my hand.

It blasts him out of the building and into the darkness of the star kingdom. I look back at Ethan and give him a smile as I transport myself after him.

I am not going to let him get away so he can destroy the homes of the others and my family.

Surely there must be some kindness in his heart, after what I saw in the bedrooms and the pictures hanging, is it possible that he could be kind and he is just tainted by too much power?

As I am distracted I feel a pinch on my stomach, as I look down I realise he has hit me with his star light, it doesn't wound me thankfully, I am moving too fast for him.

Suddenly we are right in-front of each other.

"You manipulative bitch," he curses "you stole my son, you turned him against me, but I will get him back, he will be like me. You have no idea of the evil power within."

I raise my eyebrow at the most stupid statement "I haven't stole your son, he had already left you, you crazy haired mental person!"

"He was going to come back; he would have wanted to be by my side, in time he would be like me."

"Oh yeah, " I roll my eyes in sarcasm, "I'm sure he wanted to be with you so you could steal our child and be the most EVIL person ever, sure," I give a sarcastic thumbs up.

"I put a stop to your kind, how is it that you be here in-front of me," he spits angrily.

"Because my parents were clever enough to hide me," I smile further annoying him.

His face reddens with anger; it's as if you can see the blood boiling inside him. He swiftly moves towards me and goes to punch me but luckily I anticipate what he is about to do and I move.

He seems to have given up using magic on me and decides his best option to defeat me is combat fighting. In my mind I try to remember everything I was taught to defend myself.

The fight ensues, each one of us throwing punches, kicks and being thrown about. Not that I like this guy but he is throwing some good punches.

The more he hits me the more pain I feel surge through my body but yet I find the will and strength to carry on.

I feel the power building within me, Ethan once said my eyes turned red, although I cannot see my own eyes, I feel that, that is the colour they are now.

Grabbing his hand as he goes to punch me, I twist it round so he is in a lock, I place my other hand on his chest and blast light straight into him.

The light is strong and powerful. If humans were looking above from below right now it would appear as if there were thunder and lightning in the skies.

Flashes of light and huge bangs can be heard and seen as the star king and I battle it out between us.

He tries to fight back, but he misses, each opportunity more weak than the one before. I can see he is weakening, his attacks are becoming less brutal and the energy from his light seems to dim.

"Look at you," I mock him, "the great star king, the immortal they all feared, fallen to his knees, weak and dim lighted, you are nothing but a worthless piece of shit!"

He tries to stand to his feet but is too weak, his body falls back down the ground, his face covered in blood and bruises, and he hasn't got enough time to heal himself.

I get up close to him; I grab the black sparkling cloak that covers his body, a cloak he seen as a sign of status and power. He looks directly into my eyes and I see nothing but evil. I had hoped that there would be some sort of hope or kindness in his eyes.

He is my husband's father; I didn't want to do this I have never wanted to do this. I had hoped I could save him or change his mind, is this how he wants to end?

As neither of us say a word and I stare into eyes, I see glimpse of the past and the evil things he has done.

The killings, all the torture, and working Rasantios. It's as if somehow I have had a glimpse into his past, as if he wants me to see how truly evil he is.

"You don't have the guts or the power to take from me what you need to defeat me," he suddenly pipes up, the breath of words even sound forced as he has no energy.

"Is that so?" I smile, "let me tell you a story," I grip him firmly, red light surrounds my fists as the magic keeps him from moving, I look into his eyes and let him see my memory, "when I was a little girl, an old lady came to me with a box, a beautiful wooden box that contained something special. She told me I was special and I would need this one day, as a child I never knew what it was for until recently, when I pieced together this."

I pull the blade from behind me, his reflection shines clearly through the stainless magical steel. His eyes widen in shock and fear as he realises what I possess.

I push the blade against his throat I see the fear and realisation in his eyes that this is the end, his reign of terror is almost over.

"Just so you know," my eyes meet his as his death breath fills my nostrils, "I do not take pleasure in this, but you deserve nothing, you do not deserve to be."

Before the blade has time to act he whispers breathlessly his final words, "Ethan has evil inside him."

I take no notice of his words, he is just trying to trick me, yes the blood of his father runs through his veins but he is not evil. The blade shines brightly as the star kings body begins to shudder in my grasp.

His light is pulled from his body as he screams in pain. It's as if I can feel his black soul leaving his body through the grip of my hands.

A part of me wants to let go but then the other part of me is afraid that if I do, he will be able to escape and the chase will be on again.

I feel the ground shudder beneath me as his soul is pulled into the blade. The blade begins to light a green colour, a mesmerising emerald green colour.

As my hand's grip the blade tightly, the star light of red anger burns through me, shining from me like a bright car light on a dark road, lighting up all around me.

I will not let go, I cannot let go. I use every part of magic I have inside me to keep a firm grip and to keep him from escaping.

As his soul leaves his immortal body, it slumps to the ground and becomes limp and heavy in my grasp. Now I let go and look at him for a moment. His lifeless immortal shell, which is lying on the black sparkling grounds beneath me, the immortal skin that covers his body is grey and disturbing.

I take a breath of air, I feel as if I haven't done so in a while. The cool air reaches the back of my throat and it is as if I can feel it reaching my lungs. It's cold and refreshing, just what I feel I needed.

I know the soul king is not dead yet, the blade I hold has his soul trapped and will always be trapped but his body remains. I pull my arm back and with the last bit of strength and anger I feel inside me I strike, cutting off his head of his immortal body which is lying there soulless.

His head rolls off and down his body. His eyes still open as if they are looking at me and his mouth still open as if he is screaming.

It sends chills down my spine looking at him like that, but before I can remove him, the body and his decapitated head bursts into flames.

Thick red and orange flames surround his body as the fire sends clouds of black smoke into the air. It burns for what feels like forever as I watch his body slowly disappear in the flames.

It is as if the star king existence had never been, none of the others burst into flames, just him, so much evil inside all going back to Rasantios, where it belongs.

The blade n my hand stops shining, the soul will perish within the blade and he will never be able to return.

As the flames die down I look down on just ash on the floor where his body lied. The star king has been defeated, his soul perishing in a blade and his immortal body disintegrated.

Finally, the battle of the stars is over.

## CHAPTER 17

I want to burst into tears, a part of me is saddened at the thought but the other part of me feels pleasure that I have taken someone's life.

It's over, the battle and death that loomed over our heads is gone, it's over. It's over.

His life was nothing; it was a reign of cruelty and torture to those who did not do as he pleased. He killed so many people and for what? To end up like this, a pile of ash in the star kingdom he once thought was his most prized possession.

I don't need to think about him anymore, I don't need to worry about him, he is gone. Ethan and I can continue with the rest of our lives as I had always hoped it would be.

I hear footsteps behind me as I stay kneeling on the ground; the footsteps are shuffled, pushing the gravel away as they drag their feet.

I turn to see Ethan stood there. His face is filled with sadness but his eyes filled with hope. I cannot begin to explain that to you, how I can see both emotions, but I can.

I guess because he is my husband and I am so in love with him I am able to understand his looks.

He comes close to me and kneels beside me, observing the pile of ash that was once his father. He looks into my hand and sees the blade, which was once a shimmer of green, no longer shining so brightly and no longer a plain stainless steel colour.

He takes the blade from my hand but says nothing. Silently, he is staring at the blade that holds his father's soul. I look at his face and try to guess what is going through his mind.

Do I ask him?

I have just killed his father, he knew that this was going to happen and this is what I had to do. But the look on his face says he is devastated. Something about him is off but I have just killed his father, he wouldn't exactly be bouncing with happiness.

"I have no family," he whispers with sadness.

"You have me," I whisper back stroking his cheek and trying to comfort him.

"I know that and I love you, but it's not the same, my mother was taken from me and now my father. When he captured me I didn't resist. I let him."

Frowning in confusion I look at him, "why would you do that?"

"Because," he sniffles, "I thought if I let him take me, he would see the damage he was doing to his own son, but instead he was more evil than I remembered."

Tears stream down his face as he finally gives in and breaks down. He has been trying too hard for so long to be strong. He was judged by all those around him as they too wondered, would he be like his father? Even myself at one point!

As respected as he was by his people and as much as they loved him, you could sometimes see the doubt in their eyes as they feared the blood than ran through his veins would make him just as evil.

Anyone who had ever gotten close to him and saw into his eyes, and his soul, would know that Ethan does not have one evil bone in his body.

I understand where he is coming from. I lost my brother and my father; it hurts to lose those you love. The pain that reaches deep into your gut as you feel like your insides is being torn inside out.

Granted, my father was a lot different to his, so loving and compassionate with everything in life. He was always there to help you if you needed him. But no matter whom Ethan's father was, to him, he was still his dad and that pain of losing him hurt.

"Ethan it isn't your fault, you wanted what most people have, a father who loves you."

He looks at me with his bloodshot red teary eyes, "I wanted that but it was never to be. I tried to reason with him, I tried to tell him he didn't have to do this but he refused to listen to me, if he did, maybe he would still be alive."

I know that I have to be the strong one here. If Ethan's father did suddenly change his mind, I doubt that it would have been plain sailing.

His father was an evil murderer, an immortal person hell bent on destroying everything around him. I know Ethan wants to see the good in his father, and believe me I did too, but it just wasn't to be. That is not who his father was. I'm not even sure Ethan knows of the evil things his father done.

"Ethan," my voice firm, "your father, he would never have been who you wanted him to be. I saw in his eyes the things he had done, your mother, you and his own people. It was cruel, beyond cruel. Nobody deserved the things he had done. Ethan I wish your father was the man you wanted him to be, but even if he had lived, that is something that would never come true."

He turns his head slowly and looks into my eyes. For a moment I feel like he is going to start screaming at me. Saying I never knew his father and I do not know what I am talking about.

But instead, his eyes soften, he gazes into my eyes and I can see that now, he sees sense and agrees that my words are true. Well, it certainly appears that way when I look into his eyes, understanding and agreement.

It will take time to get over this but I know that together he and I will accomplish anything, we have done so far. Ahh, the thought of that makes me smile.

He embraces me in a hug as we sit on the black gravelly ground in the darkness that still surrounds us. We barely move as we hold each-other and sit in silence.

The sounds of the wind whisk passed our ears, the whistling sounds above us as the star kingdom is finally at peace.

Suddenly the ground begins to shake. Not expecting it, I grab hold of Ethan as tightly as I can as we look at each-other however I am the only one who seems confused and scared.

The sky above the kingdom begins to break and the ground begins to crack. The gravel of black sparkling dust lifts from the floor into the air and surrounds us.

"What's happening?" I scream.

He says nothing but instead he grabs me and pulls me closer.

It feels as if the star kingdom is destroying itself, everything seems to be falling apart around us.

Ethan holds onto me as I do him, he shines so brightly creating a star light protective bubble around us. I feel the need to transport but I'm too terrified to move. I have no idea what is happening.

It feels like this is going on forever, like large trucks and bombs are hitting the floor causing crashing and banging sounds that are so loud it's deafening.

This was never explained, we or I was never told to expect this. As the star kingdom seems to be destroying itself, an explosion of light fills everything around us to the point we cannot see anything.

I close my eyes as tightly as I can, afraid to see what is happening around me. Are we going to die? Will this destroy us? Will I see my baby again? So many thoughts as I fear what is happening.

Suddenly, it is calm, quiet. A peaceful sound of nothing and what feels like a summer breeze brushing passed my cheeks. It feels warm and calm like we have been drifted somewhere else.

Slowly I open my eyes and look up. Ethan's face has changed, it's happy and astounded. His eyes are fixed on whatever is around us. I don't know if I want to turn around and see what he sees.

As I pull away from him and turn my head slowly, I see what is suddenly in view. The star kingdom has transformed into something beautiful.

Flowers bloom on the ground below, roses, daisies and tulips spouted high and standing strong. Like a sudden burst spring in all its glory.

The sky above is a mesmerising shade of blue with white sparkles. The buildings seem whole again, gold crafted and covered in what appears to be stardust twinkling in the beautiful star lit sky.

It's amazing, it's so beautiful. Ethan looks at me and smiles, standing to his feet he then helps me to mine.

"This is my home," he gasps in amazement.

"It's so..."

"Beautifully stunning," he interrupts.

"Not what I was going to say but, yeah, it is," I smile looking around me. How is this now suddenly here?

"This is what it was always meant to look like, the richness and happiness of our beautiful home, this is what I was born into, this is what our father's and great grandfathers had built."

I look around, still captivated by what I see. It clearly shows what the star king's evil had done. It had been made in his image, his evil and cruelness.

It turned a beautiful kingdom into something dark and evil, a reflection of the person who ruled over it all.

It now slightly looks like Ebon City but far more enchanting. More beautiful than anything I have ever seen. It's so full of colour, sparkles and beauty. I feel so happy inside, we have won and everything is returning to how it should be.

Ethan takes my hand and looks at me, his eyes twinkle a sparkly shade of blue once more as he tells me mine have returned to their sparkly shade of pink.

"We must go back now, it is time to return and we must follow order with the prisoners, we must make sure everyone is ok and inform them of the star kings defeat, I bet they will be wondering where we are...."

"First," I stop him, "we need to spend time with our daughter, and I know it has only been two days but these have felt like the longest two days of my entire life. She has been forced a potion which has made her grow, meaning us missing out on parts of her life, her first smile, her first laugh, those things are so important. We need to be with her, god knows what she has been subjected to."

"I agree, first family, we will deal with the prisoners later and we will deal with them appropriately, we must thank those who helped us also."

He pulls me close and kisses me softly. As he kisses me, swirls of stardust surrounds us and in a quick swoosh we are gone.

Finally we are on our way home to be with those we love and the one we love the most, our baby-girl.

## CHAPTER 18

Arriving back in Ebon City, still embraced in a kiss we hear crowds of cheers. We look to see we are home and the people around us are safe.

Smiling, we head into the crowds to greet our people as they greet us with warmth and pleasure that we have returned safely.

I look around to see those from other realms safely home, but unfortunately there are those I do not see. We lost a few soldiers in the battle and as happy as their wives or families are to see us, I see the pain on their faces, although glad to see us, they cannot hide their broken hearts.

Those stars made a great sacrifice to save us and everyone's homes, for that they do not blame us but welcome us back with open arms.

Through the crowds I see Ophelia, last time I saw her she was tortured and beaten, barely able to walk. Now, she is back to the star she once was before she was taken.

Shining every so brightly, she runs towards me and swoops me into her arms, "I'm so glad you're home," her voice sighs relief.

"Me too," I reply pulling away to look at her. She looks so healthy.

"I was so afraid, when I left I saw the devastation, I feared I may never see you again."

"I'm home and I'm safe, it's all over now." I kiss her on her cheek and look behind her.

There I see my mum, my amazing mother and in her arms is my beautiful baby-girl. Without thinking of who is around me trying to say hello, I rush passed them all straight towards her.

I don't even think my feet touch the floor. I quickly give my mum a kiss and she hands me my baby.

Taking her into my arms feels like the most amazing feeling in the world. She is happy and smiling at me. She smiles, she is so big now but I don't care, I may have missed those small milestones but we can now make new memories and no-one will ever take her away again.

I hold her close and smother her in kisses, "mummy missed you so much, you ok baby-girl, mummy will never let you go again," I tell her kissing her all over.

Ethan is suddenly beside me, he wraps his arms around the both of us and I break into a full sob. I'm so happy right now I cannot contain myself any longer.

So much is going on outside we feel we cannot get to everyone, but soon our guests approach us.

"Princess Lorelai," King Jonathan addresses me so formally, "we have succeeded in our tasks and I now feel our realm is safe once again, I hope we can continue our friendship and know that our realm is peaceful with yours."

I look at him with gratitude and respect, "thank you so much for your help, I am sorry for those you have lost, my thoughts and heart will always go out to their families, I am happy we can continue our friendship and know that we are at peace with you."

He gives a polite bow and before I know he and his people are gone, back to their realm where they belong to live in peace and joy.

The fairies then approach us all giddy with sparkles on their cheeks, "Princess," they chirp merrily, "we hope that now you are at peace there is no need for the enchantments and protection spells that surround our realm and we hope that you visit more often."

"I'd love to, would be nice not being trapped to one particular place" I smile happy at the thought of befriending these ever so lovely people and being able to leave Ebon City without fear of capture

"Your daughter is so beautiful," she comments as she playfully pulls faces at Lilly-Rose, "be happy and be safe," and with swirls of sparkles she too and the other fairies have gone.

Lawson approaches me, a genuine smile spread across his face, "My lady, I'm pleased by your return and happy that you are safe."

I grab him and hug him tightly. Our dear friend who has helped us greatly, I don't know what would have happened if his knowledge, wisdom and guidance were not shared.

He is taken aback by my sudden show of affection towards him; he is not used to such feelings as he's a soldier, stiff and disciplined.

He gives a slight uncomfortable smile and leaves blushing. I turn to my mother and see the red eyes where she has been crying. I see the bags under her eyes where she has not slept, and her lines by her eyes where she has been stressed.

"Mum I'm home, its ok."

She looks at me, her body language shows hesitation but then she flings herself at me and grabs me so tight I almost drop the baby.

"Oh my god I'm so sorry," she sobs, "I'm just so happy you are home, I thought the worst when everyone returned and you didn't. Everyone else came back and I searched for you in the crowds and when I didn't see you my heart broke."

"I had to stay and take care of things, it wasn't completely over but I didn't want anyone else to get hurt, I had to stay to finish it."

"It's ok," she utters, "I understand, I was just scared is all, my heart nearly fell out I was panicking so much, but I'm so glad you are home."

"Is Lilly-Rose ok? Did you check her? Was she hurt?" I ask slightly distressed worrying about what could have happened to her.

"She's fine; I looked her over, not a scratch on her. Ophelia was clutching on to her for dear life and there was a lady. We checked her sweetheart, she is fine, one beautiful happy baby-girl, bigger than she should be but other than that perfectly healthy, even Doctor Pandora took a look at her" she says smiling at the baby as she playfully pinches her cheeks.

My whole body relaxes hearing those words from my mother. I have been so scared that they had done something bad to her, besides accelerating her growth, but looking at her, she's laughing and smiling and being the baby I knew her to be.

Yes, I know it has been two days, but those two days felt like years and years. I kept wondering if I was ever going to get her back, and I am happy now more than ever that I do.

I look around and I notice Ethan has disappeared from the crowds. I wonder where he is. I look around at the smiling happy faces, glad the battle is over and yet he doesn't seem to be part of the celebrations.

I think of Ethan, my heart pounds and swirls of star dust surround me as I am transported straight to him. I find him sitting in the park where I once had my vision.

Sat on the swings, he is swinging back and forth and some sort of trance, staring out in-front of him as if he is in deep thought. His face looks different, he looks deeply disturbed.

I know he is thinking of his father, I think he torn by what had happened and what he had hoped to have happened. He doesn't have to say a word but I can see it all over his face.

I approach him slowly, "penny for your thoughts," I whisper gently behind him.

He turns and curls his lip up in an attempt to smile, "just a lot to take in," he sighs, "I thought this would never end, always being here, fighting with my father, hiding where we were, never seeing our baby, it's just so much, I feel something inside me, I don't know but a part of me looks at you and I see what I never wanted to see, you murdering my father!"

I nod in agreement, slightly upset softly running my fingers through the back of his hair. Does he blame me for what has happened? I did what I had to do and not because I wanted to.

He moves his hand behind his head and places it on mine, feeling his touch he pulls me around the swing to sit on his lap and stares straight into my eyes.

His eyes sparkle in that amazing shade of blue, like a summer sky with no clouds and fairy lights twinkling above. His eyes have always captured me, they are so beautiful.

"I'm sorry," he mumbles nestling his head into my chest, "I am happy I didn't mean that, I don't know why I said it it's just a lot to process is all."

I rest my head on his as we swing back and forth, "I know, but at least we're home safe and at least it is over, we can be a family, we can live freely."

"This is not my home, this was the place I created so my people had somewhere safe, our home is up there and that is where we shall return to, I will rule as I was born to do."

"You want to go back?" I move my head looking at him, my eyebrows raised.

"Yes I do, that is my and our home, as you saw before we left it returned to its former beauty and I am now king, we should return and let people carry on with their lives, the way it is supposed to be."

Holy shit! He's right, he's a king now. I didn't even think of that. Does mean that I am now a queen? It does doesn't it. Bile rises in my throat at the thought and the sudden overwhelming responsibility.

I had not prepared to become queen any time soon. Ok I got the title 'Princess' and I have done so little in running Ebon City, how the hell am I going to run an entire kingdom?

Nerves sweep through me, my body begins to shake as the thought sticks in my head _. 'I am a queen, a god-damn queen.'_

To be honest I am not completely sure I am up for the challenge; I will never leave Ethan of course I wouldn't but can I really run an entire kingdom? Can these people who have only known me a short while look up to me as their queen?

Taking a deep breath I climb off of Ethan's lap and try not to let him see how muddled I am. Normally he senses my anguish but I cannot let him sense this, he has far too much going on in his own head; let alone what's going on in mine too. His face is still deeply disturbing, like horrible thoughts are rushing through his mind, I wish I knew was he was thinking and then that way I could help him and ease whatever it is that is troubling him so.

We head back to the main city where crowds can be heard still merry in their gatherings, we need to head to the dungeon and find out what the soldiers are doing and whether or not we should allow them to return with us.

Should we spare their lives and allow back into a kingdom they helped to try and destroy, or were they just helpless stars, forced to do evil bidding against their will.

I guess we have to confront them to find out. Ethan has a tight grip on my hand as he leads me to the dungeons, I have never seen him so eager and with such a determined look on his face, something inside is beginning to worry me.

What is happening to Ethan?

## CHAPTER 19

As we approach the dungeons of the city, I check the crowds and see that Lilly-Rose is still within the crowds being kept safe by my mother.

As we enter the dark city dungeon's I am shocked to see ow many soldiers of the star king are actually here. There were so many dead bodies up there I thought there would only be a few, but there are hundreds.

The dungeon is, for the first time since I have been here, overcrowded. Each cell is occupying more than they were accommodated for and looking extremely cramped.

Ethan and I are followed by Lawson and few of our soldiers and we prepare to question them about whom they are and what were there intentions, force or will. I don't know what is about to happen but then I realise something; I am the strongest star inn here. My power far outweighs theirs.

If something was about to happen, I can protect all of us. We go down the long and dark dingy hallway, passed the cells to end of the dungeon where the guard is situated, keeping a watchful eye and keeping them under control.

"Any issues to report," Ethan asks firmly.

"No Your Majesty, they have been very well behaved in-fact, they have been silent and barely spoken a word," he looks at them, his face extremely serious, "it is strange, I would expect them to be demanding or fighting back but instead, nothing."

Ethan looks at the cells behind him; he hears no sounds and strangely neither do I. I would never have thought after this long battle they would be so extremely well behaved.

I walk up between the cells; the walkway seems longer going the opposite way. I feel their eyes fixed on me as they are sat in their groups, nothing but silence. All I can hear is their breathing, what are they thinking?

"Lorelai," I hear my name being called, as I turn I realise I have wandered to close to the cages, entranced by these soldiers and Ethan is calling me back. I head back quickly as I approach the conversation they are having.

"So we should destroy them your majesty?" The guard asks quite formal and stern.

"Yes, I do not believe we have a place for them in our home, after what they fought for, we cannot trust them."

I am taken aback by this, without question Ethan is willing to destroy their lives. Yes I understand they worked for the star king but maybe some of them done so against their will. He said we would question them, not destroy them in a moment's decision.

How can he be so willing to take away their immortality when he hasn't given them the chance to defend themselves?

"Wait," I interrupt, "you're just going to kill them? No questions?"

"Yes my queen," the guard pipes up, sounds a tad cocky to me, too pleased with the outcome.

"Ethan wait," I turn Ethan to face me, I need him to look at me, "you cannot just go killing them, or taking their immortality or whatever it is you want to do, that isn't fair and most certainly not right."

"They worked for my father, they tried to destroy us, and they deserve punishment."

"Punishment I agree, but don't you think of the larger picture? They may have been forced to do something against their will; surely we are no better than the star king if we just charge in there and destroy them, look at them. The guard even said it himself, they are well behaved," I argue, trying to make him see some bloody sense.

He stands firm, inhaling deeply as he looks a figure of authority, "Lorelai, I am king now and certain unpleasant decisions must be made," he tries to defend his actions.

"Will you listen to yourself, you're starting to sound like a completely unreasonable dick," I snap as those around gasp in horror at my tone towards their king, "I know what you are saying but you are not thinking like a king, you are thinking like a spoilt little asshole trying to be the big man in-front of his friends, will you take your god-damn brain out of your fucking pants and think for a minute please."

He stares directly at me; he is not blinking at all as it seems he is trying to take in what I have just said. His face deepens into something more evil and disturbing, it makes me step back, is he listening to himself?

"You either listen to me or be the man I know you can be, or I will make sure that no-one here can hurt these prisoners," I'm giving him a choice.

The guards look on in shock and silences as each of the prisoners are trying hard to listen to the disagreement. Their bodies pushed up against the bars as they each try and fight their way through for a glimpse of what is happening.

"You wouldn't dare," Ethan snaps, clearly annoyed at my intrusion and defiance.

"Wouldn't I?" I tell him as I step backwards slowly, my hands lifting from my side and the red light starting to show.

"You are not this person Ethan five minutes ago you were a glimpse of the man I love, I don't know what has happened to you, something is not right and it hasn't been right since I found you in that cage but until you stop being a dick and see reason, you will not touch these prisoners, otherwise that just makes you a cold hearted murderer," With a wave of my hand and a blast of the strongest light, it shoots through the dungeons and then back, running over the cell bars.

They shine a glimmer of red light, the prisoners step back; weary of what has just happened.

I look at Ethan as his guards attempt to open the cell doors but upon touching them they are blasted away. No-one can get in or out and that's how it is going to say.

I look at Ethan, a slight hint of sarcasm and pleasure on my face as I turn on my heel and leave. He can sit there and try and figure it out but he will never break down those defences.

I don't understand how he can suddenly turn into a monster. Am I just making excuses for him and he really is just like his father?

I don't understand. I head back to the apartment and realise that it's late, extremely late. Crowds have dispersed and gone home, the city is silence once again.

Lilly-Rose is fast asleep and so is my mother, Ophelia is out on the balcony, shining ever so brightly.

"Ophelia," I call out quietly, trying not to wake anyone, she turns and looks at me, holding out her hand to invite me to be with her. "Here, stand by me," she smiles, still shining, "shine with me, "she whispers.

I haven't just shone for the fun of it since that night I went to the festival with Ethan, if I have since it's normally been to do with the battle.

Together, side by side, we shine brightly, lighting up Ebon City. I suddenly feel free, at ease and relaxed. The shine is so bright that it bursts up and out through our crystal sky, shining further and further into the air.

The happiness is short lived; I hear my name being called, rather angrily as the sound gets closer and closer.

"Ophelia, go wait in the bedroom, stay by the baby, if anything happens transport out of here and go somewhere, keep in contact via telepathy ok."

Without hesitation she follows my instruction and quickly leaves. Neither she nor I know whose voice that is; it's so deep and so angry. I've never heard it before and I am not taking any risks with my daughter again.

The stomps get louder and the calls of my name get closer, stepping inside and away from the balcony I am preparing for the worst, something we missed, something we left behind.

As the doors swing open, to my surprise, and complete horror its Ethan stood there. His eyes are red, not normal red, evil anger red, ready to burst into flames at any moment.

Is this really my husband?

I step back, I don't want to hurt him and I certainly don't want to get into a fight with him, what the hell is happening? I should have known something was amiss when he wasn't himself, when he was acting a bit weird.

"You defied me," his voice rumbles as the doors bang against the walls, opening with such force.

"I haven't defied you, I've stopped you from doing something stupid," I yell back, maintaining my distance, "Ethan what the hell has gotten into you?"

"You! Telling me how to be a king and stepping in to defend those worthless immortals. They tried to destroy my family, they tried to kill our people and you stood there and defended them, how DARE you Lorelai," his tone becomes more threatening as he slowly edges towards me.

I keep moving away as I see he is trying to get closer and closer to me, how could he think I would defy him, all I was doing was trying to make him see sense, that his actions were murder and not an act of a king.

"Ethan, you're being unreasonable, you're not yourself, and you need to calm the fuck down" I tell him calmly trying to lower the tension and anger in the room.

But it does nothing, instead he launches a light power at me, I never thought he would ever try to attack me. As I dodge it and look I refuse to fight back. He is my husband!

I keep dodging every light that he throws at me but soon it becomes too much to bare. As much as I do not want to do this, I strike him back, enough to knock him down and render him unconscious, well, unresponsive anyway.

He knows that I am more powerful than he is so why would he try to attack me or even worse, why is he trying to kill me what the fuck is going on.

He lies on the floor in the middle of our bedroom which is completely trashed. Broken furniture everywhere and our personal possessions destroyed.

How could he do this? How could he suddenly turn into something so evil? I have tried to make excuses for him but I fear the worst, the blood that runs through his veins really is evil. His father said it, his father said I didn't know and I didn't but instead now I see it with my own eyes.

Trembling and shaking, I walk over to him; he is not moving and appearing lifeless lying across the floor.

What am I going to do? Do I wake him? Do I kill him? No, no I cannot do that, what a horrible and unbearable thought.

Something is definitely not right; somehow he has become someone else and not the man I knew.

## CHAPTER 20

After seeing the throws of light and hearing the crashing noises, my mother and Lawson come rushing into the room to see Ethan on the floor not moving, me having a panic attack and the room in a total mess.

I am trying to control myself but the shakes are uncontrollable and very visible to both of them. My mum comes rushing over to me and Lawson runs to Ethan.

"My god what happened," she squeaks overprotectively.

"I don't know, Ethan just started going mental trying to attack me and I blasted him. I....I didn't know what else to do."

"You blasted the king?" Lawson asks shocked.

"Yes, not to hurt him, just enough to, you know, knock him out," my voice still trembling nervously.

"Ethan attacked you?" My mum asks her eyes wide with shock.

"Yes, I don't know what's happened to him...."

"His eyes are red with evil," Lawson interrupts, "this is not Ethan, well it is but something is wrong. Lorelai, you have the gift to see the past yes?"

"Yeah I do but what good is that to us right now?" I flap still in shock and worried what has happened to my loving husband.

"Something must have happened up there," Lawson tells me clearly trying to defend him; "you need to look back into his mind, into the past and find out what the star king done to him. Please Lorelai," he begs, "this is not the Ethan we know, he would never try to hurt you, surely you know that, we need to know what happened before you found him."

If I know anything about my husband I know this is true. From the beginning he has always been protective of me, even over the smallest things.

We pick Ethan up off the floor and position him on the only chair that survived the lovers tiff. It was a chair bought for me by Ethan when I first came here. It was from home to make me feel at ease.

"I have never done this at will before, it just came to me when I was thinking of my real father, I don't know if this will work," I mumble as I try not to let my emotions over-run me.

"Just focus Lorelai, breathe deeply and focus on what it is you want to see," Lawson guides me, "just cut everyone and everything out."

I take a deep breath and place my forehead on Ethan's. My heart still beats strongly for him; he is the love of my life. I close my eyes and stroke his cheek, trying to concentrate on what it is I want to see.

'I feel the wind begin to brush passed me as I feel myself taken to an event that has been and gone. I open my eyes to no longer be touching Ethan but to see the star king stood with Rasantios.

He is holding some sort of amulet, I edge closer to hear the discussion, and he is telling the star king about the amulet and its evil powers. If he wanted his son to join him this was the way.

This makes no sense, when I arrived; Ethan was broken and bruised, beaten and sore. He was loving to me, kind and the husband I remembered him to be. He was slightly off but who could blame him when he was in such a state.

As I watch the past unfold before my eyes, like watching an old movie take place on a movie reel, I then see Ethan pulled in against his will, beaten. The vision is in pieces; I am not sure which parts are first or last, just seem a muddle.

Then there is me, I enter and it kicks off between me and the star king, as I lay on the floor, my head blurry and fuzzy the star king places the amulet inside Ethan with a spell, I don't see it while I'm there. He done it when I couldn't see.

He whispers to Ethan that soon he will be like him and then the vision ends.'

I saw what I needed to see. Ethan has something inside of him that is making him this way. My fear that he is like his father leaves and I know that he is not being this evil person of his own choice.

His father couldn't have him willingly so he poisoned him, turned him evil. I defeated Rasantios and I am assuming his father is the only one with the spell, so how am I going to get it out?

"What did you see?" Lawson asks catching me as I fall backwards.

"I saw bits and bobs, but an amulet, its round, shiny yellow in the middle with silver edges, like a mirror shape" I explain, trying to focus on the vision.

Lawson steps back, his face suddenly turns sour, like he has seen the scariest thing in the world, "the amulet of Eva," he whispers backing away.

"The amulet of what?" I ask confused.

"The amulet of Eva," Lawson repeats, "it belonged to Rasantios's girlfriend, Eva, many centuries ago. He gave it to her when he fell in love and feared good would over-run her heart and she would leave. It is filled with more evil than you can ever imagine. It's enchanted with evil spells to keep evil in the heart of the person that wears it."

"Wear?" I'm even more confused.

"Yes, it was attached to a chain; a beautiful chain she would wear every day."

I look back at Ethan and then at Lawson, "wait, hang on a minute, if she is supposed to be wearing it then how....."

"She died," he cuts me off, "it is said that whilst she was out of the protection of her home realm, she was spotted by immortal gods from Benthos who were angry she had been stolen from them and turned into this evil being. She had become so evil she was willing to kill her own father."

"Wait, she was a god? He fell in love with a mortal god?" My jaw almost drops to the floor.

"Yes, well, her father was. Rasantios had stolen her in her sleep, he found her beautiful and enchanting, not like anything he had ever seen before. After a while she began to feel for him and he began to love her but her heart still longed for home and he knew that her heart was full of good, full of light. Her father couldn't bear to see his daughter with the ruler of evil, he hated what Rasantios had done to her, and so using what he could he kidnapped her when she was unprotected and ripped the chain from her neck. The amulet had worked so well her heart and soul were completely black, not matter what he did to try and turn her back, nothing worked. So to save her, they killed her."

"Wow, I guess love can have a serious effect on you no matter who you are. And now that amulet is inside Ethan, how did he get the amulet back, if she was captured in Benthos wouldn't she still have it with her?"

"They sent it back to him, a cruel jibe, as a message of what....wait, the amulet is inside him?" Lawson changes the subject quickly.

"Yeah," I nod casually, "I saw it in the vision it being pushed into his body."

"Lorelai, it must be taken out, wearing it around your neck will slowly turn your heart and soul black, wearing it inside your body will kill him. It will turn him evil to the point he self destructs, it will strip his immortality and he will become a demon."

I step back almost falling in fear that my husband can turn into a demon. I need to figure out a way to get this out but I have no idea how.

Firstly I try doing what the star king done and magically reaching inside him to pull it out, but that just electrocutes me and sends me flying. I smash against the bedroom wall and come crumbling down to the floor.

I rush back over to Ethan and try again, and again, and again, each time failing to pull it out.

I fall to the floor after trying spells and enchantments to pull the bloody thing out and nothing works. Stood next to him trying to figure out my next move, he is protected by so much evil how the hell am I supposed to reach inside of him and pull it out?

Suddenly, I feel a slight brush of something against my hand. Looking down, Ethan's eyes have opened and he is looking at me directly in the eye. His eyes still burning evil red and his face all scrunched up like something out of a teen vampire film. The amulet's evil is working through his body, demon features are starting to appear in his face.

My heart begins to race wondering what his next move will be but he does nothing. Just lies silently and still, looking up at me with a gaze that sends shivers down my spine.

I feel frozen, like time has suddenly stopped and in this moment there is just me and him.

As my brain tries to think of my next move, in what can only be seen in slow motion by my eyes, Ethan moves and reaches out towards me.

His hand stretches up with his long demon like fingers, reaching for my throat to grab me.

As my eyes quickly catch up with my brain I realise he is lunging for me and I quickly dart out of the way.

Lawson steps in to try and stop him but his efforts fail and Ethan shoots him out of the room. Is Ethan's heart now so evil he cannot see that he is hurting the ones he loves?

My mother is stood in the corner, quiet and frozen in fear. I tell her to run, she is human after-all, and if he launches anything at her I guarantee it will kill her.

I run into the next room as I try and figure something out, my mind is muddled and my heart is racing so fast I feel I'll pass out if I don't catch a breath.

"You cannot hide from me you evil half-ling, I will destroy you," Ethan's evil voice bellows as he follows in behind me.

That is not my husband, his shell of a body maybe but the evil within him has definitely taken over. He starts to attack me and rather than hurt him I fire defences back.

I keep casting spells to protect me or use my inner light to bounce off Ethan's attacks. As he comes closer I try to freeze him but it doesn't work, the evil within him is too powerful.

"Ethan please," I beg, "this is not you, I love you, and you love me."

"Love? How could I love such a nasty half-ling like you, you are nothing to me and you never will be."

' _It's just words, it's not really him,'_ I tell myself in my head trying not to lose focus and kill my husband. I don't want to hurt him. I need to think of a way to get that amulet out of him and fast, before something terrible happens.

Again I am drawn into a battle I do not wish to fight accept this time it will not be decided who lives or dies, I will fight to get my husband back.

## CHAPTER 21

As the fighting continues, I try hard to think of a way out of this. He is becoming more and more violent as he is clearly trying to destroy me.

That must have been his father's last attempt to destroy me. Why didn't I notice the changes more, I just thought it was because he was feeling down, why didn't I notice it sooner.

The amulet is becoming stronger, how am I meant to beat this when I cannot even pull it out of him?

I manage to flee the room and I run out of the apartment and into the city. I don't want to endanger anyone else but I am hoping being out in the open will stop his madness.

As I run outside into the city, I see the look on people's faces looking horrified as they come outside to see what the noise and disruption is.

I don't exactly come running out gracefully, I look like I am being chased by a billion ghosts, my arms flapping about everywhere and my legs trying to keep up with me.

Ethan surely follows out behind me, his face filled with evil and rage, he's starting to look different; he is starting to look like a demon. He fires light towards me but luckily it misses. Fuck running and running, I need to knock him out.

I run down the city as the stars start to flee to safety, and behind me I can hear Ethan roaring towards me like a bullet from a gun. I grab a large metal pole, it's heavy but I use every inch of strength that I have to hold it up. As I turn, Ethan is there.

"And what do you think that would do? You cannot hurt me with that, I am the KING," he growls, "I am he who will defeat you and I am he who will end your life and make sure you go nowhere, that you never existed."

The same words his father said to me, that I wouldn't die, I would be as if I never existed, maybe his father's evil is inside him too.

I swear if my heart beats any louder he will hear it. It sounds like it is trying to escape from my chest.

"I will not fight you Ethan, you are my husband and I love you, I will not do what you want," my nervous voice echoes in the empty city.

He takes another shot at me but as he edges closer I crack him over the head with the pole. The bang is hard enough to knock him out and make him fall to the floor.

I rush over to him and make sure he is still alive and thank god he is, just knocked out.

Lawson catches up with me "Lorelai, my god, are you alright?"

I nod, still trying to catch my breath, "yeah, I need to cast a spell to keep him put if he wakes again, I can't keep trying to fight of his attacks, is exhausting."

I place a binding spell around him. Magical chains appear that will keep his arms and legs bound if he wakes; I change the spell so only I can undo it.

"What now?" Lawson asks, his face hoping for some answers.

"I think we should just leave him here," I shrug nervously, "I mean, taking him back to the apartment could be a struggle."

"You're running out of time Lorelai, you need to get that amulet out of him. Look, he is already changing."

"Don't you think I know that? I see his face, his face so demon like, I don't know how to get the amulet out, I tried to pull it out but it just knocked me back, do you have any better ideas?" I snap, angry that he is making me feel I have done nothing.

"Lorelai, you must have faith in yourself. You can do this and you are the only one who is strong enough. You believed in yourself to defeat the star king, now you need to have faith in yourself to do this. Do not let your emotions cloud your judgement. I know you're tired but you need to find the strength to do this."

Lawson does give good advice, he fills me with such encouragement and I understand every word he says, but how can I not let my emotions cloud my judgement when the person in question is my husband.

It's not that easy to try and rip out his heart or reach inside him and pull it out. I don't want to hurt him. I want him alive at the end of this; I want to live forever with him.

I kneel over him but my presence and power gives him what he needs to wake up. He looks at me and starts to fight himself to be free. He struggles in the magical chains that bind him.

"Free me you worthless half-ling," his evil voice grumbles.

I hold back the tears trying to fall down my face, I don't know what to do but I know that I love this man and I must get that amulet out. This could kill him.

I am starting fear I never will get the amulet out and the more his face changes the more I realise I am possibly too late to save him.

I don't know how this will work and I don't know if I am going to kill him, but one way or another I will not let Ethan die with such evil in his soul. I hold him close to me as he wriggles in my arms, calling me names and telling me I am worthless.

It's a blow to my heart but I know that this isn't really Ethan speaking, this is something evil put there by his father in hopes he would be able to destroy me when he couldn't.

I project a magical bubble around us, using the force of my light to hold him close to me, I cannot hold back anymore and finally the tears fall.

I feel in an uncontrollable sob as I hold onto him, "Ethan, before I met you I never felt I belonged in a place, I always felt like the outcast just skating through life until it would end. But then you came along, you changed everything for me and helped me discover who I really was. I never wanted a war, I never wanted to hurt anyone, and I just wanted to live peacefully with you."

He still struggles within my grip, his evil groaning as I refuse to let go, he looks like is struggling with something inside himself, like my Ethan and the evil in him is tearing his apart. No matter what he I will make him hear everything I have to say.

"I fell in love with you from the moment I met you, I felt you every time you were near, we are one Ethan and I will not let this evil inside take you away from me, fight back please baby, please come back to me."

I hold him lovingly, he still continues to struggle but I do not let go. I place my forehead on his and project my thoughts into his mind, hoping that this will somehow trigger his feelings.

Thoughts of the past and the present now flow between us, back flashes of how we met, how we fell in love and the connection that formed between us.

His struggle in my arms starts to feel less intense, less powerful as it appears he is looking through his mind at the memories we have created and the love we share.

I feel the bubble around me bursting with bright light as the connection between Ethan and I becomes stronger, his inner soul is fighting back, pushing the evil out of his immortal body.

I feel him; I feel his heart beating for me. Something inside me says it's not too late and now is the time to take what I want, now is the time to remove the amulet whilst the evil within him has lowered their defences.

My heart pounds hard in my chest as panic sets in. I don't know if this will work but I am putting all the love I have for this man into it.

"Ethan I love you, I have never loved anyone the way I love you," tears stream down my face like a river, "my heart beats for you, you are the other half of me, please come back to me....please."

I reach my hand inside him, a burst of blue/yellow light shines out from his abdomen, as I reach in I feel the amulet and Ethan lets out a painful moan.

I look down and there it is in my hand, the Amulet of Eva. Its evil is still shining, clearly trying to find someone else to take over, without thought I crush and destroy the amulet in my hand, the star light is powerful and sends the evil back to Rasantios, the amulet holding the evil is forever destroyed.

Ethan is lying on the floor, his eyes closed and he is not moving. My hands frantically go over his body looking for holes or some sort of mark but there is nothing.

I reached inside him and pulled something out from his body and yet there is not a mark on him, nothing.

My protective bubble comes down and Lawson is suddenly beside me, with my mother and our people start gathering round, looking down on their down and hoping he is who he was.

"Ethan, please open your eyes, please, I love you. You cannot leave me, you promised you would never leave me so you need to wake up now ok, you need to wake up and see me and your daughter."

He doesn't move and I shake him but nothing, no response at all. Lawson is next to me looking fearful, he places a friendly hand on my shoulder trying to offer me some comfort but I feel nothing.

I pull Ethan up from the floor and cradle him in my arms. Rocking back and forth I don't hold back. I am sobbing not only with tears but in my heart also.

"No," I cry, "you cannot leave me, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry baby, I love you," my tearful screams now become a soft whisper, "I'm so sorry."

Our fellow stars gather around us with sadness on their faces as they look upon their king. Their king who has died and it's because of me.

This is my entire fault, if I was not born, if I had not fallen in love with him, if his father had not tried to kill me.

"Ethan I'm so sorry," I sob rocking side to side, "I never meant to hurt you; I just wanted you to be with me and be safe. I never thought it would come to this. You gave me the most wonderful life and introduced me to things I never thought existed, we have a beautiful baby-girl, please come back please."

I hold my head close to his and once again think of the amazing memories we had created together.

This hurts so much, the pain ripping through me like razors tearing my heart into pieces.

Why has fate dealt me this awful card?

## CHAPTER 22

My tears fall onto his motionless face. Suddenly, light that is not my own begins to shine very brightly. I look down to see Ethan's starlight projecting from his body.

He still is not moving. I shake him but his eyes stay closed. I look around and see that Ebon City is glowing.

"Ethan," I shake him but nothing, "Ethan you there please wake up."

The buildings sparkle around us in the magnificent gold, the crystal sky line projects a rainbow of colours which shine down onto Ethan and me.

I hold him close, afraid that this is it. That this is the moment someone or something is going to come and take him away from me.

I am not letting him go without a fight, he is mine and I will die before I let anyone or anything take him away from me.

I feel something against me, like something moving or wriggling in my arms. I look down to see Ethan's body moving slightly in my arms.

"Ethan, open your eyes, Ethan open your eyes and look at me please," I beg.

He doesn't open them but then a gust of wind brushes passed us, in the midst of the wind I see a shadowy figure slowly coming towards us.

I clutch onto Ethan as the figure comes closer, "no, you cannot have him; I will not let you take him."

The figure comes close and I see it's a beautiful woman, her gown is flowing white and she has an angelic glow around her.

"Lorelai," her voice echo's softly, "I am not here to take him, I am here to guide you. Your love for my son will save him, and you have been very brave and done what no-one else can do. Have faith in yourself and have faith that the love you and Ethan share is true."

I look down and see Ethan's eyes slowly open, he focuses on the floating glowing woman beside us and suddenly, he smiles.

She smiles back at him and goes to touch his face, "I will always be watching over you," and then in a blink, she's gone.

"Mum," Ethan's weak voice whispers.

I look down and smile, clutching him tightly, "oh my god baby, you're awake. I'm so sorry, I'm so, so sorry," I squeak kissing him all over.

He winces slightly as I squeeze too tightly, but slowly, he comes around more and focuses on me. His bright blue eyes sparkle once more, his twinkle returns.

He gazes into my eyes, "My Lorelai, please forgive me, I am so, so sorry. I would never intentionally hurt you. I tried to fight back inside but the power was so strong."

I shake my head, "I know you wouldn't, I was so scared, I thought I lost you."

He kisses me softly. His lips' touching mine sends a loving shockwave through my body, like a raging love fire destined to reach my heart.

"I didn't know what was happening," he explains, "I could feel it but I couldn't stop it and then when I saw those flash-backs of you and me and when you were talking about all those things, I felt something change, like my soul wanted to fight back and be with you and then the next thing I knew I was opening my eyes and seeing my mother."

"That was your mother? I wondered why she looked so familiar, but it doesn't matter now, you're back, we're back and it's over."

"Familiar?" He repeats confused, after-all I had never met his mother.

"It doesn't matter," I grin.

He fully embraces me in a tender loving kiss as the crowd of stars begin cheering for us. Everyone is happy, everyone is safe and we can carry on like we were always meant to.

Ethan stands to his feet and waves at his people, he gives them all a polite nod and addresses them, "my people, over the past few days you have witnessed evil and death and we have lost those dear to us. But a new age is coming, one where we will no longer have to hide and thanks to our queen, we are now free."

The crowds cheer, looking on me with pride and respect on their faces; it's a nice feeling to know they do not hate you for things that have happened.

They all start chanting, "Hail our queen, our hero our saviour."

I feel honoured, bless and overwhelmed by the sudden love that is surrounding me. Ethan grips me and pulls close, his arm around my waste, his scent wafting over to me.

Mmm, home.

Ethan leans on me slightly for support, still slightly weakened by the events that tried to destroy us both. I happily stand next to him supporting him, looking at my Ethan whose face is now what it once was before.

"Where is our daughter?" He turns and ask, his eyes scanning the crowd to find her.

"Well, when you lost your marbles I sent her with Ophelia, ya know, I didn't want anything bad to happen to her or for her to have memories of her father turning psycho."

He looks at me awkwardly, as if embarrassed by his actions that were in no way his fault.

"I'm joking," I tell him with a smile, "it's not your fault. I should have known something was wrong, I should have known but our baby is safe."

He curls up his lip, a slight but worried smile. Stood next to him I close my eyes and zone into my mind.

' _Ophelia, can you hear me?'_

' _I hear you, are you safe?'_

' _Yes, all is ok, it's a long story, please bring my baby home'_

' _Are you sure?'_

' _Of course I am, bring her back'_

' _Sure, I am on my way'_

"What are you doing?" Ethan asks snapping me out of my mind.

"Just asking Ophelia to bring Lilly-Rose back."

"You know, you really should call her mum, or at least think of her in that way,"

I frown at him, "why would you say that? I have a mother who I love and adore, I cannot just call Ophelia mum."

"I know, but she is your mother, maybe....."

"No" I cut him off annoyed, "I will deal with it in my own time, who knows, I may call her mother one day but right now I have my mum and I am happy with that. I know what you're doing Ethan and when the time is right I will call her mum, maybe."

He sees he has annoyed me and sees how upset that has made me feel and backs off.

I hear the slight laughs of a sweet girl, as I turn I see my baby coming towards me in Ophelia's arms. Ophelia approaches me with a hug, handing my daughter into my arms.

Ethan looks and smiles, finally it is over. I know I said that before and I truly thought it was but now, it really is.

So much has happened and it appears to have happened at full speed. Now I just want to settle down and be with my family. I want to settle into my life as a queen, immortal royalty.

The crowds disperse as Ethan and I return to our apartment. He looks around in horror at the broken furniture and damage caused by our fight.

"Holy crap!" He shouts.

My eyes widen as I look shockingly at him bouncing Lilly-Rose on my hip, never thinking I would hear him say those words, "yeah, well, you tried to kill me."

"I don't remember any of this, how can I not remember?"

"Don't worry about it, here, hold the baby," as I hand Lilly-Rose over to him I wave my hands.

Light escapes with what can be seen as pink stardust filling the room. It may be for slight personal gain but I don't care. So much has happened I think we deserve a little magic for ourselves.

As I wave my hands around the room, I cast a spell to fix what is broken and in its place put brand new items. When I am done, the apartment looks amazing.

"Talented," Ethan mumbles smiling at me.

"I know," I shrug my ego off; "I am just amazing," I wink with a sarcastic grin.

The apartment looks amazing; it is as if nothing happened. Ethan turns to me and smiles, Lilly-Rose bouncing bubbly in his arms.

"It's time we go home," Ethan tells me, a glint of happiness in his twinkly blue eyes.

"But I've just done all this!"

He laughs, "it's ok, we'll take it with us, Ebon City is built and designed by my original home, watch this," he waves his arms and swirls of stardust surround us.

His starlight shines so brightly it is almost blinding. Ebon City begins to shake, and my mother comes running towards me clutching on to me for dear life.

I can see she fears the worst, that something bad is about to happen once again.

The black clouds that surround Ebony City keeping us hidden from human view explode away and the city begins to lift into the air.

I make my way to the balcony as the ground is shaking below my feet and the people of the city are stood calmly in the streets, I guess they know what is happening.

As Ebon City lifts above the skyline, our city is returned home.

Star Kingdom is beautiful, the buildings glisten, the people sparkle and there are smiles all around.

My mother opens her eyes to be confronted by this enchanting home. Ethan cast a spell upon her so that she is able to live in the city that was not meant for mortals.

Finally, we are home and we can get on with our lives. I head towards the castle where there is a wall, kind of like the watery wall in Ebon City that had a view into the human world.

I see that nothing has changed and people's lives there are still a misery, but right now I need to concentrate on my own life and my own family.

As the people cheer and Ethan's smile beams from ear to ear, nothing can be more perfect than this moment.

Mmm, I am content, I am happy and....I am home.

##

