The End of Innocence: Book 3 of the Kinstone series

“I don’t like this.”

I sit on Rachel’s bed, watching as she packed her suitcase. She received a summons from Viktor earlier this morning, saying that he needed to see her right away. It just didn’t make any sense, why now?

A few days had passed since Marron finally came home and I still couldn’t wait to visit her new home. It also wasn’t that often for Rachel would go off on her own. I knew she’d travel on business trips, leaving me here at the Estate. As a kid and now to this day, I hate seeing my parents pack up.

“I mean…if this was so important, why not come here? If anyone was worried about being attacked or something, then this would be the best place to meet up. Hell, why is it that I can’t go with?”

My mother peers up at me, placing a couple more shirts into her suitcase. “Sweetheart, I understand your frustration in all of this, believe me I do. His coming here over a month ago was a risk both he and Arcturus took. As for why you are not coming with, he thought it would be best if you remained here, where your defenses are at their strongest.”

I groan. Well, not quite their strongest. Velhemina had left for a gathering of alraune back on Tuesday and would be gone for over a week. They met once a year to gather and commune with nature.

It was an event my aunt wanted to take me with at some point. She decided to skip last year’s meeting due to me falling sick when I absorbed something nasty while as an alraune and helping her in the greenhouse. So I was down one defender.

“So why is Silvi going with? I know you trust Master Titalos, and so do I. But why take her?”

She looks to me, “It is still protocol for a meeting such as this to have a bodyguard. The Court has been rather quiet as of late. That alone has made everyone nervous. Chaos and bickering means the Court is occupied, which is the norm for it. England is also considered neutral ground. The Court has little presence there since 1942.”

That happened a few months before the Battle of Stalingrad, when the several members decided to abandon Great Britain, thinking Germany was still unstoppable and would invade the isles. Somehow the Court had either remained hidden or covertly sabotaged the German army. Personally I think the sight of a dozen adult dragons would be a substantial deterrent in of itself.

I lean back on the bed, seeing a massive wall of dark fur resting beside me. I reach over and stroke the wolf’s fur. He too wasn’t all that happy about this either. Even if she was meeting someone we trusted, this still doesn’t feel right and I hate it.

I hear the sounds of latches locking into place as my mother then hoisted her bag off of her bed. A golem maid then stepped around and took the bag, wheeling it out of the room.

She reaches over and pulls me towards her, holding our hands in my lap. “I know you are worried my love. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t. But have faith.”

I lean forward, sighing, “It’s not just that. I was really looking forward to going to Nerazon this weekend. With everything being quiet as it’s been, I thought it be a good chance to go.”

She smiles, strumming her thumbs over my hands, “I know sweetheart, and I do know Savero has also been awaiting your visit for some time. However, you do know the rules.”

My head slumps, “If you are to leave the Estate, it means that I’m to stay put and watch over the house.”

She taps me on the nose, “Correct my love. You are allowed to have him visit you while I am away, and I’ll only be gone for a few days.”

I let out another sigh, “Yeah I know. Another thing I wanted to do was gone on another mother/daughter date with you, seeing how the last one was a complete disaster.”

She grins, leaning up and kisses my forehead, “I know my love, and I promise you that moment I return, you and I will do so.”

I peer into her violet eyes, seeing them twinkle softly, “I’m going to hold you to that.” She grins, standing up and pulling me with her.

I pan over to her bureau, on it floats a small crystal under a glass lid. It was octahedral in shape, with purple and blue crystals layered over many time over. I walk over to dresser and lean onto it, staring at the hovering stone. A hand rests on the top of my head, softly stroking it.

“Our Kinstone.”

I smile, gazing into the glimmering stones. Rachel had given one half of this to me the night we met each over two decades ago when I was a small boy.

We each came to the assumption that we shared a bond deeper than family, and so she split the stone in two, handing me a piece. The darn thing also sliced my thumb, which bled on it. But it was this act which forever cemented our bond as it became the catalyst and activated the stone for me. I kept it hidden from my birth family, even forgetting I had it a few times, but never lost it.

When we visited St. Louis last year, we realized that we were destined to be together. We each held out our halves which then recombined. Rachel kept it in her room, and only Silvi and Velhemina are the only ones who know of it.

“Do you remember the promises of the Kinstone?”

I nod my head, resting it onto my arms. “That no matter where in the world I am, it’ll find and protect me.”

She leans in closer, “And the second?” gripping my hand.

“When both halves become whole, the bearers shall be reunited once more.”

She places a kiss onto the side of my head, “Exactly.” I smile.

It was a weird, if not cryptic promise. I thought it meant that we eventually would find each other again, which we did. But there was something…else about the second promise.

I had been in danger a few times and it never appeared, so why have the first promise then? It never made much sense to me. I breathe hard on the glass causing it to fog up. She smirks, wiping down the glass.

“Care to see me out?”

I smile, “Sure,” rising from the dresser. We then turn for the door, listening to Fenris as he hops off of the bed.

We walked slowly down the corridors, clinging to each other. The afternoon sun shone brightly, filtering through the curtains and drapes.

Early July on the Estate was a weird time in terms of weather and feel. The orchards and groves were growing closer to harvest, but still needed a couple more months for the fruit to mature. The vast vegetable gardens had already been plucked clean for the season, with a small month-long break before the autumn crops were planted. The herds and flocks were also out of their birthing period, so they were ready to be milked.

The weather had also been a bit hotter than last year, which in the grand scheme of things meant certain activities were either pushed to earlier in the morning or later in the evening with the sun wasn’t quite so hot.

This forthcoming trip of hers is stressing me out. None of it made any sense to me. I don’t know why, and neither did she. I shook my head; it really didn’t do me any good to worry about it this at the moment.

Right now, and before she is to leave, we just are enjoying a nice leisurely stroll through the Manor. We do this when we each were either stressed out or merely want to enjoy a few quiet moments while at home.

I cling even tighter to her, laying my head onto her chest. I felt her hand rubbing my shoulder. She still easily towered over me, with her shadow hiding me from the slow moving sun.

We exit out into the foyer, with Silvi already standing there. Her skin was now a faint tan and all of her dragonic features had receded into her body. She is also wearing jeans and red jacket with a faint white shirt underneath. Her hair is still the same fiery crimson, now tied back. It’s not often she transforms into a human, and is still tall, about now the same height as Rachel.

I hop down the steps to her, having slipped from my mother’s grasp. “You look nice sis.”

She snorts small plumes of flame, “I don’t like being in this form all that often Little Wing, not sure how you manage it.” Her feet tap the marble flooring, now wearing knee high boots.

I grin, which then fades as I walk into my sister, clinging to her jacket, “Still don’t like that you’re going with.”

She kneels down, clasping my hands. I stare into her golden eyes, which were fluttering, “I still have to make sure your mother is safe. I know Titalos is a good man, but you can really never be too careful. I know you’re worried,” now grinning, “I can already see the wheels in that little brain of yours turning, coming up with one outlandish scenario after the next.”

She leans forward, pressing her forehead into mine, “Believe me, this isn’t easy for any of us. With the weed being gone as well, it just isn’t the same.”

I still forget that I’m a teenager sometimes, but with the both of us like this, I feel small, more like a child. Her eyes stare softly into mine, hands tightly clenching mine. “I promise to come back soon.”

I glare into hers, “You better.” She grins with tiny fangs gleaming in the light. My sister then rose, letting go of my hands.

I peer over to the door, seeing Sebastian and my knights, along with the combat maids, all gathered around the entrance. Rachel walks over, resting her hand onto my shoulder. I look up at her, giving a small nod, and starts for the door, watching as it opens.

We head down the stairs and over to a waiting car. Silvi pulls me into a tight hug, squeezing me against her body, “You stay safe Little Wing. And don’t go burning down the house,” winking.

I smirk, “That be your department sissy.” She grins, still holding my body to hers. My sister finally releases her grip and slides into the car.

Arms wrap around me from behind, with my mother and I staring off into the hills. Our bodies rock softly, with my hands clinging to her wrists.

“I know you are worried sweetheart, can’t say I blame you. But I will be back long before you know it.”

I lean the back of my head into her chest, “Just come home, please.”

She smiles leaning down, pressing a soft kiss onto my forehead, “I shall do so with all the speed I can muster my love.” I giggle.

She then let go and steps in front of me, gripping my hands. “You are now the Lady of the Estate my dear. Watch over our home until I return.”

I grip her hands tightly, “I will Rachel.” I then giggle softly, “Oh, if you by chance meet up with Titania, give her my best and tell her ‘thank you’ for all her notes.”

She tilts her head, mouth open in surprise, “Have you been corresponding with the queen of the fae without my knowledge?”

My face grows brighter, “For the past year.”

Her head shook in disbelief, “Conniving little fox.” I let out a bashful giggle, still clinging to her.

She smiles, cupping my cheek, softly stroking it with her thumb. I bury my face into her palm, feeling its warmth. Neither of us wants to be separated from the other. We stare into each other’s eyes, seemingly passing on feelings without speaking.

She finally steps back, her hand slipping away from my cheek, sliding into the car. The door then closes, with the driver calmly walking over to the front and climbs in. The car then begins to gradually pull away, gliding out from the central courtyard.

I run after it, watching the car head down the driveway. In the rear windshield, I see Rachel and Silvi both staring out. I hold my hands in front of me, feeling the wind rushing from behind, blowing my hair wildly.

I observe the car as it makes a left turn onto the main road, following it until it disappears around the hill. I stand there, listening to the trees howl against the wind. My heart aches, wishing they didn’t have to go.

Something soft then brushes up against me. I glance over to see Fenris standing beside me. The wolf stood in his true form, head towering over mine. His ice-blue eyes stare gently and warmly into mine. I feel his tails wrapping around me and pull me closer, lowering his head into mine. I press my temple into side of his face, clinging to his muzzle.

I rub my head against his, with his soft fur brushing my skin. “I am here my little Aria. Ever shall I be near you.”

I close my eyes, stroking his fur, “Thank you Fenris.”

His eyes peer into mine, bobbing his head gently. I giggle for a moment and then turn, heading back towards the courtyard.

The staff and my knights are all still standing where I left them. I look up to them. They all know how worried I am about this. I let out a sigh the closer I come to them.

Kateryna smiles warmly to me, “Have courage Your Highness, surely this trip will be swift.”

I bob my head, fingers twirling in front of me, “Thanks Kateryna.”

The elf bows slightly, “You’re welcome Your Highness.”

I turn my gaze to her husband, whose smile is as equally warm and reassuring. I raise my hand for a moment before dropping it. I take a long deep breath, “Thanks for being with me.”

He bows his head, “You are most welcome Your Highness, and I share in my wife’s opinion of your mother returning soon. Surely this trip is merely is but a customary meeting.”

I fold my hands together, “I hope you’re you right.”

I take another breath and start for the stairs, seeing Sebastian at the top. The old lycan bows, “What are your orders Young Miss?”

I smirk, “You know I never order any of you around.”

He straightens up, bearing a gentle smile, “That I do Young Miss. Allow me to rephrase my question, what will you have us do for you?”

I lean back for a moment, gripping my arm. It’s not often I was left in charge of the Estate, still remembering my first Thanksgiving here when Rachel flew out for most of the week. I pretty much did whatever I wanted, mostly choosing studying and training to pass the time. I lower my head, tapping my shoe a couple times.

I gaze back up at him, “I think I’m going to head over to the lake for a bit. Do you think we can have dinner ready around say…6:00?”

The butler bows, “Of course.”

I look to the maids, who all bow to me, each exuding the same reassuring aura. I smile to them, walking back inside.

I returned to my room, quickly changing of out my clothes and into a bathing suit. I snatch up a small duffle bag, stuffing it with a towel and a couple other things. I slip on a jacket and a pair of sandals. I pull back, seeing my bonded sitting by the door.

I hoist the bag over my shoulder, to which he responds by standing up. I head over to him, closing the door behind us, walking out into the hallway.