Merge

My eyes open to shimmering Gateways; even now the worlds are merging the Nether Realm with our own, Chaos with Nocturna, while Aqua, Ventus, and Terra the three Elemental worlds become one. Everything's happening too fast to keep track, making me wonder if I'm not stuck in a dream. The one certain thing is that Night is with me.

One instant we're floating above the worlds the next we're falling my hold tightens on Night's hand not wanting to fall into a new world without him. The moment Mates bind their eternal souls they fell a hollowness at the absence of their Mate. It's why most tend to die together that emptiness can drive some mad.

The fact that we bound our eternal souls using the customs of the Dark and Shadow Realms means I would feel his pain tenfold and vice versa. We didn't just renew our bond we exchanged our hearts cementing our union in this life and the next.

We start to slow, only to be pushed back by a gust of wind then forward at an alarming speed. Lights of all hues continue to flood us and then we stand before spiraling towers made of obsidian while others are made of glass just like the ones, we saw in the Nether Realm.

Even the building shaped like a kite is here standing between what I presume is the new palace. From where we levitate, I can see all the way to the border of the Shadow Realm the palace has been restructured, "Academy," a faint voice whispers.

"The old Palaces will become Academies," I say, the hint of a laugh somewhere in the distance, "in all the Realms a new system will be put into place to accommodate those that remain and all that we've gained."

Night brings us down, so we're standing in the center of the City of Obsidian the people begin to gather mortal and immortal alike even the Shadows come towards us. Everyone seems disoriented and slightly afraid, anyone that tries to hide their fear is betrayed by their scents.

"I'm sure most of you have heard what Queen Ruby just proclaimed," Night's voice is a reflection of his father's unwavering not an ounce of hesitation only that of absolute command, "the remaining Lords will gather to discuss how to proceed now that our world has been reshaped."

I nod and send out shadow birds to deliver the message, "in the meantime what is known as the farmlands or Spica as some of you call it will become a territory Ruled by a Monarch of your choosing."

Night lifts my hand to his lips and plants a light kiss, "is your Queen not benevolent, the farmlands will be under mortal, or immortal rule as you see fit with the soul condition that should the Ruler of your Realm prove unfit the lands will become part of the Realm of Assassins previously known as the Shadow Realm."

A Shadow steps forward concern on his brow, "what will happen to us?"

"The title of Shadow Queen died with my mother," Night says, "but not its people, the Realm was a gift to my Queen, the Queen of Assassins a title given to her by the late Shadow Queen."

"The old Dark King and last Shadow Queen reshaped this world to give us a second chance," I say, "the people of the Shadow Realm are welcome in both the Realm of Assassins and the Dark Realm."

"One rule from the old world that will remain true is, so long as you have no ill intent towards our people, our lands, all will be welcome," Night extends his hands towards our people, "Regardless of what tribe you originally belong to, we are all one people mortal and immortal alike."

"For any who would dare question our Ancestors' actions, all I can say is, this was the Underworld's mercy," I say, "it's up to you if you stay or go, we will not force you," with that I spread my shadow wings and sore into the sky Night right beside me.

"You know we'll have to establish some kind of order," Night says, "I give it five minutes before their fighting over what belongs to whom."

"I give them one," I say diving towards a pack of wolves already tearing at each other's throats. At first, they don't notice us, but the moment Night plunges one of his swords into the earth they break apart.

One of the wolf's growls at us ears pulled back, hackles raised, "I dare you to do it," I say, tucking my wings away and shifting into my wolf form. The wolf comes at me with what I presume is his full strength only to ricochet back. I let out a low growl and Night drops the shield he had placed.

"I'm not sorry," Night says as I run towards the wolf that came at me.

The wolf aims for my throat, I pretend to aim for his muzzle and sink my maw into his jaw sending him flying into two other wolves. The other two, step out of the way, I suppose he's not with them. I take calculated steps towards him shadow walking to where he lays, he's too slow I have his hindleg in my mouth and he's already flying midair. Bone cracks the moment he hits the trunk of a cypress tree, the tree barely making a sound. I guess this is where the garden used to be, the scent of lavender and rose is still in the air.

"Have you had enough?" Nigh asks as I shift back.

"Your King's talking to you," I say, wrapping myself in a cloak of shadow. Some of the wolves seem to realize who Night is while others are confused.

One of the wolves shifts back with a flash of light, "They came from the other world my King," the wolf that shifted back says.

"Yes, I'm aware," Night says, "question is what do you think you're doing, my parents have given up their essence for us to have a new beginning and you thank them by fighting."

"Perhaps we should have let the Worlds end," I say, "maybe then they'd be grateful," I throw a projecting stone into the air and speak, "from this day forward today will be the Devine day of the Empress of the Underworld and Deity Fie. Any caught causing trouble will be executed the next morning no exceptions."