The Plan

Pov.Asteria

I fell backward, laughing, as I saw Emily and Bloodstar play fighting. My laugh rang over the forest, echoing. I cleared my throat as Bloodstar opened her mouth. I knew she was faking about the fact that she would eat Em, but right now. I needed them to focus.

Both of them seemed to be whining as I stopped their game, rolling over to get closer to me. I chuckled at the childish actions. They were childish but they were like the family I never had, even if one of them is not even my species.

"OKAY, I'll need to focus for a second," I exclaimed.

They instantly sat and turned to look at me.

I nodded and started explaining the plan. "Bloodstar, you will fly us to Amymone Spring. Try to keep your distance from the Lerna cave. I'll give you the signal," she seemed to understand. "Em, I'm going to need for you to let your hair down once we are in the air. They have incredible senses. I'll keep mine up. I don't want anyone to recognize my smell." I mumbled.

"I would enhance your scent, but I don't want every one to smell you. Your mate should be able to smell you from long distances." I reminded her, and she nodded. All these precautions I was taking were because I love her. "I want to negotiate with the hydras. No harm will come to them." I turned my head to look at Bloodstar straight into her eyes. "That goes to you," I warned.

She seemed offended and left a sound that seemed to be arguments. "Yeah, yeah, calm down. Just remember, not a single scratch comes down on them." I gave her a pointed look.

"What if someone comes?" Emily's sudden question surprised me.

"Then we'll say that we are poor peasants that stumbled upon that cave," I said, trying to convince myself as well. "I mean, I can take some potions to hide my appearance but only if necessary. It doesn't last that long."I warned.

"That would give us enough time to escape. Once you find your mate, you'll stay there with him. I will take the hydras if they accept my deal." I explained.

"What do you mean?" Emily asked worriedly.

"Em, once you find your mate, you'll stay with him or her, and so will Bloodstar. My duty with you then will end. I swore to protect you until I gave you up to your mate. I will only bring danger to your life," I unfolded, not missing a beat.

"No, absolutely not, we are forever until the end," she said, coming closer to me. "We are family now, and a family never leaves each other."

"Em, even if I'm trying to run from my place as princess right now, I'm next in line to be queen. There is no running from my destiny, and the hydras will help me. They want the same thing I do." I said with sorrow in my voice. "And your right, we are family now, but I promise once I finish my duty as the next queen, I'll come back to you and Bloodstar. Remember the three musketeers until the end. I assure you that."

I put my fist out. Emily doubted for a second but followed my same actions. Bloodstar took more time thinking but eventually put her big paw out.

.

.

.

Emily eventually forgot our conversation and was now running around, but as she called it investigating.

"Promise me you'll keep her safe once I'm gone," I whispered to Bloodstar. "No matter what, you will keep her safe." I turned my head waiting for an answer, and eventually, she nodded, staring at Emily.

I looked up. It was almost Dusk.

"Emily, it's time to go," I screamed, pulling her attention. She nodded and skipped her way back here.

I secured her to Bloodstar's back, making sure she would not fly off.

"Just follow the dark star," I mumbled to Bloodstar.

They didn't necessarily have a realm, they were technically everywhere, but Amymone Spring was the place to get access or even get in.

"Em, don't be nervous, I'm sure your mate will love you, and if he doesn't, I'll knock some into him or her," I said, not looking at her. I wasn't looking at her, but her nervous feelings were radiating in waves.

"How did you know?" she asked.

"I just did," I replied. "Now look, we are almost there," I said, sitting up.

In a few minutes, we crossed the portal, and it was beautiful. I didn't understand how this place could be so beautiful. I thought the name was ironic. Still, all of this didn't make sense, I've been taught that everything related to them was horrible, but this wasn't.

I cleared my throat, getting if of all those thoughts. I'm sure this is all a trick.

"Bloodstar, land here, please."

We were at a reasonable distance.

I jumped off and pulled Emily with me. I walked towards the duffle bag, which was spat out, by Bloodstar.

"Are you ready?' I asked Emily. She nodded, and her hair was down like the day I met her. I cleared my throat and reached for my sword. "okay, let's go," I said.

Both of them followed, but Bloodstar almost couldn't fit. I knew she was trying to keep her distance.

'Asteria, try and keep an open mind,' that was the last thing I heard before we were in front of the cave. I was about to question her, but there was not time.