Alec’s

"So, you're telling me that what we thought was a premonition... was actually one of Nyx's memories?" Raven stares at me, eyes wide in disbelief.

It's just after dinner and we are in my room just chatting and catching up. Aspen is playing with her dolls on the carpet floor and from the looks of it, she isn't about to go to bed anytime soon.

I don't mind though, because she had a late nap time in the afternoon and when that happens, it screws with her bedtime. Funny thing is, no matter how late or early she sleeps, she always wakes up at the same time.

I did go back to training, but nothing really happened. I wasn't able to call the scepter to me. There were times I felt it. Right on the edge, but every time I almost had it, it disappeared. The same thing happened over and over again until I finally gave up when evening came and there was still no progress.

I had dinner with Aspen and Martha. Raven joined us soon after, looking so much better than she had that morning. She looked lively and well rested. It was a relief seeing her no longer looking like the walking dead.

After having dinner, Martha retired to her room, while Raven joined me and Aspen in ours. So here we are now.

"Yes," I answer her, bringing the pillow to my chest. "I still don't understand why she let me believe that it was a premonition for the longest time. But then again, she said that she wanted me to discover things on my own."

I know I've said this countless times, but honestly, it's frustrating. I wish she could just tell me everything all at once instead of feeding it to me in bits.

Raven stays silent for a while before speaking. "So, Xena and Kaden almost killed her. Why?"

I shrug. "I don't know."

"It's just... weird. That Xena would willingly try to kill her own sister. And be okay with her mate pushing her to do it." Raven shakes her head.noveldrama

I don't say anything because I've been asking myself the same thing. Why are two sisters willing to destroy each other?

She continues, "Why do Xena and Kaden want Nyx gone so badly? Something is off. It's not adding up."

I lean back against the headboard, her words sinking into me.

"You know..." I murmur, eyes distant. "I never thought about it that way. I always assumed it was just Xena and Nyx. But you're right-maybe it's not just about them. Maybe Raden's in the thick of it, too."

Maybe it's Kaden and Xena versus Nyx. And that changes everything. Why would two mates unite against her? Why would someone who's basically her brother-in-law

encourage murder?

Is Kaden just evil... or is there something we don't know?

"Has Nyx ever talked about him?" Raven asks. "How he and Xena met? What their relationship was like? What kind of person he is?"

Each question lands heavy. I furrow my brows, realizing I've never even asked.

"No," I admit. "But then again... I never thought to ask. I was so focused on Xena and Nyx."

"Maybe it's time you did." Raven's

voice softens. "I think there's

something more going on.

Something deeper than just a sibling rivalry. There's a missing piece to this puzzle."

I sigh, knowing very well that this isn't just about asking the questions. That's the easy part. The hard part is whether or not Nyx will give me a straight answer.

"Yay!!"

Aspen's scream catches me by surprise and almost gives me a heart attack. I clutch my hand to my chest, trying to slow my heart rate.

"What is it, sweetheart?" I ask, half panicked.

She bolts up and runs toward the door, practically vibrating with excitement. "Uncle Alec is here!"

I pause. Raven and I exchange a quick glance, then turn to the door.

I really should tell Aspen the truth so that she can stop calling her own father, 'Uncle'

She stretches her hand up to the lock, bouncing on her feet. The second she flings the door open, she launches herself into Alec's arms before he can even react.