Embers of Destiny

Ninah felt an overwhelming urge to uncover the mysteries surrounding the "Three Jade Pieces," the coveted jade that belonged to the revered "Golden Fiery Red Phoenix." It was imperative for her to learn more, not just for herself, but for her son—who seemed destined to walk a path preordained by fate. Now, with his identity revealed as the Chief's son, it was crucial for their clan to understand the significance behind it. After all, this knowledge was their birthright.

"So, we're still traveling to China?" Fushi, a concerned clan member, asked, uncertainty lacing her words.

"Absolutely. Lucky must be acknowledged by the Ancestral Phoenix, as well as the Golden Fiery Red Phoenix," Plutonic corrected her, quickly sidestepping the piercing gaze of his wife that almost revealed his embarrassment at forgetting his son's nickname.

"Everything will unfold as planned," Ninah affirmed with a nod, her mind already racing to the basement, home to ancient texts long ignored by the clan. Handed down through generations, those tomes were now hers to explore—she was the druid after all, and uncovering their secrets could prove vital.

Upon reaching the basement, she clicked on the lights and approached a massive, locked trunk. A deep sigh escaped her as she tugged fruitlessly at the lock—it was a rare one, forged from unique materials, and she didn't have the key.

"I'll just shatter it," Ninah muttered to herself.

"I wouldn't recommend that," a familiar voice startled her from behind, making her jump.

Plutonic chuckled, stepping closer. "You nearly gave me a heart attack," she grumbled, playfully nudging him with her elbow.

"I'm only looking out for you. This lock is made from ancient stones and materials you'd rather not know about. It won't break easily," he explained with a teasing glint in his eyes.

"Then where's the key?" she asked, puzzled.

Plutonic reached for a necklace he wore, revealing a glimmering key dangling from its chain. Ninah's eyes widened with incredulity. 

"You never mentioned its significance!" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable.

"Well, now you know," he laughed, removing the chain and handing it to her. Together, they unlocked the trunk, a cloud of dust rising in a gentle puff.

"It's covered in dust!" Ninah chuckled, sneezing as she did.

"Yes, it seems that way," Plutonic agreed.

"How long has this thing been closed?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Since I was a child, I think. Not really my type of reading material," he shrugged, an apologetic smile crossing his face.

Ninah raised an eyebrow. "Is that why you spend so much time at the office? Chasing dreams?"

"I suppose," he sighed, running a hand through his hair. 

"Ninah, Amina's pregnant," she offered, her voice low, trying to shift the weight of their conversation.

"I noticed! I even heard the heartbeat she's been keeping from me," Plutonic replied, watching as Ninah's heartbeat hitched with emotion. 

She wasn't well, he realized. Something was troubling her beyond the everyday trials of clan life, and it was a worry that seemed particularly heavy tonight.

"What's going on?" he pressed, drawing her attention as they sifted through the books.

Ninah's face was clouded with a mix of worry and sadness, and Plutonic could feel the weight in the air. 

"Nothing," she insisted, her voice somewhat flat. Yet, as she pulled out a large tome bearing the image of the Golden Fiery Red Phoenix on its cover, it was clear that it was anything but.

"You're a terrible liar," he said gently. "You can't fool me."

"I'm happy for Amina. Rufus will have a sister," she started hesitantly.

"A sister? Isn't it too early to assume that?" Plutonic asked, his brows furrowing.

"Damn your Phoenix abilities," she murmured under a resigned sigh, though they both chuckled. 

The laughter danced between them, but it was a bittersweet sound. It lacked the carefree joy they once shared—the deeper affection now tinged with an unshakeable melancholy.

"It's not the same," he thought, feeling the knot in his chest tighten as he observed his mate's struggle to hide her pain.

"Plutonic, I've always wanted a little one as well," she said, her voice trembling as she met his gaze. "But—"

He anticipated her unsaid words. "But you feel like the time isn't right."

He understood her sentiments all too well. Their family hadnt grown as they had both hoped.

"I'm so sorry," Plutonic knelt beside her, pulling her into a warm embrace. "I never meant to fail you as a partner."

"I love you, Plutonic," she murmured into his shoulder, her voice choked with suppressed emotion.

"I love you too. Is there still hope for us, though?" he asked softly, lingering on the possibility of a future they both desired.

With a gentle smile, she responded as he drew her close for a deep kiss, sealing their bond with unspoken promises.

---

Meanwhile, Lucky woke with a violent cough, smoke clinging to the air and suffocating his lungs. With alarm, he realized the chaos around him—the distant sounds of conflict echoing in heated shouts.

Fear began to bubble within him as he shifted his vision, imposing a crimson hue that dispelled the choking smoke, his wings and claws emerging in response to the instinct to protect himself.

His door swung open, revealing Ninah. "Don't be alarmed, baby! I've got you!" she said, her druid powers lending her eyes an ethereal glow as she scooped him up.

"Mommy, what's happening?" Lucky stammered, fear gripping his voice.

"Hunters! We have to leave!" she replied urgently, guiding him through the hallway where Plutonic, Hamlin, and Aisha awaited. A sense of dread filled them as they rushed against impending disaster.

"What are we going to do?" Hamlin asked with urgency.

"They came prepared with iron and set fire to our home!" Aisha exclaimed, her anger barely masking her fear.

Plutonic struggled to keep calm. "We cannot stay here. We need to regroup before they come back."

"But where can we go?" Hamlin challenged, desperation growing. "They've already decimated our clan. We're down to just two families!"

The grim truth settled heavily upon all of them. Plutonic felt like a failure; his heart drowned in guilt for we hadn't been there to protect those who had laid their lives on the line, who had trusted him to lead.

"Before they return, we should make our escape," Aisha pressed.

"We can find refuge with the Werewolves tonight and strategize for tomorrow," Ninah suggested, clutching Lucky close to her chest, though fear clouded her mind.

"And what if they become targets too? How do we protect them?" Aisha retorted. 

"What if we fly? The hunters are humans; they can't follow us," Hamlin suggested, glancing anxiously at Ninah.

"But what about me? I can't fly!" her tone turned pleading as her humanity reminded her of its boundaries.

Just then, the unmistakable voice of a hunter pierced the air. "How very touching," the older man taunted from the shadows, a smirk curling on his lips as he approached them with an armed entourage.

"In my missions, I never allow survivors." The chilling promise filled the air, a deadly prelude to the impending chaos about to unfold. 

As Ninah gripped Lucky tighter, surrounded by the threat of death, she knew their destinies were entwined forever, but uncertainty loomed larger than ever.