Chapter Thirty-Two: A Wishful Reward

Syphron:

Waiting patiently by her bed, my old man had brought our girls to Draken's territory. Cobalt hadn't left her side since, his love for her showing in the way he watched her sleep. His eyes fell on the twins, my old man sliding them into my arms. Plopping down next to him, Cobalt glanced up at him for a second. A pregnant pause hung between the two of them, my eyes flitting between the two of them. Curious as to the results, someone had to speak.

"She is going to be fine." He comforted him with a million dollar smile, a bewildered look flashing on the boy's face. "I am sorry about your parents but I am honored to have you as my grandson." Tears welled up in his eyes, a wide grin spreading cheek to cheek. His face fell, his head bowing in shame. Hiding his eyes with his bangs, the corner of his lips twitched. Guilt tainted his golden aura, my lips pressing into a thin line.

"I am afraid I don't deserve your respect, good sir." He mumbled under his breath, both of us stunned at how well he could speak. "I couldn't save my parents. The fear paralyzed me and my mind refused to let me move forward. She said something about me calling her through a dream but I don't remember doing that. The reason she is in her bed is because she took a bullet for me. The whole time she protected me and I didn't do enough. I am a failure." Our jaws dropped, his words reminding me of how Pumpkin was when she was younger. Were his parents awful or was it the other kids? Dusting off his scarlet velvet suit, my old man placed the kid on his lap. Spinning the kid to face him, the boy had no choice but to look him in the eyes. Smiling softly to myself, he had done such a thing for me several times when the guilt of failure set in.

"I don't know what they did to you but you didn't fail." He assured him affectionately, holding him by his shoulders. "You may talk like an adult but you are still only four years old. You have loads to learn. Aren't you the kid who can make metal out of thin air? Can you show me a trick?" Smiling happily to myself, this was how he used to make me feel better. Leaping off of his lap, he bowed in our direction. Pressing his palms together, excitement twinkled in his eyes. Closing his eyes, metal birds flew around behind him. Opening his eyes, he moved his hands around. A healthy glow illuminated his eyes, the birds flying in the directions of his hands. Dancing around the room, his genuine smile brightened his features. Closing his fists, the birds decayed into silver sparkles. Leaning on the wall, he wiped the sweat off his brow. He was the little charmer.

"How pretty." A worn Pumpkin commented with a bright smile, Cobalt leaping into her arms. "I didn't die. Are you ready to come home tonight? I am so proud of you." My breath hitched at her showing him a couple of magic tricks, the bond between the two of them growing mere evident by the minute. Stealing our daughters, their laughter twinkled in the air. Asking her a million questions, the patience she had made my love for her swell into a whole other level. Playing with their hair, it seemed a natural fit. Scratching my beard, relief dominated my mind. Thankfully she survived this time. Although I couldn't figure it out for the life of me. Her hungry gaze fell on me, her thighs rubbed together. Another barrage of questions snapped her back to reality, her trembling fingers tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. A nudge on my shoulder captured my attention, my old man shooting me a sly grin.

"I heard you calmed down in a record time. Did her face stop you?" He questioned seriously, running his hand through his relaxed mop. "Do you want Cobalt in your life? You have to ag-" A snarl curled on my lips, his questioning of my dignity pissing me off. If Pumpkin wanted it, then I would allow it.

"Why wouldn't I allow it?" I whispered harshly, adjusting my onyx silk dress shirt. "Honestly, I couldn't be happier with the option." Why the fuck was I so testy lately, my temper fluctuating wildly. Folding my arms across my chest, something ate at me. Chewing on my lips, my tail twitched irritably. Scratching at the top of my hands, her nervous habit was wearing on me. Stop it before it becomes raw and looks like her hands, the very condition being the reason she wears gloves.

The whole day passed with this damn cloud over my head, Pumpkin pulling me aside. Wrapping her arms around my neck, she leaned up close to my ear. Her next words melted away my foul mood, my heart skipping a beat. Ever the wise one, she spun around before stopping inches from me.

"I need you to take me, you grumpy fox." She teased lustfully, lowering the top of her dress. "Don't you want to touch these?" Rubbing her breasts against my chest, she sank down to her knees. Unbuttoning my pants with her fangs, they landed with a soft thud. Taking me all in, her sweet lips sucked my thick girth with a new vigor. Grabbing a hold of her head, long moans poured from my lips. Shit, this felt great. Moving her head faster, her tongue danced up my length. Twitching with pleasure, scarlet colored my cheeks as my hot seed slid down her throat. Lifting her up, she watched as I got onto my knees. Sucking on her swollen clit, screams bounced off the walls. Digging her claws into the wall, the marble crumbled slightly. Sliding my fingers into her, the tips of my fingers danced to the same rhythm. Getting louder, all of my stress went to the side for a brief moment. Rising to my feet, she bent over the nearby counter. Lining myself up, my name burst from her lips the moment I jammed myself in. The glasses on the counter rattled with every wild buck, her moans bouncing off the walls. Picking up speed, her slender hand caught a glass. Flipping me over her head, she pinned me to the couch in the bar. Sinking onto me, her breasts bounced up and down. Guiding my hands to her breasts, every squeeze made her cry out. Why was she so sensitive? Turning around, wonder brightened my eyes as she placed her legs on each side of my leg. Spinning her hips erratically, a new wave of euphoria crashed over me. Slapping her ass, a loud yes burst from her lips. Rubbing her round cheeks, they were perfect. Each slap bounced off the wall, her body arching towards me. Sitting on my haunches, I yanked her close to me. Sliding my hands down to her hips, she exposed her neck for me. Drool flooded my mouth, the scent of blood teasing me.

"Bite me." She pleaded sensually, playing with her clit. "I need you to bite me." Sinking my fangs into her tender flesh, the sweet taste of her blood acted like a drug. Tracing my fangs along her skin, every love bite made her scream out my name. Lifting her up and down, she shuddered with pure ecstasy as I licked her wounds. Turning her face towards mine, her lips pressed against mine hungrily. Unable to contain my seed, it filled her up. Collapsing onto the couch, she laid on top of me. Her broken expression warned me of her damn breaking, my heart shattering for her. The raw agony of her killing her parents was about to hit her in seconds.

"I couldn't save someone." She admitted numbly, silent tears staining her cheeks. "She saved me and she sacrificed herself. Then she gifted me the ability of invisibility. I am a failure." My heart sank into my stomach, something else seemed to be eating at her. Leaning on my chest, mixed emotions flashed in her eyes.

"Can I ask about your parents?" I inquired cautiously, her face falling into a deeper dejection. "Are you okay? Killing the demon version of your parents can be rough." Shaking her head, I cupped her cheek. Snuggling into my palm, the scar where she had been shot caught my eyes. Taking a deep sigh, her lips pressed into a thin line. That scar would be a reminder, the poison tainting the good parts of that day.

"He was going to shoot Cobalt. I did what anybody else would do. It didn't feel right to kill them." She uttered with gritted teeth,clenching her fists. "I would have left them alone if they didn't threaten to kill him. I couldn't stand by and watch him die. I killed my mother and I hate myself for it!" Shocked at how loud her last sentence was, she covered her mouth. Lowering her hand, her wet eyes met mine. Clutching her close to my chest, violent sobs wracked her body. The weight of the day had crushed her, snores echoing in my ear. Glancing down at her, slumber had stolen her away. Tugging up my pants, I needed to cheer her up. Squirming out from underneath her, tears flooded from her eyes in her sleep. Wandering into the hall, Draken stopped me. His hair hung over his eyes, his silk robe hanging off of his shoulder. Scars covered his chest, his hand rested on his hip. War showed in the weary way he looked at life, his view as tainted as hers.

"You're just the guy I was looking for. I need to discuss something with you." He asserted with a friendly smile, draping his arm over my shoulder. "She's a keeper. It felt so nice to have my ass kicked by my leader. We needed a strong leader to take her father's place. I was wondering if you knew of a way I could thank her. She brought my nephew back safe and sound. He doesn't attach to anyone with how his parents were. They were cold and insincere. They recognized his genius and shoved school down his throat. I hated my brother if I am being honest. I am happy he found his proper guardian. When I saw them together, I couldn't bear to separate them. Thank you for taking him in." Tapping my chin, an idea came to mind.

"How about we make her a necklace to present at the ball in a couple of days?" I suggested excitedly, knowing that she would appreciate us working together. "If we make it represent her, she will wear it everyday." His eyes lit up with adventure, his personality wasn't as bad as I thought he had been. For years I thought he was a hothead who invented war. War hadn't been such a bad idea, the outcomes sometimes gave the best gifts for the world.

"You aren't as brooding as I thought you were." He joked blithely, nudging my shoulders. "You are kinder than you present yourself. Albeit, I doubt you would be where you are if she didn't enter your life." Blushing hard, he had heard my inner monologue. Walking down random halls, tiny hands tugged on my sleeve. Cobalt had found his way to me, his eager eyes glittering with pure joy. The boy had an effect on me, every part of me wanting to hold him at that moment.

"Do you mind if I help out? I can do the metal work for you guys." He offered sincerely, his eager grin melting my heart. "I want to thank her too. I am alive because of her after all." Permitting it, he pushed a door open. Gems glittered on the wall, my jaw dropping. We didn't have nearly that much, our money coming from the taxes. Any extra had been stashed away for emergencies, my wife being that smart to plan ahead. He must have amassed these over the years, my eyes falling on the mine not far from the entrance.

"My father had poor souls mine the gems but I stopped that in honor of them. The mine is theirs to have. I do need them to find me a rare gem." He sighed pensively, stepping up to the mouth of the mine. "Spirits of the mines, I am asking you this one time to get me a scarlite gem. Please do it for this one time. I will bring you two bottles of my wine later." Waiting patiently, a scarlet gem rolled to his feet. Scooping it up, he shouted thank you. Sitting down at the bench, his hands hovered over the gem. Gasps left our lips at the gem splintering into manageable pieces, Cobalt pressing his palms together. The outline of a pumpkin hung on a golden chain, a pair of matching earrings floating down. Arranging the pieces into the holes, all of us couldn't stop smiling. Stepping back the pieces of the gem melted to hug the metal, the two of them turning towards me. Feeling rather useless, it wouldn't be my gift if I didn't do anything.

"The scarlite gem will permit you to bless it with one wish." He informed me calmly, setting the jewelry in my palm. "This is where you come in. Wish carefully." Scrolling through the options, I picked one. Smiling gently to myself, the perfect one came to mind. The jewelry glowed, my eyes closed.

"Bless her with the ability to heal as she wears you no matter what. Make it so poison no longer affects her." I prayed hopefully, the glow dying down. "Did it work?" Spinning a blade in his hand, Draken jammed it into my shoulder. Shooting him a death glare, he ripped it out. My blood painted my face, a scarlet glow sealing my wound shut. Pulling out a black box, he placed the necklace and earrings in their place. A loud snap echoed in the room, the box sitting in the center of his work bench. Sliding it over to me, he turned to leave.

"I have to go get the wine I promised or they will do some serious damage to my castle." He announced simply, exiting the room. Forming a lockable box in his hands, he slid the gift into the base. Closing it, he typed in a code. Tucking the box under his arm, he still wore the t-shirt he lent her. Hugging the box to his chest, his hand reached for mine. Taking his hand, he hugged my arm. A strange warmth came over me, our empty footfalls echoing down the empty halls.

"I promise to be the best kid I can be." He proclaimed proudly, jumping in front of me. "She is the first person to see me as a kid and not a genius. For that I will always make sure she is okay. Please ac-" Surprise rounded his eyes at me placing him on my shoulders, uncertainty dimming his eyes. That's right, his parents had a tendency to be cold and overbearing. Kids should be raised as kids.

"I already consider you a part of my family." I chimed jovially, tears of happiness soaking the top of my head. "I think your future is bright. Do one thing for me. Try to be a kid." A wide grin spread cheek to cheek, the warm embrace around my head confirming my instincts. All he ever wanted was someone to accept him for who he was. He really was a miniature Pumpkin, waiting for real love in his life.

"How come she is so nice?" He queried with a curious twinkle in his eyes, leaning onto my head. "Her scent is drowning in trauma. Most people would quit at this point. Why does she keep fighting?" Chuckling to myself, his observations were astute.

"She doesn't want anyone to feel like her." I answered with a deep breath, remembering how she let herself get kidnapped for the people in our capital. "She finds joy in making everyone else happy first then her." Running into a yawning Pumpkin, exhaustion had worn on her face. Mumbling something about going back, a basket holding bottles of wine hung off of her arm. My old man rushed up to us with the girls, pride swelling in his eyes. Summoning the portal home, blood poured from her nose. Stepping through, Renkin slammed into her. Fussing over her, he took a step back. A dark cloud hung over her head, the wine clinking as she pressed it into his chest. Something was eating at her, her strides took her far away.

"Where are you g-" Renkin began to ask, one hand raising shutting him down. Heading towards the town square, everyone knew better than to follow her. Hanging back, Renkin turned towards me with a face ripe with worry. Noticing Cobalt, his expression softened. Taking the box from him, he took a deep whiff. Many emotions flashed on his face, one conclusive question coming out of his mouth.

"How much did this cost?" He interrogated with a low growl, my brows cocking. "These gems are exp-" Clearing his throat, Cobalt jumped off of my shoulders. Landing in front of him, he snatched the box back. Narrowing his eyes in his direction, he spun on his heels. Sticking his nose up in the air, his energy was building up.

"We made it, thank you very much!" He snapped hotly, charging at Renkin. "It's for my mom and I don't care if she isn't my birth mother but she belongs to me." Holding him back, his tiny fists swung wildly. Picking him up by his waist, a fit of laughter burst from Renkin's lips. Placing his hands on his hips, Cobalt stuck out his tongue. All the breath escaped my body at him saying those words, tears welling up in my eyes. He was absolutely serious about this, my heart skipping a beat.

"I see why she loves you. You are as feisty as her. Why don't you get some grandfather time? I need to talk with your father." He returned gently, setting him down. Watching him run off with my old man, he had my girls as well. Motioning for me to sit, we sank into the nearest chairs. The level of seriousness in his eyes spoke of deep gravity in a situation.

"We need to help her get past whatever that was." He pointed out with a low whine, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. "We need to move the ball to tomorrow. A hellstorm is coming two days after that and everyone's safety is our concern. We also need to prepare for it ourselves." Cobalt stuck his head around the corner, a metal ball spinning in his palm. Skipping up to him, he dropped the ball into Renkin's hands. Curiosity twinkled in our eyes, his proud smile bewildering us further.

"This is a portable metal dome. I'll activate it when the time comes. The hellstorm shouldn't damage a thing." He proclaimed proudly, resting his hands on his hips. "Please trust me." Taking him onto his lap, he ruffled the top of his head. Playing the part of an uncle well, their bond seemed instant as well. What was it about this kid?

"If Alice seems to trust you, then I suppose I should." He mused playfully, allowing the boy to take the ball back. "Is there anything else you can do, little rabbit?" Popping off his lap, Renkin entertained his bird show. Clapping at the end, my heart melted at the kid's real smile. The talking stopped at a dejected Pumpkin wandering in, Cobalt bouncing up to her. The twins cooed in their slings, all eyes watching her sit on the floor. Concerned at the effect of her having to kill her parents and losing an ally, the sheer amount of it all weighing her down.

"If the ball is tomorrow, we had better get back to work." She choked out through a wall of tears, scratching the tops of her hand. "Everyone could use a break from the drama. I know that I could. I am going to test the menu. Do you guys want to come?" Rising to her feet, we all followed after her. Anxiety swirled the dark cloud over her head, her nerves fraying by the second. Itching at the top of her hands, blood dripped onto the floor. Clutching her close to my chest, my hand cupped hers. Resting her head on my chest, tears soaked my shoulders. Holding her, the others went ahead. Trembling in my arms, she screamed into my chest. Gazing up at me with wet eyes, her head rested on my chest.

"Will it ever get better or will my mind shatter first?" She sobbed softly, gripping my shirt. "I had to do it but I hate myself for it. I didn't want to kill them." Kissing the top of her head, she straightened up. Wiping away her tears, she shook it all off. She was the kid who stayed behind after all to raise her abusive parents, why wouldn't she feel this guilty. Calling out for Cobalt, he smashed into her legs. Letting him take her to the kitchen, this kid was going to be her salvation. Please Lady Luck, let tomorrow go off without a hitch.