Stress

Zaria’s POV

Malacar and I stood there frozen, as Astrid smiled, having the upper hand. I turned to him, seeking help. I saw Zor coming out; his claws went around Astrid’s neck. Her eyes were shocked.

Go, Zaria, I will finish this. His eyes burned red as he walked slowly to Astrid. You will forget today’s events, remember the demon, and be terrified of him. His hand waved over her face, and she dropped to the floor.

I ran to the class, my heart pounding, hands shaking. I sat at my desk, and Noctis touched my hand, and I was startled.

Zaria, are you okay? His eyes looked concerned.

I can’t breathe…I managed to say before darkness took me. I opened my eyes to find myself in Noctis' arms, as he carried me to the infirmary.

"Doctor," he shouted. "She is not feeling well." Then he sat me on the bed. I tried to sit up; he pushed me gently down. Zaria, please, you lost consciousness.

The doctor checked me and turned to Noctis. She is very stressed, needs to eat better, and find ways to calm herself.

Valerian walked inside, looked at the doctor and me, then took my hand. Are you trying to get out of going out with me? He joked.

I smiled. No, of course not; everything is a pressure. I started to cry; he pulled me close to him, and Noctis was holding my hand gently.

What can we do to help you? he asked calmly.

Uhhhggg…Malacar stood at the door, angry, as Valerian and Noctis held me.

What happened? he asked professionally, turning to the doctor.

Stress, Master Malacar, the doctor said. Maybe she needs to make a plan. A human should not be pressured to keep up with the rest of the factions.

I agree. When you feel better, please come to my office…

Why are you taking such an interest in Zaria, master Malacar? Noctis asked.

He took a step closer to him. Not that I have to explain myself to a student, but the dean gave me the responsibility. Any other questions?

No, sir, glad that the dean is aware of her capabilities.

Capabilities? Malacar asked, confused.

Oh, she is not human, he said, and Valerian nodded. It's a matter of time before we know what faction she’s from.

Let’s keep this low, he said calmly. His eyes looked at me briefly, then turned and left.

I told Noctis and Valerian to leave, but they refused. A swarm of emotion flooded my body, and I had questions I couldn’t answer. I was worried about Malacar, and Astrid hopefully won’t remember anything. Talking about the devil herself, she walked inside.

Valerian, why are you with this human here? She said, crossing her arms.

Astrid, leave, and I will warn you right now: touch her and I will make you regret it. Noctis stood up.

She let out a frustrated scream. You are my boyfriend!

Never took the title, Astrid; you assumed. Now leave; Zaria needs rest.

Astrid looked at me, her smile devious. Hope you get well soon, she said, then turned and left the room.

I sat up, and they both came to my side. We will walk you to the door room, Valerian said.

After the door closed, I collapsed on the bed crying. What is happening to me? Who am I?

Malacar’s POV

Erasing her memory is easy; not many know we can do that. They always underestimated us. The monsters. I wanted her to remember the demon, to be scared of Zor. Her obsession with Zaria puzzled me. The only explanation is that she feels her strength, the powers that are about to awaken inside of her.

I can’t send word; Zaria is not ready yet, and more suspicions will rise. Then Valerian and Noctis are following her like puppies. That worries me even more. What do they feel?

A knock on the door. Come in!

Zaria walked inside; she looked sad and defeated. With unnatural speed, I locked the door and took her in my arms. I kissed her forehead as tears fell on her face.

Malacar, what is happening to me? I’m scared…I…I…want to be strong…

"Shhhh, let's sit down calmly and talk," I told her as I lifted her and carried her to the chair, sitting her into my lap. Now tell me everything.

She shook her head. You’ll hate me…

I could never do that, Zaria, you know how much I love you. Now is this about the feelings…

Valerian and Noctis, they both make me feel weird. I don’t want to…

I cursed. Listen to me, we have to sacrifice sometimes to keep what we have intact. I never doubted that you love me. They also feel a connection with you…

Tell me the truth, Malacar. I know you try to protect me, but I need to know.

It's a possibility; they’re also your mates…I cursed again as Zor growled.

What? No, no…I only want you; I never asked for this.

That’s not how it works, I said as her big eyes looked at me. I touched her hair gently when I saw the tips were turning bright red, crimson. I tried not to react. The Goddess chooses the mates; there are reasons, most of the time perfect matches.

Malacar, you’re scaring me, she said, wrapping her arms around my neck, and I closed my eyes. If I’m in my right mind, I should take her and run, go home, our home, and live happily. But I couldn’t ask her to do that; it wouldn’t be fair.

Zaria, I’m here to protect you until the day I turn to dust. My lips kissed her softly, but she deepened the kiss, stirring everything inside of me. Her hand pulled my white shirt out of the pants and went under, touching my chest; her eyes glowed. She needed me, my mate, and I wanted to lose myself in her. I pulled away gently to see her disappointed face.  

It's getting harder to meet, and I want you to be careful, especially around Astrid, Cordelia, and Valira. My theory is that they feel your strength and they’re pushing back. It's like the battle of the strongest.

Malacar, I have a date with Valerian tonight…and I growl so loud. Her hands held my face. I only love you, she kept repeating. My arms tightened around her.

I want to rip them apart…Zor came out, his eyes red and angry, then he nodded. Waiting for command.