Chapter 123 Chapter 123

Chapter 123 Chapter 123
"Indeed," the Priestess nodded, her weathered face softening. "Even in their earliest form, they carry the Blackthorne power. Three children of your bloodline, born to four mates, it's unprecedented in our recorded history. Their combined energies created a protective cocoon around your spirit during the projection."
I placed my hand over my stomach, feeling a surge of love and wonder. These tiny lives were already protecting me, even as I sought to protect them.
"Three?" Lucious echoed, his eyes widening as he looked from me to the Priestess. "You're carrying triplets?"
I nodded, still processing the reality myself. "We just found out yesterday, after the ritual."
My brother's face transformed with joy as he reached out tentatively. "May I?"
I guided his hand to my stomach, where the slightest curve was beginning to show. Through our bond, I felt Apollo's golden energy reaching gently toward the tiny sparks Diamond guarded so fiercely.
"I'm going to be an uncle to three," he whispered, awe evident in his voice. "After spending my whole life thinking I had no family at all."
The Priestess watched our exchange with a knowing smile before her expression turned serious once more. "The joy of new life gives us even more reason to prepare for what's coming. The eclipse approaches, and the entity will not surrender so easily."
"Have you discovered anything new?" I asked, noticing the ancient texts spread across the library table.
"Perhaps," she replied, gesturing to a particularly weathered volume. "This chronicles the original binding ritual that sealed the dark twin away. The first Blackthornes, twins themselves, like you and Lucious, combined their powers with the goddess's to create the barrier between worlds."
I moved closer, examining the faded illustrations on the yellowed pages. Two figures stood back-to-back, one radiating silver light, the other gold, just as Lucious and I had positioned ourselves during our cleansing ritual against the Northern Alliance.
"The original binding required both aspects of the goddess's power," the Priestess continued. "Sun and moon, in perfect balance. It's why the Northern Alliance sought to corrupt one of you, to break that balance."
"And why the entity called us brother and sister," I added, the pieces clicking into place. "It sees us as reflections of those original twins."
Lucious traced the ancient symbols surrounding the illustrated figures. "So to strengthen the barrier during the eclipse..."
"You'll need to recreate the original binding," the Priestess finished. "But safely, without spiritual projection. Your bodies must remain protected, especially with the children you carry."
Kane's hand settled protectively on my shoulder. "Is that even possible? To perform such powerful magic without projection?"
The Priestess nodded slowly. "There is a way. A ritual circle, properly constructed at another convergence point, could channel your energies to reinforce the barrier without endangering your spirits."
"The sacred grounds," I said, the knowledge coming to me through Diamond. "The original Blackthorne territory has a convergence point of its own."
"Yes," the Priestess confirmed. "Weaker than Moonstone's, but pure, uncorrupted by dark rituals. It would serve as an anchor point for the reinforcement spell."
Kane's expression remained concerned. "But that's hours away from here. The eclipse is in four days. With Seraphina's condition..."
"I can travel," I insisted, resting my hand over my barely-there bump. "These three are Blackthornes. They understand what's at stake."
Lucious moved closer to me, his presence steady and reassuring. "We do this together or not at all. If Seraphina feels she can make the journey, I trust her judgment."
I shot my brother a grateful look. In the short time we'd known each other, he'd become my staunchest supporter, understanding me in ways even my mates sometimes couldn't. Our shared blood and the bond between Diamond and Apollo created a connection that transcended ordinary relationships.
"We'll need to prepare," Fin said, his analytical mind already working through logistics. "The sacred grounds will need to be secured, supplies gathered."
"And we'll need to be vigilant," the Priestess added. "The Northern Alliance may be fractured, but those who escaped will be desperate to complete what they started. They'll be watching for our movements."
I nodded, determination settling over me like armour. "Let's gather everyone. We need a comprehensive plan."
As we moved toward the main strategy room, I felt a flutter of movement in my abdomen—so slight I might have imagined it, except Diamond's sudden surge of protective joy confirmed it was real. Our babies are making their presence known for the first time.
I paused, my hand flying to my stomach.
"What's wrong?" Kane asked immediately, concern sharp in his voice.
"Nothing's wrong," I whispered, tears springing to my eyes. "They moved. I felt them move."
My mates gathered around me, their expressions transforming with wonder. I guided Kane's hand to the spot, though I knew it was too early for anyone else to feel the movement.
"They're strong," I told him, seeing the emotion in his dark eyes even though his face remained composed. "Like their father."
The tender moment was interrupted as we reached the strategy room, where Alpha Maxwell, Liam, and Brent were deep in discussion with Margaret Chen and Richard Hawke. Maps covered the central table, marked with the locations of known Northern Alliance outposts and suspected hiding places of their escaped leaders.
"Seraphina," Alpha Maxwell greeted me, relief evident in his eyes. "It's good to see you on your feet."