~Chapter Forty-Five~

Warriors

"Is everyone alright and in one piece?" Goliath asked, looking around the room.

The other Gargoyles gave groans, grunts, and sighs as all of Demetrius's shields and traps came down with his departure.

"I guess," Lexington answered shakily, his voice thick with emotion.

"Yeah," Angela added quietly. "We are alright."

Across the room, the cement casings faded from holding the children of Avalon to the floor. When they were free, they glanced at each other and began processing what had just happened.

So many deaths. So many lost souls- both mortal and immortal.

Avalon's island was trembling with the shedding of innocent blood. To them, Emily's death, the poor human they didn't know, was the most gruesome and horrific to witness, while Hela's, the once feared Goddess of Death, was the most unexpected and shocking.

Everyone walked towards the middle of the room, and all of their eyes were on Rose's kneeling figure.

Her back was to them, with wings drooped and soaked in the pools of blood on the floor. She hadn't moved from where Hela died and hadn't spoken since Demetrius's departure. But each of them could feel the shift surrounding her motionless being. A wall of power and darkness had risen within her, like magma within a volcano, fueled by her grief. But despite it, she remained as still as death, unmoving and unfeeling.

When he was free from his shield, Brooklyn stood up and walked towards her cautiously, his heart pounding with every step he took. Even as he sensed her beating heart and soft breathing, Rose's demeanor was too dark, empty, and lifeless.

Ilana, who was closest to her, exchanged concerned looks with him before she softly placed her hand upon her shoulder.

"Rose?"

No answer.

Rose continued staring unblinkingly at the wall in front of her, lost in her thoughts and mind. At her silence, Ilana glanced over at Brooklyn again, not sure what to do.

Stepping forward, he knelt in front of her, being careful to avoid the pools of blood surrounding her, and gently caressed a talon down the side of her cheek.

"My love?"

Still no answer.

Rose didn't flinch, move, speak, or react in any way.

Cupping her face in his palms, he raised her chin gently. When she raised her eyes- his heart dropped into his stomach.

Her face was as white as a sheet. Her lips were a pale pink color; her beautiful amber eyes weren't glistening with life but had dulled into a deep gold color and were distant as they looked back into his. It was as if she was looking right through him.

And their bond-

He still couldn't feel her soul within their bond.

Swallowing down his fear, pain, and grief, he caressed his thumbs along her cheeks again and rocked his knees forward so that he came a little bit closer to her.

"Rose? Honey… talk to me, please."

But she didn't.

Instead, she remained motionless, and her eyes were far too distant as she continued to look straight through him.

Brooklyn's heart pounded against his rib cage, and he was terrified that he had lost his mate forever, despite her being physically alive in front of him. He was afraid that he would never again see the light within her soul or that her beautiful face and eyes wouldn't again shine with the light in which his own soul often surrendered to and loved.

He was afraid that she would never smile again.

Brooklyn looked past her shoulder at Goliath, the rest of the Gargoyle clans, and Third Race beings and took a few deep breaths.

Goliath's face was twisted in anguish as he quietly asked, "Is she alright?"

Brooklyn swallowed heavily. "It appears that she's physically uninjured, but-" he stopped.

She wasn't alright. That was clear for everyone to see, and talking about her while she was present, felt awkward.

He needed her to say something, anything, and he needed to feel her soul within his- even if it was the worst pain imaginable. He wanted to share it with her so that she didn't have to endure the pain alone.

"Rose," he tried again, shaking her slightly. When she still wouldn't respond, he tried a bit louder, "Rose."

Something snapped alive in her open amber eyes; however, he still couldn't see any light within them. All that remained in her soul was darkness.

Brooklyn reached out and took her hand. "My love, are you-?"

"No," Rose suddenly snapped in a voice that sounded as hard as gravel. "No, I'm not alright."

Brooklyn flinched at her harsh tone but knew that she didn't mean to take her cooped-up rage out on him.

"What can we do for you?" Ilana asked calmly.

"Nothing," Rose responded numbly while looking down at the pool of blood from Hela's body, then slowly, she glanced over at the spot where Emily's blood remained. "Absolutely nothing. Just leave me here."

Brooklyn wished she wouldn't torment herself anymore- but as he observed her, her pale face suddenly turned a very white and greenish color, and her skin turned clammy and cold. Her hand ripped out of his claw and clenched her small-protruding stomach as her eyes widened in a panic.

Sensing what was coming, Brooklyn helped her stand right as she launched herself off her knees away from the sight and pungent smell of the pools of blood, slid towards some brush of vegetation, and vomited violently.

Once, twice, and then a third time, Rose emptied her stomach contents into the dirt, and Brooklyn remained kneeling with her, rubbing her back until she stopped.

Gasping and panting, she spit out the remaining fluid in her throat, then, when she was sure the nausea was passed, she waved a hand over her mouth and magically cleaned it from taste and smell.

Raising a shaky hand to grasp onto Brooklyn's claw, she then leaned into his warmth.

"I'm sorry," she breathed.

"There's nothing you have to apologize for," Brooklyn whispered. "I know that you aren't alright, but are you physically well?"

"Just had a wave of nausea," Rose replied quietly. "Besides being pregnant, I just witnessed my best friend being eaten alive by a zombie demon. I think that entitles me to do so, right?"

Her tone was cold and sharp.

Brooklyn didn't say anything, and when she turned around to look at him, he looked downcast and concerned for her.

Exhausted already and feeling bad for being rude, Rose closed her eyes, leaned her forehead into his as another wave of pain and grief came over her, but she was too numb to cry and too tired to vomit more.

"I'm sorry."

Brooklyn wrapped his arms around her, like her own personal security blanket, and sat her in his lap. His free claw moved some of her hair away from her face and then planted a gossamer kiss upon her still cold and clammy skin.

She closed her eyes at the touch and small comfort he was giving her, taking every moment of peace that she could.

"What can I do?" He suddenly begged in her ear, his voice so low that only she could hear him, and she knew that his question was asking for more than just her getting sick. Rose swallowed down her sorrows, and it took her a few tries to speak.

"Nothing. We- we have to fight. Demetrius is waiting for us outside. We have to-"

"No," Brooklyn suddenly said firmly. "We will fight him. You need to rest. You're ill-"

"Just from stress. But, I'm fine now."

Brooklyn shook his head. "You're not. I cannot let you fight in a war in this state. Our child-"

"I said, I'm just fine," Rose snapped, growing angry as she turned to face him. "I have my shields up around my womb, and I can sense its soul within our bond. The baby is not stressed, despite me being stressed. Our child is safe, Brooklyn, it's not-"

"My love, please. I nearly lost you and our child again," Brooklyn whispered, his lips inches from her face. "I can't keep risking losing you both another time, and I won't let Lord Demetrius, Kevin, or any other goddamn creature try to kill or take you away from me. Not when we've already seen what the Draugr, Excalibur, or the Death Curse can do! I'm sorry to fret or be overprotective, Rose, but please… please… sit this one out. Let us handle this fight."

Rose froze and stared at her mate with an icy expression. An uncomfortable silence passed between them for a few seconds before she quietly snarled, "don't you dare ask that of me."

Brooklyn took a deep breath to calm himself and reached out for her. "Rose-"

"No!" She yelled, ripping out of his grasp. "Don't do this to me, Brooklyn! Don't shun me in the corner and treat me like I'm made out of glass. Because, newsflash, I have already been shattered! I'm not some damsel in distress anymore. Maybe when I was a human, but now, I'm just pissed off and done being the victim."

Seeing the tears form in his eyes, Rose sighed out heavily and touched his breastplate, forcing her tone to be calmer.

"My love, my whole life, I have been a survivor. That's all I've known, and you- you are a protector, and that's all you've ever known. But, we are a team now, and together, we are warriors!" She reached out to touch his jaw and stared earnestly into his eyes.

"Brooklyn, I promise you that I will keep our child safe, as I have done so from the moment we conceived it, okay? But I have to fight! I promise, if I feel pain, discomfort, or contractions at any time because I strain myself too much during this war, I will stop for the sake of our child's life, but that is when all other options have been exhausted. Until then, I won't surrender. I can't. Not when Demetrius took Titania, Oberon, Grandmother, Coyote, and the Asgardians' lives away…" she cut off, then choked out, "not when he took Emily and my mother's life away. I have to fight! For what he has done here, for the innocent lives he's taken, and blood he's spilled…" Rose clenched her hands into fists. "He will answer to me, and his head is mine to take."

Brooklyn continued to stare into her amber eyes and saw the light from the fire within her soul but couldn't help but remain afraid. Holding her closer to him, he closed his eyes.

"I know, Rose… I know. I'm sorry for projecting my fears upon you. I wasn't trying to get in the way of stopping you from being whoever you need to be. Nor would I ever tell you not to reach for your full potential. I just-" he cut off, then finally sighed, "I'm just scared, that's all. I don't know what's going to happen."

Rose swallowed down tears, eased herself into his strong arms, and rested her head upon his chest.

"I don't know either," she whispered, "but as long as I have you by my side, Brooklyn… I'm not afraid."

Brooklyn exhaled heavily and wrapped his arms tightly around her, rocking her back and forth. They remained that way for a few seconds before he took a deep breath, leaned away to look at her, and a grim expression was etched upon every inch of his face.

"I know that I can hover and be too protective over you, and I'm sorry if I go too far with it, but I only do that because I love you so damn much. Rose, you are my entire world, and without you, I'm lost. You are a strong, courageous, talented, and tremendously powerful woman, and I often stand in awe of you. I guess sometimes I don't feel like I'm doing my job as your mate and protector because I'm screwing up all the time." He stopped, then sighed heavily. "I'm not going to lie; it's been exhausting watching you get attacked by evil creatures and magic for this long."

"I know," Rose sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm exhausted too."

Brooklyn smiled and wrapped his arms tighter around her. "It's okay, you're in my arms now, and that's all I will ever care about. We'll fight in this war, and I will be by your side the entire time, my love. But, I hope you understand that I will do whatever it takes to make sure you live. I will protect your life and the life of our child, no matter what."

Rose pulled away from him slightly and met his intense gaze with her own. "I know you will, and I will also do whatever it takes to protect yours."

"Deal." Brooklyn smiled, then met her lips with a soft and brief kiss. When he broke away, he sighed, "well, let's get this party started. There's no sense in staying up here where it's safe, not when we've got a war to fight and win," he paused, then added, "together."

"Together," Rose agreed.

"As will we."

Brooklyn and Rose broke apart, turned, and faced the newcomer's voice. Odin, the God of War, suddenly approached them from the side and was eyeing them carefully.

Rose gasped, "Odin-"

"There isn't much time for talking," Odin cut in swiftly. "From what we've seen happen tonight, it's clear that we were very wrong to misjudge you and your mother,- Hela."

Rose's heart thumped painfully at the mention of her, so suddenly after her death, but Odin continued to speak.

"She gave her life for you and showed a great deal of courage and goodness in doing so. You have also fought a great battle against Lord Demetrius for all of us and even sacrificed your best friend's life. That was, no doubt, the hardest thing you've ever had to do, and you did it for the good of all."

Tears welled up in Rose's eyes, but with sure will-power, she forced them not to shed.

Odin walked closer to her and gazed upon her face with great intensity. "For that, we will follow and fight with you, Rose Connelly. You are the Goddess of Death now, which, according to the prophecy, means that you will win this war. So yes," he turned and faced Brooklyn now, "your mate must fight. It is her battle to win, and we will stand by her side and fight for all life to remain intact."

The Children of Avalon and other Third Race members mumbled in agreement, nodding, but Rose's heart froze at his words.

Goddess of Death.

The very name shot through her like a bullet. However, as Odin said those words- she realized that she still had control over her destiny. Whatever extra power being the Goddess of Death brought her, she would sure as hell make the evil creatures that have tried to destroy her life pay for what they've done.

"Yeah, same for us," Griff suddenly added and stepped forward. "As we've said before, we will follow you into battle. Lord Demetrius will pay for what he has done to so many innocent lives."

All of the Gargoyles nodded in agreement, even the ones who had fought against her. When Rose turned her gaze to them, Yama was clutching his mate's claw, both looking remorseful, and near them, Abigail and Abel were also standing, holding claws, and looked devastated for her.

Rose offered them all a small smile.

"And we will be here to guide you down the road in which you have now taken."

Rose turned at the strange ethereal voices spoken from across the room. Stunned, she didn't realize that the three Fates from Hel were still there, including Anubis. Rage suddenly filled her chest, and a snarl ripped out of her throat as she broke away from Brooklyn and strode towards the three beautiful dark Fates.

"What are you still doing here?" she demanded. "Lord Demetrius ordered all of his followers to join him on the battlefield. Why aren't you there with him?"

"Because we do not follow his orders, nor does he have control over us," the First Fate said smoothly. "We follow fate, destiny, and the prophecies which shape the past, present, and future."

"And you, Goddess of Death, will need our guidance if you are to fulfill the prophecy," the second Fate added.

Rose considered this for a moment, then crossed her arms over her chest. "Why should I believe you?"

"Because we have never lied to you, child," the Third Fate offered. "If anything, we have helped you. Everything we've told you has come to pass, and your path is currently on course towards the end of this prophecy and end to this war. We will continue to help you until your destiny is fulfilled."

Rose watched them for a moment, mulling over their words, then sighed in defeat.

"Fine. I believe you. So, what am I supposed to do now? I'm the Goddess of Death and will fight in this war. But, the curse is a huge threat, and I still don't know how to stop it."

The Fates stared at her with their swirling silver eyes until the first said, "Once the time comes to end the curse, you'll know what to do. For now, Anubis will further guide you down your path, and we will be there at the end of it. Until then, we bid you farewell, Goddess of Death. There is much for us to do and many souls we must ready for their demise."

A horrible sensation shot through Rose, and before she could argue with them or ask more questions about what they meant, a bright light encompassed them, and within a blink of an eye, they disappeared—leaving her with even more questions.

Glaring, she turned to face Anubis's dark figure in the corner and stared into his ominously glowing red eyes.

"So, what now?" She asked sarcastically. "You're my guardian angel of Death?"

Anubis hadn't said a word the entire time Demetrius attacked and had remained in the shadows. She had forgotten he was even there.

Anubis chuckled. "Think of me as your tour guide through the realms of the dead. You'll need to know what you're getting yourself into, now that you are the Goddess of Death, and what ending the curse will entail."

"I don't need your help, nor do I want it," Rose snarled. "You are a traitor and nothing but a lying, scheming bastard in my eyes, and I-" she paused suddenly, then thought of something. "Wait, why haven't you joined my father out on the battlefields with the others?"

"My allegiance is also with whomever the prophecy speaks of to bring balance back to this world."

Rose narrowed her eyes at him. "Why? You're a God of Death..."

"I may be a Death God, but I am not from Hel. I am an original Child from All-Father Aesir and have been entrusted to be a gateway to both worlds and magicks. It has been a tremendous duty of mine, but a balance between life and death is what is most important to uphold. I betrayed Queen Mab so that her son, Lord Oberon, could take over as Lord of Avalon. And then, during the Avalonian Wars, I became allies with both brothers. I had to make them trust me completely to continue to play my part in keeping a balance between magicks. It has not been an easy thing to do, it has often been lonely, but it has been necessary."

"So, you were playing double agent for Oberon and Demetrius," Rose said quietly, and Anubis nodded his jackal head once.

"Yes, but not for the sake of this war. I have done everything I have needed to do to make sure this prophecy comes true and all further prophecies. To steer you, your mother, your father, and the necessary souls from Avalon, such as Queen Titania and Lord Oberon, into the proper places- to make this happen."

Rose mulled what he was saying over, then slowly glanced up at him when she realized something.

"You knew that they were going to die."

Anubis remained still, then softly said, "yes, I knew they were going to die, but their deaths were necessary-"

"Necessary?" Rose gasped, horrified. "They- they were a tragedy! Surely you can't be-"

"Now is not the time to argue against the inevitable, Rose," Anubis said. "Soon, you'll realize why, but for right now, we must get a move on if we are to succeed."

Staring into his glowing red eyes, Rose had difficulty reading his expression because he never talked or showed emotion. However, despite that, she could feel that he was truthful and needed to trust him.

Rose sighed out heavily.

"What exactly do I need to do to win this war and stop this curse, Anubis? I know many have given me hints, and Oberon even mentioned something about my death… but help me understand my purpose before we go out onto the battlefield. Before I face my father."

"Lord Demetrius's only weakness will be from that sword of Destiny," Anubis said, pointing to Excalibur in Puck's hands. "Use it against him, and he will die, but a word of caution. When you face him, make sure not to break that staff, because he was telling the truth. If the glass ball breaks, it will activate the rest of the curse that is sitting within the Cauldron of Life."

Rose nodded. "Alright, fight and kill him, and not let his staff shatter. Got it. Anything else?"

Anubis stepped closer to her, and she, as well as the rest of the room, listened with great intent.

"Stay close to your Gargoyle mate as you take on Demetrius in one last final battle. It is the only way we will win. Then, you must go to the Chamber of Lost souls with his staff and give the curse what it is wanting. Talk to the Cauldron of Life, and it will tell you what it wants."

"I need to… talk to… a cauldron?"

Rose raised her eyebrows and wanted to laugh. It sounded like he was making all of this up, but Anubis nodded again.

"I cannot tell you much more than that, for this is a journey you will still have to take for yourself. However, I can tell you this. If you succeed in stopping the curse, more than one life will be spared, and it will be as if it was never created."

Rose gulped down his words, and her eyes widened as she comprehended what he was saying.

"Are you saying that if I find a way to stop the curse, then everyone who was taken by it will live… again?"

"The Death Curse is not a natural way of dying," Anubis explained. "It was created by the Forbidden Dark Arts from Hel and isn't following Nature's Laws. So yes, once you figure out how to stop the curse and offer it up a price worth all the souls it has taken, then all lives will be returned to their previous state."

"Even Titania, Oberon, the rest of the Third Race?" Rose asked in amazement.

"All life," Anubis reiterated quietly. "Including any vegetation and animal. Any life that has been taken or touched by the curse will live again."

Rose's heart stilled. "Even… even Emily's life?"

Anubis stayed quiet for a few seconds, and all she could hear for a moment was her own heart pounding in her ears. She couldn't handle false hope and was praying that he wasn't giving her any.

Finally, he said, "yes. Even her."

Tears spilled out of Rose's eyes, and instantly Brooklyn's arms wrapped around her waist and brought her in for a hug from behind. His joy and relief were pulsing through their soul-bond. However, Rose forced herself to remain calm.

"But- but the Draugr, Wraith…" Rose began, trying to hold herself together. "He- he…"

"If you can find the way to stop this curse, then when Emily reappears, I will take care of her injuries," Anubis said quietly. "For now, Goddess of Death, it is time to fight; Lord Demetrius is growing impatient. I will be observing this battle from afar, but before I go, just remember to stay close to your mate, use Excalibur, and think back on what the Prophecy's passages say, for, in them, you will find what you need to do to stop this curse." He paused again, then added, "Also, remember your magical training from your teacher, The Puck. It could very well save your life when a drastic moment arises."

Rose knew a warning when she heard one. Nodding her head, Anubis turned to leave when she suddenly remembered something.

"Anubis, wait…" He paused with his back turned to her and was listening. "Before my father came… Lord Oberon mentioned something about the curse already. He… he said that for me to stop the curse, I would have to give my blood for it. However, it used mine, Hela's, and Demetrius's blood to activate it, but with Hela dead and us striving to kill Demetrius, I… I don't know if…"

"The Curse is a living entity now, Rose, and only those who have given their blood to it can control it; however, it doesn't matter whose blood is given to do so. But speak to it, and it'll tell you its conditions to reverse its damage."

"I have to give my blood to the curse… to speak to it?" Rose whispered, and Brooklyn froze beside her.

"Yes. Speak to it, Daughter of Hel. Ask it to reverse the souls it has taken and wishes to take, but know that it will come with a great cost. However, only you can determine how much of a price you are willing to pay for others to live." He paused and stared at her as the entire room remained in silence, then said, "I will see you soon."

With that, he suddenly disappeared in a bright flash of light and was gone.

Rose's mind was reeling, but there wasn't time to contemplate his strange advice. Turning to face the room, she straightened her back and wings- showing everyone she was ready to fight.

Then, Odin suddenly knelt on one knee before her, using his sword for balance, and said, "we will follow you into battle, Goddess of Death, for you are Avalon's salvation."

Shocked, Rose said, "Oh no, I…" but stopped when all of the Children and Third Race beings knelt before her, including the Asgardians. Blushing fiercely, she wished they wouldn't bow before her, but to her further shock, the Gargoyles followed suit, including Brooklyn.

On his knees, he glanced up at her with a cheeky smile and then winked. Blushing fiercely, she opened her mind and soul to him.

Stand up, babe. You're not helping things here.

Can't I kneel before my mate? His voice was humorous in her mind.

Not here, and not in this moment. For now, you are to stand beside me because we are equals.

What other moments are you referring to, my love?

Rose caught the slight tease in his voice and blushed even brighter. Perhaps when we get out of this mess, I'll show you what I mean.

Brooklyn's laugh echoed in her mind, but thankfully, he didn't play along.

Just then, her large Manticore beast approached her from behind. Turning to greet him, he towered over her and stood on all fours, but she merely smiled lovingly at him and gently rubbed his coarse mane.

Everyone looked unnerved and nervous by his monstrous and terrifying exterior, but she, Brooklyn, and the other siblings knew the truth and didn't mind them at all.

His glowing white eyes looked into her amber ones, a deep grumble exited his chest, and she felt him nudge her mind as if telling her that it was time to go. Rose nodded at him, then noted that the rest of the beasts were growing restless across the room, which told her one thing: the armies of Hel were coming.

"Okay," she whispered, nodding and scratching his ear. "I hear you. I know that it's time to go."

Rose then walked towards an open window and looked out into the beautiful world below. She could see the blackness from the armies waiting for them, and if she closed her eyes, she could almost feel Demetrius goading her to come to die.

But, she was the Goddess of Death now and had a destiny to achieve.

Turning to face Goliath and Odin, she set her jaw firmly, then said, "Alright, what's the plan?"

Odin and Goliath only took a few minutes to devise a plan, which separated the Gargoyles, Third Race, and Asgardians into groups. A ground battalion would take on the Trolls, Draugr, Dwarves, and Dark Elves. This group consisted of most of the strongest Gargoyles, Asgardians, Third Race Beings, and Humans, with Goliath leading the charge.

A flight battalion, who would take to the skies and battle the Draugr and Ogres, consisted of the strongest fliers and those skilled at archery, including Ophelia and Griff- who were chosen to lead them.

The pyrotechnic battalion included Xanatos's robots, who would torch the Draugr's and give room for the ground battalion to push through the armies. Coldfire, Coldstone, and the Manticore beasts were all part of that group, and Xanatos was the leader.

Then, Rose, Brooklyn, Lexington, Akira, Angela, and Broadway were part of a secret force, which would sneak past the armies with Excalibur and try to kill Demetrius in a surprise attack.

Rose was hopeful that their forces, magic, and strength would work in their favor. As the battalions were decided, she kept thinking back on the Prophecy verses and what they could mean for her and the curse.

After all the ranks were decided, helmets and more weapons were passed out to every single person in the room. Odin put on his golden helmet, then turned to one of his soldiers, who stood at attention and said, "Hexon, it is time. Let's go to the other battalions and give them our orders." He then turned and faced Goliath. "We'll await your signal."

Goliath nodded, and then in an explosion of lightning, all of the Asgardians and Third Race beings disappeared, save for Puck, who stayed next to Xanatos.

Elisa was dressed in some of his exo-suit technology armor, and Goliath spoke quietly with her before giving her one last kiss.

As Rose glanced around the room, most of the Gargoyles were doing just that with their mates- kissing, holding, and saying their last words to each other.

A large lump formed in Rose's throat. It was too much for her, and she wanted to run from the pain and anguish she was feeling. Before she could, Ilana suddenly came up to her and silently gave her one last parting hug.

"Are you feeling alright?"

"As good as I can be in these circumstances," Rose replied numbly, hugging her tightly as silent tears rolled down her face. "Will you be okay?"

"Yes, I should be fine unless Demetrius's armies push through and take over the castle. But, my sisters and I will remain here and tend to any wounded who come to us."

Rose closed her eyes and took a deep, calming breath.

Ilana gently rubbed her back and continued to whisper in her ear, "It's going to be fine. You'll see." Pulling back, she smiled at Rose and then kissed her on the cheek. "Be strong and know that I believe in you. You've always been destined for greatness, and now with your beloved mate by your side, I know you'll achieve everything you set yourself out to do with an even greater purpose. Be safe, take care of your baby, and I shall see you soon, my friend."

It was a promise Rose wasn't sure she could keep, but nodding numbly anyway, she hugged Ilana once more before they let go, and then she watched her walk away to get her sister, Ella, ready for the battle.

From across the room, Brooklyn, who was now wearing an armored helmet for his head, walked over and held out one for her.

"For your hard head," he teased.

Smiling painfully, she took it, saying 'thank you' quietly, and placed it upon her head but refused to look into his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but she couldn't bear to hear his words, to listen to another good-bye.

First, it was Hudson, Goliath, Xanatos, Elisa, Ilana, and now him.

Goliath had already given a heartfelt speech to the entire room, saying how much he loved everyone, how grateful he was to fight by their sides, and that they were stronger than evil, and love would conquer above all.

Rose had to admit, it was a fantastic speech and one she was thankful he gave, but the good-bye felt more permanent this time, and she couldn't face that pain again. Not a second time with Brooklyn.

Turning away from her mate, Rose walked over to the window for open-air and closed her eyes. She breathed in the fresh air, once, twice, and then exhaled them both intensely.

The summer breeze had chilled tremendously, giving her goosebumps, and her wings itched to take to the sky, not out of leisure, but to escape the danger she felt. It felt like how an animal knew that a storm was coming and chose to stay grounded or in their shelter until it passed. Like them, her wings sensed the change in the air, the shift, and were warning her not to fly tonight.

As she skimmed the grounds of Avalon from the high tower, the dark-red full moon was still shadowing the island, making the night even darker, but there was something different about it, suddenly. A midst of darkness was climbing over the hills and was coming for them like a predator to prey, stalking and waiting for its chance to kill.

Rose took a moment to marvel at its beauty before death, fire, blood, and destruction painted the land.

A soft tingling sensation suddenly touched her fingers, and she felt Brooklyn approach her long before she heard his voice.

"Rose?"

Turning her head, Brooklyn walked up and wrapped an arm around her waist.

Giving in to his touch, she closed her eyes, leaned into the warmth of his skin, and hugged him back tightly. She breathed in his familiar scent and listened to the beautiful, steady beating of his heart, reveling in the light and power within their soul-bond.

No words were exchanged for a few minutes as nothing could adequately describe what they were feeling- and thankfully, he seemed to understand why she had turned away from him.

Brooklyn held her body tightly to his, rubbed one claw up and down her back while his other claw remained over her baby bump.

Rose's throat felt like she had swallowed a baseball, and a hot sob was screaming to burst forth, along with a waterfall of tears.

Brooklyn suddenly placed a talon under her chin and gently raised her face to meet his. Unwillingly but willingly, she looked into his tear-filled eyes with her own, and both surveyed each other's faces for a long moment.

To fill the awkward silence, she found herself fretting over his armor, making sure that it fitted him properly, then she checked his weapons. Excalibur was sheathed behind his back, once again, and his guns were ready for use.

Silently, Brooklyn did the same for her, making sure her helmet was fitting correctly and armor over her chest and stomach. When there was nothing left to check mindlessly or anything more to distract them from reality, he exhaled out a heavy sigh.

"Rose, I don't-" he paused, then said in a low and shaky voice, "I don't know what to say other than that I-"

"Shh," Rose whispered, placing her fingers over his lips. "Don't say it, Brooklyn. Please. Don't say your good-byes. I can't bear it-" she faltered, and a dry sob left her lips, despite her biting them.

With a quiet moan, Brooklyn shut his eyes and leaned his kiss into her fingers. His lips moved along her skin gently, then opened his mouth to the tips of them and enveloped them around his lips in a light suck. There was something very sensual about what he was doing, but before she could react, he stopped, raised his face to hers, stared into her eyes passionately, ran his thumbs along her cheeks, and wiped away the tears she didn't realize she had let escape.

Rose ran her hands along his beaked jaw, rested her head against it, and sighed out another dry sob.

"Brooklyn… I…"

"Don't speak, my love." His lips were inches from claiming her mouth. "Let's just-."

"Are we ready to go?" Angela suddenly asked, walking past them. Brooklyn jumped and stopped going in for the kiss, looking irritated. However, Rose took the pause and quickly turned away from him, wiping her tears away as she went.

"As ready as we'll ever be," Lexington said, joining them and holding Akira close to his side. "Right, babe?"

Akira was staring at the group with tears in her eyes and nodded her head shakily, but after a few seconds, her face fell, and she started sobbing.

"No, no, no, don't do that,'' Angela said shakily, stepping forward to wrap her in a hug. "Don't-" but she cut off and was suddenly crying too. Then, everyone was wrapped up in a group hug.

"Holy crap, you guys," Lexington said emotionally. "What is the fuss about? This battle is just like another fight with thugs from New York. I don't see why we are-" but he too faltered and lowered his head onto Akira's hair.

Brooklyn held onto Rose, Angela, Akira, and Lexington tightly, as Broadway enclosed them all with his gigantic arms.

"It's going to be alright," Rose whispered, rubbing Akira's back, with tears rolling down her face. "It's going to be alright. But, no matter what happens tonight, you guys, thank you for the adventure. I'm grateful to have found my true family, love, and joy. It has been an honor to have shared my time with you all."

Broadway, who was on the outside of them, squeezed their bodies tighter together in a ball. "Well said, Rose. We feel the same about you." He raised his chin and sniffed. "No matter what happens, guys. It's been a blessing."

Angela raised her face and pressed her mouth to Broadway's, kissing him madly- and then, Akira and Lexington did the same.

Glancing up over their shoulders, Rose met Brooklyn's gaze, and he instantly pulled her into his chest, kissing the top of her hair.

I love you, Rose. I wanted to say that to you before you could stop me. No good-byes, but I love you with all of my heart and soul. Wherever you go, I'll go, and no matter how much hell we've endured, I would go through it all again- just to have spent it with you. The thousand years of stone hibernation was a blessing because it brought me to you. And if this was all the time we were meant to share, well then, it was worth it. I'm forever thankful for our time together, and I look forward to more years with you by my side.

Rose slid one hand off Akira's back and grasped her mate's claw, smiling through her tears. She wasn't sure how to top his heartfelt speech, but somehow, with their bond and souls connected, he knew what was in her heart.

I love you too, Brooklyn, with all of my heart and soul. We will have a future together with our child, no matter what, because I believe in our soul-bond and the beautiful future it has promised that we'll have. You're mine, and I cannot wait to spend forever loving you.

Brooklyn's smile matched hers as he agreed.

Forever.

It took a few minutes for everyone to wipe their tears away once they let each other out of the group hug, but now, everyone had a more grim and determined look upon their faces. A fierce fire within each of them told Rose they were ready for battle.

Turning herself towards the open sky, Rose let her large, feathered wings spread, and the others did the same, readying themselves to fly. Together, they stood side by side as the warriors and protectors they all were.

Brooklyn reached out and took her hand, grasping it tightly, and silently promised her that he would never let it go.

Smiling at him and grasping his claw, Rose then faced the darkness and narrowed her amber eyes at the evil waiting below for them.

"Alright, guys," she said darkly. "It's time to show these creatures what we are made of. Demetrius wanted blood, gore, and death, so let's give him and his armies just that. Let's give them hell."