The Dragon's Queen

Chapter 4: Internal Battles

Karisma’s POV

By the time we got back from the falls, Kai Jackman and the girls with him were gone. Willow teased me while we were out because I have always kind of had a bit of a crush on Kai. He was made the Luna Queen’s bodyguard at the age of 10. He and his twin sister, Riley, were both amazing.

“Girl, he was checking you out, too. How could you not feel the air shift as he stared at you?” Willow asked at the dinner table. I shrugged.

‘If that was the truth, then his girlfriend needs to leave him.’ I thought. I could feel the daggers that the young girl was shooting at me with her eyes while she reached for his shirt. Like she was staking a claim on her territory.

The rest of the weekend went by too quickly. Papa and Uncle Eric drove Willow, Jason, Derrick, and Henry back to the dorms. I was standing in my closet thinking about the things that Papa and Mother talked to me about.

*Flash Back*

I am sitting in my room, strumming the custom-made guitar I got for my 15th birthday. It is a midnight blue acoustic guitar with the northern lights going up the neck of it and on the face. Papa also had it inscribed for me. I look down and see the words he always wanted me to remember.

‘As constant as the stars above, always know that you are loved. Forever in our hearts, Mother and Papa.’

Normally, I just sit and play songs to calm myself down, but today I wanted to do something for my wolf. I started strumming the notes for “Piece by Piece” by Kelly Clarkson. Once I got to the part where the lyrics come in, I started singing the song as I played. As I sang, I could feel both my wolf and vampire calm down.

Then once I finish singing, strong arms wrap me up in a big, tight hug. I turn my head and see the top of Papa’s head with Mother still standing next to my now fixed door. I felt his tears drop onto my shoulder as he held me close.

“By the Moon Goddess. Karisma, I didn’t know you could sing so beautifully.” Mother says as she walks around Papa and kneels in front of me.

I felt my cheeks heat up. Everyone knew I could play, but I never sang in front of others. Singing was just my escape. When I felt I needed some self-healing for Winter, Angela and I.

“I don’t really wanna bring more attention to myself.” I tell them.

Papa lifted his head and growled. “Baby girl, I have let you blend into the background. I don’t wanna push you, but you can not keep hiding what a wonderful and charming young woman you are. I know the Moon Goddess has big plans for you, dear.”

“Your papa is right, my love. There are not many hybrids.”

I scoffed at that. “Mixed children are hardly rare, mother. Nowadays, it is rarer to find a pure blood mating than a mixed mating.”

Which was true. Ever since Luna Queen Melody was mated to her three kings… Alpha King Luca of the werewolves, King Jeremiah of the vampires, and King Drake of the werebears. More and more supernaturals are being mated to different kinds. Hell, even more humans are becoming mates to those of the supernatural.

Mother and Papa spent the next hour talking to me like they were trying to build me up… and maybe they were.

Once they left me alone, I thought bout it. Maybe Mother and Papa are right. Maybe it is time to stop hiding in the background. I may not want to be in the spotlight, but I can just be a normal girl and have a normal life. I mean, I only have four months before I graduate, and I turn 18 a week after that. I would be able to be free to travel and find my mate, or simply make a life for myself in the human world.

I have always liked playing my guitar, but with everything going on, I never thought to turn it into anything else. I feel Angela and Winter perking up in my mind. I smile up at my Mother and my Papa.

“Alright. Then I guess it is time to stop hiding in the shadows.” I said as I set my guitar back into its case. Come Monday morning, I am taking my life back from those who bullied me.

*End of Flash Back*

“I have always said that green is the best color on you, sweetheart.” A voice said from behind me.

I jumped and turned around, seeing our Beta Female… Aria, who has been like an aunt to me since I came here, came in behind me. She is a female vampire who was mated to a werewolf. This makes Willow a mixed blood instead of a hybrid, but she gained a wolf instead of a vampire.

Aunt Aria walked in with a box in her hands.

“I was coming to bring you this. Alpha Philip meant to give it to you after dinner, but forgot about it until he was already gone. He just called and asked me to give it to you.” She said, holding it out to me.

I take it and smile at her. As soon as I opened it and saw the new anklet inside, Winter let out a snarl. I gasped and then grunted in pain as she started to fight for control, wanting me to throw the anklet away. I fight her down as she needs to respect my choices, and I think this is what's best for us right now.

‘Winter, please. You are hurting me and being very disrespectful to me.’ I pleaded with her.

Angela materializes in my mind and snarls at Winter. ‘Watch yourself, Winter, or the Moon Goddess will be cross with you!’

I felt Winter stop fighting me. When I went to refocus my attention on Aunt Aria, I realized that Uncle Grant had come into my room and was holding me. I went to open my mouth and suddenly felt dizzy.

“Easy there, kiddo. Is your wolf fighting you again? Aria had mind linked me for help. What happened?” He asked.

I leaned into his hold. He picked me up and set me on my bed. Gently laying me down to ease the dizziness. Aunt Aria came from my bathroom with a damp cloth in her hands. She wiped at my nose, and I saw the blood on the cloth. I was mentally fighting my wolf so hard that it gave me a nosebleed.

Winter whimpered, and I could feel her guilt and regret. Aunt Aria folded the cloth, with the blood inside, and then started dabbing the cool cloth on my face and neck.

“Winter was wanting me to throw that anklet out, so I had to fight her. Angela stepped in and helped me push her back.” I said in a weak voice. They both sighed.

“Winter, that was very dangerous. Alpha Philip is not here, and Karisma could have seriously been hurt.” Uncle Grant said. His voice was calm, but firm.

“Winter, dear. We know how much you hate to hide your true self, but you can not shift to protect Karisma. Your scent would put her in danger. Please, love. We only want the best for all of you to grow safely.” Aunt Aria cooed.

Winter whimpered some more before returning to the back of my mind.

“She is sorry.” I tell them so they can breathe easier.

Uncle Grant lets out a chuckle. “You know, Winter reminds me so much of Luna Jessabelle and Luna Melody a lot.”

I smiled as I closed my eyes and listened to him tell me another story he either witnessed or heard about.

My favorite one is when Luna Queen Melody kicked a prince’s ass when he slapped her the night she met Alpha King Luca. I fell asleep to the sound of his voice as his mate patted my skin with the cold cloth.