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Roxanne instantly relaxed when he told her that she could stay, letting out a breathe she had no idea she had been holding. She lifted her head to glance at him and felt her heart breaking at the sight of pain on his face. She quickly moved to him, smiling when he placed his hands on her face, turning her head and placing kisses to the palm of his hand. Roxanne did not know what their fate would be, all she knew was that she refused to be separated from the only man she had ever loved, for thousands of years. Her blue eyes stared deeply into his while she pressed her body close to his, leaning in and kissing him deeply on the lips. her hands moving to run through his hair before placing them on either side of his face. "Do not ever doubt your abilities as a warrior, no matter what has happened or what is going to happen you are the most valiant and strongest warrior I have ever known. You can not always be at my side because you are the Alpha and your people need you. I will do whatever you ask to make you feel that I will be safe. Even if it means being driven crazy by Hez and Roland following my every move." She smiled before she placed another kiss to his lips, never wanting to move from this spot but knowing she had to. She took a step back letting him out of her embrace knowing he had things to tend to. They had to show off her uncle before he could head out to the villagers that needed him. She let him lead the way outside to the courtyard, Never leaving his side while they watched her uncle and his men prepare to leave. Her uncle went to her and gave her a farewell kiss before Niko presented him with the twelve war horses to give to the Silver Moon Alpha as a sign of their commitment to the alliance. Raul accepted them gladly, their horses nothing compared to the Blood Moons fine breeding. Roxanne and Niko watched her uncle pass through the newly finished gates before Niko finally called Roland and Hez to her. Giving them instructions to never leave her side. She watched Niko walk away to prepare to leave to the village before she turned and headed back into the keep.
There was only a week left until the full moon and Roxanne tried to keep herself busy. She asked Roland and Hez to teach her the way of the warrior in the early mornings. After she would head over to Gertrude's hut to help out with the fallen knights knowing they needed all the extra help they could get with Gertrude now gone. She would then walk to the stables to take care of the horses before finally making it back to the keep once the sun was setting. She did this every day for five days. Both Hez and Roland telling her all the while that she needed to slow down and relax but she refused. Being busy was the only thing that kept her sane while Niko was away. Roland and Hez became increasingly worried with each day. They saw how their Mistress barley ate during the day and at night as they guarded her door they could hear her screams. The nightmares came back full force. Visions of blood, pain and suffering. the first few nights she woke screaming Nikos name only to have Roland rush into her room ready to attack. She had to assure him several times that she was okay before he finally left her alone. After that she found it harder to fall asleep and stayed awake most of the rest of the night. Roxanne laid there wondering why the visions kept on getting more and more intense and worried it was because something horrible was about to happen and that they would not be able to stop it. she grew more agitated with the traditions of her people, waiting till to full moon for the wedding of a Princess to an Alpha. What did it matter? they needed to get the Alliance Completed so that they could all ban together and protect each other. No more hatred, no more reluctance. There was something more sinister waiting out there to kill them, kidnap them, and enslave them.
It was not until the night of the fifth day that everything became frighteningly clear to Roxanne. She was exhausted and had instantly fallen into a deep sleep the moment her head hit her pillow. Hoping her exhaustion would give her a nice dreamless sleep. She was silly to believe that these nightmares would stop just because of how deeply she was asleep. The nightmare started out like it had been for the past four nights. A village on fire, screams of pain ringing through the air while Roxanne found herself walking through the burning houses. The heat against her skin burning until she herself felt like she was being burned alive. Then Niko appeared before her, a deep sorrow in his eyes as he stared at the burning village. She called out to him only to have him look at her with a stare of intense hatred. "This is all your fault" He yelled at her while Roxanne took a step back, her heart shattering into a thousand pieces "If you had never came here none of this would of happened."
Roxanne reached up and placed her hands over her ears trying to block out the words "This is just a dream, you have to wake up" she looked back up to Niko, this usually being the time when the nightmare ended. When she lifted her head however it was only to find Niko holding a sword to her throat. The look of death burning in his eyes. Roxanne felt like she could not catch her own breath, why was this happening to her? She watched as Niko raised the sword ready to give the killing strike. She screamed out to him telling him to stop that she loved him, closing her eyes as she saw the sword moving towards her. Aiming to pierce her very heart. She waited but the pain never came. She opened her eyes only to find herself plunged into darkness, unable to even see her hand in front of her face. She ran aimlessly through the black abyss, no knowing where she was or if there even was a way to escape it. Was this death? An endless world of nothingness? "I wanted him to kill you but you damn creatures and your imprinting. He will never kill now that believes you to be the only one to give him happiness." Roxanne froze at the sound of the hissing voice. she had not heard it the past several days. Even in her nightmares the voice had remained quite. "Niko would never kill me...Even if I was not his true mate he would never kill an Innocent woman. None of what is going on here is my fault."
"Isn't it? It is true that if you were dead that we would leave your kind alone. You would be a long forgotten memory." Roxanne felt the truth in his words pierce her heart, as if Niko's blade had truly given its killing blow. "Why me?"
"Have you not figured it out by now? You creatures are truly the most dense. Just listen to your heart. You will know."
The darkness suddenly faded around Roxanne and she found herself in the wide lush valley of the Blood Moon Kingdom. She looked in front of her. seeing the same tree she had seen before in one of her visions. The one Niko and her had made love under before she felt herself being torn away from and life being pulled from her. This time however she saw a silver haired woman standing beneath the tree holding the hand of a young boy. The woman and the boys back were turned to her and she could not see their faces. She slowly moved towards then only to have the woman turn to look at her. Roxanne froze as she found herself staring at her own reflection. "You have to save him..." Her reflection said as she looked down to the young boy. Roxanne followed her gaze and felt her heart stop as swirling silver and red eyes stared back at her. It was the wolf from her first vision, the one that had been leading the army of wolves over the mountain, except he was now a small boy. Staring up at her with such love and trust that the realization of who he was struck Roxanne with such a blow that she woke up.
Roxanne sat straight up in bed. She had not screamed awake this time so Roland did not some rushing into her room. Her chamber was silent except for the beating of her own heart. As Roxanne listened to it she realized there was not one beating heart...but two. The other very faint and coming from deep inside herself. Roxanne felt her anxiety rising as she placed her hands over her belly as if trying to protect the small fragile life that grew inside of her.

Roxanne had not left the Keep much after she had discovered she was carrying Niko's child. She had told no one she was expecting, already very protective and scared for the child. She could not imagine what his life was going to be like, being born into a world of so much pain and suffering. Only to be the one destined destroy it. Too much weight already rested on her sons shoulders and he had not even been born. Roxanne kept herself busy with simple Keep duties not wanting to put too much strain on herself. Roland and Hez glad to finally see their Mistress gain back her appetite. Roxanne ate the food if only for the sake of her child but she did not taste it.
On day of the full moon Roxanne never left her room. She sat there praying to the moons to keep Niko safe, horrible visions of Niko laying dead in the middle of the villages having haunted her dreams all the night long. Would she even feel if he had died? Their connection so much weaker than it had ever been since they discovered it. She could not even reach out far enough to even feel how he was. She soon stopped trying. It was that night that someone come knocking at her door. She answered it thinking it to be Bridget about to give her the evening meal and another line of questioning as to how she was feeling. When she opened the door and saw Roland standing there with a grave look on her face, her heart stopped. "What is it?"
"Some of the men have returned from the battle. The Creatures struck a night early. It was a bloodshed." He paused only to place a gentle hand on Roxanne's shoulder "The Alpha is dead." Roxanne stood there frozen in place, unable to move or speak. She felt all the blood drain from her face and the world around her began to spin. The next thing she knew she was waking up in Hez's arms. Roxanne was confused at first, thinking she hallucinated Roland being there telling her that her one true mate was dead. Then she turned her head only to find Roland standing beside them giving her the same grave look he had a moment ago. Roxanne looked to Hez who was giving her the same look and it all became to much, Tears started pouring down her face before she even let out the first sob. "Let go of me, I need to be alone." She pushed away Hez not meaning to but needing desperately to be away from every one. Roxanne never cried in front of people and she could feel her insides tearing each other apart trying to keep in the flood of tears she had locked up inside of her. The men watched her, reluctant to do what she asked. They were afraid she would end her life knowing that her true mate was dead and at first they moved to stop her but Roxanne slammed the door and locked it before they could get to her. She collapsed to the floor, curling up into a ball while she cried out for her breaking heart, her lost love, and her son who would never know his father. The vision she had of her holding her sons hand in the valley becoming more clear. Niko had not been there holding his hand, because he would never know his son.
Roland and Hez could hear her through the door and became more worried for her welfare. Hez rushed off to get Bridget while Roland tried to talk to Roxanne and get her to open the door. Roxanne heard nothing. Nothing in the world existed except for her and the life growing inside of her. For a moment she thought she heard Bridget's voice but it was distant and far away. Roxanne passed out on the floor that night. falling into a dreamless sleep. She woke to the sound of banging on her door. She slowly got to her feet and unlocked the door, her whole body stiff from having slept on the hard ground. When she opened it a stressed looking Bridget stood there. she pushed past the door not even giving Roxanne a moment to speak while she pulled her to the bed and made her lay down. Bridget went to retrieve the tray of food she had brought her and set it down beside Roxanne on the bed "You have to eat something."
Roxanne stared down at the food with disinterest. Then the beating of her sons heart filled her ears and she reached out to take a bite of a piece of bread. She had to keep going for her son, she could not give up. He was the answer to destroying the evil that plagued them, he was the last piece of Niko left to her, he was her son and he deserved better than a broken and shattered mother. She finished off the food Bridget had brought her and Bridget watched her eat it in shock. She had expected a few nibbles and then for Roxanne to curl up in the bed and sleep the day away. When she saw Roxanne get out of the bed and then ask for a bath to be prepared Bridget could barley believe her ears. Could Roxanne really be that strong? Bridget hurried off to prepare the bath, not questioning Roxanne's request.
After Roxanne had bathed and dressed for the day she went down stairs to resume her Keep duties. Roland and Hez still remaining by her side. She was the Alpha now and she had to keep things going. She ordered Roland back to training the men and only kept Hez for her own protection. She got looks of sympathy and shock all day long but ignored every single one knowing that if she stopped to think about it she would fall apart all over again. It went on like this for one full day until the eruption of shock ran through the kingdom at the sight of the Alpha running towards the keep, still very much alive.
Roxanne had been in the kitchen discussing provisions when the news reached her. A very exhausted looking Evan racing into the room "Evan, what are you doing here? I thought I sent you to the stables to help tend to the horses." the young man was trying to catch his breath, obvious that he had ran as fast as he could to find her. "Alpha..alive.."
That was all the boy needed to get out between breaths before Roxanne started running to the front of the keep. She ran through the doors and down through the courtyard stopping only for a moment when she first spotted Niko heading towards her. Her heart raced at the sight of him, almost for a moment thinking he was only an illusion. she quickly picked back up her feet and raced towards him, uncaring if she was hallucinating or not. She did not stop until she was close enough to leap into his arms. Her arms and legs wrapping around him and gripping onto him tightly. The tears and sobs of joy escaping her, unable to stop them. He was real and he was here. "Your alive, oh thank the moons your alive."

Roxanne could not stop the tears from streaming down her face ad she held onto Niko tightly. She had thought she would never been able to touch him again and to have him here placing kisses over her face, touching her, and feeling his love for her flow over her once more was almost more that she could stand. When he fell to his knees she hardly noticed until she felt just how weary he really was through their link. She slowly loosened her grip, almost scared that if she let him go he would disappear. She watched as Niko passed out in her arms and she became slightly alarmed at how careless she had been to not notice his condition.
She looked around her relieved to see Hez right beside them. "Please, help me carry the Alpha to his room. I have to tend to his wounds right away." Hez nodded and then moved to help Roxanne carry him inside. Hez went on to take Niko to his room while Roxanne stopped at her room to grab the few medical supplies she had at the keep. She Rushed down the hall until she reached Niko's room. She thanked Hez and told him to fetch Bridget and intrust her to bring bowels of warm water and extra cloth. Once Hez had left to so as Roxanne asked she turned her attention to Niko, slowly taking off his clothes and seeing the extent of his wounds. She tried not to let the sight of Niko's wounds upset her but she was finder it harder to control her emotions these days. Tears streaked down her cheeks and she quickly swiped them away right before Bridget Appeared in the doorway holding what she had asked for.
Roxanne started to clean the wounds out before spreading the pain relief slave over each one, going to stitch up the more sever ones. When she was finished Roxanne was exhausted. Bridget had left immediately after she had delivered the water and cloth not wanting to intrude on Roxanne's concentration, leaving Roxanne alone with Niko. She stood up and stretched her aching muscles and headed over to Niko's wash basin. Cleaning her hands a face before she walked back over to the bed. She laid down beside Niko, covering them both with a thick quilt while she tried to fall asleep. she would not stop staring at him, she had truly believed he was dead and the joy of having him alive was over whelming. She cuddled closely to his side, her hand reaching up and running down the side of his face before she finally gave in and closed her eyes, dreaming of Niko holding his sons hand in lush Valleys of the Blood Moon.

Roxanne was still dreaming of Niko, their son and her playing together in an endless field. She shifted slightly awake when Niko wrapped his arms around her,pulling her closer. Her dreams shifting while his words washed over her. The field transformed to Niko's bedroom, Niko holding her on the bed while time seemed to slowly pass them by. Their sons and daughters coming into the room to wake them up, laughter ringing through the air as time seemed to go forward. The kids growing older and slowly leaving until their was only Niko and Roxanne once again. Both of them growing older in each others arms until they both went into the the afterlife that had escaped them for so many centuries.
Roxanne slowly opened her eyes at the feel of Niko's kiss on her cheek. She felt a little groggy as if she truly had just lived a lifetime but when she lifted her head and looked up into Nikos eyes everything that had happened came rushing back to her, waking her up completely. she smiled and reached up running her hand down the side of his face, still unbelievably happy to have him still beside her. She could not help the tears that came to her eyes once more but she did her best to not let them spill. Not wanting to start blubbering all over Niko again like she had the moment she saw him yesterday. There was so much more important things to talk about at the moment, like the fact the he was going to be a father.
Roxanne blushed all the sudden feeling very self conscious. How do you tell someone such a thing? Especially when your child is the chosen one meant to bring peace to all their kind? She bit her lip and decided it was best she try to find out what happened and leave the other explanation for later. She had to think about how she was going to tell him. "What happened to you Niko? What happened at the village? Why did your men think you dead?" She hoped he did not notice how she was barraging him with questions in order to avoid what she really wanted to tell him. She could not believe how nervous about it she really was. Was it not just yesterday that she was crying her heart out at the thought of Niko never knowing his son?

Roxanne listened silently, images passing through her mind as if she had been there by his side witnessing it all along with him. She did not even notice the tears running down her face until Niko reached up and ran his hand down the side of her face. His promise to always do his best to return to her filling her with fear and hope. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath knowing she could not keep her pregnancy a secret any longer. No matter how self conscious she was about telling him the look of deep sorrow was enough for her to gain the courage. She had no idea why she was so anxious about it. He was her true mate and she knew deep down he would be happy but it was just so sudden. She was still in shock over it and she could not help but fear that he would be displeased about it. She slowly pulled away from him and sat on her knees on the bed looking down to him. "Niko I have to tell you something..." She looked down at her hands trying to think of the right words. "While you were away I discovered what the rest of the Prophecy is. It is not just about us and our love that will bring down this fordable enemy. It is more greater and slightly more terrifying than we have imagined. It is something that we will create together that will bring down these invisible creatures. I am not sure how but I have seen it in my visions." She lifted her head and looked him in the eyes then seeing that her words were only confusing him more. She was shaking at this point, the reality of it all sinking in. "Niko, I am carrying your child." She began reaching out for his hand and placing it on her stomach letting him feel the tiny beating heart within her. "In my visions I have seen him lead a great army to defeat our enemy. Blood and Silver wolves together prepared to fight, whatever the cost." She watched him closely prepared to see shock but dreading to see the sadness as well. This was supposed to be a joyful time and Roxanne hoped beyond hope that she would see a slight glimmer of happiness as well.

Roxanne slowly laid back on the bed, watching as he rested his head against her still flat belly. Their sons heart beating strongly into Niko's ear. Roxanne smiled while she reached down and ran her fingers through Niko's hair, listening to his words. She trusted Niko to do as he said, teach their son to be strong and to be a warrior brave enough to face the trials that were going to come his way. She could not help the fear that clawed at her heart, making her blood run cold. Just thinking about their son as a young boy possibly having to grow up faster than he should. It brought tears to her eyes. Why? Why was this all happening to them, to their kind? Who were these creatures and what did they want? That was the only question that remained burning in Roxanne's soul. She had been thinking about the cave her uncle had told her about and what secrets it may hold. What the scholars of the Silver Moon had discovered that could be vital to their survival.
She watched as Niko kissed her stomach, the tender action making her heart melt with her love for him. They could do this together, that was why the moons had spent centuries trying to bring them together. They knew they were the ones strong enough to do this, she had to believe in that. She sat up and wrapped her arms around Niko, leaning in and kissing him fiercely. All the fear of losing him and her happiness of him still being here beside her, expressed in one kiss. She slowly pulled back, her hands moving up to be placed on either side of his face while she stared deeply into his eyes. Her thumb gently caressing his cheek while she spoke softly to him "I think we should keep this a secret, until we can not any longer." She could not explain this over protective feeling she was experiencing. She thought it was because of the vision, the way their son had looked at her with such trust while her double pleaded for her to save him. It haunted her every thought and she could not help but feel that it was a warning.
A knock at the door made Roxanne nearly jump out of her skin. she had been so lost in thought she had completely forgotten that it was morning and that Niko and her had been locked away in this room since yesterday. "Come in" She called out while she slipped off the bed, not thinking that anyone really cared about decorum between her and Niko anymore but still unable to break the habit of manners driven into her since birth. When Bridget walked through the door holding a tray of food Roxanne relaxed slightly, smiling to her while to motioned for Bridget to set it down on the table in the corner of the room. "I have come to bring you the morning meal and to tell you both that the Alpha of the Silver Moon will be arriving soon."
Roxanne froze and stared at Bridget in disbelief, wondering if she had heard wrong. "My father? He is coming here?"
"Yes, a messenger arrived yesterday after the Alpha returned home. The Silver Moon Alpha is coming to witness the wedding and sign the treaty. I knew you were busy tending to his wounds and did not wish to disturb you with the news. I am sorry, I should of probably told you sooner." Bridget looked worried, wondering if Roxanne was angry at her for not informing her as soon as the message arrived. Roxanne quickly walked to Bridget and took her hand "No,no its fine. I am just surprised is all. Thank you Bridget" Bridget smiled and bowed her head before exiting the room. Roxanne looked to Niko then "Well, this is all very unexpected."

Roxanne rushed to his side the moment he fell back into the bed. placing her hands on his shoulder to steady him. "No no, you are not getting out of bed." She stated while she pushed him back into the bed, helping him lay back down but with his back supported by the head board. She walked over to the food and brought the tray to the bed, setting it beside him. " You need your rest," she began while she reached up and placed her hand on the side of his face. "You died protecting your people I think you deserve a little bit of rest. I can deal with my father and the wedding preparations. We will not have it until tonight so you will have all day to rest." Her hand ran through his hair then and she leaned in a kissed him softly on the lips. "Besides, I want you to feel at your best when you finally become my husband." She smiled before she reached over and grabbed a piece of bread, feeding it to him. Giggling when he took it into his mouth. She had not giggled since she was a little girl but her heart was so full with love and joy she could not help it. She reached over and grabbed a piece of bread, popping it into her own mouth before she stood up, leaning down to kiss him once more. She walked over to the door reluctant to leave but knowing she had much to do that day "I will see you tonight, my love, when I am walking towards you to become your wife." She smiled to him her bright blue eyes shinning with her love for him before she walked through the door and closed it behind her.
She first stopped at her room where Bridget had just finished making a bath for her. It amazed her how the girl was always one step ahead of her, Roxanne really had to do something for her to show just how much she really did appreciate her. She had seen how Bridget had been looking at Hez the past few days while he had been guarding her. Maybe she could persuade Hez to ask Bridget to dance with him tonight, she hoped he knew how. If not she would just have to show him a few steps before the wedding began. She added that to her list of many things to do before she took a quick bath. She brushed out her hair while sitting in front of the fire to dry before she went and searched through her trunk of gowns, pulling out the silver and blue gown that she had reserved for special occasions and slipped it on, Heading down to the kitchens to talk to the cook.
She was in the main hall over-seeing the decorating when a guard walked in and announced the arrival of her father. Roxanne could not help the anxiety she felt over him being here. She had never expected him to show up, thinking he would want to stay in the kingdom to protect it against attack. There had to be some other reason for him being here other than to witness the wedding. Roxanne walked down to the courtyard with Hez behind her. She had asked him earlier what he thought of Bridget and when he began to stutter over his words she was convinced that they both had feelings for each other. To Roxanne's relief he did know how to waltz, one less thing for her to worry over. She watched her father approach on his white horse Maximus, happy to see her uncle among the men that were protecting him. It was not until they were almost to the courtyard that Roxanne saw the much smaller rider among them. Her heart lept when she saw her younger sister Odette jump off of her horse and run towards her. Roxanne catching and lifting her up in a tight embrace. "Odette, what are you doing here?"
"Papa said I could come. I would never want to miss my sister getting married!" Roxanne smiled before she looked up to her Father and his men "Hello Father, welcome to the Blood Moon Kingdom."
"What is this? Where is the Alpha to greet me? Do the Blood Moon Wolves not fallow such honorary customs?" Roxanne suppressed a sigh, the happiness over seeing her sister quickly vanishing. This was what her life had been like, always customs and decorum before love and affection. "You must excuse him father, he had just returned from a grueling battle and suffered some injuries. He has been told to rest as long as he can. You will see him tonight at the wedding." Her father said nothing and just dismounted his horse, walking passed her into the Keep. Her Uncle followed quickly behind him but not without placing an affectionate hand on Roxanne's shoulder first. She smiled and then took Odette's hand and went inside as well. "Are you going to help me get ready?" she asked her sister, the smile that came over Odette's face making Roxanne completely forget about her fathers cold greeting. Odette nodded and Roxanne lead her back to her chambers to get ready for the wedding telling Bridget to make sure her Father and uncle were okay before joining them to help her dress.
Roxanne let her sister comb her hair, Bridget joining them after she was done seeing the the Silver alpha. They dressed Roxanne in a white gown with silver trimming that made the dress gleam in the candle light. Odette helping Bridget fix Roxanne hair so that they could secure the Silver Moon Tiara on her head. The crown made up of glowing moon stones, shining crystals and bright blue sapphires that matched the color of Roxanne's eyes. Roxanne walked to the mirror and gazed at her reflection, never having felt so beautiful. She already had everything she wanted, a man that loved her and a family that truly cared for her. They surrounded her even now, Bridget and Odette smiling at her with such love like she had never known before. Tonight she would become Niko's wife and the alliance would begin, peace so close and yet so far away.
Bridget and Odette helped her down to the main hall. The sun had already set over an hour ago and the blood red moon hung full in the sky. They were to be married outside in the courtyard under the moonlight and Roxanne slowly made her way towards the main hall door. Her father stood next to the entrance and extended his arm to her, no words of sentiment or appreciation for having fulfilled her duty. Roxanne should be used to her fathers callous manner but for some reason after all these years it still hurt her. She instead did not look at her father but ahead while he lead her down into the courtyard, her eyes going directly to Niko. She may have never known love in the past but she at least she could be assured that she would know it in her future.