Ryder Read online

  I took a moment to process his words, my hand reaching for the silver chain that hid beneath my shirt. I tugged it out, looking at the locket. My thumb landed on the small button on the side— the front swung open to show the picture of the woman I loved, smiling before me.

  Her bright blue eyes glittered with delight as her white teeth peeked out from her wide smile. My lips were on her cheek, unaware the picture was being taken.

  I glanced to the other side of the locket, a picture of all of us— My mother and father, the King and Queen of Heila, Anya on my right with her hands up laughing, Mako copying the same pose with Nightmare on her head, and my younger self— laughing from all the chaos.

  A piece of jewelry I seemed to forget existed, yet had brought me a wave of comfort as I glanced back and forth between the old and recent picture.

  I closed my eyes, resting my head against the black cabinet, gripping the locket to my chest while I listened to his words.

  Regardless of good or bad, would I change it? Any of it? The hardships, the laughs, the sorrowful events and most importantly, the chance to meet the woman I loved and adored.

  This is my story, and how one girl changed my world.

  LUNAR ROTATION- X, CYCLE 5015

  "Mom, Dad! Pretty please!"

  I stood before my parents with my hands pressed together in a pleading manner, praying they would accept my request after cycles of me pleading.

  I glanced at my parents, staring first at my mother, Violet Carter and then to my father, Alexander Carter.

  They both glanced at one another, sharing a look before they sighed.

  "Will you behave?" my mom questioned.

  "YES! I'll follow everything you ask and represent our family with respectable behavior." I stood tall, hoping the action would heighten my chances of getting my way.

  I turned to my father who stared at me, his blank expression made me frown as I feared the worst. He noticed my growing disappointment; his eyes softened as he smiled.

  "As long as you’re good and stay out of trouble. That goes to both you and Stryker."

  "YES! Thank you, Mother and Father. I won't let you down! Is Anya coming?" I asked, hugging the both of them.

  They smiled, patting my head before setting me down as they rose from the red velvet sofa in our large living room. "Anya will be staying here. Karen is here visiting her father and volunteered to watch your sister. We'll bring her once you get used to the castle in Heila," Mom explained.

  Father nodded.

  "No wandering, Ryder. The castle is triple the size of ours and it's very easy to get lost. You must stay by our side until we’re both reassured you won't go astray. Understood?"

  "Yes, Father." I nodded, giving him a confident look.

  He smiled in approval. "Excellent. I guess we'll celebrate your birthday tomorrow and head over to Heila in the evening. We should be there before morning with the express route. I will go contact Arthur and Catherine. Ryder, help your father bring the remaining books to his study," Mom announced.

  "Yes, Mom," I agreed.

  She leaned up to kiss my father before pressing a quick kiss on my cheek. "Don't get lost in one of your lectures, honey. I would like to eat dinner ON TIME today."

  I glanced at my father whose face grew a light pink.

  "Yes, I'll make sure we're both at the table in twenty minutes," he declared. He leaned over to whisper in my ear, "Remind me or else we won't get apple cranberry pie for dessert."

  I gasped.

  "Not the pie," I said in shock, Mom's desserts being my favorite of the entire three-course meal.

  "Yes," he stressed, looking just as distraught.

  "I'll remind you for sure!" I stressed, feeling determined to save our chance at dessert.

  We both turned to the sound of my mom giggling.

  "You two are too much for your own good. I'll make sure to give you seconds." She winked, leaving us alone.

  I fist pumped the air. "Father! Let's get your stuff organized so we can go eat." I didn't wait for him to answer, already grabbing a bunch of books in my hands and making my way to his study.

  "Just don't crash into anything like last time," he called out.

  I grinned, feeling a sense of pride helping out my father, the King of Minato, also known as Realm Five. We were the realm who specialized in training the best knights to serve the most important shifters and protect valuables across the realms.

  Knightwood Academy was mandatory for all knights in training, having to enroll and participate in both written and practical exams to prove your worth as a knight. Once graduated, you would be assigned to your post based on your final rank achieved.

  Gold and Pink ranks were the two highest ranks and guaranteed you got the best positions to serve and protect royal shifters for as many cycles as you desired. It came with many benefits such as housing for yourself and future family, all meals provided, medical benefits and more.

  The lowest ranks, being Black and Red, usually led to jobs that weren't so great like being a janitor or shoveling horse manure.

  Needless to say, I took pride in knowing my family was the foundation of the growth and development of Knightwood and I vowed I'd become a knight and dedicate my life to serve, at least until it was time for me to rule.

  I reached my father's study, thankful that the door was wide open. I moved to his oak desk, placing the pile of books gently before sighing in relief as I shook my arms.

  I waited patiently for my father, knowing he'd take his time bringing the rest of the books or get caught up reading something by accident.

  My eyes scanned the room, landing on our family portrait. I smiled at the acrylic painting, which took the famous artist, Sir Akiyama, King of Phentailia twenty hours to create. I was thankful we didn't have to stand there for that length of time, the King stating all he needed was to make a quick outline sketch and he'd be able to work his magic.

  It was one of my favorite images to look at in the entire kingdom. My parents loved art and pictures of us, but this always took the top spot in my book.

  Father was six-seven, a giant compared to my short four-four height. He had short hair like mine, his gold jeweled crown sitting perfectly on his head. He had trimmed his beard at a request from my mother just for the image. I personally liked him without his beard, but he claimed it made him look wiser and stronger. His dark purple eyes reflected his power as he stood at attention for the painting, projecting strength and seriousness.

  Even though my father was strict, I knew he was kind and our people loved and adored him. He was knowledgeable and had a way with words. Many leaders spent cycles learning how to present themselves as a confident leader. I hoped to be as strong and as wise when my time came to rule.

  I glanced over to the image of my mom who sat on her throne. Her dark purple strands of hair were braided to one side, little gold trinkets placed neatly throughout the braid to match the gold crown resting on her head. Her Tyrian eyes showed both happiness and kindness as she smiled brilliantly. Her rosy cheeks and pink lips added to her youthful appearance. When standing, she was shorter than my tall father, being about five-nine in height.

  I loved everything about my mom, even when she got angry. Sure, the part I loved the least, but I guess breaking her furniture was one of the little pet peeves that set her off. She was a beautiful woman to many and though her innocent outlook made her look harmless, I knew better. She was powerful and could hold herself in a battle with ease. The fact people underestimated her was her ultimate advantage and her opponents soon regretted assuming she hid behind Father. She could defend the kingdom on her own, and all of us knew it.

  I glanced down at the pair of bright purple eyes; the image of my younger sister caused me to laugh. She was the princess of the kingdom and whatever she wanted, she got. My mom was still strict when she tried to hide her vegetables under her chair.

  She was sitting on Mother's lap, laughing as her eyes twinkled with joy, her brown hair braid
ed to match Mother's, with a pin bow to hold it together. Her poofy purple dress was her favorite and she declared that day she'd never take it off. Her little gold crown had little purple flowers, the freshly picked blossoms placed neatly between the spaces.

  I loved my sister and she looked up to me to protect her from the monsters under her bed. My parents said taking care of her would be my training toward protecting the person I'd be designated to serve in the future. I took my duty very seriously and vowed to always protect my baby sister.

  I finally landed on the striking image of me— Tyrian eyes, black short hair peaked out from my gold crown as I stood tall to match my father's stature. I knew one day I'd be in the running of becoming the heir of Minato; my baby sister, Anya, also having the same chance at the throne when the time approached, but in the back of my mind I didn't know how to be a good leader.

  How could I lead a nation like Father and Mother?

  "I should let your mom request a smaller copy of that family portrait," Father announced, grabbing my attention as I glanced at the doorway. He was relaxed against the door frame, a smile on his face.

  "It's my favorite," I pointed out.

  He nodded, walking over to place his hand on my shoulder. "Mine too," he admitted, glancing up at the image.

  I looked up at him, admiring his pride-filled smile. "Father?"

  "Yes, Ryder?"

  "How can I be a good leader like you?" I asked.

  He turned his attention to me. "Well, you have to have a goal or something you want to protect," he began.

  "I want to protect Anya. Does that count?"

  My Father chuckled, moving toward his reading chair in the corner of the room. He sat down, patting his lap. I moved quickly to his side, sitting comfortably on his lap to listen to his wise words.

  "That is one good reason. A leader has to be someone who is willing to tell people what to do. A person who doesn't think twice to lay their life on the line to protect that person or team. You have to think on the spot and be willing to admit your mistakes if they arise. Most importantly, you have to always show strength, even when you're not as confident as you want to be," he explained.

  "But...I'm not sure that I can do all those things." I frowned, feeling disappointed.

  Father ruffled my hair, causing me to laugh. "Ryder. Becoming a leader takes cycles. It's not something that happens overnight. It takes time and experience. I have confidence in you that you'll become a fine leader one day and protect the people you love and cherish. "

  "Will I become strong like you, Father?"

  "Yes. Maybe even stronger," he whispered.

  "How about emotions? If I want to be strong, I can't show that I'm sad or mad?" I asked.

  "It depends on the situation. As a leader, there are going to be times where you can't show weakness or shed a tear, even if you want to cry. In hard times, people look to a leader for guidance and strength. If you stand there and show them that regardless of the bad, they can rise and move forward, they will feed off that positive energy and follow your lead. You can only show your emotions in private or among the people you trust with your life. That's what my father taught me when I was a young shifter like you."

  "Have you cried?" I asked. I always tried my best to not cry, even when I hurt myself or Mom punished me. It was hard in my opinion, and I didn't understand how Dad was able to never shed a tear.

  "I have. A few times actually," he confessed.

  "When was the last time you cried?"

  "When your sister was born."

  "But...why would you cry over Anya being born? You were super happy. So was Mother, but she said it's very painful to give birth so she's allowed to cry," I pointed out.

  Father laughed, the joyful baritone sound filled the room. "Yes, your mother gets special crying privileges, but yes I cried. When we put both of you to bed and I finally got to be alone with your mom, I cried and cried. Not because I was sad, but because I was overjoyed to have a daughter. Just like how I cried when you were born," he revealed.

  "Crying isn't a weakness?"

  "It's a way to let go of built up emotions. Could be from anger or the stress of having to accomplish a task or goal ahead. Crying doesn't mean you’re weak. But you have to be wise as to when and where you demonstrate those emotions. Surrounded by friends and loved ones is fine. But around a team you’re not familiar with or strangers, it can be a risk if they don't have good intentions."

  I nodded, needing a moment to digest his words. I glanced at the clock — my eyes growing wide. "APPLE CRANBERRY! Father, we need to get downstairs in one minute!" I jumped off his lap, ready to run to the door when his hand stopped me, landing on my shoulder.

  "No need to rush. I don't want you tripping down the stairs. Your mother will scowl at me," he grumbled.

  "But...we won't make it," I reminded, pointing at the clock.

  He grinned. "We'll use the fast route this one time." He winked.

  I cheered, hugging him as I prepared for him to use his gift.

  "Don't expect this all the time. I'm doing it for the pie."

  "And Mother’s goodnight kiss."

  He blushed, glancing to look to the side. "That too. Ready, my son?" he asked, looking down at me with a big smile.

  "Always ready." I readied myself, a thought coming to my mind. I released him before slipping my hand in his. "Dad?"

  "Yes, Ryder?"

  "I'll become a kind, strong leader like you," I vowed, not a hint of doubt in my mind. He looked back down to stare at my face that I prayed showed my determination.

  He nodded, his smile widened. "I know you will, Ryder, and I will help you be the best you can be. In stars, we trust."

  "Yes. Ryder is doing well with his training. I'm planning to talk with Matthew and have him enrolled earlier if his powers keep escalating," my father announced.

  "It's interesting how our children seem to be obtaining their gifts and strengths at a much quicker pace with little training compared to our days."

  We'd traveled to Heila in the middle of the night, Father having woken me up to get ready for the trip. I didn't stay up for long, falling asleep before we even boarded, which led to my father carrying me on board the royal carriage.

  Mother had explained that since the Starlight War that happened cycles ago, we had to resort to taking longer routes to reach different realms. In the past, we simply told the gatekeeper where we wanted to go and boom, we would be transported there with ease. But that all changed when the evil king, Blair Aspen, had declared war which resulted in higher security and the closure of the portals.

  For now, we had to use carriages to get to where we had to go. Thankfully, the horses used to pull the carriages were shifters and could run for long periods without getting exhausted. This saved us many hours of travel. My father and King Heart were working on a way to make transport ships that would help lower the time it took to travel, without compromising security.

  It was a fascinating project and Father swore he'd let me view the prototype when the time arrived.

  It was mid-afternoon and we were in the living room, Father and Mother sitting to my right as I sat at the edge of the pink and gold sofa, trying to keep up with their adult conversation.

  I glanced up at the man sitting opposite of me— King Arthur Heart of Heila. He had dark brown hair that hung loosely to his shoulders, his bright blue eyes twinkled with power and magic. I knew he was hiding his true strength, the aura that surrounded him still strong enough to be noticeable, but nothing compared to what it could be.

  Father had explained that King Heart was even stronger than him and Mother, but when I looked at the kind man before me who laughed and smiled with ease, it was difficult to think he was the strongest royal among the realms.

  My eyes shifted to the beautiful woman sitting next to him, the Queen of Heila. She was beautiful from head to toe, her turquoise eyes looked like shiny jewels as she laughed. Her brown hair was in multiple curls that framed her oval
shaped face. Her pale skin only made her eyes pop out more and her pink lips matched the light shade of blush on her cheeks.

  All the realms talked about her beauty, even my mother, who was her best friend, always complimented her. Despite all the attention and praise, she wasn't mean or acted like she deserved constant attention like the girls in my classes always asked for. She knew her beauty and worth, but was humble, as my father and mother explained.

  What was most shocking was she equaled the King in power, both of them tying in as the strongest royals across the realms. It was hard to believe and still many shifters questioned it. But I was one of the few given the privilege to view old photographs and videos taken of the Queen because of how close she was to my mother. They fought many fights together and had both taken part in the Aspen War long ago.

  From the videos, which my mother had finally allowed me to watch despite my father's interference, it was clear the King and Queen of Heila could defeat an entire army by themselves and had claimed their status that fateful day, when the war finally came to an end.

  "How are Kade and Xavier?" Mother asked.

  "Ah. Kade is as chatty as ever and Xavier is the polar opposite. I don't know where he got his silence from. Arthur is quiet at times, but with Xavier, you have to pick at him before he finally tells you what's wrong. Not to mention he has a habit of being easily misunderstood." The Queen sighed.

  "Maybe he'll grow out of it?" Mother suggested.

  "I doubt it. Kade says that’s just how Xavier is and just bothers him until he fesses up. I won't change either of them, but I wish he'd rely on me a bit more while they're still young. In terms of powers, Kade's gift awakened a few days ago and Karen and Winterlya believes Xavier won't be far behind. We may enroll them both in Knightwood after the Solace Rotation," she explained.

  "Already? I'm impressed. Having both of your blood, I wouldn't be surprised if they achieved Gold or even Pink status automatically," Father commented.

  "Maybe. It would be a good achievement and they both love learning," the King admitted.