Master I only allowed my offsprings, Puabi and Camile, permission to enter Merna’s chamber to go into my personal chamber. They were ordered not to speak of this to anyone. Keeping Merna’s condition a secret was harder than I had thought. The sounds of a child could be heard every time the doors were opened and closed. Sabit was the first to become very attached to the little bundle, spending most of the time with her to keep her from crying. I sent Zefer on a task that only she was privy to know. With the threat of unknown spies, possible attacks I entrusted my daughter to get this task completed. As Merna continued with her transformations, Camile and Puabi would step in so that Sabit could have a break. It was undeniable, Merna was very beautiful, intelligent and a handful. Determined to get her way, she was argumentative and smart with her logical debates. Something I knew Puabi could handle. Several times after a long shifts I would find Merna in the centre of a group of women, slumbering. Zefer strolled up to me as I gazed at the group, ‘are you sure you want to do this father?’ ‘Has the task been completed?’ I asked my daughter without taking my eyes off of Merna. Already I was starting to feel guilt for what had to be done. ‘The mage did as you ordered. This amulet will send Merna back … everyone will forget about what happened. It will be as if none of this happened.’ Zefer dropped an amulet half the size of my hand into my palm. ‘There is also one other thing!’ I raised a brow, ‘and?’ ‘The grandmaster mage was a spy! He thought he was smart enough to slip a paper between pages of his books. A message telling him to look for Merna … description … everything!’ Zefer gave me a toothy smile. ‘I waited for the mage to finish his task … Alma is in the dungeons with him now! The paper was burned … all of the work that was written down for this amulet is destroyed, you have nothing to worry about!’‘Excellent! Once Merna is back where she belongs, we are going to do an overhaul here … we will be questioning everyone's loyalty. I have written myself a message telling me what needs to be completed.’ My facial expression did not change. ‘I do not mean to offend you … are you sure you can do this to your mate?’ Zefer was only speaking of concern. Huffing, ‘It will not matter. No one will remember this ever happened. My word to Pirapancam will be kept. Merna’s identity will remain hidden … This is for all of our safety. Our enemies will rip all the realms apart to kill all Neruppu paravai. They are the only species that do not bow to our command.’ I started to chuckle, ‘even if they ate the food, a pure Neruppu paravai could not be controlled.’ I stared at a slumbering teenage version of Merna, ‘They do not align themselves to us and are capable of over-throwing us with little effort!’ I pivoted to leave the location. ‘This has to be done for all species!’ Two blood moons and Merna was back to the individual that she was the first time I saw her. She had all of her memories intact, except what happened during the time she was unconscious. When I questioned her if she had ever came across a phoenix in her lifetime, she laughed at me. “Phoenix’s are but a myth no one has seen one as long as I can remember.” Merna stated with a smile. It was apparent that she still didn’t know her true nature. I did not press the issue further. This is all I needed to know. Merna was unaware of her lineage. I had come to the conclusion that each time Merna had a rebirth, she would be unconscious, so her mind would not remember what was going on. “Do you wish to go for a walk?” I asked her. Grabbing her cloak she was pulling my arm towards the entrance that would lead us outside. I loved the energy she had for life. It was hard to believe that this creature was capable of great disaster if pushed in that direction. Merna was holding onto my arm as we strolled through the woods. “I love how everything is coming to life!” I huffed with a smile on my face, “It is the same each time, I do not see how you find it fascinating!” I chuckled knowing this would send my little mate on a tangent.“It is the cycle of birth, growth, death, and decay!” She glanced up at me briefly then continued to glance around the surroundings. “Of course it is the same to many, but it is the beauty and nature of the cycle that brings a sense of tranquillity to the whole system.” Taking a breath, “Looking at the green leaf, many only see the green … I see several different shades of green … Mingling together to create this masterpiece.” A bubble of laughter erupted from my chest. “You are weird!” “I would rather be weird than boring!” Merna stated with a warm smile on her face. Pointing out, “Boring is something that you are not!” We stopped at the pathway that divided my domain and the earth realm. I was the ruler, the emperor with the task to make the hardest of decisions. I kissed Merna softly on the lips, “I never thought that I would love again. Then you abruptly came into my existence.” Merna’s smile was melting my blackened heart, “The big bad black dragon showing emotions!” Merna studied my facial expression. “What is going on with you?” Merna had raised her brow. Merna’s back had been towards the forming vortex that was building with energy. Placing the amulet around Merna’s neck. I leaned my head towards her, grasping her chin. I devoured Merna’s lips with mine. Deepening the kiss, ‘Protecting you from the originals that would destroy every shred of life just to kill you!’ Releasing our lips from contact, I pushed on Merna’s chest, sending her through the portal. Dropping to my knees I knew the pain would only last for so long. Once the vortex was closed and the amulet took effect, the pain I felt would be gone. I stayed there as the vortex slowly closed, the pain still killing me inside. I had to get back to my castle, Ashur was to arrive soon and I needed to be there to tell him the news. When I entered the throne room, Pirapancam was there waiting for me. “I have great news brother!” She announced as Ashur came into the throne room. “What is the news dear sister?” I asked as I sat in my chair. Pirapancam clapped her hand together, “Pisces has gotten to me, informing me that our brother Mannel has been captured and is held in an amulet. The unfortunate part was that Merna's friend Pierre lost the battle! Pisces has made sure that he will join his mate again soon.” My facial expression dropped. “What is the matter Chaos? Is this not great news? We are winning the war … Merna soon will have nothing to fear!” I forced a smile on my face, “That is great news indeed!” Pirapancam clapped her hands together, “I have to go! There is much to be done … I expect that there will be a celebration soon with an announcement about your engagement with Merna as well!” I forced a smile on my face, “Dear sister, we should not rush things! After all, we have not spoken to Merna yet!” “Of course of course … but it will be soon right?” Pirapancam was excited. I nodded my head once. That seemed to appease her as she dissipated from the location. Ashur inquired, “Where is Merna?” Ashur was rubbing his chest as he could feel the throbbing pain as well. Our eyes locked, the effect of the amulet was starting to work, “I sent her home …”