Lothor looked at me lost in my eyes the same smile on his face. Getting closer, he reached out to touch my face. "Never seen something so beautiful..." I pulled away the last second but something had already stopped Lothor's hand from getting any closer. Somehow I missed Sythyon standing up and grabbing Lothor's arm before he reached me. "Don't. Touch. Alathera."
He spit out like venom looking at Lothor in annoyance. Alathera was what Sythyon decided to call me. He said that it was his mother's name and that my kindness reminded him of her.
Lothor looked at him with a mixture of surprise and anger on his face before Sythyon pushed him away, making him stumble backwards. Lothor corrected his balance quickly, still trying to process Sythyon speaking to him.
But then his expression changed from anger to amusement. "I never knew you were able to care for something brother. What ever ushered you into playing lovers with a unicorn?" Both me and Sythyon blinked in confusion and I looked away awkwardly. 'What?! That's weird!!!'
Sythyon then held a glare towards Lothor like the thought of us being lovers didn't phase him at all. "It's different." Lothor raised an eyebrow casually turning away. "Whatever you say. It's not any of my business, but I'm sure father will have nothing less of a reaction once he finds out."
Sythyon's expression quickly fell into worry as Lothor smiled evilly and started to walk away. Sythyon called to him quickly. "Wait." Lothor stopped and turned to him continuing to smile. "Hmm?" Sythyon spoke still trying to hold back the pain in his voice. "You, want something. Tell me." Lothor's gaze moved to me again. "I want her. Alathera. I won't eat her. I only want to enjoy the same feeling you've so selfishly taken for yourself and have her bond too."
Sythyon's eyes widened and he looked at me. I didn't know how to respond either but it was clear that Sythyon didn't have a choice. He slowly turned away and nodded. I didn't like this. I was going to have to spend time with someone who enjoys hurting people. But if it would save Sythyon from being at the mercy of his father, I would do it.
So instead of meeting only Sythyon every day, Lothor would come along as well and try to get closer to me. I was annoyed by him at first and would never let him ride me. One time when he tried, I stood on my hind legs throwing him off into a tree. Sythyon tried so hard to hold in his laughter and Lothor would yell like a kid that didn't get what he wanted for his birthday.
Eventually, we got used to him and started to actually get along with each other, as unbelievable as it sounds. The more time we spent with Lothor, the more we realized that he was really an alright person deep down. We actually had some fun moments, and Lothor and Sythyon acted like real brothers for once. Always talking and laughing about things that happened that day or childhood memories. It stayed that way for thirty more years after that. Though I would still only let Sythyon ride me, I thought of Lothor as a new friend.
One day Lothor came to me alone. I wondered where Sythyon was but before I could think anything else, Lothor pet my nose and got closer. "You're the only thing that matters to me..." I was surprised at him suddenly telling me this. He smiled softly. "Even if I have to go through an eternity without riding you, I will always love you..."
I was shocked but I loved that his rage seemed to be finally gone. I headbutted his chest softly, my horn resting on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around my neck accepting my hug. "Thanks..." His voice was barely loud enough to hear but it was just as kind. But, it was not to last. For only a week later Sythyon's and Lothor's father was killed in war against the angels.
The underworld was dead silent for days after that, but the higher-ups in the castle had already arranged a coronation for Sythyon. Sythyon was terrified when he heard about it. "I-I'm not strong enough to be king." He told me. I hated seeing him so scared.
His depression became so bad that he stopped talking again, and even stopped coming with me and Lothor to spend time together. He locked himself in his room and never left. Lothor took his actions as an insult and confronted him for it. I wanted to know more about what was going on so I came to the castle and saw them screaming at each other though the window.
Lothor looked like he was on his last nerve. "How dare you disrespect the throne!! Is this just a joke to you??!!" Sythyon yelled back. "I didn't ask for this!!" Lothor's glare didn't falter. "Neither did I!!! I never asked for such a weakling to be ruling this world just because of his age!! You are nothing and have a chance to rule all, and you're not even grateful!!! You can't even see that you have everything!! You are a pathetic excuse for a demon!!!"
I could tell Sythyon was holding in his sadness the best he could. "Get out!" Lothor's eyes narrowed. "Be careful brother. You and I both know that I'm incredibly stronger than you, and you're not king just yet." Lothor walked out, purposely hitting Sythyon's shoulder as he stormed out the door.
I was appalled that Lothor would say such horrible things to Sythyon so easily even though it was obvious that Sythyon was going through a lot of stress. Since I didn't have to hide from the old lord, I made my way into the castle for the first time. I had to see him. Sythyon hadn't spoken to me since he told me he wasn't strong enough, and I wanted to let him know that I was there for him and to comfort him. After looking awhile, I pushed Sythyon's door open and saw him curled in a ball in the corner. His wings covered his face but I could still hear him sobbing softly.
I walked in the room and sat down next to him. He uncovered himself and looked surprised to see me. "Alathera..." He stayed still as I rested my chin on his lap, hoping that my touch would help him feel better. He hesitated, then ran his fingers through my mane and let the last of his tears fall down his face before he smiled softly. "I'm sorry. I love you Alathera..."
I wanted nothing more than to have a way of telling him that I did too. Then, my horn started to glow, and Sythyon gasped. I had told him without knowing, and was so happy that I could. But, out of the corner of my eye, something was at the door. It quickly moved out of sight as soon as I saw it, so I didn't see what it was, but I suddenly had a horrible feeling. I wish I had known that something was about to happen. Something that would tear the brotherhood that Sythyon and Lothor once had, and burn it into ash.