"Is there a reason that Lachlan is so mean to me? Or does he treat you like that?" I asked after we had finished eating.
"No, he would not dare be rude to me. While you are a different case. Don't misunderstand me, he doesn't like Fiona or me, but he knows better. You, on the other hand, he does not know better, but he says this is the only way, and he will pay the piper when the time comes. Don't bother asking what that means or anything else on the matter. This is one of the things that I can speak very little of, so just know that it is part of the process," Melodious explained, and I nodded.
"That's fine. I can handle it, but what about after, and this other woman you spoke of that I am to meet?" I asked, and Melodious gestured to Fiona.
"Kya is a river spirit known as a Lady of the Lake. Despite her appearance, she is extremely powerful and uncomfortable around men due to past experiences. That being said, we believe that you are the perfect man to break through her shell and bring out her true power," Fiona explained before Melodious could even open her mouth.
"She won't be easy, but if you can forge with her, it will give you a great weapon when you face off against another King's army in the future," Melodious added. I nodded, understanding what they were saying but still wanting to understand more of the process.
"What is the forging process? What do I need to do?" I asked, and this time, Melodious smiled.
"Well, firstly, you must make sure that you are completely compatible with Kya. You must learn how to use your magic correctly and control it so that you may bring out the best aspects of Kya, who has immense talents that have yet to be discovered. Secondly, you must become intimate and form a bond that will allow you to harmonize your Erotic Essence within hers. This will take time and possibly multiple engagements. But once complete, Kya will become a powerful weapon imaginable."
It sounded like a lot of work, and I would have to prepare myself and train more than usual before meeting her. But, I was getting used to the challenge thrown at me and was happy to accept whatever challenges lay ahead. I had two amazing women beside me, and I knew I could do anything with their help.
"Will Fiona and yourself be coming with me the day after tomorrow then? It sounds like it will be quite the adventure," I asked, and both women smiled.
"Fiona will come the first day to introduce you, but it will be up to you to forge a bond with her. Some bonds will be much easier as you become stronger because your presence will be more dominating," Melodious explained, and I looked down at my hands. I had the power to transform someone into a weapon, and it was an amazing feeling, but it seemed like there was a lot more than I had expected. Everything in this life seemed to be that way.
"I will do my best," I replied with a determined look in my eyes, making Melodious smile wider before she nodded her head.
"That's all we can ask for. Now, I suggest that you go for a walk down into the town and get to know your subjects but be warned. They will all see you as you truly are, even if you think you look like them," Melodious said, and I furrowed my brow.
"Everyone keeps saying I am a monster, but I don't really understand what that means," I said, and then held a hand up and used my other nail to make a quick slice. I had pushed hard, but only a few tiny drops came out before it closed back up. "They couldn't see this part, so I looked in the mirror. I just don't get what everyone means," I said, and Melodious gave me a sad smile as the air started to get thicker and the room darkened.
Suddenly, it felt like night had come, and the air was trying to choke me. I looked into Melodious's eyes, and they were burning much more intensely than before, but it only made her look more beautiful.
"My Queen!" Fiona gasped from the chair she was clutching to.
Suddenly, I gasped, and the room flooded with light again. I hadn't even realized I had stopped breathing when I started to look into her eyes, or it was that I couldn't.
"I am sorry, Fiona, but I needed to show him, and it is not easy to stop when I let it go," Melodious said with a sigh, and I sank back into my chair.
"Are you trying to tell me that is how it feels for humans around me?!" I asked, still panting, but Fiona shook her head, straightening up.
"No, this is," She said, and then the room darkened again, but not as much, just a dimming of the light. The air was heavy again, but nothing like before. Fiona also looked much more beautiful, with a strange red aura emanating off her body.
"This is what it will be like for people around you, but even a little less than that. Most will ignore you, but some might say hurtful things. They also might lash out at you, but they are just humans and your subjects. This will be a test for everyone," Melodious explained, and I nodded as Fiona pulled her aura back in.
"I am going alone?" I asked, finally starting to understand what it was that made me a monster. Even if I looked human, I gave off the same presence or vibes as a monster.
Melodious nodded and got up from her chair. "Yes, you will go alone. We must trust that our strength is enough to protect you, but if you need us, just call," She said, walking over to me and wrapping an arm around my shoulder before giving a gentle squeeze. I smiled.