CHAPTER 116: SERAKAI OR TAHRAKA? (6)

Aiyana’s emotions were like a sucker punch to Atia’s chest. He knew immediately they were her emotions because what she was feeling didn’t align with his thoughts.

They were Tahraka bound, not Serakai? But he had been certain with everything inside of him, his spirit speaking like they were star bound lovers. He did not lose himself to the plaguing thoughts though as he registered the uncertainty and spout of sadness bursting through this newfound bond from Aiyana.

Atia stepped forward and knelt before her, moving her knuckles to his lips as he gazed upon her beauty, seeing her new cut, the new scar on her nose as a reminder of his failure in protecting her, and proving that a scar only adds to her beauty, never taking it away.

For in their tribe, a scar was honoured, cherished. A scar revealed the battle one survives, the magic of their bodies that can knit itself back together again. Unfortunately, not everyone had Yohuali’s ability to heal as quickly, and the cut on Aiyana’s face had been deep. If not for the Tahraka bond that most likely tugged on his energy reserves to help boost her healing, the scar might have looked much worse.

"I will protect you and fight by your side.

When you bleed, I will be your shield.

When you fall, I will be your ground.

When you rise, I will be the wind at your back.

Tahraka bound, my spirit walks with yours,

until the earth takes us home."

Aiyana’s knees buckled beneath her, she couldn’t stand tall and look down upon her Tahraka when he was binding them officially. She could feel the weight of his words, the depth to which he truly meant it. If she was to be by someone’s side until she lay rest in the soil of Tayun, then she was glad it was Atia and none other.

Aiyana slid her hands along his jawline, pushing back some of his hair that had come loose from the three braids he’d styled them in behind his head. Resting her hands on his cheeks, the words were spoken from her lips before she realised what she was doing.

"And I will fight beside you,

when the night is long and the dawn feels far.

I will guard your back as you guard mine,

and hold your spirit when the weight grows heavy.

Tahraka bound, I will walk through fire with you,

until the earth takes us home."

Their heads lowered in unison until their foreheads touched. They gazed into each other’s eyes as golden stardust burst between them, spilling into the air in a wide circle, slowly floating and falling to the earth. Around them, the warriors stood frozen, entranced by the phenomenon.

The Chief looked between them, shifting back into his human form, his brows furrowing, face hardening. The rustling of leaves above caught his attention, and directed his chin in that direction. Nearby tribesmen shot to the trees, following his silent orders.

They killed the remaining harpy eagle shifters, leaving the clearing to a weighted silence. Atia and Aiyana rose to their feet, still staring at each other like they were foreign to one another. Unknown to the others, they were trying to come to terms with the feeling of being connected, needing to be close, and this slight prickling sensation that would occasionally pulse with emotion.

Only Aiyana’s father, and Yoa knew a little more about the bond than others. Tamuari stepped forward, raising his hands to grab everyone’s attention. "Today our river runs red with our enemy’s blood... May we wait another seven sunsets for Aiyana to complete this sacral rite—"

"No father," Aiyana turned away from Atia, though they magnetically shifted closer.

Tamuari tilted his head. "You need time for recovery, and to adjust to the Tahraka bond bestowed upon you, daughter."

Aiyana shook her head. "There is no better time than now. I am ready. And I can adjust to the bond after."

Tamuari looked between them. "We will discuss the bond at a later time. But if you so wish to complete the ceremony..." He bowed his blood speckled head. "Then I will oblige."

Murmurs erupted from the crowd. There had been no deaths of the Oncari tribe, yet many injuries. But the ink on Aiyana’s arm needed to be completed, and there was only the remaining part of the symbol left to draw.

The four dots and circle was complete. One line needed to cross diagonally through the circle.

"Are you sure, Yana?" Atia whispered, concern flashing in his gaze. He could tell she had been weakened a great deal today.

Aiyana nodded as she kneeled like before while Tamuari gestured Yohuali closer, and spoke quietly to him and a few other selected members of the Oncari tribe. "Seek an audience with Ixana. No blood will be shed until you return with her answer. Why did she attack our tribe?" He clamped his hand on Yoa’s shoulder, even while he looked up at the guardian. "I trust you and your judgement."

Yoa bowed his head then silently pointed his head in the direction to go, instructing the others to get moving. Aiyana watched as her friend left before the small prickling pain of inked fishbone etched the new symbol into her upper arm. It was followed by another that indicated her significance in the tribe.

Atia watched Yoa’s giant form disappearing beyond the trees, wishing to go with him. He wanted to see Ixana’s expression, read her, see what answers she had for such an attack. The need for vengeance pumped in his veins, roaring with rage that needed to be unleashed upon those who had attacked them.

But their Chief was a smart man, not jumping into action like others might do at their younger age. He wanted answers first before spilling blood.

Warriors followed Yoa through the jungle. He was now high ranking within the tribe. After he became Yiska, he proved his worth to the Oncari. It wasn’t easy at first.

Who would follow a boy at such a young age?

Now he held a lot of authority. Tamuari trusted his judgement and strength.

They raced across the jungle, pawprints thudding the earth and branches, announcing to those around them that they were here. It was like a storm breezed through Tayun. Animals fled, startled. Mothers snatched their young and sprinted to safety.

But they were not who the Oncari were hunting today.

It was only a matter of minutes before Yoa and his company arrived, landing gracefully in human and jaguar form on the central tree of the Silver Feather flock—Skyhold.

Many raced forward, ready to defend their Sky Matron and the flock. But a single whistle from Ixana, halted their advances. She sat there, high and mighty on that throne, her hand curled beneath her chin where she rested it, and tilted her head innocently.

"What brings Oncari’s finest here? And with such expressions?" She drawled."Surely, you do not wish to stir up trouble between us?"

Yoa stepped closer, his steps measured and sure. "We were attacked today by your men. There are many bodies to be collected-"

"You killed some of our flock?" Ixana shot up, and the council that was in session stirred, their hands shooting to their weapons.

"Don’t act so innocent!" A warrior behind Yoa shouted, throwing his hand wide, glaring at the Sky Matron.

Yoa raised his hand. "Silence."

"No, let him speak his mind. I too, would like to know what it is I have so effortlessly been a part of... to the point... I had no idea I was a part of it to begin with..." Ixana grinned slyly as laughter erupted from her flock.

The man beside Yoa curled his hands into fists, clearly growing angrier from their laughter. "Elite warriors attacked us in the middle of our Princesses Tayun Crosing. As you know it is sacred..." Yoa stepped closer, watching Ixana, reading her facial expressions.

She was as cold as ice, her expression flawlessly nonchalant, ’unaware’ of what her people have done.

"They were not sent on my orders..." Ixana giggled. "I’m sorry but why would I wage war with the Oncari? We have lived in a peaceful era and I plan to keep it that way..."

Though her words were reasonable, Ixana’s tone of voice and slight smirk showed otherwise.

"I see... So I should report back to Chief Tamuari that you can no longer control your flock..." Yoa smirked, glancing at Vulcan snorting then scowling behind him like it was someone else.

Ixana rose from her throne and glowered at Yoa. "That is a lie, boy."

"Then they were following your orders..." Yoa replied instantly.

Ixana parted her lips then shut them.

"Tell me... Was it out of jealousy? Your warriors made it clear that it was not an assassination attempt... So you wanted to ruin Aiyana’s beauty...?" Yoa locked eyes with Ixana, and did not back down from the intense staring contest that followed while others shifted uncomfortably to the thick tension growing between them.

Ixana backed down, looking away and sighed then rubbed her temples, looking tired—it was an act.

"They might have heard me complain about Ay... Whats her face... The princess. But I would never order such an act," Ixana added quickly.

Yoa stared at her. He could sense the lie rolling off her in waves. Why would she admit to it anyway?

"Yohuali! You know she is lying!" Another warrior snapped, thumping Yoa’s chest to make the point clear.

"Easy. This is not our place," Yoa replied quietly, his gaze not leaving the Sky Matrons.

Yoa and his men left without further questioning. He ignored the smug smile from Ixana. She was already acting like she’d gotten away with it. She had not, and one day, she would get what is owed her.

When Yoa returned to the Oncari lands, he arrived just in time to see Aiyana rising up with her new ink on her arm. It was all on one side, the light golden ink of the Tahraka bond on the wrist, and the two symbols indicating she had crossed Tayun’s path into adulthood, and the other to show her authority.

Tamuari announced the ceremony completed and everyone erupted into cheers and hoots, even if many were injured. They all lifted Aiyana up into the air, and began racing through the jungle until they were near Prime Hollow and a bonfire was created. Dancing and singing followed, lighting up the jungle.

It was then, as Aiyana sat down on a tree trunk, feeling fragile and weak, watching her people dance around the bonfire, that Tamuari sat beside her and accepted that they would push back getting a spouse for Aiyana. They were to learn more about the bond and how it might affect them and those around them, like a spouse or mate.

Once he made his announcement, he and Yoa walked side by side back to Prime Hollow as he listened to the report.

Aiyana and Atia watched them walk away, their mind and body still buzzing from the fighting and the new Tahraka bond.

"What is it?" Atia asked as he plomped down on the balcony edge of the treehouse. Aiyana released a long sigh, leaning her head back against the wooden structure. Her legs were sprawled out in front of her as she stared at the darkening forest.

"Father’s patience has thinned... He will not wait any longer." Slowly, she turned her head to look at Atia. "It is time I find a spouse."

Atia’s eyes flicked between hers. "So, what’s the plan?" He knew she would never give in to it so easily.

Aiyana smirked. "A tournament. Any potential spouses will fight in it... Then finalists will need to fight me..."

A grin formed on Atia’s lips. "And I too, will fight in this tournament." He began unplaiting his hair, focusing on the motion before looking back up at Aiyana. "That way I can get rid of any of the weak or unflattering, egotistical men for you."

Aiyana’s eyes widened and a genuine smile lit up her features. "That’s brilliant, Tia!"

Atia began weaving the locks of his long hair again, his eyes steady on hers. "I know."