“Yes, father.” Griffin’s mind raced, his anxiety pitching upwards. His father spoke like this only when there was more he wanted to say but couldn’t.
Releasing his shoulders, his father tugged him into his arms in a very uncharacteristic hug. “I love you, son. I am so sorry to put this weight on your shoulders, but you are the only one I can trust. Drago must be here to take the throne.”
The words cycled and spun but didn’t land. “My mother.”
“You may not understand, but this is forher.” His father squeezed him tighter. “Speak to your brother. Nothing can be done until there is change.” Releasing him, his father stepped back, settling down onto the throne.
Before, Griffin had thought his father all powerful, that the throne was an immense source of pride, but his vision was now skewed. He could practically see the cage that it rested in. See the shackles tangling his father to it.
“A Griffin’s wings can only take them part way. Ask for help, only trust those who are worthy of it. Become a source of light.Find those in that country seeking change.” His father fell back, waving him off.
Griffin inclined his head, accepting the end of the conversation even with a million questions swirling through his mind. He turned towards the direction he knew Drago would be.
“And son?”
Griffin twisted back, catching his father’s eyes one last time.
“You need to find a worthy partner. When you return to the kingdom, you mustn’t do it alone. A man is only as strong as the woman by his side.”
The words were a shock, a clear undercut to the current queen, but Griffin didn’t argue as he marched out of the throne room, not sparing it a single parting look.
“I know it is difficult to understand, but I am on your side. You are your mother’s son, and I have and will always love you. This is to keep you safe.” His father's voice gently washed through him.
Perhaps if he knew it was the last time he would see his father, he would have responded. Or refused to leave. Or maybe if he were aware of the perilous journey this endeavor would take him on, he would give up now.
But at the ripe age of eighteen, Griffin was naïve and determined to fulfill his father’s wishes, because what else could he do?
Twelve hours later, he would leave for Violencia, and six months after that, his father would be dead.
Chapter 1
An Ignominious Son
Griffin
Present Day – Catastro Sea
Griffin tapped his fingers against his arm, glaring around the table. He focused on the task at hand, ignoring that Raven was once more injured. That she had fallen unconscious. That he could do nothing to help her except wait for her to return to them.
The over-sized ship rocked as they made their way through a particularly nasty wave. They were only a few hours into their journey and he knew that this sea was unforgiving. Enough so, that even this colossal vessel was feeling the brunt of it.
He surveyed the men at the table with him. The ones who would be Raven’s protectors, who would be tasked with ensuring her safety.
“Where are we going?” Levi was the first to break the silence. “Back to Violencia?” He pointed the question to Griffin, but it was his brother who answered.
“No, we are heading towards my country. To Grypheem,” Drago explained from beside him. He spread his arms out to the men. “We may have rescued you all from the brutalgames, but there are no promises that you will remain safe.”
Maverick cut in this time. “Yourcountry. You came with an army, with enough muscle to rip the game to shreds. I don’t know much about the world outside of Violencia, as it wasn’t available to us, but I have heard the rumors. Drago Grypheem?”
Drago let out a hearty chuckle, bumping his shoulder into Griffin’s. “You certainly chose a spread of men to bring along.” Drago got up from the table, pacing the small room. The space was just above deck, but there weren’t any windows to see outside, instead it was four metal walls with a singular door in and out.
Griffin swallowed down his spike of anxiety at the claustrophobic nature. The game in the metal tomb had brought unwanted memories from his past, and this was stirring them up further.
“Yes, I am Drago Grypheem, and this is my little brother, Griffin Grypheem.” Drago’s hands landed on Griffin’s shoulders, the impact nearly causing Griffin to wince.
“As I suspected,” Maverick advised. He leaned forward pulling a notebook from his back pocket and jotting notes into it. “We are headed to Grypheem, and then what? We go kumbaya off into the sunset?”
“Not exactly.” Drago released Griffin, grabbing a remote from the table and turning to one of the metal walls. He clicked a button and a map appeared on it. “I suggest you memorize this.”
