34. Surrender to Fate

thirty-four

Surrender to Fate

Alessia

“ I really wanted to explore town,” Tynan mutters, glancing at the village we’re leaving behind.

He lugs the small cart he found behind the inn, the wheels bumping over the dirt path. We tossed most of our bags in it, along with the garments Zephyr secured for us.

We quickly trek toward the trees, leaving the quiet street of the inn behind. Once we reach the grass, the sound of the cart’s thudding is softened, and Tynan tugs it a little harder to keep it moving.

“I’m not even a risk,” he adds. “I’m all fueled up and safe to roam, swear it.”

“Visit on your own time,” Rainer says, giving him an unamused look. “Perhaps when we’re not preoccupied with other matters.”

“You know, I’m listening to you out of respect, little brother. Not because I have to.”

“And I’m tolerating you out of respect,” Rainer mimics. “Not because I have to, either.”

Ken snickers. He has a thrashing Luis thrown over a shoulder while his other arm rests heavily around Zephyr’s shoulders. The shifter shoots me a goofy grin, clearly unfazed by the turmoil of the two humans in his company .

A tinge of guilt flits through me, but it’s quickly replaced by the thought of them being brought to safety. They can hate me so long as they’re safe and healthy. I intend to free all the Tradelings in the Wessex Peninsula, and if all goes well, they can choose to return and build their own lives here. But for now, until that happens, neither Tradeling is safe here on their own.

We make it to the trees without attracting attention and begin our journey west toward Ryalle. If all goes well, we should arrive in the evening, in time for the party.

It’s going to be a long day—and night.

“You know, that ain’t a bad idea—coming back by myself later,” Tynan says, yanking the cart harder to get momentum over a few exposed roots. “Maybe I’ll bring the sorceress on a vacation.”

Ken’s smile melts, and his head whips toward the vampyr. “Why would you bring Seraphina?”

Tynan flashes him a wicked grin. “Use your imagination, bear.”

Ken stares blankly at him, and then he bursts out laughing. “You are not her type.”

“And you are?” he shoots back.

Ken cackles harder. “Probably not, but at least I—”

“You both have horrible taste in females if that’s who you’re going to bicker over.” Rainer grunts, hiking his bag higher on his shoulder and picking up his pace.

“We’re not bickering over her.” Ken says at the same time I say, “She’s not bad, Rainer.”

The males continue to toss remarks at one another while I think of the sorceress and all she’s gone through in a short time. Maybe it’s that she lives alone in the woods or that she was so open and warm with me when we first met, but something tells me she doesn’t have many friends.

And the one she does have? Well, she’s in love with him, and it’s unrequited. And now she’s helping him and his soul-bond. It takes a big heart to put her pains aside to do the right thing.

I commend her for it.

I don’t know what I would do in her position. The mere thought of watching Rainer fall for someone else while I pine for him afar physically pains me.

“Where did you go, mo róisín,” Rainer whispers in my ear.

I hadn’t even noticed he slowed his pace to match mine. We fall back, letting Tynan, Ken, and the two humans continue through the forest.

“I was just thinking about how lucky we are,” I say earnestly. “To have found one another.”

“I am the luckiest bastard to walk the realms.” He chuckles, reaching for my hand and threading his fingers through mine.

The mere contact of his skin against mine sends butterflies careening through my stomach. I bite down my smile as we continue walking, hand in hand.

We catch up to Tynan and Ken, tuning back into their conversation.

“—and she made me artificial blood,” Tynan says to Ken, arching a brow in his direction. “I think that’s proof she likes me.”

“Nah, it means she thinks you’re a sad wittle vamp who can’t control himself.” Ken snorts. He puffs out his chest, adjusting a squirming Luis higher on his shoulder. “Plus, she rode me already.”

“She borrowed your bear for transportation,” Tynan corrects.

“And she liked it a lot by the smell of her— ”

“No!” I groan, rubbing my forehead with my free hand. “Don’t go there, Ken.”

“She’d rather ride a bear than a vampyr,” Ken says, taunting Tynan.

Tynan scoffs. “Wait til she sees what I can do with my teeth. Things no damn bear could dream of.”

“What? Bite her clit off? I can make that happen if that’s what she’s into.”

“No, you idiot!” Tynan sighs exasperatedly. “I can nibble her—”

“Enough!” Rainer says.

I squeak, my face heating at the vulgar conversation. “Can you two not talk about my friend like that?” Rainer’s grip tightens at my words, but he doesn’t pester me about calling Sera a friend, wisely opting to stay quiet.

Ken shifts Luis to the ground, allowing the man to walk on two legs now that we’ve cleared the village. “Run, and we’ll catch you,” he warns, wagging a finger in the young man’s face. “And remember, bears and vampyrs can bite your little human weenie clean off.”

I choke on my spit, covering my sudden laughter with a cough.

Luis’ eyes widen, and he glances at Zephyr, who quickly shakes his head. The two Tradelings opt to continue walking peacefully, side by side, between Tynan and Ken.

“It’s settled,” Tynan says. I catch a grin on his profile. “As soon as we’re done here, I’m inviting the sorceress on a little getaway. I’ll show her a real good time.”

“You have real responsibilities now,” Rainer says cooly. “Perhaps it’s time you take them seriously. ”

Tynan twists to face me. “It okay with you if I take some time off, princess ?”

I shake my head, chuckling. As raunchy as Ken and Tynan can be, I like seeing the playful side of the vampyr. The friendship between the two warms my heart, and being sober looks good on him.

“You know what?” I say. “Something tells me you could benefit from a break. Life’s short, and you deserve to enjoy the little things.”

Tynan’s smile grows. “I knew you were wise.” He stops walking, reaching over to flick Rainer’s nose as we pass. “Maybe you can learn something from her, little brother.”

Rainer swats him away, then huffs under his breath, rolling his eyes, but I don’t miss how his lips twitch as if fighting a smile. At least the brothers have come a long way, working on repairing their relationship.

I can’t help the sense of pride that builds at knowing these relationships are forming—or fixing—in part thanks to my resuming Spiritus Court. Of all the various ways fate could have taken me, I’m glad it’s this path I’m walking.

Hours later, halfway to Ryalle, a breeze picks up, sending leaves skittering across our path.

Rainer tugs me to a stop. “You were right.”

“About what?” I ask, confused.

A second later, Ezamae materializes in front of us.

“The wind-stalker has returned yet again,” Rainer deadpans.

Ez fixes his navy velvet jacket, a coy smile playing on his lips. “I thought we were friends, fear-crier.”

“Fear caller ,” Rainer corrects flatly.

“Wind walker ,” Ez mimics. His smile fades into a frown, and he sighs. “Based on your attitude, I’d guess you still haven’t completed your bond?”

Rainer grunts. “Not your business.”

“Why do I feel like this is my fault?” Tynan mutters, running a hand over his sheared hair. He nods at Ken. “Come on, big fella, let’s go set up lunch.”

They lead the Tradelings away, leaving me and the princes with some privacy. Not that I’m under any illusions that our conversation is actually private, given the heightened senses of the fae.

“Tell him what you told me,” I say to Ez, with my eyes on Rainer.

Rainer bristles, his eyes swinging to me.

The Aer Prince sighs, leaning against a tree briefly. He seems to think twice, quickly pushing off it and rubbing the hints of bark off the arm of his jacket.

“I’m attending tea as Yvanthia’s… companion,” he sighs. “I don’t have long. It’s a miracle we’ve made it this far without her catching on.”

“Do you honestly think she isn’t already aware?” Rainer asks, narrowing his eyes.

Ez chuckles humorlessly. “By some grace of the goddess, she isn’t, which is why I’d like to complete the task. Unfortunately, I am waiting on the most stubbornly abstinent male in all of Avylon.”

Rainer goes rigid, his icy gaze locked on Ez. “Not all of us want to get it done and over with ,” he spits .

Ez’s moon eyes flash with curiosity, then his head tips back as he laughs. He stops abruptly. “Wait a damn minute.”

My brow furrows, wondering what I missed.

Ez strides closer, looking Rainer up and down with an arched brow. He leans in conspiratorially. “Is the Prince of Fear a virgin ?”

Rainer scowls, his jaw tensing. “That’s not what this is about.”

Ez’s face lights up. My body goes still as I process this.

“But you’re so good at…” I say, flushing as the words spill without forethought.

Rainer’s gaze meets mine, apology flickering in his tight brow and tense mouth. “Despite the easy assumptions here, I’m not inexperienced.”

“But you’ve never…?” I whisper, a new flurry of emotions rising within me. I feel doubly awful for trying to rush things. It’s not just the implications of solidifying the bond but also what it means for him .

“No—I’m not a virgin,” he says exasperatedly as if the words taste like ash on his tongue. “And there’d be nothing wrong with it if I were.”

“Oh,” I say lamely. As much as I hate thinking of him with anyone else but me, knowing it won’t be his first time is a bit of relief. Less pressure, I suppose.

Ez chuckles, his shoulders shaking. “Then get on with it, will you? Yvanthia found your cousin to rule Umbra, which means she has little use for you, Fearcaller.” He taps his wrist, where a watch might lie if he was wearing one. “Tick tock, tick tock.”

“What cousin?” Rainer frowns in confusion. “ Shite —it doesn’t matter.” He shoves a hand through his hair, pushing it out of his face. It highlights the stress crease cutting through his forehead .

“The worrisome thing is that I couldn’t tell you.” Ez winces. “Yvanthia hasn’t been as forthcoming as she has been in the past.”

“Even if we completed our soul-bond, how do you propose you end her life?” Rainer asks.

Ez taps his chin, looking thoughtful for a moment. “Sera is helping, of course, but I have also recruited Laisren’s help.”

“How will the Fire Prince help exactly?”

Ez smirks. “Let me worry about that.”

They have a stare-off, and I glance from one to the other, at a loss for what silent conversation they’re having between them.

“Why would Laisren help you? What do you have over him?”

Ez’s eyes twinkle. “Wise male. I may have aided him occasionally, fostering a sense of affinity between us.”

“Give us time,” I cut in. “We’ll… complete our bond. But in the meantime, I need your help.”

I give him the rundown on Luis and Zephyr, instructing him to bring them safely to Spiritus Court.

“What if they don’t want to stay?” he asks. “I truly cannot keep an eye on them right now, amid these… events.”

“They’ll want to stay—at least Zephyr will. Sheila is his sister,” I say confidently. “Maybe keep them away from Das Celyn for a bit—their humor is an acquired taste, and the Tradelings’ wounds are raw right now. But Sheila is there, and oh, Fern! She’s a little rough around the edges, but she’s human—”

I notice Ez has gone still, his cheeks flushing. I frown, studying him. “Fern,” I repeat, watching as the red on his pale cheeks deepens.

I gasp. “Holy shite. Your bonded is Fern ?”

Ezamae shoots his gaze skyward and then blows out a heavy breath. “I’ll watch your little friends. Bye.” He bursts away in a gust of air, presumably to go find the Tradelings.

They’re not that far away, but the casual showcase of windwalking rather than walking reminds me that Ez is at full strength now.

Because of Fern.

I giggle, a hand coming to my mouth to stifle the noise.

Rainer shoves his hands in his pocket, squinting at the space where Ez vacated.

“What’s that look?” I ask.

“It’s just…” He scratches the back of his neck. “Fern is human. I haven’t heard of a human with a soul-bonded.”

“Are you sure she’s human?” I quirk a brow. “Everyone thought I was… until I wasn’t.”

He shakes his head. “This isn’t like that, Alessia. I’ve tasted her. She’s human.”

The reminder, even though it was platonic and solely life-sustaining, sends a niggle of discomfort through my insides. “You’re not allowed to feed off her ever again.”

Rainer slowly turns to face me, his lips curving at the ends. “Are you jealous, mo róisín?”

I incline my chin. “No,” I lie. “If you need to feed, you come find me.”

He stalks toward me, his eyes darkening slightly as his eyes flick to my lips, then drag lower to my neck. “Or what?”

Before I can reply, my vision wavers with a hint of darkness. My shadow silently surges from my palms, lurching toward him. It splits into two rope-like tendrils, gripping his wrists and yanking them behind his back. They wrap intricately around his arms, binding them behind his back and shoving him to his knees. Then, another tendril branches off, reaching for his hair and tugging his head back. He gasps, his smirk growing as he glances up at me.

A cloud of dark navy flickers in his irises, eclipsing the pale blue coloring usually found there.

“Well, this is fun,” he murmurs.

A ghost of a smirk plays on my lips as I stare down at him. The newfound companionship with my shadow sends a thrill through me. Rather than fear it, and what it’s capable of, I suddenly see a whole new world of potential for how we could play .

I bite my lip, trying to tame the excitement blossoming.

“You look like you’re enjoying this,” Rainer says, his voice low and gravelly.

My shadow releases his hair as I step forward. I reach for him, running my hand through his dark waves. His gaze heats with lust as he leans into my touch.

A dark, unfamiliar confidence courses through me, but instead of running, I lean into it. Lowering my face to Rainer’s, I lightly let my lips brush his. “My blood is the only blood I want filling you.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he says with a heavy breath.

“Little demon is a freak !” Ken’s booming voice snaps me out of my fog of desire.

I jump back from Rainer, my shadow unwinding from his body and retreating deep into my skin. I blush furiously as I turn to see him and Tynan standing a few paces away, wearing equal expressions of mirth.

Rainer groans, slowly getting to his feet and grimacing. He doesn’t bother to brush the dirt off his knees, rub his red wrists, or fix his mussed-up hair. It only makes him that much more enticing .

My heart flutters as I take in his profile, lingering on his sharp jaw and that full mouth.

Gods, he’s gorgeous.

“You two are never coming with us again,” Rainer mutters, pointing at Ken and Tynan.

“There’s a joke in there, but I shall refrain,” Ken says, his toothy grin growing. He strokes his jaw, arching a brow.

“Hey,” Tynan says, putting his hands up. “ I wasn’t going to interrupt. Not again.”

“That’s almost worse,” I say, trying not to laugh.

“To think you judged me for my kinks,” Tynan says to Rainer.

Ken raises a brow, turning to Tynan. “This I gotta hear.”

“Later,” I say, clapping my hands to get the males’ attention. “I take it Ez found you?”

“Yeah, and he whisked your little humans away,” Ken says, making a whooshing noise to imitate Ez’s windwalking.

“Tell him to bring Sera back next time,” Tynan adds, crossing his arms. His muscles bulge beneath his shirt. “I could kick his skinny arse.”

“Not this again,” I groan. “Can we just go, for the love of gods?”

At this rate, Rainer and I will never consummate our bond. Not that we were planning to here in the woods, but something tells me it’ll be next to impossible with Ken and Tynan around.

As if he can read my mind, Rainer turns his attention to me, his face softening.

“Soon, little rose,” he says softly. “Soon.”

My skin pebbles as his promise washes over my skin. I’ve never wanted anything more than to feel Rainer inside of me—he takes up every piece of my head, heart, and spirit, and I want to give him every piece of my flesh, too. It’s more than completing a bond. It’s completing our vow to one another—wholly giving ourselves to one another.

I’m glad we’re both done fighting it.

Instead, we’re ready to surrender to fate.