Chapter Five

Selig

S elig tried to remain still as the new King Fachnan paced his bedchamber floor, dragging his leg behind him. A cool northern wind from the open balcony doors blew the crumbs from his scraggly beard while bringing with it the pungent smells of the ocean. His gaze kept flitting to the two dragons circling overhead, crimson rays from the evening sun piercing the thin membranes on their wings. He feared they were still determining if they wanted to protect their king or incinerate him. Truthfully, Selig had thought about running a blade through the demon king's back more than once.

The thing about demons, Selig never knew which parasite would accept the call when he infected a mortal. He could get a powerful demon, like the one that inhabited Duke Viggo or even Lady Arabella, or he could get a weak demon like the one who now possessed his brother, for Thorin's mind-spinning spells were nowhere near as powerful as they used to be.

Of course, the demon could only be as powerful as the host's body would allow, which was why the demon possessing Selig didn't have much magic. Selig considered himself a decent mage, though he hadn't been as magically blessed as his brother. He had only limited mind-reading and persuasive powers.

This demon inhabiting Fachnan was either weak, or else restricted by a partially decayed corpse. Selig had managed to stop the decay from progressing with a few potions, though the king still walked like a corpse risen from the dead.

Even worse, the demon didn't appear to be very bright. At first Selig thought it was his restricted movements, but he'd run into too many doorframes, had tried to eat a pillow cushion, and had frightened away all servants, male and female, and the castle hounds by groping them without permission. And when he couldn't find anyone or anything to fuck, he'd humped the same pillow he'd tried to eat until the feathers had busted the seams. But the most telling sign of all was that Selig couldn't read the creature's mind. He had tried many times but was met with a white wall of mist. The demon wasn't smart enough to block him, which meant the beast simply didn't have any thoughts. He was a primal monster, focused only on eating and fucking.

As a result of his oafish mannerisms, more guards and servants had disappeared, leaving behind just that one courier from Windhaven and a few servants who refused to leave the kitchens. Selig feared his few loyal dragon riders would soon disappear. What would they do without guards, servants, or an army? Demon Fachnan would be a king without anything to rule.

The demon king stopped pacing long enough to scowl at Selig, his lip hanging lower than normal, the stitches having come loose as white puss oozed from the cut. "The dragons aren't listening to me."

"The dragons and their riders never respected Fachnan," Selig answered.

The king arched a brow, or what the shifter attack had left of his brow, leaving behind thick scars that crisscrossed his entire face and only a few patches where his long, silvery hair and brows used to be. "Why?"

"Because he wasn't a rider," Selig answered.

The demon's eye widened, then narrowed, and Selig feared the spark in his mind could lead to a conflagration. "I need a dragon of my own. Find me a dragon corpse."

"There are none," Selig answered flatly.

"None?" He gave the mage an accusatory look. "After three countries just went to war?"

Selig had to work hard to keep a straight face. He'd told the demon king everything that had happened with the confrontation between the three armies four times already. "The dragons didn't fight, and even if one had died, dragonkind would incinerate the body before we could take it."

The king snatched a pillow off the sofa and smoothed his hand across the fabric while licking his busted lip. "Then kill a dragon and take it before they can burn it."

Selig repressed a sigh. Not very smart at all. "Do you want to anger a thousand dragons?" He didn't bother hiding the derision in his voice. "Even if you survived their wrath, the few loyal remaining dragons and riders will turn on you."

"Dammit!" The king ripped open the pillow, scattering feathers everywhere. "I need something to ride!"

"I'm sorry," Selig answered while growing ever tired of this demon's tantrums. "There is nothing."

The king plucked a feather from the pillow, twirling it between his fingers. "What about the wyvern that we recovered from the ocean?"

Selig's blood turned to sludge. "Princess Tarianya Avias's pet? Are you mad?"

The king shrugged, then sniffed the feather before shoving it in his mouth. "What care I if it was her pet?"

Selig knew they were at war. He also knew they would inevitably have to face the white witches again. Still, the thought of defiling a white witch's wyvern made his blood run cold. "She will be furious when she finds out." And she wouldn't show Selig an ounce of mercy. He still wasn't sure if the demons could win this war. He had to appear neutral to the white witches, just in case he needed to beg for his life.

"She will be dead soon anyway," the demon king said, red flashing in his eye as his gray pallor turned an alarming shade of crimson for just a heartbeat before changing back. "Bring me that wyvern."

Great. The demon king was probably a metamorphi , a demon version of a shifter, which meant he might be stupid, but he wasn't weak. Selig swallowed, thinking more and more he should've stabbed the king in the back when he'd had the chance.

Shiri

I RESTED MY HEAD ON Drae's chest while we followed Isa and Triss over the jungle landscape toward the massive, smoking cone with thin rivulets of lava running down its sides. We quickly flew around it, the radiating heat causing me to break out in a sweat. Once the towering cylinder was behind us, my relief turned to shock as I spied what looked like a cyclone of debris flying through the sky. But no, those were wyverns, so many I lost count. A thousand, ten thousand? I was shocked they didn't run into each other with their erratic flapping. Their agonized squawks pierced the air, and I knew they were mourning their lost friend.

Tari's wyvern let out a cry so keen my heart broke from it. I was so consumed watching my sister lean over the wyvern's neck, patting her leathery skin, that I hadn't noticed the temple until we were almost upon it. My breath caught when I realized the stone pyramid jutting from the jungle was the exact replica of the Temple of Kyan that Malvolia had made me destroy.

We landed in a lovely clearing of knee-high grass, and I was shocked to see several figures in coarse brown robes lined up in front of the temple.

After my mates set Ember, Aurora, and me on the ground and Tari and her mates climbed off her wyvern, the girls ran straight for Finn. He scooped them into his arms, easily carrying them against his broad chest. When the giggling girls kissed his cheeks, I forced myself to look away, a blade of jealousy piercing my heart. My nieces had always been sweet, but I'd never seen them be so affectionate with anyone, not even me.

I fanned my face as heat seeped into my pores and sweat pooled between my breasts. Either the friction from the wyverns overhead, the proximity to the volcano, or the lack of a breeze deep in the jungle made it much hotter here than the other side of the island.

Isa pinned her wings behind her, flashing a broad grin while bowing to Tari and me. Welcome to Ignisium.

Tari clasped her hands together, looking above us. "It's lovely."

I followed her line of sight. The wyverns still flew in erratic circles overhead. I cringed, hoping none of them decided to use the bathroom midair. When Tari's wyvern whimpered, she gave her a nod, and the beast clumsily jumped into the air, soaring with the others.

"What is this place?" Nikkos asked aloud while spinning a slow circle.

We were surrounded by lush jungle, the trees so tall they blotted out most of the volcano behind us.

"Isa says this place is called Ignisium," Tari said aloud.

I swallowed, realizing my mates couldn't hear the dragon's thoughts.

Two of the robed figures stepped forward, pulling down their hoods. It took me a moment to register their fawn-like ears and furry cheeks.

Aurora jutted a finger toward them. "Satyrs!" she squealed.

Ember gasped. "Like Mrs. Euphemia and Crispin!"

"Yes, we are." One of the satyrs, an older woman with tawny skin and a long silver braid, winked at the girls. Then she turned toward us, bowing low. "Goddesses, I am High Priestess Esther." She nodded to the other satyr, who didn't look older than me. "And this is Priestess Kaida." She placed a hand across her heart. "It is an honor."

I looked to Tari, who shrugged. I guess they've been expecting us, she said to me through thought while stroking her black rabbit's ears when he poked his head out of the bag hanging like a sling across her chest.

I guess so, I answered.

"Where did you come from?" Tari asked her.

The high priestess stood, though she kept her gaze lowered. "Our kind have been living on the Fallax Islands since the time of Maiadra."

"Maiadra?" The goddess had died four hundred years ago. "You're kidding."

She motioned to the sea of flying creatures overhead. "Someone had to care for the wyverns."

They are priests and priestesses of the Maiadran temple , Isa answered. They call themselves Maiadrans. They have honored our late goddess for centuries.

"I've never heard of you," I said to Esther.

She smiled while slowly raising her eyes to mine. "That's because no one else knows we're here."

High Priestess Esther is in charge of all temple business, Isa said to us. If you have any questions or concerns, you go to her. The high priestess is a dragon speaker. She can speak to all our kind through thought. She nodded toward the younger satyr. Priestess Kaida will show you to your bedchambers. After you freshen up, the Maiadrans have prepared a feast in your honor.

"A feast!" Tari clasped her hands together. "Oh, thank you. You didn't have to go through the trouble."

"Yes, they did," Finn blurted. "I'm so hungry I could eat a dragon." He flinched, looking sideways at Isa. "I wouldn't, though."

Isa leered at him through hooded lids before turning back to Tari and me. It is our honor to serve you and your consorts.

Consorts? I shared a look with Tari. Is she referring to our mates?

Tari winced. I think so.

I cringed when a roar sounded in the distance. The wyverns scattered as a large shadow blotted out the sky. Radnor dropped the Fae prince on the ground before landing with a thud, flattening the grass beneath him.

"Wait!" Helian called as he stood, brushing dirt off his legs. He looked at Tari like a hound begging for a bone. "Please let me come with you," he begged.

I refrained from rolling my eyes. This demon-possessed Fae was pathetic, and he certainly didn't deserve my sister.

Isa hunched back like a cat preparing to strike, a jagged column raised across her spine as she snarled at her mate. What are you doing here?

Radnor jutted a foot forward, his heavy jowls turned down . Isa, I wish to speak to you.

Smoke poured from her snout. Do not dare address me!

Radnor hung his head like a pitiful puppy.

Ash jumped in front of Tari, Finn, and the girls, snarling like a rabid dog when Helian approached.

Blaze joined him in a flash, flames arcing off his fingers while Nikkos and Drae shielded me. I wanted to tell them they were being dramatic, but then again, I didn't want to risk being bitten by Helian.

"Anya, Ash, Finn." Helian clasped his hands in a prayer pose and went down on one knee. "I'm sorry for everything. I know I can make it up to you if you give me a chance."

High Priestess Esther. Isa leered down at Helian, steam from her flared nostrils hitting his back. This Fae is demon possessed. He needs to be in a cell where he will remain until the white witches exorcise his demon.

"A cell?" Helian asked, blinking up at Isa. "Will I at least get food and water?"

She let out a low rumble, snapping her jowls as if she would eat him. You're testing my patience, Fae.

The head priestess called over two large satyrs, whispering in their ears. Helian's eyes widened when they approached.

"Anya!" he called to my sister as they latched onto his arms. "I love you. I've never stopped loving you. I swear!" he cried as they dragged him away.

Helian was still calling out to my sister as they disappeared into a dark doorway carved into the bottom of the temple that was wide enough for Isa to squeeze through.

Tari didn't say anything as she swiped at her eyes and then went back to cradling the rabbits hanging in front of her. Ash wrapped an arm around her shoulders, kissing the side of her head. Still holding the girls in his arms, Finn nuzzled her shoulder with a canine whimper. Tari's mates offered her words of comfort while she flashed a watery smile.

"Don't cry, Mommy," Ember said aloud.

I looked away, feeling that familiar stab of jealousy when Ember kissed my sister's cheek.

Isa blew out a huff of air. Now that one nuisance is taken care of.

Radnor stomped a foot like a toddler throwing a tantrum. You can't make me go.

No, you've always done what you want, and only what you want. She flicked her tail while turning up her nose. Fine. Stay. But as far as I'm concerned, you're nothing more than a ghost, an annoying ghost.

Triss whimpered while batting her large eyes at her mother.

Isa snapped at her hatchling. Don't contradict me, child.

Triss flinched, whimpering louder.

May I at least speak to my hatchling? Radnor asked.

Isa spun around, her tail slashing through the air like a snake as she bore down on Radnor with a roar.

My mates jumped in front of me, shielding me with their wings.

The girls gasped, trembling against their parents.

You take a step toward her , Isa snarled like a wounded animal while Radnor arched away from her, and it will be your last. Then she spun toward her child, her barbed tail coming within inches of slashing open Radnor's face. Triss, go help the Maiadrans with the feast.

The little dragon skulked through the temple entrance, her tail dragging the ground.

Radnor let out a howl that sounded like a wounded hound.

Isa ignored him as she arched her neck and looked down at us with the regality of a queen. I will see you after the last of the sun's rays have fallen.

I could think of no other response than a nod before Nikkos and Blaze took my hands while Drae took the lead, following the others toward the pyramid. Before we descended what appeared to be a ramp that sloped beneath the temple, I cast one last look behind me, feeling just a pang of pity for the rejected dragon, his wings dragging the ground as he watched us go. I didn't want to get involved with Isa's fight with Radnor, but I didn't understand why Isa wouldn't let him see his child. I'd be devastated if Tari kept me from the girls, and I couldn't imagine turning any of my mates away after being separated from them for over two decades. Dragons certainly held grudges, a reminder to stay on Isa's good side.

Shiri

COOL AIR BLEW THE HAIR off my nape, and we walked down the steep ramp, Nikkos and Blaze holding my hands when I slipped across the slick stones underfoot. The further we descended into the pit, the more various smells assailed me, from damp clay earth to sweet smoke mixed with garlic and butter. Words couldn't describe my shock after we emerged deep within the earth in what I realized was a village beneath the pyramid. As we walked down one long ramp and turned the corner to another, I was struck by the scene below, a large gathering space with several long tables beneath a wide, flat stone dais. Satyrs were busy setting wooden plates and goblets on the table that was flanked by tall, flickering torches, their fires casting shadows across the stone walls.

When two satyr children dashed past us, chasing each other in a game of tag, the girls squirmed in Finn's arms.

"May we play?" Aurora asked aloud.

"After we freshen up and eat, darlings," I blurted, then bit my tongue when I realized it was no longer my place to tell the girls what to do.

When they pouted, giving Finn a look, he whispered loud enough for me to hear, "Let's check out our rooms first. Then I'll bring you back."

Tari beamed up at Finn, as if to thank him for overruling me.

Embarrassment flushed my face and cheeks as I tightened my hold on my mates' hands.

Blaze's voice projected into my head. Do you want me to have a talk with Finn?

No, I reassured him, forcing a smile. He's their parent, not me.

You've been more their parent than they have been, he reminded me.

I swallowed back my sorrow. Not anymore.

After we passed through the gathering place, I looked up to see what appeared to be dwellings carved into the walls, narrow ramps leading up to their cloth-covered doorways. The satyrs led us down a long, damp hall lit with softly glowing sconces to a suite of rooms carved into the earth which were connected to a singular bathing room.

I guess bathing room sex is out, Nikkos whispered to me through thought.

Still embarrassed and upset over being overruled by Finn, I flashed a tight smile but didn't answer.

Nikkos squeezed my hand, frowning. You okay?

I nodded. I will be.

Anything you need to discuss?

Later, I answered curtly, smiling tightly again after we parted from my sister, her mates, and the children and followed another priestess into our bedchamber, a cozy cave with plain but sturdy wood furniture. The bed was only large enough for two, but there were two comfortable looking pallets beside it.

When the priestess showed us a wardrobe with two clean gowns and three new tunics and trousers, I thanked her profusely.

The gowns were a dull green, not my color, but who was I to complain about fresh, clean clothes? I ran my fingers over one of the bodices. Not as rough as the dresses I'd been forced to wear while living in poverty, but definitely not the fine silk like the crimson gown Drae had given me. That gown was torn and soiled after surviving a war, but it was still my favorite dress. I pulled it from our bag, handing it to the priestess, and she promised to have it laundered and repaired.

I thanked her when she left, then spun around, plastering on a smile when Nikkos took my hand again.

I'm here for you, he said through thought.

I leaned up and kissed the side of his mouth as he wrapped his wings around me, feeling so grateful I had him and his brothers. They were so caring and attuned to my needs. I didn't know what I'd do without them.

We pulled away when my sister poked her head inside our room. "Shiri, did you want to freshen up first?" she asked with a cheery smile. "Then the guys can use the bathing chamber."

"Sure," I said, reluctantly pulling away from Nikkos. "Where are the girls?" I asked as I followed her through the low cavern hall into the bathing chamber, another cavern that was about half the size of our bedchamber.

She had the decency to look away, her cheeks flushing. "With Finn."

"Oh." I didn't bother masking the disappointment in my voice. I'd been hoping the four of us could bathe together like old times, but, no, the children were off playing after I'd told them ‘no.'

I stood back when about a dozen robed servants came in, their hooves clicking across the stone floor while their ears twisted and turned like hands on top of their heads. They poured steaming buckets of water into a large, barrel tub before leaving us with thick bars of soap, fresh towels, and shifts while they drew down the curtains, giving us some privacy.

I couldn't wait to get into the steaming bath. I hadn't had a hot bath since Malvolia's castle, and though I'd been raised to bathe in streams and ponds, I had quickly become spoiled by the luxuries of royal life.

I flinched when Tari's hands were at my back, loosening my stays.

"We can share a bath if you don't mind," she said.

"Sure," I answered. "We've shared plenty of baths before."

After we helped each other out of our gowns, I was first to climb into the tub. I let out a groan when the steamy water soaked into my skin, liquefying my bones. I watched my sister climb in across from me. She had filled out nicely since I'd last seen her. My sister had practically starved herself after birthing the girls, too focused on revenge to eat.

Now we were identical, except her stomach was a little softer with faint stretch marks on the sides, and her heavy breasts hung a little lower after nursing two infants. The very same children I'd raised as if they were my own.

"Sister, what's wrong?"

My gaze shot to hers before I reached for a bar of soap. "Nothing." I forced out the word, not interested in getting into an argument with her over the care of the children, her children.

"You're angry with us because Finn overruled you."

"It's fine." I had to work hard to unclench my jaw as I lathered soap onto a sponge. "I'm over it."

"You're not." She leaned across the tub, latching on to my wrist.

I looked into her eyes for just a heartbeat before looking away. I wasn't ready to have this conversation. The wound from losing the girls was still too fresh.

She squeezed my wrist and then let go, leaning back against the tub. "I know it's hard having us take over when you've been their mother the past two years."

"Four years." I couldn't help the bitterness that leached into my voice. "I took care of them when you were with us because you were too busy plotting a war."

She drew circles in the water, her mouth turning down. "I'm sorry I was a neglectful mother. Believe me when I say I've learned my lesson. Thank you so much for taking care of them." She looked up at me with glossy eyes. "I can never repay you for what you've done."

Very well. If she wished to rip the bandage off my wound, so be it. "Imagine loving children as if they were your own for four years and having them torn from your arms." My heart imploded as I bit down on my knuckles to stifle a sob.

A splash, and then she moved to sit beside me, taking my hand in hers. "I'm not trying to take them from you. You're their aunt, my twin. I very much want you to be a part of their lives."

I stared down at our joined hands, hating myself for resenting my twin, and then resenting her more for making me hate myself. My throat tightened, making it too difficult to speak. Even when you live in Peloponese, and I live at Abyssus? I projected through thought.

She chewed on her lip. I'm not sure where we'll live after this war is over, but wherever we are, you are welcome, too.

I shook my head. My mates belong at Abyssus, and I belong with them.

Wherever we end up, we'll make arrangements so Aurora and Ember can see you every day. She flashed a sideways grin. Aurora can teleport, after all.

A gasp escaped me. "You'd let them come to me?" I asked aloud.

"Of course," she said. "They've spoken highly of a nursemaid named Mrs. Euphemia. They can stay at Abyssus for their lessons and return to me in the evenings. I'll have to confirm with Ash and Finn, but I'm sure they'd agree."

I swiped at my eyes when they watered over. "Oh, Tari, I'd love that."

"Then we'll make it happen," she said, looking at me from beneath her lashes. "Perhaps Aurora could bring me occasionally, so I could visit with my sister."

"You're welcome to come whenever you want." I threw my arms around her, relief sweeping through me. "I'd love to see you." I meant what I said as I kissed her cheek. I'd missed my sister for two years, and I would welcome the chance to have her back in my life.

"Then it's settled." She pulled back, bracing her hands on my shoulders. "Do you wish for them to sleep with you tonight?"

"I don't want to intrude on your time—" I paused when her cheeks turned crimson. "Unless you want alone time with your mates."

She bit her lip, nodding. "I'd like that very much."

"Oh, Tari," I squealed, hugging her again. "Thank you."

"You are my twin." She pulled back, stroking my arms. "And though I don't have all my memories yet, I have enough to know how much I love you."

I had to work hard to push out the words as my throat and chest tightened. "And I have always loved you—and missed you terribly."

"We will make this work, Shiri." She grabbed both my hands, lacing her fingers through mine. "Now that I have you back, I never want to lose you again."