Chapter Six

Tari

A fter the men bathed and changed into fresh tunics, Shiri helped me bathe and dress the girls. I was grateful for my sister's help, for the girls were especially hyper, refusing to sit still until Shiri gave them a stern lecture. I gave up trying to do Ember's hair, but Shiri braided it with ease, reminding me I had a lot to learn about being a mother. Everyone was given soft, white robes to wear over our clothes, except for Shiri and me. We were given robes made of the finest shimmery gold thread with matching golden rope belts.

We came out of the bathroom, and the girls ran to Finn, demanding to be held. He scooped them into his arms as if they weighed no more than bags of feathers, and I couldn't help but feel jealous, for it was clear they preferred him above anyone else. I suddenly understood how Shiri felt. The children clung to his neck as if they needed to be comforted from their traumatic bath.

I shared a look with my sister. He's spoiling them, I said to her through thought.

He is, she answered, but at least he's not ripping them away from their families while having their memories erased.

You're right. I smiled at my mate while he held the girls against his broad chest. He loves them. I just hope they don't take advantage of his kindness.

Her laughter echoed in my skull. Oh, they're already taking advantage.

I inwardly cringed, knowing I'd have to talk with Finn later, but then Kaida came to retrieve us, saying the feast they'd prepared in our honor was ready.

After I made sure the rabbits were cozy and settled with ample hay, fresh greens, and water, we followed Kaida back to the center of the underground cavern, and I was completely amazed by the transformation. The setting reminded me of a moonlit fairy garden, with ivy-covered trellises hanging over the tables. The long tables were lit with pretty brass lamps and flowery scented candles and were laden with many different heavenly smelling dishes. The satyrs had changed from their coarse brown robes to hoodless robes of shimmery white that matched the ones given to our mates and children. The only satyr who stood out was High Priestess Esther, who wore a silver robe with a matching shimmery rope belt. Isa and Triss sat on the stone slab, some sort of giant, charred fish, or possibly a shark between them.

As soon as Triss saw the girls, she let out a high-pitched shriek and ran down the dais, her tail slapping the stone floor as she ran straight toward us like a playful hound greeting her master.

I sucked in a sharp breath, bracing myself for impact while preparing to create another giant tree barrier as the dragon clomped toward us like a drunk troll, the thunder of her paws striking the slate floor vibrating my very bones.

Just as I prepared to unleash my magic, a loud roar echoed through the cavern, and Triss stopped as if she'd hit an invisible wall. She turned toward her mother like a wayward puppy, batting her long lashes with a whimper.

Isa snarled down at her daughter. Return to me this instant. You will play with them only when I allow it, and only when you can exercise restraint.

Triss let out a low whimper, then tucked her tail between her legs, dragging herself back up the dais steps before plopping on the floor and covering her eyes with her paws. I almost felt sorry for her, but I was grateful her mother put the safety of my girls first.

The satyrs bade Shiri and me sit at the end of the center table with our mates and children beside us. I sat beside Finn, and Ember and Aurora were sandwiched between my mates with Ash on the end. The rest of the satyrs cast us curious looks as they found their seats, too.

When everyone was seated, Esther stood between the tables and the dais and cleared her throat. "Let us say a prayer."

I hung my head, nudging Finn when Aurora played with her napkin and Ember picked at a roll.

Finn nudged the girls, and when they didn't listen, Ash snatched the napkin and roll, telling them to bow their heads in his dark wolf voice.

They frowned, hanging their heads, but not before giving Finn a look as if he could intervene.

Finn pretended he didn't see their pouts as he took my hand and bowed his head.

"Oh, heavenly Elements," Esther called aloud, her voice echoing through the cavern walls, "we thank you for sending us two new goddesses who will drive these demons back to hell where they belong. We know their task will not be easy, so we ask that you bless them with strength and cunning, but most of all with courage to face their enemies in the battles to come. Please bless them, Elements." She paused, and when I chanced a look up, I saw her looking directly at me. "The world is counting on them," she continued, her voice dropping to a low rumble, "else the demon infestation will spread, and all of Fae-kind will be doomed." Then she clapped her hands together, a cheery smile on her face. "Let us feast!"

The crowd broke into a cacophony of chatter as satyrs began piling their plates with food. Finn helped the girls put food on their plates while I looked across the table at my sister.

That was a cheery prayer, she grumbled through thought.

No pressure at all, I added.

Yeah, no pressure , she said, not bothering to mask the bite in her tone, other than all Fae-kind will be doomed if we fail.

I clutched my roiling stomach, saying aloud, "I've suddenly lost my appetite ."

"You must eat." She gave me a stern look. "Think of the baby."

I let Finn pile food on my plate, and then I slowly spooned creamy peas and parsnips into my mouth, a heavenly mixture of butter and dill exploding on my tongue. Everything was so delicious, I soon forgot about Esther's gloomy prayer and helped myself to seconds of everything.

I sampled all kinds of fish and vegetable dishes and an assortment of savory and sweet breads. I was so grateful to the cooks for serving only fish, so I didn't have to contend with the spirits of dead animals. These satyrs said they were pescatarians, like me, which brought me a sense of relief, for I'd hate to turn away the food our hosts had worked hard to prepare.

Kaida brought me a special memory tea. It tasted awful, even after sweetening it with honey, but I forced myself to drink it. I only hoped I wouldn't retch it up later.

Isa and Triss sat on the stone slab at the end of the cavern, eating the charred remains of a shark. I forced myself to look away when Triss slurped up a long intestine like a noodle while blood dripped off her fangs and chest. She was certainly a messy dragon, her mannerisms reminding me very much of the girls. Despite the fact that she was as old as me, Isa was right that Triss was still a hatchling. Even more reason for me to keep the girls from riding her. I couldn't trust the cub with my children, not until she matured. I continually scanned the hall, looking for a sign of Radnor. I still had yet to find out where they were keeping Helian, and though he didn't deserve my concern, I worried that he wasn't being treated well. Was he warm? Did he have food and drink and a place to sleep?

When they brought out tarts for desserts, the girls squealed so loudly, I had to shield my ears. Shiri explained there was a satyr cook named Crispin at Abyssus who served the most delicious food that was very similar to tonight's fare, especially the tarts. When the girls asked for seconds, I looked to Shiri, who quickly looked away. Then the girls batted their lashes at Finn, and he answered for us, giving them each seconds and taking thirds for himself.

I placed my hand on Finn's forearm. That's enough, I said through thought, or else they'll be climbing the walls.

He let out a wolf's whimper. I have a hard time saying ‘no' to them.

I refrained from rolling my eyes. Yeah, they know.

After we were finished, Ash leaned back and let out a belch. "I could eat like that every night."

"So could I," I said as I stood and thanked Esther and the other satyrs.

Then a quartet of musicians joined Isa on the dais and struck up a happy tune. Satyrs jumped up with hoots and hollers, pushing back the tables and then dancing to the music. Shiri and her mates joined them on the dance floor, and the girls dragged Finn onto the floor, too.

Ash stood beside me, frowning at the crowd. He placed a hand on my back, projecting to me through thought. Do you feel up to dancing?

I shook my head. My stomach was too full, and I was exhausted, no doubt an effect of pregnancy. Besides, how could I enjoy myself when I had no idea what had happened to Helian? Even though he didn't deserve my sympathy, that didn't mean he should be denied protection and basic care. I motioned toward the satyrs clearing the platters of food from the tables, dumping the leftovers into a big tub. I had a feeling that tub would be given to the wyverns. Someone should check on Helian and bring him food.

The wolf flashed in his eyes as he snarled down at me. He doesn't deserve your pity, Tari.

Was he truly angry because I pitied Helian, or was he jealous because I loved his brother? I cut him a sideways glare. So we should starve him?

He shook his head, looking away from me. I didn't say that.

I caught Kaida's eye, waving her toward me. Ignoring Ash's grumbling, I couldn't stop thinking of Helian all alone in a cold cell. "Will you make sure Prince Helian has food and that he's warm?" I asked the priestess.

"Of course." She flashed a tight smile then bowed and hurried away. No doubt she didn't think Helian was deserving of my pity either.

Ash crossed his arms, widening his stance, tension pulsating off his body as he glared down at me.

I released an exasperated breath. "What?"

"He pledged his heart to another," he said on a sneer, "and yet you still grovel at his feet like a loyal hound."

Flames of rage raced through my veins, and I pushed his chest hard. "How dare you! You know he's still my fated mate. That will never change!"

"Tari, I'm sorry." He reached for me. "I'm just frustrated."

I slapped his hand away. "So you go straight to insults? You're no better than Helian." I winced as the words came from my mouth, for I knew how he'd react, but I didn't regret saying them.

The wolf flashed in his eyes and fur sprouted on his face. "I'm a hell of a lot better than him!"

I wasn't sure if his voice was thick from sorrow, regret, or his wolf's rage. I didn't care. I needed to get away from him, from everyone. The dark stone walls felt like they were falling down around us. I turned without another word and marched for the ramp that would lead me outside.

"Where are you going?" Ash called.

I waved him off. "Someplace far away from you."

I didn't know if I was disappointed or relieved when he didn't follow, but of one thing I knew for sure, I had to get the hell out of this cavern.

Tari

THE WALK UP THE RAMP took a lot more effort than the walk down. I was straining for breath by the time I reached the top, and I also realized why my mates didn't follow me, for I felt Isa not far behind, waiting with the patience of a dragoness while I struggled to reach the top. By the time I cleared the temple, I was straining too much from the exertion to take a deep breath. The night sky was lit by a moon that was almost full and a scattering of stars in the cloudless sky. I sensed the wyverns in the nearby trees and wondered if Bea was among them. Would she return to me when it was time to go, or would she remain on this island with her kind? I found a low wall nearby and sat, very aware of two large, deep crimson eyes blinking at me from the shadows of the pyramid entrance.

It was a lot more humid outside than I remembered, and hot, a stark contrast to the cool air beneath the temple, and I instantly regretted coming outside instead of retiring to our rooms. I could've been soaking in that large tub instead of here. I blamed Ash for driving me away and not my own foolish impetuousness.

I jumped, waving my hands like I was on fire and cursing when a giant mosquito struck my neck hard. I coughed when I was struck by a strong burst of smoke, but the mosquitoes fortunately cleared away.

Isa poked her head through the cloud of smoke, her nostrils flaring. Everything alright, Goddess? Her voice echoed in my skull like a gong.

"Yes, Isa." Coughing, I fanned my face. "Just catching some air."

The alpha wolf is displeased. Her heavy jowls turned a frown as she sat in front of me, her barbed tail curled around her legs like a cat. Does he not find the lodgings and food to his satisfaction?

"Of course," I answered as I sat back down. "Everything has been wonderful. Thank you. He's not upset over that." I heaved a frustrated sigh. "He's upset over Helian."

She stretched her long neck, a knowing smile on her lips. Ahh, Fachnan's spawn.

Irritation punctured my words. "He's not like Fachnan." I regretted that I sounded like a petulant child, and I lamented even more that I was always defending Helian. Maybe he deserved everyone's scorn, but that didn't stop my fool heart from loving him.

She arched a scaled brow. Isn't he?

I crossed my arms, a ball of frustration inflaming my spine. "Fachnan is a murderer who sent his dragon army to wipe out Lupine."

Her eyes widened. The shifter village?

I nodded.

She leaned toward me, her eyes narrowing. Did it have to do with Helian's half brothers?

I released a slow breath while recalling everything Helian had told me coupled with the few recovered memories I'd pieced together. "Fachnan was angry with the Lupine kings for impregnating his queen." And the bastard had taken it out on every single shifter in Lupine, even innocent children. Generations lost, all because of a mad and evil king."

Isa's jowls turned a heavy frown as she blew out a puff of smoke. I'm sorry to hear the dragons killed the shifters. She turned her gaze to the moonlit sky. My race has lost their way. Before the mind spinner, the dragons respected the shifter races, and they never would have done a Fae king's murderous bidding over a grudge.

"They killed or maimed most of the shifters." I twisted the hem of my golden belt around my finger, thinking on how different my life would be if my mates had perished that night. I suddenly had a longing to run to them and fall into their arms, even Ash, though I was still angry with him. "Helian and Radnor helped Ash and Finn escape. Helian was banished for it."

Then the alpha wolf should be indebted to the prince.

I released another long sigh. "It's more complicated than that."

The male species are always complicated. She turned up her horned snout with a huff. Sometimes I think they're more trouble than they're worth.

She was speaking of her mate, for I sensed a longing in her voice. She wanted him, but her anger and pride got in the way.

"They would give their lives to protect me." I splayed a hand across my chest. "As I'm sure Radnor would do for you and Triss."

So you've sided with him, too?

She released a long stream of smoke, so thick I had to jump from my seat and back away.

I fanned away the smoke while breathing through a wheeze. "I've sided with no one. He thought you were killed by satyrs years ago. He brought me to a stone mural of satyrs attacking a dragon. He said that was a depiction of them killing you."

The fog cleared enough to reveal the shock in her eyes. That mural is thousands of years old. That happened long before Maiadra and even Kyan.

"His heartbreak when he told me the story...I could feel it in my soul." I swallowed back my emotion while searching her eyes, and yeah, I guess I was taking a side. I couldn't imagine two mates staying separated. As angry as I was with Helian and even Ash, the thought of breaking away from them forever was like an anvil splitting my chest in two.

Foolish drake. She averted her gaze, looking at something in the trees, her voice lacking inflection, though I felt a wave of sorrow pulsing off her. Did he kill the satyrs of Dunhull?

"No, fortunately."

I thought I saw the slightest of smiles curl her lips. Then Thorin's mind tricks didn't corrupt his soul. She released a long breath of hot air. I'm sad I can't say the same for the rest of my race.

"Then why are you angry with Radnor for warning the satyrs?" I asked, then I held my breath, bracing myself for her reaction to my interfering.

She leered down at me and exposed her sharp fangs. Because I feared the mind spinner would get to him first, and I was right.

I thoughtfully tapped my chin. "I see."

You see nothing, she snarled, turning up her chin. You are the same age as my spawn and have much to learn.

I'd definitely struck a nerve. I swallowed back my trepidation. She wouldn't hurt me, though I feared ripping open old wounds that she'd been trying to heal. Still, it couldn't be helped. I refused to allow her to give up on her mate forever when I knew deep down that wasn't what she wanted, and it certainly wasn't what Triss or Radnor wanted. "I see that you're hurting." I clutched my chest, feeling her sorrow as keenly as my own. "You think Radnor chose the satyrs over you."

She bowed back, ruffling her wings. That's exactly what he did!

"But didn't he believe the satyrs were Fae-kind's last hope?" I pressed.

She looked down at me as if she was deciding to eat me or squash me between her toes. He was wrong.

I heaved a shaky breath, wondering if Radnor deserved me risking Isa's wrath for him. "But if he believed that, then he was saving them to save all of Fae-kind, you and Triss included."

You're boring me with your speculation, witch. She looked away, flicking her tail. I need rest. I will send priestesses to you in the morning after you break your fast, and we will get that demon out of Fachnan's spawn.

When she turned as if to go, I jutted a foot forward. "How? Helian's demon said we needed a vessel, a living being."

And we have one, she drawled. A wyvern has volunteered.

"A wyvern?" My stomach tied in a knot at the thought of harming a wyvern, especially not after what happened to Beau. "Is that safe?"

She gave me a curt nod. I will make sure of it.

Somehow, that didn't put my mind at ease. "Which wyvern?"

His name is Enso. She leered down at me from beneath her long lashes. He is a cousin to Frode.

"Frode?" I rasped. It took me a moment to remember she was speaking of Beau. "And he's willing to have a demon inside him?" How could I let that happen to Beau's cousin?

She ruffled her wings again, looking affronted that I'd question her judgment. He's willing to do anything to please his goddess.

"That is kind of him." I nervously toyed with the frayed end of my belt while remembering how the other wyverns mourned the news of Beau's death. How could I put them through more heartache? "But I don't think I can ask him to make such a sacrifice."

Both scaled brows rose. It's not your choice to make, it's his, and you will dishonor him if you deny him this.

"Thank you, Isa." I burped into my fist then made a face when I was hit with the rancid aftertaste of that tea. I was suddenly overcome with a funny feeling in my gut and a weird, thick feeling in my head. My heartbeat slowed, too, and it felt as if I had sludge in my veins. How strange. Could it have been an effect of the tea? "Helian will be so grateful to have this demon out of him." Though I would still feel terrible about burdening a wyvern with this demon. Damn Helian for putting us in this position.

I care nothing for Helian's gratitude. She turned her back on me, her barbed tail swishing dangerously close to my head. I care only for yours. Goodnight.

"Goodnight," I said aloud. Then I wrapped my arms around myself and followed her toward the temple, my eyes focused on her swinging tail as that strange sensation intensified. My feet felt weighted with stones as I trudged ahead. What was happening to me? My magic changed, too. It felt thicker, heavier, as if their sparks had turned to liquid iron. Perhaps I was just tired from our journey.

Tari

MY TWIN WAS WAITING for me at the temple entrance. I also caught a glimpse of Shiri's mate Blaze waiting in the shadows. Isa had already disappeared down the ramp, her heavy stomps rattling the cavern walls. Shiri looped her arm through mine, steadying me as we descended into the bowels of the cavern. I was glad to have her to lean on, as some patches on the stone floor were slick, and that heaviness in my legs was worsening. The ramp was especially dark, lit by a few scattered sconces, but it did little to diminish the gloom of the dark cavern walls. I wondered if the pyramid above held any rooms, or if it was just a shell to conceal the civilization beneath.

You okay, Tari? Shiri asked through thought.

I was so grateful for my twin, for I got the feeling she sensed I needed support. My legs still felt heavy, and I hoped it wasn't a side effect of that tea. I will be. I forced a smile, not wanting to burden her with worry by telling her about my fatigue, which was most likely an effect of pregnancy. Just trying to juggle three Fae, and they can be frustrating.

Tell me about it. She affectionately patted my arm. Ash is very protective of you.

By protective, I knew she meant jealous. Yeah, he certainly was jealous, though perhaps his anger wasn't misplaced. He was right that Helian didn't deserve my love. He is. I frowned. But at least he's loyal.

Why did Helian pledge himself to Duke Viggo's niece? she asked as we continued to make our descent.

I abruptly stopped, nearly stumbling over my own feet. Why was she asking me this? He said he had no choice, that we needed their army. I paused, breathing out a slow breath, summoning the nerve to voice what I'd speculated, fearing that speaking it to my sister would make the possibility all the more real. But I think at least some part of him did it to get back at me. And there was the crux of the problem. How could I love someone, bond with someone, who would deliberately hurt me so?

She stared at me a long moment, pity reflecting in her eyes. "For what?" she asked aloud.

I hung my head, shame and sadness washing over me. "For being mated to his brothers, too."

She grasped my shoulders, and before I knew it, she held me in a warm embrace. "It's not your fault the elements chose them for you," she whispered in my ear. "The more powerful the witch, the more mates she needs."

Tears stung my eyes while I clung tightly to her. He knows this, I answered through thought, the tightness in my throat making it difficult to speak. He doesn't like sharing.

She pulled back, still clutching my shoulders while searching my eyes. "He acts as if you had a choice."

I wiped my eyes with the backs of my hands. "I know."

She glanced away, catching Blaze's gaze before looping her arm through mine and walking me down the ramp again while Blaze remained in the shadows behind us. "I know Helian briefly said how we met, but I wanted to explain."

"Explain what?" I asked, grateful that she changed the subject. I didn't think my heart could handle answering more questions about Helian's rejection.

"Ember and Aurora found him in a barn with a ball of deadly magic. Then I found them, and when he saw me and realized who we were, he told us we had to come with him before the bomb blew up." She paused, biting her bottom lip. "That's when I forced him to get the ball out of camp." She stopped, turning to me. "I'm sorry about your wyvern. I didn't have any other choice."

"I know you didn't. I don't blame you. Helian should've never brought that ball into camp." I paused as a new ache settled in my chest, battering my poor tattered heart all over again. "Fachnan's mage, Selig, tricked me. He had me hit the ball as target practice. I had no idea I was creating a bomb."

Her jaw dropped. "Were Helian and Selig working together?"

My shoulders fell with the realization that Helian could've been in on the deception. "I don't know. I have to believe that Helian was manipulated, too." At least I hoped so, because if not, I wasn't sure I could forgive him. "Things are always so complicated with him." Too complicated.

"I understand." She squeezed my arm as we resumed walking. "Drae resented me when we first met. He knew we were fated mates, and he still threatened to drop me when we were flying."

I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth. "I'm sorry, sister, but what a troll's ass." I tensed when I heard Blaze laughing behind us.

"Believe me," she whispered while leaning into me, "he was sorry when he came to his senses. I didn't know if I could forgive him, but then he nearly died saving the girls from demons. He was a lump of coal when we found him." She paused, then resumed with a voice thick with emotion. "If I hadn't used my siren voice to amplify Nikkos's healing powers, we would've lost him."

"I take back what I said about him," I said loud enough for Blaze to hear. "Tell me everything that's happened since you met your mates."

She smiled beside me. "I will if you tell me how you met Helian and found Ash and Finn."

Oh, elements. I released a heavy breath. Where did I begin?