77. Auslin

Chapter 77

Auslin

T ime passed unnoticed as Auslin sat on the veranda outside of their room. He blankly stared at the beautiful garden in front of him as he petted Hibiki. His mind was a mess as he tried to come to terms with what was about to happen. After having time to calm down, Auslin regretted not asking Kizoshi more questions about what the upcoming future held, including her cryptic comment about him finding a hidden ally.

Kitsuki entered their room, distracting him from his thoughts. His mate sat down next to him, then reached over to give Hibiki a scratch under the chin.

"So it's decided, then," Auslin stated in a dejected tone.

"Yes, we will begin the journey home tomorrow to make preparations," Kitsuki confirmed.

Their beautiful afternoon at the waterfalls felt like a distant dream. "Am I making a rift to take us home, or are we stopping along the way to ask allies to join the fight?" Auslin asked as he continued petting Hibiki to keep himself calm.

"Kizoshi said we were to travel back without a rift." Kitsuki frowned. "When time is of the essence, she was strangely insistent about us making the long journey home."

"Perhaps it is because we are supposed to find our hidden ally on the way," Auslin suggested. "Kizoshi mentioned we'd find someone who was critical to the success of defeating Nasume."

"Then we will do as my sister suggests." When Auslin said nothing further, Kitsuki grew concerned. "Did your talk with Kizoshi help?"

"It did, but I still don't feel better about any of it," Auslin answered with a heavy sigh.

"You must understand I have a duty to protect the people of my kingdom," Kitsuki said. "If I do nothing about Nasume, I put them at an even greater risk than if I ask them to fight."

Auslin looked down at Hibiki as he scratched him behind the ears. "I understand that. I promise I'll do whatever I can to support you."

"As my mate, people will look to you," Kitsuki told him. "If you are confident, then they will be, too."

"I'm trying, but it's hard when my heart is breaking." Auslin sniffled as tears welled up in his eyes.

Kitsuki caressed his cheek to guide Auslin to make eye contact. "I am sorry it must come to this, Auslin."

"People are going to die," Auslin whispered as a tear fell from his eye.

Kitsuki hugged Auslin closer. "People die every day, but at least this will be in the name of a worthy cause and a greater good for the people in Talwyn."

Auslin logically understood, but his heart hurt thinking about all the horrors rapidly approaching them.

"You have my word. I will come back to you safely," Kitsuki promised.

The mage threw his arms around his mate's neck in a fierce hug. "You have to."

Kitsuki returned the awkward embrace. "I did not wait six hundred years for your return to allow Nasume to separate us now that we are finally mates."

"I hate this," Auslin whispered. His chest grew tight with anxiety over the matter.

"It will be over soon. Then life can go back to normal." When Auslin pulled back, Kitsuki took his left hand and brought it up to his lips to kiss the bonding ring on it. "My sole regret right now is we cannot stay longer and enjoy the rest of Mizujil's beautiful lands at our leisure. But it will give us something to do when we return victorious."

Auslin tried to put on a brave smile. "I'd like that."

"Perhaps I will have the Enchanters create a similar waterfall pool for us at the castle in the interim as a source of inspiration," Kitsuki suggested.

Despite his fears, Auslin perked up at the idea. "They can do that?"

Kitsuki chuckled. "Fersen is more than capable."

At least it gave Auslin something to look forward to once they got home. He leaned over to rest his head on Kitsuki's shoulder while they looked over the garden bathed in moonlight. As much as Auslin didn't like the thought of the upcoming future, he had no choice but to play his part in the inevitable war. Auslin drew strength from the confidence he could feel from Kitsuki echoing through their bond. He placed his trust in fate, which had already blessed him with so much.

Wrapping his arm around Auslin and kissing his forehead, Kitsuki held Auslin as they enjoyed their last moment of peace before the hell of war broke out soon.