Chapter 15

Circe

"I left everyone I've ever cared about to follow my heart." ~ Circe

Deep inside of my selfish heart, I knew Helios hadn't created me for a human happily ever after. Helios, the god of the sun, had crafted me from the very essence of the dawn, infusing me with a purpose beyond mere mortal desires. I'm a demigod.

A groaning rose within my spirit the second Colin came out of the shadows during the ceremony, an ancient rite long forgotten held under the light of a moon.

The enemy's arrival filled the air with tension. The moment our eyes met, I felt an undeniable pull, a force that bound us together in a way I couldn't explain. I had to go with him. If only we'd gotten to stand before each other during the mating ceremony before the battle broke out. I'd have proof of Helios' kiss on our necks.

Colin took me in his arms after we left Jazzland and accepted me as his. Jazzland, a place of revelry and illusion, had been the backdrop of our union. Its forgotten allure faded into the background as we escaped into the night.

The other two, Ambrose and Ioannis, grunted their objections, their voices filled with resentment and exhaustion. They had no fight left in them to turn me away.

Colin was born to one heifer in his herd, a fact that defied all logic and understanding. He still hasn't explained to me how that's even possible. Of course, I haven't asked him about it, sensing that the answer might be more painful than the mystery itself.

Making love together when we can find a corner away from the others is an experience that can't compare to my past indiscretions. The Fates made us for one another. Their threads wove our destinies into a tapestry of passion and fate.

Colin knew nothing of his Minotaur history nor of Helios' blessing of mates created to complete one another. His lack of knowledge of his demigod heritage probably means he wouldn't know the answer regarding how he exists.

I received another gift from the Fates, even though I don't deserve their blessings. I ran with Colin during the start of my ovulation cycle. Our bodies moved in perfect harmony under the watchful gaze of the stars.

I've kept close track of my fertility calendar, hoping to trap another Minotaur. While I didn't want a calf of my own, I knew no one would commit to me without one.

I can't grow old like a human—I just can't.

After all my years of trying, I found my mate and his seed grows within me after our first consummation.

Despite the lack of ticking—because I have no maternal desires—I know we're fated.

Not like how I insisted Jayce and I were mates. I knew that was a lie, but I still believed I could convince him.

While I'm not suddenly eager to raise this child or to even love this baby, the little bit of decency inside of my heart worries what Ambrose and Ioannis might do with it if it's a girl.

The part of me that is confident the Fates put Colin and I together believes the babe is a boy. This worries me more. A boy would inherit Colin's strength, his resilience, something we can be proud of.

"Colin, I know my people would take us in." I plead as we lay naked, tangled in each other's arms in this forest we've been wandering circles in for days. The trees around us whisper ancient secrets— their leaves rustling like the soft murmur of a thousand voices.

Despite their banishment, Ambrose and Ioannis believe they can find their labyrinth if they don't give up.

I wouldn't sleep outside for anyone other than my mate.

I haven't showered or changed my clothes since the battle. The nearby springs have refreshed my body, but it's not enough to get clean.

"Circe, they will kill me on sight." He runs his fingers through my hair. His touch, gentle and reassuring.

"We could find another herd. One who's never heard of us."

He sighs, his breath warm against my skin. "How would we do that?"

I don't deserve him. He's younger than I am. I haven't asked for his official age, but he can't hide the look of youth behind his gaze.

"I can call someone from my herd. They will tell us where to go."

"What if Ioannis and Ambrose follow us there? They will cause trouble for any herd we go to."

"We have to try. For the sake of our child and our future. We can't stay in the mountains forever."

"If you can find a place for us to go, we'll go."

I slide on top of him to show him my gratitude. No one has ever been willing to do anything for me. My icy heart warms a little each day I spend with this man.