Chapter 33

Damian

"There will forever be mysteries for us to discover. It's not always our job to point them out, but to let others enjoy the journey that gets them where they're meant to be." ~ Damian

I help carry buckets of water for Lena's bath. The weight of them pulls at my arms with every step.

Lena's trembling muscles didn't allow her to take one last night with all the other women. However, now, as the morning sun warms the camp, we are determined to make sure she gets the chance to wash away the grime and exhaustion of the ordeal she experienced.

Lena rests under Isaak's arm. His presence steadies her while she moves about the camp. His care for her is evident in every gentle touch, every whispered word of encouragement.

Meanwhile, Anjal, Jayce, and I gather plenty of water with efficient and coordinated movements.

Georgia, ever the watchful one, steals glances at Frank as he stokes the fire for the morning meal. There's a softness in her expression that wasn't there before—a hint of something tender and promising. Willow had confided in me that Helios had blessed every heifer from this herd. A secret, she whispered with a hint of awe and thankfulness. It was the last thing she said to me before departing, and the only thing she told me to keep to myself. The knowledge felt heavy, sacred, like a reminder of the mysteries that still linger in our world.

Violet and Tara are deep in conversation. Their heads are close together and their expressions intense, as if the weight of their words could change everything.

Peter tends to Alexander; his hands steady and reassuring as he goes about his tasks.

Sara's announcement this morning had been unexpected, but welcome. As chores were being assigned, she declared that she'd accepted Markos as her mate last night. Her attitude conveyed strength, and her eyes appeared bright with determination and joy. She expressed her desire to remain until the others decided what they were going to do. Her attitude is refreshing compared to the many who walked away, acting like they didn't care if they ever saw anybody again. I couldn't truly blame the ones who wanted to forget everything about the world they grew up in.

Takis and Kore, Michail and Niki, Yanis and Irida nodded in agreement with Sara and Markos. "We've all made the same decision," Michail informed everyone in a steady and resolute announcement. It was a powerful moment. A declaration of unity and commitment that seemed to bolster the spirits of those around us.

If the bond forming that we're witnessing between Lena and Isaak is any sign, she and young Serafim will leave with Isaak once she's physically strong enough. The thought of their departure is a bittersweet moment of relief and sorrow, which tugs at my heart.

There are five more women hesitant to embark into the unknown, with Violet top among them. Her uncertainty is heavy in our hearts and mirrors the fears and doubts that linger in all of us.

Once breakfast ends, I ask Emjay to go for a walk. She looks at me and smiles. "There aren't many places to walk in here."

"We could go for a hike in the mountains outside. Maybe find the waterfall."

"Okay, that sounds nice. Just let me tell Georgia and my girls."

She isn't gone long before she returns out of breath and with a schoolgirl smile on her face. "I'm ready," she declares.

She lets me take her hand as we walk toward the cave and out into the Yonah Mountains.

I inhale deeply, letting the fresh air coat my lungs. The stench of the bodies still piled in the cave haunts me. I shake off the guilt that we've yet to remove their remains by soaking in the smell of the river flowing, the different species of flowers and trees, even animal droppings nearby. All the aromas remind me what a majestic world we live in. I love the outdoors and nature. "Do you like to fish?" I ask Emjay.

"I like to eat fish. I've never been fishing, so I don't know."

"May I teach you sometime? See if it is something you enjoy. It's one of my favorite pastimes."

"I don't have any pastimes. I think I'd like to try, as long as you let me cook what we catch."

"Of course. Do you cook?"

She nods. A far-off look passes behind her expression. "I had a friend for eighteen years. Mrs. Walker. She taught me everything she knew about cooking."

Mrs. Walker? That explains the name Walker. "Knew?"

"Yes, she passed away ten years ago. She was my dearest friend. More like the mother I wish I could have been."

"Give them time. They are still adjusting to this new world of theirs and matrimony."

"I know." She holds her head up. "One day at a time, right? That's what I keep telling myself. Hopefully, soon I will feel it in my heart. With Priscilla, I have more time. She's not going anywhere. But Shay—she's leaving for London for her next travel blog once we return."

"You will just have to call her every day. A brief, ‘I'm checking in to see what you did today. Anything exciting?' Little things like that will melt any ice between you two."

Her smile grows. "I like it. Thanks for the idea, Damian."

We walk the overgrown path higher up the mountain toward the sound of the rushing falls. I rub my beard. I feel like a teenager on my first date. "There's plenty of room for you and Georgia at my house."

Emjay stops walking, rises on her toes, and kisses my cheek. "We will both move in when we return."

I can't contain my excitement. My arms slip around her waist. I lift her off her feet and twirl her around in my arms. "I'm going to kiss you again."

I stifle a laugh as she closes her lids and puckers her lips.

When we resume our hike, the sound of the waterfall grows louder, filling the air with its soothing melody. The trail becomes steeper and the foliage thicker, but Emjay's enthusiasm doesn't wane. We pause occasionally to admire the vibrant wildflowers and the occasional deer that dart through the trees. Emjay's hand in mine feels natural, like it was always meant to be there.

"I've never been this deep into the mountains before," Emjay admits, her expression tinged with awe.

"It's a special place," I say, squeezing her hand. "There's something about being surrounded by nature that makes you feel connected to everything. It's grounding."

She nods, and her eyes reflect the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. "I can see why you love it. It's peaceful, yet so full of life."

We finally reach the waterfall. Its cascading waters glisten in the sunlight. The sound is almost deafening up close, but it's a comforting kind of noise. We find a flat rock near the edge and sit, letting the cool mist from the falls wash over us. Emjay leans her head on my shoulder, and I wrap my arm around her.

"This is perfect," she murmurs. "I haven't felt this relaxed—ever."

"I'm glad you like it," I reply, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "We can find places like this anytime you want."

She lifts her head to look at me. Her orbs shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Damian. For everything. I know I haven't said it, but you've made this—us seem so easy.

"You don't have to thank me," I whisper. "I'm just happy to have you in my life."

We sit in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying each other's presence and the beauty of our surroundings. Eventually, we hike back down the mountain; the path seeming a little easier now that we've shared this moment. By the time we reach the entrance to the labyrinth, the sun is setting, casting a warm glow over everything.

As we approach the cave entrance, Emjay stops and turns to me. "I'm really looking forward to moving in with you, Damian. It feels right."

I smile, feeling a surge of happiness. "Me too, Emjay. Me too."

We walk back into the cave, hand in hand, ready to face whatever the future holds together.