24. Jasmine

24

JASMINE

J asmine stood back as Ell-rom was introduced to the rest of the family.

She knew Amanda, Dalhu, and little Evie, having met them before, but her eyes were drawn to the tiny bundle in Alena's arms. Alena's newborn son, barely a week old, was swaddled tightly in a soft blue blanket.

Sensing Jasmine's gaze, Alena turned towards her with a warm smile. "Would you like to hold him?"

Jasmine felt a flutter of panic in her chest. "Oh, I... I'm not sure..." she stammered, but Alena was already gently transferring the baby into her arms.

"His name is Evander, but Allegra calls him E.T."

"Little E.T.," Jasmine chuckled. "You are so sweet."

The weight of the newborn in her arms was both lighter and more substantial than she had expected. She held her breath, terrified of making any sudden movements. The baby's face was so tiny, his features perfectly formed but miniature. She had never held a baby this small before, and the responsibility felt overwhelming but also curiously rewarding. She was holding a new life in her arms, a little boy who would one day be a man, and if she became part of this marvelous family, she would get to watch him grow and discover who he was along the way.

"Support his head like this." Alena adjusted Jasmine's arms.

"He's beautiful, perfect in every way." She shifted her gaze to Alena. "Is that okay to say, or is it considered bad luck to say good things about a newborn?"

"It's okay. I tell him the same things a hundred times a day. My little precious Evander."

Jasmine nodded and smiled, and after a few more moments, carefully handed the baby back to Alena.

The arrival of Toven and Mia drew Jasmine's attention. She watched as they were introduced to Ell-rom, struck once again by the stark difference between gods like Annani and Toven and the ones she had traveled with to Tibet—Aru, Negal, and Dagor.

They were all gods, yes, but Annani and Toven exuded a presence that was almost palpable. It wasn't just their physical appearance, though they were undeniably beautiful. There was something more, a sense of power and ancientness that seemed to radiate from them.

Was it a matter of genetics or heritage?

Were Annani and Toven simply born more powerful, or had their experiences shaped them into these awe-inspiring beings?

Ell-rom wouldn't know, but maybe Aru could answer that for her. He'd said something about royals being different from commoners, but even with her fascination with princes, Jasmine didn't hold monarchs in any special regard. They were people like everyone else, who had just happened to be born into a royal family.

As everyone settled around the large dining table, Jasmine took her seat next to Ell-rom. The Odus moved silently around them, serving dishes that looked and smelled divine, but despite the mouthwatering aromas and the distinguished gathered guests, Jasmine's thoughts drifted to Margo and her brother.

She pictured them sitting in a café across the street from where Lynda and her ex were meeting, and her heart ached for Rob even though she had never met him. He was about to have his world turned upside down and experience an avalanche of emotional pain.

"Jasmine?" Ell-rom's hand tightened around hers. "Are you okay?"

She blinked, realizing she must have been frowning. "Yes. I was just thinking about Margo and her brother," she whispered.

Ell-rom's eyes widened in understanding, a look of sympathy crossing his face as he nodded.

Amanda, who was seated across from them, leaned in, her eyes sparkling with interest. "What's that about Margo and her brother?"

Damn . She should have realized that with the immortals' incredible hearing, whispering was futile. It was impossible to communicate anything in secret.

Jasmine smiled apologetically. "It's a private matter, and I don't want to gossip."

"Well, that's a shame." Amanda pursed her lips. "I love juicy gossip, but I respect your reluctance to divulge Margo's secrets."

As the meal progressed, Jasmine relaxed, drawn into the warm atmosphere of family togetherness. She watched with growing pleasure as Kian's sisters engaged Ell-rom in conversation, their initial curiosity giving way to genuine interest and affection. It was incredible how quickly Ell-rom was being integrated into the family.

Annani, who was seated at the head of the table, turned to coo at Allegra, who was reaching out for her grandmother with chubby hands.

"Nana," she demanded.

Annani's face lit up with joy. "Come to Nana, sweetness."

Kian handed the baby over, and Annani sat Allegra on her lap so she faced Ell-rom and Jasmine.

"Om. Jaja."

Ell-rom waved his hand and smiled. "You are a remarkable young lady, Allegra."

"She is," Kian agreed. "Her memory for names is very uncommon for a child her age."

Annani looked at her granddaughter and then shifted her gaze to Ell-rom with the same love and approval in her eyes.

Jasmine's heart swelled. Surrounded by the warmth and love of this incredible family, she felt a sense of belonging she'd never experienced before.

As unbelievable and surreal as it felt, she knew this was where she was always meant to be.

Jasmine had never felt like she belonged in her father's house, and she couldn't remember if things had been different when her mother was alive.

What had happened to her mother?

Now that Jasmine had powerful friends, perhaps she could finally find out.