Chapter 26

Drovo

Luminescence, my luminescence! Not even the Savrix could deny our bond, no one could. We glowed for each other as fated mates. Thoughts of hope, pride, and joy swelled in my heart as Kayla and I walked hand-in-hand to the gate. We were finally going to leave this place, and I would mate my luna moth over and over again and make this a night to remember.

I glanced over at Kayla and caught her glancing back at me. I smirked, and she laughed. Never would I have thought I’d have the most amazing, spirited, beautiful female in all of the universe, but here she was, glowing for me and I for her.

Brexl and Taylor walked beside us, as did my brothers and sire. It was not long before we got to the gate.

I turned to Favalor, who looked at me with so much hope in his eyes. The idea of leaving him behind again gripped my soul with an agonizing sadness that threatened to take over me wholly.

“I’ll see you at the offering, big brother.” Favalor tried to smile to hide his own pain, but I could still see it in his eyes.

“Yes, you will.” I did my best not to let my emotions show. It would do no good now for my family to see my pain. There was nothing that could be done. Dameron was already angry with us. If my brothers came with me and left my father behind, I was sure the Savrix would find a way to punish him. If all three of them left, then would that be the last straw? Would the Savrix come to our mountain with his hunters and slay us all, as he had wanted to that fretful night so many seasons ago?

No, my family must stay here. I hugged both my brothers, and they hugged me back.

“Sire,” I bowed to my progenitor.

“None of that.” My sire embraced me in a tight hug that expressed more emotion than our words ever could.

“I’m proud of you, son. You’re a good male, and you’ll be a good mate.”

He looked at Kayla and held our joined hands between his. “Welcome, daughter.”

“Thank you,” Kayla said while wiping a tear from her face.

“We should get out of here before Dameron changes his mind,” Brexl suggested.

“That’s a good idea. I’m packed and ready to go.” Trivix came walking up with a large pack on his back and a sturdy walking stick in his hand.

“Appo, no,” Brexl shook his head. “The journey is dangerous. Stay here, where I know you’ll be safe.”

“I will not abandon you again.” Trivix was firm in his tone. “I-I was so lost before. When your grandmother died, it felt like I died with her. I was a dead male walking, wishing every day to join my mate in the afterlife. When the Savrix turned you out from the dekes, I was too afraid to join you. I didn’t have the strength to leave behind the home my mate and I built together. But we raised you too, which is far greater than building a home. I am braver now, and I’m going with you.”

“No, you will stay here.” Brexl was equally firm in his tone. “I love you, appo. I know you never meant to abandon me, but if you are injured on the journey, I’d never forgive myself. Please. There will be another time. Stay in the valley.”

Trivix’s shoulders slumped in defeat. “Another time.” The elder male nodded.

Brexl and his appo hugged, then Taylor and Trivix exchanged hugs as well. He whispered something in Taylor’s ear, and she gave him a solemn nod in response.

“Time to go,” I nodded to Brexl, and he agreed.

We passed through the gate into the forest and as soon as we were out of the sight of our families, I lifted Kayla over my shoulder.

“My mate and I will take the cave to the right.”

Brexl looked over at Taylor with an anxious expression. “We will take the cave to the left.”

I was done with goodbyes. I wanted my mate and I would not wait longer.