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8. Cassie

8

CASSIE

The low hum of conversation buzzed through the speakerphone, punctuated by the intermittent clink of silverware on ceramic as I picked at the remains of my meal.

Rain splashed against the windows, followed by a blast of wind. The WIFI wasn't up to any kind of images, so while the rest had video, I was listening in.

"Hey." Shay's quiet voice came on the line, instantly silencing the chatter. Her tone carried a weight, a significance that had me pausing to listen closely.

"What's up?" Cathy asked.

I could almost see Shay's usual nervous tic, the way she'd twine a golden strand around her finger when something big was on her mind.

"I've got news," she began.

"Hit us with it," Rey chimed in.

A long pause, then Shay exhaled audibly. "Martellus and I... we're getting married."

A momentary silence engulfed the call, a swelling pause before an eruption of congratulations that would ensue. I glanced toward the window, the gray afternoon light making the room murky, thinking of Shay and Martellus, two guarded hearts finding solace in each other.

A like in the dimness. I was happy Shay had found the resolve to commit.

"Congratulations!" Roma boomed through the speaker, aggressive and excited. "That's amazing! You could get married at the same time as me. It would be epic!"

Also, knowing her, she was making sure Shay didn't back out due to second guessing herself.

There was a brief silence on the line, everyone taking a moment to process Roma's proposition. Including me. That wouldn't add anything to the planning, oh no.

It took Shay a moment to compose her response, and when she did speak, her words were measured and deliberate.

"I don't want a big ceremony." Shay spoke quietly, yet firmly enough to carry over the buzz of enthusiasm.

I leaned forward, clasping my hands together as if to gather everyone's focus through the phone. "No, hang on," I said, trying to sound as convincing as possible. "This would be the best idea ever because we would all be together at the same time."

There was a shuffle on the line, probably the sound of Shay's fingers tapping as she considered the proposition. I imagined Shay standing in her house, away from prying eyes, dreading the thought of being the center of such fanfare.

Martellus on the other hand…I didn't know him well, but I thought he'd relish the chance to have everyone see that Shay had taken him for a husband.

"Okay," Shay said, her tone suggesting a compromise in the making. "But I want it to be clear—I want a small, private ceremony. It can be before or after the big blowout wedding that Roma and Bran need to have."

Her chosen words came out with a precision that left no room for argument, yet the intent was gentle. It was classic Shay, allowing herself to be swayed but still holding on to what mattered most to her.

Her wedding would be a moment for just her and Martellus, intimate and quiet, before the grandeur demanded for Roma's event. I smiled to myself. Shay always knew how to navigate through the chaos with grace.

"Wait, back up," Roma cut through the chatter with a sharp edge. "This has become a blowout wedding?" There was the familiar clink of something—probably her overworked coffee mug—hitting the table.

"Yes, my love," Bran said, solemn as ever and tinged with that dignified patience he seemed to have in endless supply. "You're not just marrying me—you're becoming Queen of the Goblins, and of Dream." He paused, and I could picture his long white hair shimmering as he inclined his head, even though I couldn't see him on the group call. "Though we'll avoid mentioning the latter too loudly, considering Dream is awake again."

"Still." Roma huffed. "It's a wedding, not a stunt."

"Speaking of stunts," Cathy chimed in, serious for once. "Roma and I think she should invite the alchemists and the Council to her wedding. It might help prevent war."

"I agree," Shay said softly.

"Franklin's playing with fire," Cathy explained, and my heart rate picked up at the mention of my ex-husband. "We got a taste of what's coming with the Formless Ones when those fake customs officials nabbed us. People need to unite to drive them off, and nothing like a wedding to provide neutral ground for people to talk."

A collective hum of thought resounded before there was silence, the weight of her words sinking in.

"Then it's settled," Roma said after a moment. "We need all the allies we can get. And if Franklin's involved..."

"We've got the MIIB on board," Bran added. "They've offered security for the event, along with the various allies amongst the races of Dream."

"Good," Roma said. "That's one less thing to worry about."

I glanced out of the window, the soft light filtering through the glass. The idea of such threats lurking in the shadows sent a shiver down my spine. If only everything could be as tranquil and simple as the view outside. But then, life had never really given us that luxury, had it?

"Hey, Cassie," Roma said. "Could you reach out to Aiden and see if he's willing to share information? Bran says the Elves have intel on the Formless Ones we don't."

I was glad there was no video as I blushed. Leaning back in my chair, my fingers tapped over the table's surface. "Sure, I can talk to him."

Why Bran thought Aiden might be holding back information, I didn't need to ask. Many things in the supernatural world were guarded tighter than a dragon's hoard.

"Thanks, we could use all the help we can get," she replied.

The call ended with a flurry of goodbyes and promises to update each other. Alone again, I let out a long breath, the silence of the room pressing down on me. My mind drifted to Aiden – who would be back soon. Whose presence made my heart race.

But was I ready for more? Franklin's shadow loomed large over any thoughts of intimacy. His betrayal had carved deep, jagged scars into my heart, ones that flared painfully at the worst moments. Yet with Aiden, it was different. I wasn't sure if it was the elf attitude toward freedom, because it certainly wasn't a completely positive thing, or if it was just the kind of man he was. He made me feel desired, but he had no wish to own me.

Maybe, just maybe, I was ready to consider moving forward. Not just for the sake of companionship but because Aiden, unlike Franklin, would never take more than I chose to give.

Also, it would quiet my horde of matchmaking friends.

I pushed the door open, stepping out into the humid air. It had finally stopped raining.

The vast expanse of sky and sea here was worth the trip. I inhaled deeply, letting the scent of damp earth fill my lungs, cleansing the clutter of anxiety that kept trying to set up housekeeping in my brain.

I wandered along the path that crossed the island, lost in the sound of seabirds and the crash of waves. The landscape's beauty was stark, rock and earth and sea.

"Never thought I'd get used to the lack of green," I mused aloud, the corners of my mouth lifting ever so slightly.

"Rather monotonous, isn't it?" The words were cawed from above. My head snapped up; a raven perched on a low branch. It regarded me, with silver and green eyes like Dream's.

"Could do with a bit more variety," I replied, playing along.

"Variety is the spice of life, true," came another voice, familiar and warm. Aiden walked around the bend in the path, hands tucked casually into his pockets. "But over seasoning can make a meal inedible. Speaking of which, Dream here seems to have taken a liking to conversation over solitary brooding."

"Brooding is boring," Dream squawked, fluttering his dark wings.

A wary smile tugged at my lips as I watched them, elf and the raven, trying to be casual about eyeing each other for weak points. "Are you planning on declaring a truce?"

"Something like that," Aiden answered with a shrug. "We're working together on a project to please someone we both like. Or at least trying to."

"Good luck with that," I said. Working and playing well with others was not an elvin trait, as I'd seen during the past several months.

"Thanks," he said, flashing a hundred-watt smile. "We need it."

"We've been busy with a little project in Alfheim," the raven cawed, bobbing its head approvingly.

"Really?" I was curious despite myself. "What kind of project?"

"Let's just say it's a gift for you and your guests." Aiden's slow smile and warm gaze suggested a secret he was itching to share. "Would you care to see it?"

"Sure," I replied, my heart skipping a beat at the expression and attention focused on me. "Lead the way."

We hurried towards the castle's edge where a portal shimmered like a mirage against the stone walls. Stepping through felt like plunging into cool water, the sensation brief but jarring. When we emerged on the other side, the landscape took my breath away.

"Wow," was all I managed as I took in the rustic lodgings before us.

"Your guests will be staying here," Aiden said, watching my reaction closely. "Each cabin has its own unique view."

The cabins were beautiful, constructed from rough-hewn wood and stone that seemed to grow organically from the ground. No two faced the same direction, yet each offered a frame to the stunning vistas beyond: rolling hills, dense forests, and rivers that caught the sunlight like veins of gold.

"Those beds," I pointed to a four-poster visible through an open doorway, "they look straight out of a magazine shoot."

"Ah, you caught me," Aiden confessed with a chuckle. "Dream and I might have borrowed the idea from a magazine photo you lingered on."

I nodded, impressed. "You both did a great job," I told them, meaning every word. They had managed to capture a sense of luxury and comfort that would make anyone feel at home.

I lingered at the threshold of a cabin, biting my lip. "It's beautiful," I admitted again, but a frown creased my forehead. The practical part of me skirmished with the unexpected offer.

Though I wasn't entirely sure my guests would accept this. Before trusting the king of elves and Dream, they might prefer tents. We would see. I wasn't going to turn this gift down.

"Then it's settled." Aiden spoke gently, as if he sensed the battle raging within me. "They'll stay here."

"Okay." The word came out soft, almost lost in the rush of wind through the trees.

His smile held relief and something warmer, more intimate. He took a step closer, his hand lifting to capture mine. His lips brushed the back of my hand so lightly it might have been a leaf falling. My breath hitched, warmth spreading up my arm.

"Thank you," he murmured, his gaze not leaving mine.

"For what?" The fluttering in my stomach intensified, and I struggled to keep my tone even.

"For trusting me," he said simply.

Before I could respond, he opened his palm, revealing a delicate silver rose, its petals intricately wrought as if by magic. "This is from Alfheim," he said softly. "Your beauty shames it, but you deserve adornment worthy of your spirit."

I couldn't help the smile that broke through my reservations, nor the blush that warmed my cheeks. "It's stunning," I managed, my fingers tracing the soft petals. "Thank you."

Dream's laughter cut through the moment, a sharp yet playful caw breaking the moment.

Aiden and I turned toward the sound. The raven perched on a branch overhead, its beady eyes fixed on us.

"Perhaps," the bird's beak never moved though I could hear the words clearly, "you should allow me to take you to Dream, Cassie."

I frowned, a little worried by the insistence. "To Dream?"

"Indeed. Where else but in Dream can a mere mortal be outfitted as a true queen? The fabrics alone?—"

The words trailed off into a series of amused clicks and ruffles of feathers as Aiden glared at the bird.

"Outfit me as a queen? Why?" If this was Dream's plan, I needed to nip it in the bud. Roma and Shay would be the stars of the day.

Or had Dream already offered them gowns as well?

"Absolutely." Dream fluffed its coal black feathers, making it appear larger, more imposing. "You'll dazzle them all, I assure you."

With that, the raven spread its wings wide and took to the sky leaving me wondering and worrying.

Aiden watched the bird ascend, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Dream enjoys their theatrics."

"So, I've heard," I replied, still staring at the space where the raven had been. The idea of being dressed by Dream intrigued me, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of someone trying to make me a pawn in a game. I'd had that experience and still had the emotional scars.

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