14. Chapter Fourteen

ROSE

The meeting with Chaos concludes with a full summer schedule. Our days and nights will be consumed with learning and team building activities, but the weight of our discussion lingers heavily in my heart.

I don't want any of my mates hurting.

They each give me kisses of varying intensity as they head out to grocery shop for ‘brain food'.

I prop myself against the frame of the front door, arms folded across my chest. "What's brain food?"

Mekhi winks, stealing one more kiss and whispering against my lips. "Anything that'll keep us awake while the big guy teaches us all we need to know."

Kieran rolls his eyes. "Translation, junk food and caffeine," he adds dryly, earning a chuckle from Mekhi.

There are many things to love about my mates. They're smart, strong, handsome, and they smell good. But right now? I'm really thankful they love to grocery shop because I loathe it. The only part I like about food is the eating of it and the occasional cooking of it.

Raised by so many dads, I didn't spend much time in the kitchen because they'd take over, competing to see who was a better cook. Some of my fondest memories were watching them have cook-offs, with Grandpa, Bennett, and me as taste testers.

It might've left me a little pampered.

They each sneak in a few more kisses before acknowledging Chaos with a nod and sauntering off to the other side of the courtyard, then sifting out once outside the barrier.

Alone in the room with Chaos, I linger behind, my mind churning with questions. "Could we talk for a moment?"

He nods, his expression softening. "Morning, noon, and night. You never have to ask."

After gesturing towards the center of the garden, he accompanies me to the little bench next to the fountain. It's early afternoon, and the sun is directly above us, so I sprawl out, tilting my face to the sky. I love the heat, though it's way more humid than I'd like. Glancing at him, I meet his golden green eyes. "I need to understand what we're heading into. What should I prepare them for? Be real with me."

"That's something you can always count on." Chaos studies me for a moment, as if really thinking about what he's going to say next. "Ascension isn't difficult because you'll face trials or anything similar to the Arcane Scholar competition. It's going to be difficult because it's physically excruciating. You will want to die. Most have. The toll that level of pain takes on a mind, you have to be prepared."

I swallow, dread filling my chest and causing tears to prickle behind my eyes. "How … how did they die?"

He's quiet for a long time before he finally answers me, as though he's afraid of how I might react. "They killed themselves."

His answer is a kick to the chest, leaving me gasping, panic clawing at my veins. "And the ones who made it?" I whisper.

He presses his lips together and glances up at the sky. "The gods' council as you know it."

I nod slowly. "So, my grandma?"

He affirms with a slight dip of his head, "And the others."

There are so many gods, I don't even know all their names. They usually oversee some of the other realms. But I suppose if we're ascending, I'll get to know them all, being mated to the god of gods. Eventually.

"This is why ascending together is so important. If one of them is of weak mind, body, or spirit, they're likelier to hang on for your sake."

More tears spring to my eyes at the thought. I'd like to think they'd try everything they can to get through it, but the fear is still there.

"Ascension is months away, and we'll have plenty of time to strengthen our bonds before we're required to test them." He is lost in thought for a moment before he continues. "I think you might need a break before we dive back in tomorrow."

"A break?"

"Yes," he smiles slightly, and the sight warms me. "Something fun. Ever tried the fae version of crazy golf?"

"What is it, like black light golf?"

He grins. "I have no idea what that is, but it does take place in the dark."

I glance towards the sky, raising a brow. "It's daytime."

"I'm going to pretend you didn't just assume I can't command the sun to take a nap." He rises to his feet, offering me his hand, and I let him pull me up. "But we'd be sifting to Luporia, where it's already nighttime."

I wince. "Sorry, I mean, I assumed you probably could, but …" I gesture vaguely above us.

He chuckles. "I'd never force the sun to bend to our whims. Well, not today, anyway. Luporia is far more suited for this—" He pauses, training his ear, tugging me to his side. "We've got company."

"Company?"

The sound becomes clearer, and it's definitely not just a random noise—it's laughter.

Giggles.

Realization dawns, and without a second thought, I grab Chaos by his collar, the fabric tightening under my grasp. "Down!" I hiss, pulling him toward me as I crouch low.

Kneeling behind the fountain, I cover Chaos' mouth with my hand, bracing myself against the marble with the other while I listen. It's cool under my hands as we duck behind it, the splash of water from the fountain's cascade drowning out some of the laughter. We tuck ourselves into the shadow of the fountain's broad base.

Crouching lower, we press back against the cold stone, barely daring to breathe. I peek around the edge, the mist from the fountain casting a fine spray over us. The giggles grow closer, and I tighten my grip on Chaos's arm, our bodies pressed closely together as we wait for them to step into the clearing that is Sanctuary.

Bennett playfully carries a stunning brunette over his shoulder, her long hair tumbling down his back and swaying with each step. She wears a yellow, flowing sundress that billows in the breeze as they run towards the house ahead. Her legs kick up with glee while she giggles, caught up in the moment and completely trusting in Bennett's strong arms to carry her safely. The warm sun beats down on them, creating a golden halo around their figures as they make their way home.

"AHA!" I shout, "I knew it!" I spring up from behind the fountain with a wide grin plastered on my face.

Startled by my sudden appearance, Lopey lets out a sharp scream. In a blink, the vibrant, laughing woman vanishes, replaced by a small, quivering mouse fae. Her transformation is almost instantaneous, her body shrinking and morphing as a flurry of magic swirls around her. Now in her mouse form, she crouches low on Bennett's now dress-clad shoulder, her tiny heart pounding as she peers out of the sundress with wide, startled eyes.

Her delicate whiskers twitch, and her soft, gray fur bristles. It's an instinctive reaction, one that always emerges when she's taken by surprise or feels a flutter of nerves. Even now, as a mouse, she manages to convey a sense of cautious curiosity, her tiny form tensing and then relaxing as she recognizes my voice and realizes there's no real threat.

Bennett chuckles, adjusting his hold slightly to provide a more secure perch for the tiny creature that his girlfriend has become. "You caught us." His voice is warm with amusement as he continues towards the house, his steps now a gentle saunter to match the small, cautious heart he balances so carefully.

I can't help but laugh, stepping out from behind the fountain to follow them. "Sorry, Lopey," I call out, my voice softening. "I couldn't resist!" For months they've been sneaking around at all hours of the day and night.

‘Just running errands,' my ass.

They disappear inside for a moment, and when they reappear, Lopey is no longer a mouse, and she's back in her dress. With a giddy grin, I jog over to her and throw my arms around her.

"You don't need to hide this from me!" I whisper.

"You're not mad?" she breathes, squeezing me in one of the best hugs I've felt in a while.

I pull back to look at her. "Mad?" I laugh. "I'm fucking ecstatic!"

"You are?" Bennett slowly joins us, looking more nervous than I've ever seen him.

"Are you kidding me?" I give him a playful shove. "My best friend and my twin? I literally could not ask for a better pairing." In fact, I'm fucking relieved, but I don't tell them that. I'd hate it if he was dating someone who drove me nuts, or who treated him like shit.

Now, I'll never have to bury one of his girlfriends. Because this? It better be end game.

Bennett's smile broadens as he nervously rubs the back of his neck. A long exhale, followed by a soft laugh escapes his lips. "I'm glad you think so. We didn't want to upset you."

"I'm upset that I wasn't the first one you told!" I scold, though my tone is light.

Chaos extends his hand as he notices Lopey's wide eyes locked on him, mouth agape. "Lopey, isn't it? I've heard quite a bit about you."

Slowly, she extends her hand, like an animal caught in headlights. "Good things, I hope," she stammers, her hand trembling in his stronger grip.

"Nothing but the most glowing praise."

"Were you two headed out?" Bennett asks.

Chaos loops an arm around my waist, gently tugging me into his side. Butterflies take flight in my stomach at the gesture. "We're headed to Luporia if you'd like to come with? Going to play fae crazy golf?"

"Dang it, that sounds like fun." Lopey pouts. "I've got to be back home in an hour. I'm house sitting while my parents are on Sundahlia. Their cat will start eating the wallpaper if I don't feed him on time."

I'm such a shitty fucking friend. She's probably been so bored sitting in that big empty house. Like most fae our age, she doesn't have any siblings. She's also quiet, and doesn't really have any other friends. "I'm sorry I haven't been very communicative lately. Things have been a little …"

"Busy?" She smiles up at me. "You've got your hands full." She glances at Chaos, before her eyes land on my brother. "Besides, someone's been keeping me filled in. Best soap opera I've ever watched, without actually watching it."

I'll bet.

Bennett's cheeks flush as he studies the ground, toeing a rock with his tennis shoe. He's got his hair styled today, and I can smell his cologne from here. This is a new experience for me—watching my super confident brother get all flustered and shy.

Could it be … love?

It's so foreign, but gods, am I obsessed with the idea. I want to take this little kindling and turn it into a raging bonfire, run with it, and shout from the rooftops, ‘my brother is in love!' But instead, I cling to Chaos' side, my hand gripping the front of his black shirt, feeling the warmth under my hand, and I beam.

I beam so big, my cheeks hurt and my eyes water. Chaos chuckles softly, his low, melodic laugh sending another wave of butterflies dancing in my gut.

"Are you … are you okay?" Lopey's eyes dart back and forth between mine before glancing at Bennett.

He looks up, brows pinched.

I nod, fast and more than I should. "Just happy. So very happy."

Bennett and Lopey's expressions relax into matching smiles. He slings an arm around her shoulders, and her cheeks turn bright red at the gesture. I watch as the pulse flutters at her neck and the faint pink hue creeps to her ears, which are a bit more pointed than most. She tucks a lock of her hair behind it, a shy grin reaching her eyes.

"We won't keep you." She inclines her head. "It was really good to see you."

We exchange goodbyes and long-overdrawn hugs before Bennett and Penelope retreat inside.

I shoot off a text to my group chat with my mates.

Chaos and I are sifting to Luporia for crazy fae golf. Be back in time for dinner!

Mekhi

wtf is that

Guess I'll find out :) And don't return home in the next hour, Benny has Lopey over.

Jax

Told u, Princess

Deakan

but we got ice cream that needs putting away

Kieran

use freezing spell

Deakan

oh no, guess i'll just have to eat it

You better save me some

Deakan

come here and get it, baby

Theo

Juveniles. All of you.

??

Theo

Not you. They're not letting me put food in the cart.

Why?

Kieran

He's trying to poison us. Trust me, I'm an expert in poisons.

What food is it?

Mekhi

Babe, it's Brussels sprouts. They should be banned from the realm. Tell your parents

My mouth drops open, and I glance back at Chaos, who is reading the exchange over my shoulder.

Eyes darting across the lines of text, he inclines his head at the phone. "How … how does one get added to this?"

"You have a cell phone?"

He scoffs. "Of course I have a cell phone."

"I thought you would just … poof!" I toss my hands up. "If you needed to talk to someone."

"I don't … I don't actually use it for that."

"What do you mean?"

His eyes take on a melancholy look. "I don't have anyone to call or text."

My eyes begin to water as I search his face. "What do you use your phone for?"

He's quiet for a long time.

I look at him for a few seconds before blurting, "You have no one you speak to?"

He shakes his head. "I meet with the council once a month, but we do that in person."

"So why do you have a phone?"

His cheeks color, and I think it's the first time I've seen him blush. "Chicken videos."

"What?"

"Chickens. You know, the little raptors that poop boneless chickens?"

"Eggs."

"Yes, eggs."

"You watch … chicken videos."

He smirks. "It's the funniest thing. Humans keep them as pets even though they're basically small dinosaurs who would gladly feast on their innards if left to their own devices." He pulls out his phone to show me one. It's a sleek black cell phone, with a velvet matte finish. "See? A sweater-wearing chicken getting walked on a leash by a grandma."

I grin at him. "The most formidable being in all of the realms has a phone so he can watch videos about chickens?"

He nods.

I reach out, taking the phone from his hand. The cool, smooth surface slides against my palm as I dial my number and press call. Holding my breath, I wait for the familiar ring of my phone, answering it quickly to ensure I've captured his number. I save it into my phone, labeling it before adding him to our ongoing group chat.

"Do you like Brussels sprouts?" he asks.

I look up at him and wince. "No, I hate them. They're slimy."

After handing his phone back to him, I watch as he sends his first group text.

Chaos

I'll banish Brussels sprouts.