Chapter 26

Darah

I hoped Terrek and Flame enjoyed their time together that night. I was ready to sleep and expected to see my family and get answers for Ember. The guard, Stella, escorted me to Ember's door. I knocked and she answered with a sleepy smile. I almost fell asleep waiting. I thought you would miss tonight.? Ember seemed surprised to see me.

"I had to spend quality time with my Loves. We all needed it." I said.

I looked at Candy, who was sleeping on a blanket in the corner.

"Wow, you must have played with him hard today. He didn't even wake up to greet me."

"Yes, I made him a fetch toy. We had a blast. I think he wore me out, and that is saying something." Ember sighed.

"You have my backpack and guitar!" I noticed my stuff placed neatly on a table.

"Yes, a soldier was taking it to your room to give it to Flame. She was directly ordered on a special mission to retrieve it. I stopped her and told her I would see to it that you got it first thing in the morning.

She was adamant that she would do her duty as ordered. She relented when I shadowed scales and steam rolled out my nose. She will be filing a grievance on me for my actions, by the way.? Ember snickered.

"Flame is always taking steps to provide what we need. Gods, I love her. Thank you, Ember, for taking my things. We needed privacy earlier. I will make sure Flame drops that grievance case against you. You are a good friend."

"I am happy to help. I am also eager to reassure my family that I am well. Are you ready to sleep?" Ember asked with a yawn.

"Yes, Flame and Terrek wore me out." I smiled.

"I can smell that you are changing. You did enjoy yourself. I feel bad for taking you away from your family time. My anxiety has me selfish." Ember said softly.

"This is the least I can do for you, Ember. Let's get some sleep and see if we can figure out the answers you need."

As soon as I hit the pillow, I barely felt Ember take my hand, and I was in my dream world. A white mist of fog pillowed around us. I looked to my left, and Ember was holding my hand.

"Don't let go," Ember said as Harmony broke through the cloud in front of us, her mate, the god Hecat at her side.

"Does my family know I am safe? Why would you take me without warning?" Ember went right for it with Harmony.

I liked this about her, she never seems timid, just says it like she feels it.

"My dear Ember, I did not take you. My mother, the Goddess of true mating, took you. If I had known, I would have prepared everyone. I am working to remedy this. I will make a permanent portal on Laverian to allow you to go to and from your home on my planet Harmony to your family on Laverian."

"What? This makes no sense. I have no mate on Laverian." Ember said, completely confused.

"Your mother knows you are safe. I have been busy calming your parents, aunt, and uncle. Everyone has been using visions and the enchantment book to contact me. I am in a realm that is not of either universe, so my ability to communicate back in time has had my head spinning. Hecat has been guiding me."

"Yes, my Harmony loves you all so dearly. If she is concerned, it is my priority to do what makes my Harmony happy," Hecat said proudly.

"I am so proud of you, Darah, you fought well, and now you can build the life you dreamed of. My Hecat and I will establish a barrier to help protect our universe from Kane's. You have Babies in your future." The Goddess said with excitement. My mom and dad walked through the mist to join us.

Darah, we worried about you when we saw that battle. Oh, my heart, I am so glad to see you safe and whole.? My mother hugged me even though I held tight to Ember.

"Mom, Dad, meet Ember. She is my friend."

My dad pulled Ember into his big country arms. "Darlin, welcome to the family."

Ember held my hand and looked at me, perplexed.

"Thank you for protecting our Darah and her family, Ember. I always wanted another daughter. Now I have two more: you and Flame. I couldn't be more tickled pink." My mom said.

"Uhm, Mom, Dad, Ember is not my wife, uh, mate, I mean." I looked at Ember to see if I had missed a connection.

"Do you feel drawn to me like that? Cause I only feel sisterhood towards you." I asked Ember.

"Nope! Definitely, No sexual attraction on my part to you or your mates." Ember said with a shrug.

"We haven't explained that yet," Hecat interjected.

"I like to let these things happen naturally. It's so fun to watch." Harmony said.

"Jason, please join us," Harmony called. My brother came through the cloud.

"Jason," I said, holding my free arm out for a hug. But he ignored me. His eyes were locked onto Embers.

"What is happening?" I asked as the two stared at each other in a trance.

"They are imprinting as true mates, Darah."

When the moment passed, Ember sank to her knees, taking me with her as I held on tight to her hand.

"How can this be? He is dead. How will we be together?" Ember cried.

Jason ran to us and hugged her, "Ember, I will find a way." He promised.

Suddenly, my little brother seemed so grown up.

"Ember and Jason?" I asked, looking up at Harmony. My emotions felt every bit of sadness from Ember that she could not be with my brother as her destined mate.

"This is cruel for both of them. They deserve happiness just as I have found." I snapped, looking at the two gods for answers.

"Darah, I will re-birth Jason into my Eden as a phoenix. This will allow him to retain his memories and mate Ember as a grown male instead of being born as an infant."

Ember was squeezing my hand as she cried into Jason's neck. Seeing her vulnerable had my heart twisted up. She was usually so formidable and fierce.

"You can do this?" I asked, "Bring my family back to life?"

"Darlin, your mother and I are going to stay here. We like watching over you. Now, we can watch over Jason and Ember. The Gods are making an exception for Jason. We don't want to prevent that. We are grateful." My Dad said, smiling at me.

Jason cupped Ember's cheeks in his hands. He stared lovingly into her purple eyes.

"I am coming to you soon." He promised, and then he kissed her deeply.

This was weird for me as Ember tried to release my hand and wrap both her arms around my brother.

The two of them were oblivious to the rest of us. I pulled at her hand. I didn't want to be that close to my brother making out.

I sat there staring up at my parents and the two Gods. I realized my brother would live again and be with Ember. My heart swelled with happy emotions, and I started to tear up.

"Thank your mother for me, Harmony. My brother deserves this second chance at life." Ember successfully yanked her hand from mine, and we woke up in her bed.

"No, I just wanted to hold him." Ember cried as we sat up. She hugged me, sobbing.