5. Zyx

5

ZYX

I can't take my eyes off her. The moment she appeared, something inside me shifted, like the world tilted on its axis. Her presence draws me in, a magnetic pull I can't resist. My wings twitch, aching to wrap around her protectively.

"The god of earth," she whispers, and gods, even her voice is making feel weak. "I can't believe I was actually saved."

I would save her. I'd do anything to save her. But I don't say that out loud. Even though those forest-green eyes wide with wonder and a hint of fear, and I want nothing more than to erase that fear, to make her feel safe.

"What's your name?" The words tumble out before I can stop them, having noticed she didn't tell me hers when I introduced myself.

"Bronwyn," she answers, her voice like a melody I've waited my whole life to hear.

Bronwyn. The name echoes in my mind, fitting her perfectly. I open my mouth to speak again, but the small human woman - Naia - beats me to it.

"I'm Naia," she pipes up, gesturing to herself and then to the demon beside her. "And this is Kairos. We just got to this planet, too."

My attention stays on Bronwyn as she takes them in. She looks lost, overwhelmed by the festivities around us and our presence, clearly confused. An idea strikes me.

"Would you like a tour of the city?" I offer, including all three of them in my gaze but lingering on Bronwyn. "The winter solstice celebration is in full swing, and the more the noctari drink, the less they'll stare. I could show you around."

As I speak, I find myself moving closer to Bronwyn. It's unconscious, as natural as breathing. My wings arch slightly, creating a barrier between her and the curious onlookers. I want to shield her from prying eyes, to keep her close.

"That sounds wonderful," Bronwyn says, a small smile playing on her lips.

My heart races at that smile. I extend my hand to her, an invitation and a promise. When she takes it, her fingers warm against my cool skin, I know I'll do anything to keep her safe.

What a good solstice already.

My eyes turn to Naia and Kairos. "Ready?"

They both look from me to Bronwyn to each other, and then with a grin, they nod.

I guide Bronwyn through the bustling streets of Terraluna, my hand resting protectively on the small of her back. The city pulsates with life, every corner bursting with winter solstice festivities. Lanterns of bioluminescent fungi hang from crystalline arches, casting an ethereal glow over the revelers.

"This is the Crystal Plaza," I tell her, gesturing to the open square before us. "It's my favorite spot in the city."

Bronwyn's eyes widen, taking in the sight of towering crystal formations that seem to grow from the very ground. They shimmer with an inner light, refracting the lanterns' glow into a dazzling array of colors.

"It's beautiful," she breathes, and I find myself staring at her instead of the view.

"Is the whole city powered by the crystals?" Kairos asks.

I nod. "For the most part, the whole continent is covered in them."

The crowd surges around us, pushing me closer to Bronwyn. I should step back, give her space, but I can't bring myself to move away. Her warmth seeps into me, igniting something I've never felt before. She doesn't pull away either, and my heart races at the thought that she might be feeling this too.

We make our way to a vendor selling steaming cups of spiced nectar. Kairos grabs a cup for himself and Naia. As I hand Bronwyn a cup, our fingers brush, and a jolt of electricity shoots through me. Her cheeks flush, and I wonder if she felt it too.

"Careful, it's hot," I warn, my voice lower than I intended.

She takes a sip, her eyes closing in appreciation. "This is incredible," she says, licking her lips.

I can't tear my gaze away from her mouth. Fuck, what's happening to me? I've never been so instantly drawn to someone before.

We continue our tour, weaving through the throng of noctari that have flooded the coastal city for tonight. I point out the Whispering Fountain, where water flows in various directions throughout the air, and the Starlight Pavilion, where couples dance to ethereal music.

All the while, I can't shake the feeling that Bronwyn's arrival is more than chance. I've always felt restless, like something was missing. Now, with her by my side, that restlessness has vanished, replaced by a certainty I can't explain.

As we pause to watch a group of fire throwers, Bronwyn leans into me, seeking shelter from a gust of wind. I wrap my wing around her without thinking, pulling her close. She fits perfectly against me, like she was made to be there.

"Thank you," she murmurs, looking up at me with those forest-green eyes.

In that moment, I know. This human, this incredible woman who fell into my world, is why I've never found my mate on Terramyst.

Because she wasn't on Terramyst. Or Nythorra at all.

I guide our small group through the pulsing heart of Terraluna, my senses alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of the winter solstice celebration. But nothing captivates me more than Bronwyn's reactions to it all.

We pass a group of noctari dancers, their wings shimmering as they twirl in perfect synchronization. Bronwyn's eyes widen, a soft gasp escaping her lips. Without thinking, I take her hand and pull her into the dance.

"I-I don't know how," she protests, but I can see the excitement in her eyes.

"Just follow my lead," I murmur, placing my hand on her waist.

We move together, our bodies finding a natural rhythm. Bronwyn's laughter rings out as I spin her, the sound more beautiful than any music I've ever heard. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Naia dragging a reluctant Kairos into the dance as well.

As the night progresses, we feast on delicacies from across Terramyst. I watch Bronwyn's face light up as she tastes crystal-infused fruits and savors the rich flavors of roasted cave vegetation. Her joy is infectious, and I find myself smiling more than I have in years.

As the night starts to end, we make our way to the Celestial Observatory, a towering structure of living crystal and ancient stone. The air hums with anticipation as noctari gather for the solstice's culmination.

"What's happening?" Bronwyn asks, her voice hushed with wonder.

"Watch," I whisper, wrapping my wing around her as a chill wind blows.

The sky above us begins to change. It starts slowly at first, a faint shimmer that could be mistaken for a trick of the light. Then, as if responding to some unheard signal, the heavens erupt.

Stars burst into existence, not as distant pinpricks of light, but as brilliant, multifaceted crystals suspended in the night sky. They shine with an inner fire, casting prismatic light across the gathered crowd. The constellations of Nythorra come alive, each star a perfect, gleaming gem. We only see it once a year with the twilight and it makes a great solstice.

I tear my gaze away from the spectacle to look at Bronwyn. Her face is tilted upward, lips parted in awe, eyes reflecting the crystalline stars above. The light plays across her features, highlighting the curve of her cheek, the arch of her brow. She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

"It's incredible," she breathes, turning to me with wonder in her eyes.

"Yes," I agree, but I'm not looking at the sky anymore. "It is."

As the festival winds down, I lead our small group back to my home. It's a cozy dwelling nestled high in the trees, with expansive windows that offer a breathtaking view of Terramyst's crystalline landscape. I'm not sure what else to do with these visitors.

I feel a surge of pride as I watch Bronwyn's eyes widen, taking in every detail as we approach. She takes in the gorgeous sculpted wood, the glistening lavender waters lapping at the crystal dotted beach just ahead. Sometimes I forget to take it all in, but she's making me realize again how nice it is.

"Make yourselves comfortable," I say, gesturing to the plush seating area. As they settle in, I busy myself with preparing some refreshments, sneaking glances at Bronwyn whenever I can.

Kairos clears his throat, drawing my attention. "Zyx, now that we've seen a bit more of Nythorra, could you tell us about its history? You said you knew of Aerasak but not Protheka."

"I've never heard of either of those," Bronwyn says. "I didn't know there were other planets besides Earth."

"I only knew of Protheka," Naia mutters.

I nod, setting mugs of tea that can cure most hangovers on the table. Everyone grabs one. Good. The noctari wine is not to be taken too lightly.

"There are other planets, though I don't know most. I know nothing of Earth nor Protheka." I look from Naia to Bronwyn. "But I do know that before Nythorra, the Seven gods created demons. And their magic ripped apart their realm so they were brought to Aerasak." I look to Kairos.

He nods. "I know the same."

"Good." I lean back, not able to keep my eyes from Bronwyn. "The Seven didn't like to share, though, so they left the demons on Aerasak and created Nythorra as a planet of their own. They shaped this world and then created us, the noctari, to inhabit it."

"And Nythorra is where we are now?" Bronwyn asks.

"Yes." My eyes coast down her, and I love feeling her watch me. "Each of the Seven have their own continents. We are on Oltyx's, Terramyst."

"And the others?" Naia asks.

I outline the remaining six realms, but I notice Kairos leaning forward, his silver eyes intense. I don't make it far beyond listing out the other gods' continent before he asks, "You make it sound like they are here, in their realms. Is that right?"

A smirk pulls at my mouth. "Each god and goddess resides in their realm, yes."

I'm not at all surprised when he says, "Can we meet them? Do they take an audience with their people?"

"Meeting the gods isn't uncommon," I explain, watching him carefully. "Some travel to their palace's to ask for their help, though they are just as liable to kill someone for disturbing them as they are to helping them."

Kairos leans back, looking mildly defeated, so I add, "But there is the Nati celebration in a few weeks. It takes place on a neutral island, and all the gods will be there."

Kairos's eyes light up at this, and I make a mental note to keep an eye on him. But my attention is quickly drawn back to Bronwyn. Her reactions to each piece of information fascinate me. The way her eyes widen, how she leans in slightly when something particularly interests her - it's captivating.

"The Nati celebration sounds incredible," Bronwyn says, her voice filled with wonder. "Is it something we could see?"

My heart races at the thought of sharing that experience with her. "Actually, all noctari are invited - and encouraged - to attend. I could take you, if you'd like."

"We'll think about it," Kairos says quickly, but I barely hear him. He's too busy whispering with Naia.

I'm too focused on Bronwyn's smile, on the way her eyes meet mine with a warmth that makes me feel like I'm soaring. Whatever happens next, I know one thing for certain - I want to show Bronwyn everything Nythorra has to offer.

But when she starts to yawn, I stand up. "How about we all get some rest while you do."