9. Chapter Nine

Aserene smile tugs at my lips when Casmir crouches to hug a young female. She giggles as he lifts her and spins a few times. Her mother stands to the side, adoration in her gaze. It's amazing to me just how much Cas's people love him, and how willing he is to give up his entire day just to speak with them. I do not believe there is anyone better suited to be the prince than he is.

A tingling sensation sweeps over my neck, and I look to my right to see Emrys watching me. The tender, unfaltering warmth in his eyes sends chills through my limbs. I certainly do not deserve their love and loyalty, but I'm so thankful for it.

"What?" I ask innocently, as if I do not see and feel every emotion projecting from him.

He shakes his head, his smile widening. "You're beautiful." The sudden heaviness that fills my chest forces me to bite my cheek, lest I start crying in the middle of the street. I cross my arms, offering him a small, returning smile before facing away. The next moment, his arm falls over my shoulders, pulling me into his hard but comforting side. The rhythmic thumping under my ear instantly soothes me.

"I wish you could see yourself through my eyes, love. There is nothing in this realm or the next that compares to you. I will spend an eternity proving that to you, if that's what you need." He kisses the top of my head softly before focusing on the prince, indicating he doesn't expect a response.

But I'm done hiding from my feelings. I'm done being seen as someone who is too emotional to even respond to a compliment or outward affection. They deserve so much more from me than that.

"Thank you." My voice is hoarse, but I continue, stepping in front of my male to hold his devastating face between my palms. "You have no idea how much your words mean to me—how much they positively affect me. I am so thankful to have you and Casmir; you both are everything I've ever dreamed of and needed." I press a thumb into his pursed lips, dragging it over the soft skin. "I love you. I love you both so much."

Fuck, I did not want to cry. But stopping the few tears that escape is impossible, and I let them fall as I close the distance between Em and me. The kiss is soft and tender, so unlike the demanding presence I'm used to from him. I pull away blushing, narrowing my eyes to tell him that he'll regret teasing me.

Spinning around, I find Casmir watching us as he speaks with a group of fae. It's crowded today, and everyone seems interested in saying hello to their prince. We haven't really been open to showing our relationship in public, not knowing what kind of reaction we'd get. But right now? Fuck it. I want each fae here to know exactly who their prince and captain belong to. I walk in his direction, my intentions more clear with each step. He excuses himself from the group, pivoting around them to meet me halfway.

I expect to see a question in his eyes—or even hesitation—but there is none. His features burst with excitement, as if he's been waiting forever to claim me in front of his city. I'm not sure why, but it feels like this is an important moment. Like we're supposed to be here, showing the connection between the three of us, making an unnecessarily big deal out of it.

The distance between us finally closes, and I wrap my arms tightly around his neck, smashing our lips together. Gasps ring throughout the street, most conversations dying in favor of frantic whispering. I spare them no more than a fleeting thought as I squeeze my prince hard before releasing him. As soon as we break apart, his eyes catch something over my shoulder. I find out a moment later that it's Emrys, who clearly wants to give the crowd a show. One of his arms circles my waist, while the other reaches for the back of Casmir's head, his fingers pushing hurriedly through the dark hair.

This time there is slight hesitation in Cas's eyes, but it melts away the instant Em pulls him in. I laugh when the number of gasps around us triple, leaning my head on Em's shoulder as he and his prince have their moment. When they release each other, we share an almost scandalous look between the three of us.

Casmir opens his mouth to say something, but I don't hear it because a furious energy shoots through my body. It's erratic. Intense. My mouth dries, the feeling so absolute that the heavy rain now pouring on us wouldn't restore it. Without thinking, I straighten my body and lift my chin,dropping a cool mask of indifference over my features.

Xamira, come. They've arrived. She gives me an answering grunt before cutting the connection.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

I know we need their help, but that will not make this easier. The worst part is that I cannot hide my males from them; I can certainly handle myself with the other gods—especially my mother—but to have Cas and Em subject to them? I don't want them to see how she treats me. I don't want any more pity from them.

I look in each of their eyes, drowning in the hazel and honey irises that watch me with concern. The chaos of the other fae running for shelter blurs at the edges of my mind. I barely notice as the street completely clears. Large beads of water splash against my heated skin, and I'm thankful for the sky's company…it will help me stay grounded for what comes next.

Taking a deep breath, I catch movement in the sky and watch as Xamira lowers herself to my side. "The other gods are here," I state to my males, before leading us in the direction of those I have not seen in twenty-five years.

"You will let me take the lead. Please do not speak just yet. They may appear kind, but they will use anything they can against you just because it amuses them. So let me handle this, okay?" My males nod, Emrys looking pissed—as usual—while Casmir has a nervous energy to him.

I turn around, standing just in front of them, with Xamira sitting to my right. I clasp my hands behind my back and take deep, calming breaths.

It will be okay. They're here to help.

I huff a breath. I guarantee my mother didn't come here to help. No, she wants to see just how disappointing her daughter has become since being on Earth. And fuck if I'm not a little excited to see her face when she realizes who's behind me.

The rain slows, bringing my immediate attention to the hair plastered against my face. I will leave it, just as I will not show a speck of discomfort in my wet leathers.

Give them nothing.

Dark figures appear in the distance and I squint, trying to see who all approaches. I'm relieved to see many sorids among the group, some of them flying their riders, while others run faster than any mortal brain could comprehend. After a few minutes, I can make out the faces at the front.

Mother. Of course.

I also see father, Cyran, Bastian, Romial, Nythera, and Saida. Reign is missing, though I doubt they all would have agreed to bring every god over here. At least one should always remain on Europa.

My heart skips, and I almost lose my carefully placed mask when I see Calix among the demi-gods. I would recognize that blonde hair anywhere. The urge to run to him and tell him everything that's happened is nearly impossible to resist, but it must wait.

Just moments from our small group, I catch my mother's eyes and do not blink until Meca lands directly in front of me. Of course the other gods would bring their sorids, but did she really need Meca to fly here in her dragon form? Always so fucking dramatic. The sorid's hot breath coats my skin as she leans forward to smell me, tilting her head at the males at my back. She narrows her eyes in my direction, and I know she smells who they are to me. She won't say anything to mother, though. Meca has always had a soft spot for me; she may be mother's sorid, but that doesn't mean she agrees with everything the Goddess of War does.

As the witch herself dismounts, I take in the others. Bastian, God of Peace, rides a sorid that's not his. Though I cannot imagine how a cetacean would be helpful here, so it's understandable. I feel for him and Pena. Their bond is strong and it must be quite difficult to separate like this—especially not knowing if Bastian will live. His soft, sapphire eyes meet mine, blonde hair falling over his forehead as he smiles and nods at me. I return the gesture.

Cyran struts in front of her sorid, Amox. He's a felidae like Xamira; but instead of black, his coat is a deep orange-red. Almost as if he were the embodiment of fire itself. The Goddess of Death has always been my favorite out of the rest. She's menacing and sees fucking everything with those golden eyes, but she understands me. She's never once judged or belittled me for just existing.

She loosens her black hair from its braid, winking at me. Her eyes shift to Emrys and Casmir, widening before they dart back to mine as her mouth drops open. I nod once and look forward.

She knows we're your soul bonds, doesn't she? Cas's question confirms I'm not hallucinating any of this.

Yes.

Who is she?

Cyran. Goddess of Death.

And who are the rest of them, love? I suppose it wouldn't hurt to quickly name them off before we all start talking.

From the left, the dark-haired male is Romial, God of Seasons. His sorid is Kahar. The smiling female next to him is Nythera, Goddess of Light. Her sorid is Pherin. I list the rest along the line, skipping her. At the right end is Saida, Goddess of Nourishment.

I'm guessing the one walking over here is Aeryn? Emrys's voice is tight. Threatening.

Unfortunately.

The female in question stops just in front of me, looking me over slowly as if something on my person will be enough to queue a lecture. She looks no different from the last time I saw her, just before my visit to Earth.

Before Andras took me.

Her long, blond hair sits perfectly over her shoulder as her hard features shift into a scowl. When her eyes meet mine, it's almost like looking into my own soul. Except her gray irises are lifeless. Cold.

"Anellah." I internally shiver at her stern tone.

"Mother." She'll expect me to submit like I used to. That's not me anymore. "How did you get past Andras's soldiers?"

"There were none at the bridge." My brows furrow.

We need to send a scout.Both males briefly acknowledge my words.

"How many did you bring?" I need to keep this conversation short and to the point. I'd rather not feel like a fucking child being scolded in front of everyone.

"All but Reign. Five hundred forty sorids and nearly ten thousand demi. The rest are half a day back setting up camp." She hasn't noticed them yet, so maybe I can get us all out of here without having to deal with her wrath right now.

"Good. We do not want to arouse suspicion with the city fae, so we will take the long way back to the castle. There are enough guest rooms for those in attendance." Aside from the gods and Calix, I see two high-ranking demi-gods that I've not worked with before. The castle has three dozen rooms in the guest wing, so they and their sorids will all fit comfortably.

I gesture my head for the others to follow. We can introduce everyone later. Before I take a full step, mother's voice sends icy panic through my bones.