27. Cassius

27

CASSIUS

I guide Faye through the lush forest surrounding our new base, watching her face light up with each discovery. Her excitement is infectious, and I find myself smiling more than I have in centuries.

"Look at this, Cassius!" Faye exclaims, her hand hovering over a vibrant blue flower. The petals unfurl at her touch, releasing a soft, glowing pollen. "It's responding to me!"

"That's the magic of this place," I explain, stepping closer. "The forest is alive, reacting to other magic, and that includes you now."

Faye's golden-brown eyes sparkle with wonder. "It's incredible. I never imagined anything like this existed."

As we approach the base, a massive treehouse structure seamlessly integrated into the canopy, I notice Faye's steps falter slightly.

"Nervous, sweetheart?"

She takes a deep breath. "A little. It's just... so different from everything I've known."

I take her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We're in this together. You've got nothing to worry about."

We're greeted at the entrance by Soren, one of the base leaders. His tall, lean frame towers over us, his face set in its usual scowl.

"Cassius," he nods curtly. We knew each other from the tunnels. His eyes turn to Faye, not looking as disinterested as I anticipated. "And you are..."

"Faye," she introduces herself, meeting his gaze steadily.

Soren's expression softens slightly. "Welcome to our little sanctuary. Evelyn will be here shortly to show you around."

As if on cue, a petite woman with curly caramel hair bounds up to us, her smile dazzling.

"You must be new!" she exclaims, pulling my mate into an unexpected hug. "I'm Evelyn. It's so great to have another human-turned-vrakken here!"

Faye stiffens for a moment, then relaxes into the embrace. "It's nice to meet you, Evelyn. I'm Faye."

The two women quickly fall into animated conversation, Evelyn peppering Faye with questions about her life before the Change. I exchange a glance with Soren, who looks as surprised as I feel at their instant rapport.

"Looks like they'll get along just fine," Soren mutters, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Evelyn doesn't usually get that…excited."

I nod, watching Faye's face light up as she talks. "I think you're right. This just might work out for us after all."

After Soren drags Evelyn off to attend to base business, I decide that I can't wait another second. I lead Faye away from the base, my hand resting lightly on the small of her back. The forest seems to part for us, creating a natural path through the dense foliage.

"Where are we going?" Faye asks, her eyes darting around, taking in every detail.

"You'll see, sweetheart," I reply, unable to keep the smile from my voice. "I want to show you something special."

We emerge into a small clearing, and I hear Faye's sharp intake of breath. The space is alive with magic, luminescent flowers blooming in impossible colors, vines swaying gently despite the lack of wind. At the center, a crystal-clear pool reflects the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.

"Cassius, it's... it's beautiful," Faye whispers, stepping forward.

I hang back, watching as she explores. The forest seems to respond to her presence, branches bending down to brush her skin, flowers turning to face her as she passes. Faye reaches out, running her fingers along a vine that curls around her wrist like a bracelet.

"Hello there," she murmurs, and I swear I hear the plants sigh in response.

It's mesmerizing, watching her interact with the forest. She moves with a grace that seems both new and innate, her newfound vrakken abilities blending seamlessly with her natural affinity for nature. The plants seem to coo over her, leaves rustling in a soft chorus as she passes.

Faye turns back to me, her face alight with wonder. "How is this possible?"

I move to join her, the forest parting for me as well, though not as eagerly as it did for Faye. "This place is old, older than even the vrakken. The magic here is... different. More primal."

She nods, understanding dawning in her eyes. "And it recognizes me as part of it now."

"Exactly," I confirm, marveling at how quickly she's grasping these new concepts. "You're adapting beautifully, Faye."

She blushes, the color vivid against her pale skin. "It feels... right. Like I've found a place where I truly belong."

I watch Faye as she interacts with the forest, her joy and wonder infectious. For centuries, I've been trapped in a fog of apathy, going through the motions of existence without truly living.

But now, with Faye by my side, everything has changed. It's as if she's breathing life into the very air around us, and I can't help but be swept up in her enthusiasm.

She's awakened something in me I thought long dead. Every smile, every laugh, every tender touch ignites a spark within my cold heart. I find myself caring again, not just about her, but about the world around us.

I catch myself studying her features, memorizing the curve of her lips when she grins, the way her eyes light up when she discovers something new. For the first time in centuries, I'm looking forward to tomorrow, eager to see what adventures we'll face side by side.

Faye turns to me, her golden-brown eyes shining with happiness, and I'm struck by how much I love her. The realization doesn't terrify me as it once might have. Instead, it fills me with a warmth I've never known.

"Faye," I call softly, reaching out my hand. She takes it without hesitation, stepping close to me. The forest seems to hold its breath, as if sensing the importance of this moment. Even the usual rustling of leaves and chirping of birds has fallen silent, leaving only the sound of our breathing and the rapid beating of Faye's heart.

"There's something I want to ask you," I begin, my voice low and intense. My eyes lock onto hers, drinking in every detail of her face. "These past weeks with you have changed everything for me. You've brought light into my darkness, given me a reason to feel again after centuries of emptiness. It's like you've awakened a part of me I thought was long dead."

Faye's eyes widen, her grip on my hand tightening. I can see a mix of emotions flashing across her face - surprise, hope, and maybe a hint of fear. "Cassius..." she breathes, her voice barely above a whisper.

I reach for her other hand, pulling her even closer. Our bodies are nearly touching now, and I can feel the warmth radiating from her skin. "I want to spend eternity with you, Faye. Not just as mates, but as true partners, bound together in every way possible."

I take a deep breath, feeling more nervous than I have in centuries. My heart, usually so still, seems to flutter in my chest. "There's an ancient vrakken bonding ritual, a way to tie our lives together permanently." I pause, searching her eyes. "And I want it with you. I love you, Faye. I've fallen so far in love with you that I couldn't stop if I tried, and I don't want to go another second with you being mine. Will you become my bonded mate for all time?"

I watch as Faye's eyes widen, her lips parting in surprise. For a moment, my dead heart clenches with fear that I've misread everything, that she'll reject me. But then her face breaks into a radiant smile, and I feel myself breathe again.

"Yes," she whispers, her voice filled with emotion. "Yes, Cassius. I'll be your mate, fight by your side against the dark elves, and embrace my new life as a vrakken. With you." Tears prick at her eyes. "I love you, too, you stubborn man."

Relief and joy surge through me. I pull her close, crushing my lips against hers in a deep, passionate kiss. When we finally break apart, both breathless, I can't help but grin.

"Good," I murmur, my voice low and intense. "Because I wasn't taking no for an answer, sweetheart."

Faye laughs, a sound that sends warmth spreading through my chest. "Oh really?" she teases, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And what if I had said no, pretty boy?"

I growl playfully, nipping at her lower lip. "Then I would've had to convince you. And trust me, I can be very persuasive."

She shivers in my arms, and I can smell her arousal. It takes every ounce of self-control not to take her right here, in this magical clearing.

Instead, I release her, stepping back. "Run," I whisper, my eyes locked on hers.

Faye's breath catches, understanding dawning in her gaze. She hesitates for just a moment before turning and darting into the forest.

I count to ten, giving her a head start, my body already thrumming with anticipation of the chase. Then, with a predatory grin, I take off after her.

I can't wait to make good on my promise again.