31. Michalis

31

MICHALIS

I slouch in my seat, wings tucked tight against my back, as the Council drones on. My eyes keep drifting to Cassius. The idiot's barely healed from whatever happened at that underwater gate. Scabbed-over gashes peek out from under his tunic collar, and he's favoring his left side. Typical Cassius, pushing himself too hard.

But it's not just the physical wounds I'm worried about. There's something different about him, a spark in his eyes I've never seen before. It's all because of her. That human - well, ex-human now. Faye.

I clench my jaw, remembering the moment Cassius waltzed back into the base with her in tow. Newly Changed, still reeking of mortality and forest. The shock on everyone's faces. Changing a human without Council approval? It's unheard of.

Now here we are, Cassius standing before the Council like some lovestruck fool, defending his actions. I want to shake him. Tell him to snap out of it. This isn't the cold, calculating Cassius I've known for centuries.

But there's no denying the change in him. The way his eyes light up when he talks about her. The protective stance he takes, as if daring anyone to challenge his decision. It's... unsettling.

I shift in my seat, wings rustling restlessly. Part of me wants to be happy for him. To see my friend finally feel something after so long. But another part - the cynical, jaded part - wonders if this will all come crashing down. If Cassius is setting himself up for a world of hurt.

I can't help but watch Faye as she's escorted nervously outside the Council chamber. She's pretty enough, I suppose, for a newly-turned vrakken. Her movements are still a bit awkward, like she hasn't quite figured out how to handle her enhanced strength and speed. But there's a fire in her eyes that I can't deny.

This isn't the Cassius I've known for centuries. The cold, calculating bastard who'd sooner rip out his own wings than show a hint of emotion. Now he's looking at this ex-human like she hung the fucking moon.

I lean against the wall, folding my arms across my chest. My wings twitch with unease. What the hell is going on? It's not just Cassius either. Everywhere I look, vrakken are pairing off. Taking mates. It's like some bizarre epidemic of... feelings.

My lip curls at the thought. What's the point of all this? We're immortal, for fuck's sake. Why tie yourself down to one person for eternity? It seems like a recipe for disaster if you ask me.

It's ridiculous. We're vrakken. We don't need love or companionship or any of that bullshit. We're apex predators, not lovesick puppies.

And yet... I can't deny the change in Cassius. The way he stands taller, moves with more purpose. The spark of life in his eyes that I haven't seen in centuries. It's unsettling, but also... intriguing.

My wings stretch out behind me as a thought passes through my mind. Maybe it's time I took a trip to the surface myself. See what all the fuss is about with these humans. Not that I'm interested in taking a mate or anything. Just... research. Yeah, that's it. Research.

Brinda is dismissing Cassius, and I ready myself to leave as the conversation finishes up.

"Thank you," he says, bowing his head slightly. "But there's one more thing. We need someone to continue investigating the underwater gate while I'm recovering. I'm worried I woke something with me going down there."

Brinda raises an eyebrow. "And who would you suggest for such a delicate mission?"

He straightens up, meeting her gaze. "There's only one vrakken I would trust to send in my place." Then, he looks over his shoulder right at me. "Michalis."

I blink in surprise as Cassius turns and points me out. Me? He wants me to take over his mission? A grin spreads across my face before I can stop it.

"Michalis," Brinda says, her piercing gaze settling on me. "Are you prepared to take on this task?"

I push off the wall, wings unfurling behind me as I stride forward. "Absolutely, Matriarch. I was born for this kind of mission."

Cassius nods approvingly. "Michalis is one of our strongest scouts and fighters. If anyone can handle whatever's down there, it's him."

Pride swells in my chest at his words. Damn right I can handle it. I've been itching for a real challenge, something to sink my teeth into. This underwater gate sounds like just the thing.

I'm already imagining the glory that awaits me. This is my chance to prove myself, to show everyone what I'm truly capable of. No dark elf, sea monster, or ancient magic will stand in my way.

I'm riding high on the promise of adventure when Brinda's next words hit me like a bucket of ice water.

"You'll be accompanied by a member of our Council, Achren," she declares, her tone brooking no argument. "She's our foremost expert on ancient artifacts and underwater magic. Her knowledge will be invaluable to this mission."

My wings droop as the excitement drains out of me. "With all due respect, Matriarch," I start, trying to keep the irritation out of my voice, "I work better alone. Surely the Councilwoman's talents would be put to better use here, analyzing any findings I bring back?"

Brinda's eyes narrow. "This is not up for debate, Michalis. Lyra goes with you, or you don't go at all."

I clench my jaw, biting back the retort on the tip of my tongue. Fucking politics. Always complicating things. I glance over at Cassius, hoping for some backup, but he just shrugs, the bastard.

"Fine," I growl, wings twitching with annoyance. "When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow at sunset," Brinda replies. "Achren will meet you at the surface entrance. Don't be late."

I nod stiffly, already plotting ways to ditch the Councilwoman once we're topside. But as I turn to leave, Cassius catches my arm.

"Play nice, Michalis," he murmurs, too low for the others to hear. "Achren's smarter than you think. You might actually learn something."

I snort, shaking off his hand. "Yeah, sure. I'll learn how to keep one of our Councilmembers from getting captured or getting me hurt."

But even as I stalk out of the chamber, wings bristling with frustration, a small part of me wonders if Cassius might be right. Maybe this Achren will surprise me.

Either way, I've got a job to do. And no stuffy Councilwoman is going to get in my way.

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