Chapter 19: Charity

Chapter Nineteen

Charity

T here are no words to describe how frustrated I am with Meena. She understands what it means to be a mother. Twice now, she’s stood by, knowing my child would be taken, and said nothing. The day with Ember in the park and again this morning. It feels a little like the top of my head could pop off.

At the same time, she’s responsible for Eldritch being in human form. At the very least, she knew it was coming and ensured Ember came with her that morning so that we could follow this timeline.

Bane, Eldritch, and Silence groan and complain as we land in…

My head twists around, catching sight of the wooden decor.

“How did we end up in Eldritch’s cabin?” I ask no one in particular.

“We need a safe place to congregate while they do some reconnaissance.” Aline rubs at the side of her breast. “I’m on a timer of about three hours before these things start to riot. Breastfeeding multiples is an adventure. I suggest we solve this situation quickly, otherwise I’ll leak everywhere, similar to a dairy cow.”

Malice chuckles darkly. “I’ll be happy to help you with that, kitten.”

Wraith frowns, and his head tilts like he’s thinking something through. “I was unaware that was an option, but I’m not appalled by the idea.”

“I know you were trying.” Knight slaps his clustermate on the back. “But you made it weird.”

“I meant with Nadia,” Wraith says, like he’s still confused where that comment went wrong.

“We’re wasting time,” Bane growls.

Silence clears his throat, rolling his shoulders back. “We need a plan. How about I go with Malice, Bane and Athos stick together, and Wraith and Knight team up?”

“What about me?” Eldritch asks.

“You’re the most likely to be recognized,” Silence says. “Also, we need someone to stay with Aline and Charity.” He bows his head. “You will have my deepest appreciation if you stay back to protect our mates.”

Oh yeah, Silence would have made a good king. He’s studious and slightly manipulative, but I imagine anyone in politics would need to be.

I also agree it would be dangerous to send Eldritch with them when we still have no idea how his beast will react once he shifts for the first time.

Eldritch gives a clipped nod, and I finally feel like I can breathe.

“You know I’d give anything to be able to override the limits on my magic.” Athos grabs my hand. “Right?”

I bite my lip and nod.

I really do believe that he would fix this if he could. I’m also not sure I trust myself enough to speak. Wishing is so freaking tempting, but I believe him. We could end up with an even worse outcome than where we are now.

The only thing keeping me together is knowing Cyril intends to claim Veryn as his heir. He won’t hurt him, because he needs our son to claim his inheritance.

“Darling,” Athos says with a pleading look that makes my stomach roll uncomfortably.

“I don’t blame you, Athos.” I swallow thickly. “It would be like blaming Bane for not being able to shift into a unicorn. I know there are limits to your magic.”

“I love you,” my djinn whispers, pulling me into his chest. “I have since the first time you scoffed at me being your mate. Do you remember? You told me you were taking Veryn and the wyvern and leaving town.”

I snort and give him a hug. “Just bring him back, okay?”

“They’re not ready for the level of hell I’m about to rain down on them,” Bane growls, pacing the floor.

“Come along,” Wraith says to Knight.

A second later, they blink out of existence. Malice grabs Silence, and they do the same.

Athos bends to kiss my forehead before stepping back and nodding at Bane. He siphons across the room, grabbing my dragon and disappearing again.

Eldritch appraises me as Aline rubs the side of her tit, grumbling under her breath.

My wyvern approaches slowly, and I’m too out of it to guess why he’s being cautious.

“I would never have helped my father and brother steal Veryn.” Eldritch studies my face. “Please tell me you believe me when I say that.”

The misery emanating in the bond pushes me into action.

I get my shit together and hug my mate.

“I know.” It takes a little work, but I focus on the bond enough to send my emotions toward him. “I fell in love with you long before you transformed. The way you used to wrap your wing around me when I would hug your snout. You’ve always made me feel safe and protected, even in your most animalistic form.”

“Gods,” Eldritch whispers, bending low to capture my mouth. It’s a slow and emotion-filled kiss. He pulls back and nuzzles his cheek to mine. “I love you too, until my dying breath.” Something about his tone sets me on edge as pure panic rips through my chest.

I clutch on to him for dear life.

“No. None of that. You’re not going to put yourself at risk for revenge,” I say firmly. “We’re getting my kid back, even if we have to let them live to make sure we do. We came as a team, and we’re sure as fuck leaving as one.”

My eyes catch Aline’s as she gives me a solemn nod. I’m fairly sure that’s her promise that she will ensure I don’t lose any of my mates to their screwed-up senses of honor.

My head leans against Eldritch’s shoulder as we sit side-by-side on the couch.

Aline sits in the club chair across from us, looking every bit the regal queen she was supposed to be. Even in Eldritch’s cozy cabin, I’m pretty sure being in Faere does something for her magic or maybe her natural composition. Her hair is normally light blondish-pink, but it’s more vibrant and possibly thicker.

I wonder if the human realm has negative consequences for those who are supposed to reside in another realm.

The atmosphere changes and Knight appears. He stands in front of me and Eldritch and gives a killer smile.

“Wraith and I are just going to borrow your wyvern for a quick second. Shouldn’t be long. Maybe a couple of minutes, at most.” He grabs Eldritch’s shoulder, and a second later, my wyvern disappears as I slump back against the couch cushions. “It’s no big deal,” Knight calls out, but I can’t see him. “We promise to keep him in one piece. Don’t stress.”

My eyes widen as they meet Aline’s. “I’m, in fact, very stressed. Did he think that was going to help?”

Aline scoffs, shoving herself out of her chair and moving to sit next to me on the couch. “Knight is much like Malice—an eternal optimist—but you shouldn’t fret. They can siphon, which is a gift nearly no one in this realm possesses. Portals are rare enough, but either demon can simply grab Eldritch and disappear. It’s kind of an unfair advantage, if you think about it.”

“Thank you,” I whisper as she wraps her arm around my shoulder.

“Always,” Aline says, pulling me closer. “What are friends for? Oh, damn, just don’t bump my boob. These things are always convinced they’re needed.”

I snort.

I don’t know what I would do without her calming presence.

Malice’s shadows appear in a swirl directly in front of us, and my heart hammers. He gives us a wicked smile that shows off his sharp canines as Silence wobbles around like he’s drunk.

“If you wouldn’t mind staying quiet, I believe I have something you should see before deciding the princess’s fate,” Malice says, holding out his hands to me. “Ali, my love. Stay with Silence. We’ll be back in just a few moments.”