19

IVY

AS soon as our eyes met, I recognised the immense power radiating from the woman across from me. It swept over us in waves, reaching and prodding, a living entity that called for mine. It caressed me with a gentleness that made all the panic and fear disappear, familiar in a way that shouldn’t make sense, but did.

Was I supposed to bow? Get on my knees? Do something? Queen Greer was surrounded by a group of imposing men, all of whom radiated the same kind of strength as her. I recognised them immediately as her mates.

Adrian’s father stood by Greer’s side, and when my eyes passed over him, he offered me a kind smile. The others were so different; one had tawny brown skin and sharp features. He was dressed in intricate robes, but I noticed weapons strapped to his body. Another was tanned, his cheekbones dusted with something shiny, and he had dark hair highlighted with gold. Another had long, waist length inky-black hair and skin just as dark, with eyes a molten silver that flashed when I glanced at him. A younger looking male stood beside him, who nodded to me when I met his stare.

Before I could take in the others, a small woman, no taller than 5’2’’, popped out from behind the Queen and her mates. She had a bright, excited smile, and her eyes were a stark shade of violet. Her hair was the same shade of red as Rowan’s, but it was long, with some strands twisted and others braided, and there were charms dangling from the ends that chimed with each step.

Her arms opened, and she went straight for Rowan. “My son has returned.”

Rowan grunted as she enclosed him in a tight embrace. “Mother...” He looked so uncomfortable, but I was struck with how amusing the interaction was. No one blinked as she held him; only the Queen looked mildly amused, like she was used to it.

The small woman hummed under her breath as she squeezed him tight. “Don’t break my heart, boy. This’ll go easier if you hug me back.”

Rowan sighed and gently patted her back. “Good to see you too,” he muttered.

When she released him, she took a moment to look over the group. “Everyone’s alive. And my, aren’t they precious.” She clapped her hands together as she took in the three kids gathered around me. They were a little scruffy looking, with their wrinkled clothes and barely brushed hair, but at least they weren’t hiding from her.

His mother’s eyes went from the children, skimming over the rest of us, before landing on Thea. “You, girl. You’re an interesting one, aren’t you?”

If Thea was uncomfortable, she didn’t show it. She shrugged before crossing her arms. “You tell me. Got any insight into what I might be? I’m starting to think I should start taking bets.”

Rowan’s mother chuckled. “I like you. Your future will be fun.” She turned away from my friend, who clamped her mouth shut, and met my gaze. “And you, Daughter of Nyx. How are you?”

I blinked at the question. Everyone else got bat-shit-crazy, and I’m asked how I am?

You’ll get used to it, Maeve said. I almost jumped at her voice, but my magic remained a calm presence in my chest. The Seer is an...interesting character.

“I think I’m okay,” I replied slowly. The weight of their attention felt like a pressure on my shoulders, and I tried to ignore it. “It’s...different.”

The Seer nodded and waved a hand flippantly. “You’re in for a real treat. Right, Greer?” She winked up at the Queen.

Queen Greer nodded and laughed breathily. Like the last time I’d seen her, she looked exhausted. The bags under her eyes were heavy and bruised, and her skin was pale and splotchy beneath the lights. Her hair was pulled back, but silver strands framed her face, and if I looked carefully, it appeared her mates were the only thing holding her up.

A wave of guilt slammed into me. As if sensing it, the Queen sighed. “Perhaps it might be best if we take this upstairs. It should be more comfortable for everyone.”

Murmuring in agreement, we followed as Greer and her mates guided us into the actual palace. We stepped into a grand foyer, one with a small waterfall statue framed by stone mermaids, and a wall of flowers that bloomed as we passed. I wanted to take it all in, but we left it behind to enter what looked like an elevator. It was large enough to fit all of us, though it was a little tight, even with Elias holding Ginny, and Maisie in my arms.

“At the turn of the century, we chose to adapt the palace and the island with technologies from your world,” Queen Greer explained. “Cars are useful, as are these elevators. No longer must we climb a thousand stairs to reach the towers.”

“I can agree with that,” I replied, heart racing as the elevator stopped.

Thea leaned in over my shoulder. “Does that mean coffee machines exist here?”

“Most appliances do,” one of the Queen’s mates said. Thea jumped away from me and laughed nervously. Either he was a shifter, or a vampire. He was the one with the silver-eyes and deep, ebony skin.

Vampire , my mage told me. That’s Sir Amais. He was one of my mother’s first mates . Adrian would need to give me a full overview later.If all were here, then that meant Greer had nine mates’ total.

I shuddered. Nine . And having that many meant more power, from memory.

Another, one with silver-white hair, eyed me warily before looking away. And then there were the others, all so different only having one thing in common: Queen Greer and the bond they shared with her.

We piled out of the elevator and my mouth popped open at the sight. We’d been let out in an open courtyard that overlooked the waterfall.

Maisie wiggled in my arms, and I put her down carefully, my eyes glued on the blue-grey crashing water and the lake beneath it. There were people down there; some swam while others lounged on a stone pavilion that bordered the lake. Something with tentacles breached the surface before going back under.

The rest of the courtyard was just as beautiful. Everything was stone; arches decorated with pink roses and dark ivy; benches spread sporadically throughout; tall hedges blocking parts of the area, with fountains and statues dotting the rest. No one else was up here, though, so we were basically alone. But I could imagine it filled with people and magic.

“Come,” Queen Greer commanded, guiding us into a hallway of the palace. It was lined on one side with large windows that overlooked the courtyard, while the other had doors dotting the length and portraits hanging from the wall. The portraits were of Greer and her mates, though we didn’t get a chance to stop and look. I was a little curious about them, but more than ready to finally rest.

We didn’t follow the entire length, instead stopping at a set of double doors that opened silently without being touched.

A shudder ran through me. Just another thing to get used to .

A hand, cool and soft, brushed mine. It sent a wave of assurance through me, and when I looked over, I found Maeve watching me. And yet you’re doing well. Your emotions are calm, and your magic is stable. It might be an adjustment, but you aren’t overwhelmed. That’s something.

Swallowing, I offered her a smile. It feels good, being in control. Finally being here.

But saying that, I wasn’t sure I believed it. I touched my chest and felt the bond between Ry and me. Still, it felt…different. Not right.

Queen Greer and her mates entered the room first, and soon, Rowan’s mother ushered the rest of us inside. It was simple—or as simple as a fancy sitting room could be. The settees were a dark blue in colour, and there were three surrounding a low coffee-table, which had a variety of small cakes and drinks set up on it. Across the room, there were a few armchairs of the same colour surrounding a fireplace, with bookshelves lining either side.

“Please, get comfortable. I know the journey here has been hard on you. And I want you all to rest. There are just a few things we should assess before you’re taken to the suite.” Queen Greer, who was being held up by the male who looked Fae, motioned to the food and drinks.

I nodded and moved the girls to one of the couches, sitting them down in a corner. “Do you want anything to eat?” I asked, giving Maisie a pointed look. She wasn’t even capable of meeting my gaze, too enamoured by the spread. There were pink cakes and green pastries and all sorts of things exciting to a six-year- old. All she managed was a little nod, but I received verbal answers from the other two.

Before I could get a plate for them, one was thrust in my direction. “Here,” Maeve said, showing the assortment of sweets and savoury pastries she’d picked. “For them to share. They might like some more than others. I found the ones they liked on the ship.”

A smile spread across my face, and I met her stare, taking the plate gratefully. “Thanks.”

It made me happy, knowing she thought of the kids. That she’d picked up on what they liked and didn’t. It made me feel less alone in all of this.

While we all settled in, an odd, uneasy silence filled the room. I couldn’t ignore the shared looks between Greer and her mates, or the palpable tension that rose as the team and I sat. But it was also hard to ignore the way the team and I moved; Elias, without needing to even ask, sat on one side of the children, while I took the other.

Adrian carefully sat next to me, his hand moving to take mine, and I accepted the strength and calm he offered. Thea, Maeve, and Rowan moved to the other couch, and I breathed a sigh of relief when Thea was bracketed by them, protected—even though I knew nothing would happen. The Seer also dropped down on the other end of their couch, reached for a little cake, and stayed silent.

Greer settled on the couch across from me, her hands clasped in her lap, and her mates moved to surround her; some sat on either side of her, others took up position behind her. They were a well-oiled machine, one that’d been operating for half a millennium.

Blue eyes found mine, and the Queen released a heavy breath. “I feel your magic has been settled. You’re anchored?”

I nodded, sparing Maeve a glance. My most recent mate smiled reassuringly, and I sighed. “Yes. Elias, Adrian, and Maeve are my mates.”

“But that’s not all, I sense.” Greer finally acknowledged her son for the first time since we arrived and cocked her head; there was a barely perceptible tension between them, one I wouldn’t have noticed if it weren’t for the bond. “I am so happy for you, Adrian. Finding your mate, it is a blessing.”

Adrian looked up and met her stare. There was a slight flush to his cheeks. “Thank you, Mother.”

The Queen’s gaze found mine once more, like the moment wasn’t awkward and tense. “You mentioned there was something else going on, while at the safe house. This room is protected by charms. There are no prying ears.”

I almost wanted one of the others to speak for me, to explain the whole mystery mate situation, but no one did . “I have a fourth mate. Bonded mate, ” I specified, running a hand through my hair. My fingers caught in the tangles, and I grimaced, glancing down at my hands. My nails were bitten off and dirty. “He’s not here. Actually, we don’t know where he is. Or who he is. We just know he’s Fae and he’s somewhere in Avalon—maybe.”

When I looked up, the Queen and her mates were watching me silently, their faces impassive. Were they having a silent conversation about me? Did they think I was crazy? Would I have to take my shirt off again to prove it? Oh, Goddess, I hoped not.

Relax, Elias said. I knew that if he could reach me, he would be taking my hand, but instead, Adrian gave me a reassuring squeeze. Remember: this is new territory for everyone. They’re likely just trying to figure out how to approach the situation.

I blew out a shaky breath and tried to loosen the tension in my shoulders, but with the way they were looking at me, that was near impossible. I wish they’d just...say something.

I know, Angel. I know. Despite the warmth he pushed down the bond, I still felt a wave of insecurity flood me.

After a long moment, Queen Greer finally looked away. “That must be hard for you. Being separated from one of your mates like that.”

I couldn’t help but stiffen. “Honestly, it’s probably safer for him to not be here. Everyone wants to beat him up.”

Greer’s eyebrows shot up, amused. “I can also understand why that might be the case.” She shared a look with the mate on her left, the one who must have been Fae. He sighed but said nothing. When she returned her gaze to mine, she asked, “What else do you know about him?”

I explained everything we’d figured out about Ry; the glamour to hide his looks and the promise to keep his identity secret, the fact I still couldn’t say his name, and how we’d worked out that he had to be from the Dream Court because of his ability to enter my dreams. I told her everything, and yet by the end of it, she looked as perplexed as I did.

“How...odd. And he knows who you are?” she asked finally, her brows drawn in a frown.

I nodded. “Yeah, he’s aware.”

“We think he’s only approaching Ivy in her sleep when he needs a power boost,” Adrian added.

The thought of him doing that made my stomach churn. Despite the possibility of Adrian being right, I had to hope that wasn’t the case. That Ry wasn’t like that.

But if he weren’t, if he were as selfless as I hoped, he would be here now .

“Perhaps we’ll leave this conversation at that,” Greer’s Fae mate said. He rose, and I couldn’t help but sigh in relief. “Let me show you to your suite. At this time, the Queen’s wing isn’t ready, but you’ll find these apartments comfortable.”

That means they haven’t gotten my younger sister to pack her room, Adrian explained. She is the messiest witch on the island, and my mother’s baby . The others probably haven’t taken their belongings either.

Frowning, I remembered how we’d talked about him having half siblings during our first date. Do you have a room in the wing? I asked.

Yes, and I imagine it’s been left alone and that’ll be my job while we’re here.

At that, I smiled, and felt myself finally relax as we gathered the kids and followed his mother’s mate to the door. I couldn’t help but glance over my shoulder one last time at the ageing Queen; at the mates surrounding her, completely and utterly devoted to her, to the love that seemed so palpable, so real . Was that in my future? Would that be me and my mates in a hundred years? Two hundred? The thought made my heart clench. Unsettling and overwhelming, yet somewhat comforting.

Last year, would I have ever imagined being in a serious, long-term relationship by now? No. The me of last year would laugh if she knew where I was standing now. She would call me delusional. One partner was one thing, but I was at three—four?—and counting. The me of last year would never believe it.

Maybe I was delusional, thinking that what Queen Greer had was something meant for me. I’d always thought I’d be happy alone. Content with the life I was used to. But now that wasn’t plausible. My life was tied to others, my soul bonded with Elias, Adrian, and Maeve.

As we re-entered the long hallway, I glanced over at my three mates, none of whom had any idea my thoughts were spiralling. Apparently, Hawk was a better teacher than we gave him credit for.

At the thought of the half-Fae team leader, I rubbed my chest, trying to push aside the strange sense of longing that flooded me. Nope. Definitely not happening.

I had way too much on my plate right now. And dealing with feelings about Hawk was something I did not have time for.

At the head of our group, Queen Greer’s mate cleared his throat. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your suite.”