21. Kieran

21

KIERAN

I flinched as the cold water from the tub hit my toes before squaring my shoulders and quickly submerging my body into the pool completely. I clearly hated myself. I also recognized that this was the only way I was going to fully wake up this morning. Torturing myself this way would do far more than what any cup of coffee could manage.

I realized pretty quickly upon waking up that my body would bear the brunt of the journey we took yesterday, my muscles sore and achy from the time I spent flying before Steele scooped me into his arms. Despite the deep sleep I fell into following what happened with Niz, I felt somehow more exhausted than I had before knocking out for the night.

Niz. The thought of him had my brow dipping as I considered what had spurred our argument yesterday… Illia . I believed his words, that she wasn't important to him—that he wasn't betrothed anymore—but it didn't take away the surge of possessiveness that I felt over him. Especially in the light of any other woman believing she had a claim on him.

Niz didn't want her, though. He wanted me…and after last night? That was something I fully believed.

After withstanding the icy water for a bit longer, even splashing my face with it, I quickly got out and wrapped myself in a large, fluffy towel that had been left in a stack by whoever had readied the room.

After brushing my teeth, I braided my hair into a crown across the top of my head, right to left. It was a style my mom had done for me when I was a child, and I was surprised by how easily it came to me considering she hadn't tried it more than once or twice. Finishing the braid and pulling the end over my left shoulder, I walked back into the primary bedroom but found it empty.

When I woke up, Niz was still half-asleep, answering my questions about where the others had rested for the night in a rough, tired voice. After sending word to the others that I had safely made it to his suite, we had spent hours talking and relaxing together in his room. He had shown me books that were unique to his kingdom and other personal artifacts that had me feeling as if I was finally learning who Niz was—not just as a wyvern. When it grew closer to night time, he brought me back to the guest suite and took us to one of the bedrooms, mentioning that the others would want me close at night. I hadn't argued with him.

Though I had been curious this morning, no longer in a sleepy state, where they had all slept. Apparently, there were not only enough rooms for everyone to have their own bedroom but the guest suites had been fully prepared for us on our arrival.

The central living space and foyer that had welcomed us upon entering branched off in two directions, one leading to the primary suite Niz and I found ourselves in and the other down a hall that led to six more bedrooms. His parents may not be welcoming us here, but they also weren't forcing us to suffer or live without.

I dressed quickly, taking advantage of the time alone as I pulled on a pair of dark jeans and a fitted top. I had noticed the subtle differences in my body since arriving at the Rebellion camp, and even now, I found that my clothes fit looser in places they hadn't before and tighter where I'd developed a bit of muscle from training. It wasn't something I minded in the least—loving the proof of all the hard work I'd put into honing my body into a weapon.

After I pulled on a jacket, socks, and my boots, I followed the sound of deep voices toward the comfortable living room, where there was plenty of seating and a large, open balcony along the back wall. I stood in the doorway of the hallway that led from the primary suite, noting that Ronan and Niz were having a conversation on the balcony. Deciding to hang back for a moment, not wanting to interrupt their conversation, I was happy when neither of them noticed me. They deserved this moment, and I wasn't of a mind to interrupt them.

My gaze ran over Niz with interest, noting that he was dressed far differently this morning than usual. His dark, leather pants and loose top were embroidered with emeralds, and black diamonds ran along the collar of the shirt and along the seams of the pants. Those same emeralds were echoed in the black metal band sitting on top of his head. It was simple enough but a crown nonetheless, reminding me once more that Niz was different here than he was when it was just us.

"I never wanted to lie to you," Niz admitted, pulling my attention to their conversation. Part of me felt a little guilty for eavesdropping on their conversation, but the bigger part of me was more invested in them mending their relationship—and that was the part of me that won.

"I never wanted to hide my identity, because to me, our friendship was very real—even if you believed I was a beast you tamed. I simply didn't feel like I had the right to reveal all of wyvern-kind for my own selfish ends. As you've seen, we are an isolated and secretive civilization. If I had shifted without purpose, it would have put everyone in danger and broken one of the largest tenets of our community."

I understood his point, and even agreed with it, but I knew that this was hard for Ronan. Their connection had been undeniable back in Alfemir, and I had witnessed Ronan's heartbreaking reaction at realizing the truth about Niz. It didn't help that at this moment Niz was implying he hadn't been sure he could trust Ronan with his true identity.

"I understand why you felt like you couldn't wager your entire kingdom's existence on our friendship being strong enough, or even me understanding the situation you were in, that isn't… I just feel…" Ronan seemed at a loss for words, his hand raking through his hair. "Stupid? I feel like, considering our connection, I should have known. You sat there listening to people congratulate me again and again on taming a wyvern, all while knowing that my pride in the accomplishment wasn't mine to feel."

He continued, "And putting aside that aspect of my ego being hurt, I completely integrated you into my life. You saw every moment of it, and while I don't feel like I have anything to hide…It would have been nice knowing what and who you really are."

"I never meant to make you feel like your privacy was being invaded," Niz winced, his voice filled with remorse. "That was never my intention, but I understand why it might feel that way."

Sitting back in his chair, he continued, "As for the others congratulating you—there was no need to correct it. We did create a bond, and you are one of the only Beast Tamers to do so. It is something you should be congratulated on. Moreso, their worlds are so small that the least you deserved was their praise since you had accomplished something no other had since the genocide my people suffered— you befriended a wyvern . That is a far more notable and important event if you ask me."

I could tell he truly believed that, truth and sincerity shining in his open expression, and he wasn't just bolstering for the sake of Ronan's pride.

"And you're right, we are friends," Ronan agreed, his brow dipping as he held Niz's gaze. "You can't lie about shit anymore, Niz. Not only to me, but also to Kieran. With everything going on, I want to know I can trust you as a friend, not a beast I tamed ."

"Ronan," Niz cleared his throat, running his hand through his hair as his shoulders hunched. I could hear the weight of his sigh, even from this far away. "You are one of the only true friends I've ever had. You can absolutely trust me."

I smiled, loving that I witnessed the moment between the two of them. The tension in my chest eased, knowing deep down that this was a step in the right direction for them. They needed resolution, and this felt like a hell of a way of getting there. Deciding to make myself known, I stepped fully into the room and made my way toward the balcony doors.

"And hopefully I can be included in that whole friendship thing," I teased with a soft smile, sitting on the arm of the chair that Ronan occupied.

"Of course," Niz agreed, his eyes sparkling with a heat that caused my body to prickle with awareness. I could still feel his touch on my skin from the night before, and I had to forcibly turn my attention to Ronan to avoid my mind slipping to filthy places.

"How did you sleep?" I asked.

"Good—although I stayed up for a bit too long trying to figure out what Niz's parents might say to us today."

"It may be more important to figure out what we are going to say to them," Niz pointed out, and I nodded my agreement. "I'm not sure if anything we say will convince them—specifically my mother. Last night, I wrote out what my current journey had entailed before delivering it to my parents' suite. I have no idea if it will make a difference, or if she even read it, but hopefully it will push them to be a bit more open minded."

"I can't blame her for being cautious," I murmured, Niz's brows shooting up in surprise at my admission. "I understand why she fears that there's potential for more trouble and danger than it would be worth to help us. I just hope she considers that the threat she worries about—Alfemir as a whole—could be extinguished with the size of our forces together. Permanently. "

"If anyone can convince her, it's you," Niz murmured, pulling a small smile to my lips, loving the belief he had in me. I wasn't sure if anything I would say to her would make a difference, but I was planning to give it my all regardless.

The creak of the main door opening had all of us standing and moving off the balcony and into the living space. My brows shot up in pleasant surprise as Bastian walked in, carrying a cup of coffee, his pathway immediately honed on me. I also noticed that Gabe and Steele were making their way into the living room from the hallway, but I was laser focused on the steaming cup of liquid gold being handed to me.

"Thank you so much, Bash," I murmured happily, offering him a kiss on the cheek.

"None for the rest of us?" Gabe asked, his lips pressed into an amused smirk.

Bastian offered him a dismissive look before flashing me a smile. "No problem, Darling. I know it may be a long day." In my peripheral vision, I thought I saw Steele shaking his head—but whether it was in amusement or frustration, I couldn't tell. And with coffee in hand, I wasn't sure that I really cared.

Before anyone could comment further, a sudden knock on the main door pulled all of our attention. Ronan opened the door to reveal a guard standing there, shifting on his feet nervously at all of us staring back at him. His eyes searched the room before his gaze finally landed on Niz.

"Your Highness—I have been assigned to take you and your comrades to the king and queen."

Instantly, I felt determination slam into me—realizing that it was time. This was our only chance to convince them, I could feel it. At the same time, however, that same feeling of determination was mixed with anxiety. A general nervousness that I could feel in the others, the unusual silence between our group, and tension in their frames giving it away. I could hardly blame them—a lot rode on this moment.

"Of course," Niz nodded before sighing. "Better to get it over with."

We followed the man, with Niz and Ronan standing on either side of me, lending me support that I hadn't really realized I needed going into this meeting. My attention was drawn partially by the hustle and bustle of the castle, the morning energy taking me off guard as I gulped my coffee for fortitude. You would think the lack of sunlight would mess with everyone's schedule…Then again, I guess I had no idea what time it actually was.

"I may regret asking this," I exhaled, considering the complicated answer it could draw, "but is it morning?"

"Yes, actually," Niz offered with a small, reassuring smile. "You fell asleep before you could see it, but our torches are dimmed each night to allow people to keep a healthy sleep schedule that aligns with the rest of Alfemir."

Well, that was simpler than I assumed.

"That's really cool," I said softly. I had a feeling there was a lot about this place that was unique—I just hoped I had a chance to explore it before we were unceremoniously kicked out on our asses.

Although, as we reached the throne room and caught sight of the icy look his mother cast our way, my hopes dimmed. I still found it surprising when the guards who stood outside the throne room stopped at the door as we entered the space, once again leaving us alone with their leaders.

My gaze ran over both of his parents, trying to gauge what they thought or felt. The task proved nearly impossible because their mannerisms were so incredibly different from one another— truly opposites in some ways.

Conan seemed relaxed, lounging in his throne similarly to yesterday. His head rested on his hand that was propped up by his elbow as he stared at Nora with a level of adoration that didn't seem to fit the situation. Her face was tight with tension and her quiet words to him, ones we couldn't hear, only seemed softened by the hand she rested gently on his arm. Despite the peek of intimacy, I still had a feeling that she made the bulk of the decisions between the two of them and that he would go with whatever direction she chose.

Which was something that probably didn't bode well for us. I was hoping she would see our perspective, and I really had to hope she wouldn't treat Niz as badly as she did yesterday. Otherwise, I was liable to say something I might later regret.

"Finally," Nora said, her eyes narrowing on all of us before landing on Niz. "We have been waiting for you and your… comrades for over twenty minutes."

"Considering you never gave us a time to meet you, you should be impressed we were able to get ready so quickly," Niz pointed out. "Honestly, I'm surprised you called for us at all."

"Of course we did," Conan sat up straight as Nora stepped to the side slightly, leaving him the room to stand if he wanted. "Just because we disagree with how you handled this doesn't mean we aren't willing to hear you out—especially after your letter last night."

I had wondered why he didn't just talk to them in person, but maybe a letter was better so that it didn't escalate into an argument mid-conversation.

"We appreciate that," I said, looking directly at his mother.

"Well, here we are," she murmured with a sigh, lowering herself to her throne. "Although I'm not sure what exactly we need to discuss. We understand how Niz got involved in all this, but nothing he has said has explained why you think we would ever help you."

"I explained that the prophecy exists, but not in depth," Niz directed toward me.

"Right," I said slowly, nibbling on my lip as I studied his parents—both of whom wore carefully guarded expressions. I glanced at Niz, and after a nod of encouragement, I continued, "I was raised in Alfemir—my father is one of the Archangels, part of the militia there."

I knew admitting this part of my truth was the right move in the long run so it didn't seem like I was hiding my past. However, the disgust drawn on his mother's face didn't make the confession an easy one to make. My stomach clenched uncomfortably as I carefully considered my next words.

Glancing at the floor with a heavy sigh, I quietly admitted, "I didn't realize it at the time because she kept it really well hidden, but my father abused my mother—horribly. Every time I disappointed him in any way—which was often since I was repeatedly forced to take the affinity placement test despite never being placed—she bore the brunt of my mistakes. Eventually, though, that threat was turned toward me, and after the most recently failed test, I realized I had to make an escape."

"Which is when Niz and Ronan joined you to go down to the Rebellion camp," Conan offered, not unkindly, and I glanced up at the king, nodding. I didn't dare look at the men surrounding me, needing the strength to get through this and unsure if I could tap into it if I saw pity painted across their faces.

"At the time, it was simply a means to an end—wanting to escape the threat of my father and no longer be under his thumb. Instead, joining the Rebelling camp resulted in so much more. I not only found out that I have a dead affinity—as a Star Keeper—but that I was connected to a prophecy, as the only Keeper left."

"Yes, Niz mentioned a prophecy about the stars, one that apparently means the end of everything," his mother drawled out, leaning forward as her eyes searched my face. Her brows drew together heavily, eyes squinting at me in a way that did nothing to hide her skepticism. "Explain."

I hated the demand in her voice, but I squashed down the part of me that wanted to rebel, continuing my story with the seriousness the situation demanded. "The stars are dying—quite literally. And I'm the only one who can save them."

My voice tapered to a whisper before I strengthened it. Pulling my shoulders back into a straight line, I lifted my chin, staring the queen in the eye as I spoke. "But I can't possibly save them when the leaders in Alfemir are hunting me and, in turn, the Rebellion. And that is why we are here, seeking your help—I need to be able to save the stars, but first I have to take down Alfemir."

Nora stared at me for a long moment. "When you say the stars are dying—you mean to tell me that all of them will die, not just the one you are assigned?"

My body sagged with the realization that she had at least a preliminary understanding of what it meant to be a Star Keeper. Having one less thing to explain, one less thing to stress the importance of, somehow felt huge in the face of trying to convince the distrusting wyverns to join our cause.

"Yes, all of them. Because I am the only Star Keeper left—the rest having been eradicated by the angels in Alfemir—there has been no one left to take care of them for centuries."

"And how does this connect to Alfemir? Why can't you handle it from here?"

"Because their pursuit is relentless and I need to be able to reach the stars without interference from Alfemir. More so, the way they are treating people?—"

"Is none of our business," she snapped defensively, interrupting me mid-sentence.

"I know you're concerned about revealing yourself, but if we tackle Alfemir together, the threat that has persisted for so long will be gone."

"And what of the Rebellion?" his mother countered, arching a brow in my direction before shifting her gaze around the men gathered behind me. When her hard eyes landed on my face once more, I forced myself to stand taller, steeling my expression. "Why would we put trust in the descendants of those who hunted us as well? Why should those in the Rebellion be considered our allies? More so, how do I know you aren't lying? How can I trust that you aren't merely using us for your own power grab in Alfemir?"

"Why would I be pulling for power when the world will end if I don't fix it?" I asked, confused by the conclusion she had managed to come to. Had she been listening at all? Fighting the urge to let my frustration with the queen show, I schooled my voice into as even a tone as possible before asking, "More so, why not trust the Rebellion? They hate everything that Alfemir stands for. I'm positive if they knew what happened between the angels and wyverns, they would surely disavow what Alfemir did."

"But you don't know that," she growled, her voice rising. "And that is if I was to even trust you to begin with. After all, why should I trust the words of a mere child? One who has put my son in more danger than he even understands?"

"I think Niz is well aware of the implications of being involved," I argued fiercely.

"We have survived this long without Alfemir, we will survive anything?—"

"You will die if the stars fall," I said with surety, my voice cutting her words off. " Everyone will die."

"Better to die knowing we stayed true to ourselves and didn't side with the enemy," she barked out, and all I could was shake my head at the absurdity of her words. As I turned slightly, I could see the others out of the corner of my eye—Steele standing stiff as a board as Gabe shook his head, staring downwards. Ronan was pacing in thought as Bastian appeared next to me, placing a hand on my back in comfort.

As I considered her words, I snapped my head back at her and leveled an accusation. "So you would risk every single one of your citizens? Even the children?—"

"I would risk them by helping the angels as well!"

"You'll be helping yourself, not just angels," I argued.

Nora appeared in front of me, and I swayed back in surprise. Her breath was hot on my face as she leaned toward me, a sneer pulling her lips up at the corner before she spoke. "If you are meant to save the stars, then do it on your own. I will not make the mistake of trusting you, about the stars or otherwise. We will not aid you in any way, nor will we reveal our people. You can save the world and the stars on your own."

Her answer could not have been more clear.

Stepping back I inhaled sharply. Shaking my head, I let a frown of displeasure pull my lips down before sighing heavily. "Fine then. We'll leave."

"And I'll be leaving with her." Niz's voice was rough with emotion, and as I snapped my gaze his way, I found him staring at his mother with frustration.

Immediately any emotion Nora had shown disappeared, her face relaxing into the picture of neutrality as she stared at him for a long moment. "You will side with the angels? You will betray your people?"

"You can't see past your defensiveness and ego, so yes—I will leave my people if it means saving them from the end of the world."

"And here I thought that years of watching us lead would teach you how to be a rational and reasonable man. Clearly, I was wrong." The icy disappointment in her voice had me tensing as I reached over to squeeze my wyvern's hand.

"Son…" His father stood, his face marred with concern—jaw tight with tension and brows pulled down. "I don't doubt that you believe them, but perhaps it would be better for them to handle the situation on their own. After all, if you believe they are capable, perhaps you should stay here to watch over our people while they accomplish their mission."

"No," Niz said clearly, his voice booming through the room. I felt my brows raise as his voice went sharper, more harsh. "It's obvious that you don't trust them, but I do. Clearly you don't trust my judgment on that, so how do you trust me to protect our people? I suggested we come to you for help, but now I have to apologize to all of them because you are not as rational as I once assumed."

"We should leave," Steele spoke up, breaking from his tense posture and not even offering Nora or Conan a glance. Clearly his respect theory had flown out the window. "We have a lot to prepare for."

"Agreed," Ronan grunted.

"Last chance," Niz said directly to his mother. She stared at him, her brows dipping and eyes shadowed in concern—before our conversation, the worry on her face might have made me feel bad for her. But now? Not so much.

"Go then."

Turning, our group walked toward the door, unable to make out her quiet, angry words to Conan. I felt my chest squeeze in pain at how difficult this situation had to be for Niz. Not only had he slighted his parents, but he'd done so without question—for the better of his people, even if his parents couldn't see that.

More than that, though, we had failed . We failed to secure the help we needed to defeat Alfemir . And that…that felt insurmountable.