Awakenings

by Scarlet Hyacinth

  "We should go," he told Jaden. "There's nothing for us here."

  "Go?" Jaden repeated. "But Chrys…"

  Chrys gave his twin a pleading look. He really didn't want to get into a debate now. He knew it would mess things up. Nothing he'd done or decided made any sense. At least, he'd gotten to see Aurus. Chrys had a feeling it would be the last time that would happen.

  "All right," Jaden murmured. "We'll leave, if that's what you want."

  "It is."

  They turned and headed back the way they'd come. His heart heavy with loss, Chrys forced himself to act normal and continue on his way. He wouldn't look behind. He'd lost Aurus all those years ago. Then again, maybe he'd never had him in the first place.

  A heavy hand landed on Chrys's shoulder, freezing him in his tracks. "Hold it right there. Where do you think you're going?"

  * * * *

  Aurus couldn't believe his eyes. After all this time, he stood in front of his lost love, Chrys. Of course, in front was rather incorrectly putting it. He faced Chrys's back, with Chrys trying to get away. Chrys turned toward him, and Aurus almost recoiled as he met his love's eyes once more. There was fear, disquiet, and despair in those blue orbs, an array of emotions that struck Aurus hard.

  By Chrys's side, Jaden looked just as frightened. Aurus knew he needed to get both twins away from the ball. It was only a matter of time until someone discovered them. What had Chrys been thinking?

  "Come," he said brusquely. "This way."

  He pulled Chrys along through the crowd, knowing Jaden would follow. They reached the large arched doors that led into the gardens. People spilled over the balcony and into the corals, but Aurus knew he could find private areas among the less frequented spots. He led Chrys and Jaden away from the palace, carefully avoiding anyone who would try to engage him in conversation.

  They lost themselves in the maze of corals and escaped the hustle and bustle of the party. Aurus stopped his rushed race and turned toward Chrys. In one swift motion, he snatched Chrys's mask away. "What do you think you're doing? Do you have any idea how many people are out there, looking for you?"

  Chrys bit his lip in a gesture so painfully familiar it hurt Aurus deep inside. "I just… I wanted to see you." He shook his head and looked away. "No, that's not true. I wanted you to teach me, to help me…"

  An unwilling pang of arousal shot through Aurus, but he ruthlessly squashed it. "Why were you leaving then?"

  "It's wrong," Chrys cried. "It's unfair of me to risk your life, your powers like this."

  Jaden let out a choked sound of disbelief, making his twin turn toward him. "I'm sorry, Jaden. I know we always said we'd never give up, that we'd find a way. But not even Jasper would touch me. Perhaps they've all been correct."

  After a few long seconds, Jaden sighed. "We should leave. There's no point in taking useless chances."

  "Wait, back up," Aurus replied. "You're not going anywhere. And who's Jasper?"

  Chrys shrugged. "Just this guy who helped us sneak into the palace. Aurus… you're a prince. I'm a pariah, an outlaw now, too. It was a dream, nothing more."

  Chrys's low, resigned answer did nothing to cool Aurus's temper. "I won't accept that," Aurus growled. "I refuse."

  Chrys broke away from him and swam to Jaden's side. "Please, Aurus. Let me go. You deserve better than a life haunted by someone like me. I consider myself lucky. We've had some happy moments and I will always remember them." Aurus shook his head and opened his mouth to speak but Chrys didn't give him the chance. "I came here tonight hoping to seduce you, to make you mine. I realize now how selfish, how stupid it was of me. I'm so sorry, Aurus."

  "You do realize that nothing you say will convince me to let you go, right?" Aurus replied.

  Chrys's eyes went wide. "Aurus…"

  "No. No more words. I've heard enough." He cut the distance between him and Chrys, gripping the younger mer's shoulder as they faced each other. "I've known you were meant for me since before we even came of age. I'm not letting you deny that."

  Chrys gaped, as if he wanted to protest. Aurus pressed his mouth to Chrys's in a possessive kiss. Chrys tried to struggle, but Aurus held him trapped, and soon, Chrys melted against him.

  When the kiss broke, Aurus felt Jaden's gaze on them. In a weird way, it didn't make him feel uncomfortable. As he looked up, Jaden gave him a cheeky smile. "I'll stand guard."

  Something indecipherable swept through Aurus upon meeting Jaden's green eyes. He didn't have time to dwell on it, though. Shaking his head, he said, "Either way, it's not safe to stay here. Anyone could come by and see us."

  "But where can we go?" Jaden asked.

  "Where have you been hiding all this time? I know you left your father's mansion months ago."

  Chrys frowned at Aurus. "We can't go there. It's even less secure than the palace." Aurus didn't like the sound of that, and made a mental note to inquire more into this precarious shelter, and the infamous Jasper.

  "Let's take each step one at a time," Jaden suggested. "First, we need to get out safely, and then we can worry about the rest."

  Aurus admitted he couldn't see any other solution, either. Usually, he didn't act with such rashness but they didn't have much choice. His father would be coming to look for him any moment now, and him seeing Chrys and Jaden here would be nothing short of disastrous.

  Thankfully, Aurus had learned a thing or two while he'd been away at training, including new stealth techniques. In spite of the heavy guard, he managed to lead the two young mer out of the castle and into the streets of Atlantis unseen. He procured cloaks to shield them from onlookers and they left the beautiful homes of the nobles behind.

  Out of other options, Aurus decided to choose an inn for their temporary hideout, naturally, in one of the poorer sectors of Atlantis. He knew of one in particular that fit the bill. Once a respectable establishment, the inn in question now catered to a seedy clientele. Occasionally, nobles did show up, when looking for an illicit little romp. For them, the brothel provided specific quarters and services. Aurus himself had gone there when he'd been younger. The best thing about the place had to be the secrecy it provided. Aurus hoped it would help, if only for a few hours until they could come up with a plan.

  This time, he had no intention of losing Chrys or Jaden. Both men belonged by his side, even if Chrys would be his lover. He didn't dwell too much on what would happen should Jaden want anything different.

  * * * *

  Jaden swam closely behind Aurus as they entered a suspicious-looking building. He felt relieved they'd managed to get out of the palace, but this place seemed just as dangerous. He couldn't understand why Aurus shifted into his legged form just as they entered the establishment.

  Aurus seemed quite adept in this magic and had no trouble with the spell. One minute he was swimming alongside them, golden tail occasionally touching Chrys's, the next he was walking on two legs, a pair of tight, full-length trousers now complementing the golden vest from the party. Unlike other races, Atlanteans did not wear shoes, but they did share the same propensity for fashion. Aurus's choice of clothing seemed elegant and noble, just like the man himself.

  Jaden thanked the Sea Mother for Aurus's foresight in stealing the cloaks from the castle. Otherwise, no one would have mistaken Aurus for any other noble. Even if Aurus didn't flaunt it, everything about him screamed prince. As it were, the coats at least hid his rich garments and the weaponry engraved with the symbol of the royal house.

  But Jaden forgot all about that the moment they actually got inside. The atmosphere hit him like a physical blow. An amalgam of mer, both male and female, drank, laughed, and flirted openly, some even bestowing lascivious caresses on others. A portion of those present were in their shifted form, like Aurus, whereas the rest remained in their Atlantean one. Jaden sensed an unspoken code in that distinction and he didn't like it at all. Even the water smelled differently, and it reminded him far too much of the moment he'd almost been raped by Dialy. But they coul
dn't leave, not if they wanted to stay together.

  A pretty mermaid swam toward them, greeting them with a smile. "Welcome. Can I get you anything? A room, perhaps?"

  "Yes, thank you," Aurus replied. "A room will do nicely. Make it a suite if you have one available."

  A suite? There were suites in this place? Gods, where had Aurus brought them? The answer soon presented itself clearly enough. A brothel.

  Jaden fought to keep his anger and—he admitted—apprehension in check. It wouldn't do to look afraid in a place like this. In spite of everything, Jaden suspected everyone came of their own free will, and looking fearful would draw unnecessary attention upon them.

  Besides, his duty seemed simple enough. If Jaden guessed right, the segregation inside the brothel held a very simple explanation. The shifted ones were the patrons, while the mer in Atlantean form were service providers. It made sense they wouldn't want to give up the goods without being paid.

  He hated even having to face this but, by this point, he'd seen the uglier parts of Atlantis. He'd carefully avoided this sort of place while on his missions to get money for the bandits, but no one could ignore it altogether.

  Truth be told, Jaden knew he shouldn't even feel this way. In general, his people were quite open and unashamed about sexuality. However, Jaden and Chrys had yet to experience their first shift, and being in an atmosphere that oozed sensuality made him feel both frustrated and scared.

  Other than making a positive comment on "the quality of the gentleman's company", the mermaid didn't pay any attention to Chrys and Jaden. She led them through a winding hallway to a door that lay hidden from the main room. The mermaid opened it and they followed behind her, ascending a peculiarly lavish staircase.

  They reached yet another corridor, this one decorated as beautifully as the ones in the palace had been. Ornate doors marked the entrances to the rooms, carved with the symbol of their goddess. The stone moved aside, allowing them to pass, and Jaden marveled at the sight before him. Not even at their father's estate had he seen such luxury.

  Something about it made Jaden uncomfortable. As much as he trusted Aurus, he didn't know what the other mer planned. More and more, he felt like an intruder, stealing from his twin and Aurus's private time.

  As the mermaid left, the door closed behind her, leaving Jaden to look around in dismayed frustration. He figured out the suite had two rooms with a bathroom in between and instantly understood. Yet again, he'd have to accept watching from the sidelines and faking happiness for the sake of his sibling.

  "I'm going to go next door," he said, carefully masking the hurt in his voice. "Let me know when it's time to go."

  "Jaden…" Chrys tried. He looked conflicted, his gaze continuously moving from Aurus to Jaden. "Maybe we should talk."

  Jaden just smiled. He refused to spoil this moment for his sibling. He knew how much Chrys loved Aurus and the other way around. The two were made for each other, and Jaden wouldn't stand in their way. "Later."

  With a little wave, he left the room and rapidly swam through the bathing chamber into his own quarters. The large bed in the middle was, like most Atlantean resting spots, a huge shell with soft coral pillows. Jaden sat down, feeling awkward and alone in the huge shell. Would this be his life from now on? If so, Jaden didn't know if he wanted to live it.

  Chapter Four

  Chrys helplessly watched his twin shoot out of the room as if a kraken chased him. "We shouldn't let him go like that," he told Aurus.

  Aurus sighed. "I know. I hate doing this to him. If you have any suggestions, I'm open to a change in plans."

  Chrys wished he did indeed have an idea, but nothing occurred to him. His biggest fear had come to pass. Being with Aurus again would tear him away from Jaden.

  Why did it have to be like that? Chrys's affection for his twin should be different from his love for Aurus. Why did he have such conflicting emotions? After all, brotherly love didn't have anything to do with lust and passion. Or did it?

  The thoughts led his mind on a dangerous trail. He imagined his sibling finding a lover, perhaps in this very establishment, and it disturbed him greatly. Sure, Jaden deserved love, but… but what? Sweet Sea Mother, he hated this complicated situation.

  He didn't understand anything anymore. How could he be so selfish and want to keep his twin all to himself? More importantly, why? They'd talked about finding tutors for so long. Even in the bandits' den, Chrys had acknowledged the reasons for Jaden's sorrow. In fact, only now, when faced with the obvious segregation, did he finally realize the extent of what he could lose.

  Aurus's warm arms wrapped around him, anchoring him in a world that suddenly didn't make sense. "Shhh… it'll be fine. You'll see. We'll find a way."

  Chrys would have protested, but one of Aurus's hands swept down over his back to the upper end of his tail, distracting him. The scales there didn't have the same sensitivity as the ones below, but still… this was Aurus. The slightest touch drove all hesitation out of Chrys.

  His mind whirling with confusion and guilt, he let Aurus soothe him and take away the pain. Aurus's skilled touch swept away the ache, leaving behind the arousal and the love. It would be okay. Aurus would make it so.

  Their lips met in a kiss that tasted like tears and uncertainty. The water around them turned lava-hot as Aurus coaxed Chrys's lips apart. Their tongues met, and Chrys melted against Aurus as the older mer took possession of his mouth. Chrys clung to his soon to be lover, pulling Aurus closer, aching to be one with the other man.

  Chrys's tail rubbed against Aurus's legs, entwining their fins as their souls had long ago done. Their hearts beat as one and the kiss went on and on, branding Chrys inside out. But Chrys wanted more. He needed more. Tearing at the golden vest, he brutally pushed the material aside with his hands. Chrys moaned, feeling his oversensitized scales burning, yearning to reveal the treasure hidden beneath Aurus's clothing.

  "Please," he cried against Aurus's lips. "More."

  Aurus gave in to Chrys's plea. Almost instantly, Aurus's hands returned, resuming their shameless mapping of Chrys's scales. Chrys allowed himself to do some exploring of his own. At first hesitant, his fingers trailed down Aurus's shoulder, reveling in the feel of the hard muscle and hot skin under his touch. Aurus's kisses grew more passionate, a feat Chrys wouldn't have believed possible if not for the clear evidence to the contrary. Encouraged, he went farther down, reaching the soft curve of the other man's buttocks. The tight trousers would have to go, Chrys thought, and as soon as possible. Chrys needed to feel flesh, not fabric.

  Aurus didn't do what Chrys had in mind. He pushed Chrys down on the bed, and Chrys fell upon the coral pillows, surprised. Aurus gave him a wicked grin and licked his lips. "Not to worry," he whispered. "I know what you need."

  He lowered himself over Chrys, slowly pressing kisses down his abdomen until he reached the upper edge of Chrys's tail. Chrys forgot to breathe when Aurus's tongue came out to tease at the light blue scales. The touch of the older mer's hands had felt heavenly, but this… this felt so much better.

  "Aurus," he whimpered. "What…?"

  "Hush. Just lie down and enjoy," Aurus said.

  Chrys obeyed, clutching at the soft covers to prevent himself from moving. Satisfied, Aurus returned to his task. He took it slow, licking each individual scale, driving Chrys wild in the process. By the time Aurus reached the lower end of the tail, Chrys trembled, desperate and wanting. He felt like he would burst, the emotions and sensations too much for his body to contain.

  Aurus's finger teased at Chrys's hole, drawing a gasp out of the young mer. A light push and Chrys felt the digit slip inside, penetrating his opening. He tried to calm down, to let go like Aurus said, but it was easier said than done. He tried to prevent it, but a brief flashback of Jasper's attack flashed through his mind.

  Chrys tensed and the light intrusion became uncomfortable. Aurus immediately sensed his distress. The digit left Chrys's channel and Aurus moved upward, covering Chry
s's body with his own. He took Chrys in his arms once again and met his eyes, his golden gaze shining with strength and decision. "What is it? What's the matter?"

  Ashamed of his own hesitation, Chrys didn't want Aurus to know about the unfortunate episode. After all, nothing had come of it. By rights, Chrys probably made a big deal out of nothing. "I'm fine," he replied. "You just startled me, that's all." Too bad he couldn't shake the creepy feeling.

  A frown creased Aurus's beautiful features. "Don't lie. Don't ever lie. Whatever happened, you know you can trust me."

  "I do… it's just not important."

  "It obviously is if you're hiding it from me," Aurus replied. The gentle but stern tone made Chrys fidget and feel uncertain. He trusted Aurus, but he didn't know how the older mer would react when he found out what had happened. A small trickle of doubt lingered somewhere deep within him. Powerless, cursed with the mysterious inability to use his element, Chrys would go insane if Aurus rejected him because of Jasper.

  "Chrys?" Aurus kept his voice low and soft. "It's okay. You don't have to tell me. Let's just rest here for a while, all right?"

  Chrys gave him a silent nod, feeling awful about the entire thing. He'd obviously broken the mood and made Aurus uncomfortable through his distrust.

  Perhaps it was fitting he wouldn't be able to consummate his bond with Aurus tonight. After all, he'd been uncomfortable with the idea before, and not because of Jasper. His concern for Jaden returned full force and he broke from Aurus's embrace.

  "I'm going to check on Jaden," he said.

  Chrys left the bed and swam to the adjoining bathroom. He knocked at his twin's door, hoping his coddling wouldn't bother Jaden too much. Jaden might be younger, but he hated being reminded of it. The moments when Jaden truly showed his fragility, though few and far between, made Chrys even more protective.

  "Jaden? Brother?"