Realms and Rebels: A Paranormal and Fantasy Reverse Harem Collection

by C. M. Stunich

  “I’ve seen the Tree, Chayah.” Nova’s usually bright, amber eyes show little joy today. “Souls are waning.”

  Blowing out a breath, I purse my lips. “I didn’t think other Eternals spent much time at the Tree.”

  “I’m a Guardian, it’s what I do.” She laughs, then gets serious once more. “Joking aside, please stop protecting me. Let me help you.” She pauses for a moment. Her eyes scan mine, her mind tries reading my thoughts – thoughts she can’t breach.

  That garnered a laugh from me, one she didn’t expect. “That’s not my intent.” I brush stray hairs from her cheeks. “What is it you seek?”

  “I was wondering if you’d given any thought to my request.”

  “To the promotion?”

  Nova nods. “I know what I want now.”

  She’d recently asked for an opportunity to do more for Genesis, though how much more was debatable. She does enough already.

  Tilting my head slightly, I rub my chin. Curious what she has in mind.

  Nova lengthens her neck and straightens her shoulders, then clasps her hands in front of her, long fingers flicking gently. Her nerves are pressing through her attempted courage.

  “A seat on the EMC.”

  “We’ve discussed this.” I sigh. “The EMC is for Elders.”

  The Eternal Mother Council is my governing board for Genesis. The ladies who make up the council, mostly Arch Celestials, are my long-time friends and confidants that assist in ruling Genesis and protecting Humanity.

  Once Mother accepted my choice to stay with Titus, she gifted me a group of Celestials. These women both respect my rulership and assist in ruling the three realms. Now with their own stake in Humanity’s survival after having bred Firstborn Eternal children of their own, they understand.

  Nova is a Firstborn. Once mortal, she’s not a Celestial like my EMC confidants. Not that it particularly matters as I make the rules. Nova is my most loyal Eternal, so yes, she’s due some recognition but a promotion to the EMC, something that’s never happened, will take more than a simple request.

  It will take a great sacrifice.

  “I’m the oldest living Eternal. Don’t I qualify as an Elder by now?”

  “Age is irrelevant, sweet girl.” I can’t help but grin. “Tell me. Why do you deserve a seat at the table now?”

  “I’ve been leading the Guardians for ages. I want to hunt.”

  “After what I saw today, you aren’t ready to hunt.”

  Nova’s eyes narrow, and her eyebrows pull together. “I took the hit. Sacrificed myself. What about that says I’m not ready?” Her tone is sarcastic, one she knows I don’t tolerate.

  So, I pull the Eternal Mother card.

  My stance elongates beyond my six-foot one stature. Chin tilted up and shoulders set back, I separate my feet and stand firm; my gaze is one of brute strength and clear aggravation.

  Eyes downcast now, Nova clears her throat.

  “Apologies, Chayah.” She remains still for a moment. “Jagat is shifting.” She lifts her chin as my fingers gently press up, forcing her eyes to meet my gaze. “Nobody knows the Mortal Realm better than me.”

  I release her chin, and she continues.

  “I’d like more say over how we handle things. The number of Second Gens is growing. The shadow factions are building armies. What I saw in the field today…” She pauses for a moment, straightening her stance. “I’m ready.”

  Pursing my lips, my eyes narrow.

  If my face was inclined to show its age, I suspect wrinkles would give more sway in this situation.

  “Serving as a Guardian is both an honor and privilege. Lesser Eternals yearn for that posting. You’re leader of those Guardians. What would happen should you and Remliel no longer lead that charge?”

  “Given the current state, I believe my… I mean, our talents are wasted. We roam the gates waiting for a breach. Then when they try, we simply call in another team to help strengthen the shields. My powers are so strong now. I sense shadows more so than most of Zander’s most formidable hunters. My abilities aren’t utilized. If I worked with the hunters…”

  “You’re not a hunter.” My tone is stern. “Your gifts are useful in your current position. We don’t take unnecessary risks.”

  “Unnecessary risks?” Nova’s mouth is open. Insolence radiates from her demeanor. She knows better.

  My scowl gives her a final warning.

  She takes heed and softens her stance. “We take risks every day. It’s what we do. It’s what you do, Seraya.”

  The use of my given name takes me by surprise. I stand straight once more, setting my shoulders back. As my arms go over my chest and my gaze pierces hers, she feels my authority beating down on her.

  Regardless, she pushes forward.

  Brave girl.

  “You risk yourself every day. You die for us, continuously. It’s someone else’s turn to sacrifice…” She presses her lips together.

  She’s hiding something and that, I won’t have.

  So, I pry into her mind, penetrating her thoughts. In an instant, my head begins to hurt. First, it’s just enough to recognize she’s shutting me out, then a flash of darkness moves through me, nearly knocking me off my feet. “What the hell are you doing?”

  I surge my sovereignty over her then, overpowering her mind, causing a mental tap on her psyche.

  For Eternals, my sovereignty feels like a flash of intense pain and because of Nova’s intentional insubordination, this time, I deliver more than just a slight nudge. Instead, I thrust harder, so it feels like an intense migraine. Had she really pushed me, it would feel like an aneurism, but she’s not there. Yet.

  My sovereignty cloaks her, forcing her head back. Eyes downcast now, my authority completely overtakes her.

  Nova falls to her knees, hands bracing her head like a vice. Kneeling is instinctual for Genesis, built into their DNA, especially when I go into Eternal Mother mode.

  “I’m so sorry, Chayah.”

  My reaction was harsh, but it’s my job to protect her. While I may not understand what’s going on, I won’t be bullied by anyone. And I won’t tolerate being shut out, either. There’s also the question of how she was able to do that in the first place.

  I lay my hand on her shoulder, and she reaches up, gripping my fingers. “Stand up, child.”

  Nova stands but doesn’t look at me.

  Gently lifting her chin, I force it. “What’s going on? How are you blocking me from your mind?”

  Even with prodding, she refuses to look at me in the eye or answer my queries.

  “I wanted to help, so I… I mean, I asked Gab… well, see. I was talking to Micah…” Another round of senseless rambling leaves her lips, and I’ve had all I can take.

  “Enough. What is going on with you?”

  “I, uh… nothing. I’m sorry. Please, forgive me.” Nova covers her face with her hands.

  Clueless, I disengage from this futile conversation. Clearly, there’ll be no getting information from her this way.

  “Listen, sweet girl. After your commitment to Genesis, I can’t disagree that you’ve earned something more, but if I’m to convince the EMC you deserve a seat at that table, doing what you’ve always done won’t be enough. And now with unrest in the Mortal Realm, I’m not sure it’s time to experiment. You and Zander know Jagat better than most. Perhaps you can help him, but I’m not sure we can afford to lose you as a Guardian now, either.”

  She exhales and squints her eyes. “I’ve been…” her mouth remains open, but no words exit. “I mean, I just…” Nova desperately wants to tell me something, but she keeps second guessing herself.

  Now I’m convinced. Not only has she blocked me from her mind, but she’s trying to tell me something and can’t get the words out. “Are you compelled silent?”

  Her gaze freezes on mine. “I… uh, no? I don’t think so.”

  She is. Her mind’s been compelled to silence by a spell. Something I’ll have to look int
o later.

  She swallows, looks away and stares at the cobblestone path beneath her feet. “Never mind. I understand.” She turns and tries to walk away.

  Grabbing her by the wrist, I turn her back to face me. “I didn’t say no.”

  A glimmer of hope returns. Her freckled cheeks pink up, and a smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. “You’ll consider it?”

  “Yes. But right now, the Elders are waiting, and Cas is home. Let me deal with that. Once I know more, we can consider a promotion. Perhaps part of the EMC.”

  “Thank you.” She smiles. “Again, I apologize for my insubordination.” Her gaze falls once more. “That’s no way to get a promotion.”

  “Let’s go inside.” I nod. “I’m hoping Cas has some good news.” Reaching for the door handle, my hand slips off as the door pushes forward.

  Titus barrels through. “Chayah. We need you now.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  “No.” Titus narrows his eyes and touches my arm. “There’s a reason they saw Azrael and Helena.” His expression is telling as he tries to keep the thoughts from his mind quiet before I read them. “You were right, as always. The unrest may not be a storm at all…”

  “It’s a war.”

  3

  ~Seraya~

  “Where is Cas?”

  Quickening my pace, I walk into the Great Hall searching for my Gemini, who’s returned from a mission with Raziel, an Elder Celestial.

  My step has no hesitation as I stride past many large columns that hold up the immense structure. We hold most meetings here in order to fit all the Eternals and Celestials that reside in Aravot.

  Like Nova had earlier, the crowd assembled all bow their heads and fall to their knees in reverence of their fearless leader. This part of being Chayah drives me insane. Sure, I occasionally have to assert my sovereignty, but all the pomp and circumstance still feels like overkill.

  Scanning the room, I see Cas.

  Nearly an entire human year has passed since he left. One human year doesn’t seem long for Genesis as time moves differently here, but for me, a year feels like an eternity without part of my soul.

  Cas sees me and moves past Titus, beyond the Eternals standing around him. He looks worn. His ebony hair and clothing are unkempt; his complexion is pale.

  Moving quickly past kneeling Eternals and bowed Celestials, I finally reach Cas.

  “Chayah.” Even his voice is rough. Raspy and low. “Dear Goddess, I’ve missed you.”

  I wrap my arms around him, holding him so tightly that his breath hisses.

  “My soul. You look terrible,” I whisper, emotional over his disheveled appearance. I’m both relieved and distressed at the same time. “What the hell happened? Tell me everything.”

  Cas refuses to let go. “Just let me hold you. Please. Business can wait.”

  Eyes closed, I revel in our short-lived reunion, but my thoughts continue spiraling over uncertainty lying before us.

  “My love, can you please hush your thoughts for a moment?” He lets out a low chuckle. “I need this.”

  “Oh gods, I’m sorry.” I inhale a cleansing breath and clear my head, giving Cas the silence he needs to reconnect with my soul. If only for a moment.

  “Thank you,” he breathes out, releasing his tension and pulling away just enough to capture my gaze.

  And even though we’re surrounded by others, it’s like nobody exists but us. One look is all we need for gravity to take over as his lips touch mine, and I’m consumed by his kiss, inciting the familiar and welcoming spark shared by Gemini.

  And just like that, my mind is free yet embracing the sensation of Cas’s lips. His touch holds me captive as his soul tangles with mine.

  For the first time in so very long, my soul is complete.

  “Better,” I whisper as my eyes flutter open. “Okay, now tell me. What happened?”

  “We should sit.” He peers over my shoulder. “Titus, find Zander and any Elders. We should speak with them before anyone else.” Cas nods to the plethora of Genesis surrounding us. “Come.”

  Cas leans in, leaving another soft kiss, then takes my hand and leads me into an adjacent sitting room. White walls, sofas, carpeting. Not my décor choice, but simple and quiet. Peaceful. Closing the door behind us, Cas wraps his arms around my waist.

  “You need more,” he says. Taking my cheeks in his hands, he plunges his lips onto mine. His kiss sears into my soul. Literally.

  He’s right, I needed more.

  “And tonight, you shall have it,” he whispers into my mind, sweet words only he and I can hear. “Tonight, we Converge. Mind. Body. Soul.”

  As his promise penetrates my thoughts, the familiar taste of cinnamon splashes across my tongue. Cas explores my mouth passionately, like it’s our first kiss. Goosebumps race over my skin, remembering his touch, a beautifully agonizing force that propels my formerly steady pulse into a racing gallop.

  Cas fights a smile as he kisses me, eavesdropping on my internal teenage giddiness.

  My hands are now covering his gently while he pulls back and sets his forehead to mine. “My Goddess,” he whispers. “I’ve missed you.”

  “I feel it.” I nod, eyes closed. “And yes. I need you, too.”

  A moment later, the door flings open, and our moment has passed.

  Titus, Zander, and Raz come in as Cas lets go of my waist and gestures to the sofa against the north wall.

  Zander’s scowling at Titus. Leaning back against the wall beside us now, he props his boot behind him and crosses his arms over his chest. He’s clearly still pissed about the reprimanding in front of his team. Which is his right. Any show of instability is cause for alarm amongst others.

  Zander is our lead hunter, but because Titus is the first Gemini, he technically pulls rank. Dissension between them never bodes well for anyone.

  “Zander, my soul. I’ll deal with Titus and his outburst. We’ll talk soon.” Using our telepathic gifts, my words ring through to his mind.

  “Thank you.” He bows.

  “Tell Chayah what you know.” Titus’s voice is firm, concern in his tone.

  “Our mission was disturbing,” Raz says.

  “How so?” I ask.

  “Rumors are circulating throughout the inner circles of the Shadowlands, both Demon and Fallen factions. A prophecy that includes a weapon they can use against us.”

  “What kind of weapon?”

  “One that kills.”

  I swallow hard, staring at Raz. “Kills who?”

  “Eternals,” Cas says. “We believe it’s Azrael’s blade”

  Azrael is an Arch Celestial. His dagger was forged to send dark souls permanently to the Shadowlands, but only the most disturbing and unrelenting souls qualify. He’s has been a spy for Raz for a few hundred years now.

  “How did Azrael lose the weapon?”

  Raz stares, eyes wide.

  “Azrael fell. When the hell did that happen?”

  “Previous Phoenix Cycle.”

  Anger boils inside me. “Azrael was our spy, and now he’s on their side?” I stand from the sofa and move toward Zander and Raz. “And you’re just telling me now?” My gaze darts between the three of them.

  “I’m sorry, Chayah. You were indisposed when it happened, and when we briefed you on what you’d missed after the last cycle, I’m not sure why it didn’t come up.” Raz scrunches up his face. “In fact, I thought it did?”

  “No. I would remember if you’d told me Azrael had fallen.”

  Rule number one: No secrets.

  Established from the inception of the realms, all intel is to be shared with me at the onset of the problem. And if there’s a weapon that can kill an Eternal, we’re long past the onset.

  Inhaling sharply, I close my eyes and try to remain calm. Hard to do considering all that’s transpired. Since my moods can overpower the world around me, it’s important I keep my wits about me.

  “Okay then.” I release my tension. “We obv
iously have other problems. What do we know about Fallen weapons?”

  “Once Celestials fall, their weapons transform as well, though we’re unsure exactly how since it’s power is directly tied to the Celestial that possesses it,” Raz says. “So while the dagger once banished shadows, being shadowed itself, it could have the ability to extinguish an Eternal soul. With direct ties to a new prophecy that begins with Tenebrous forging a weapon to do this very thing.”

  “Rumor. Whose? Since when do we take rumors at face value?”

  “Since it threatens the souls of Eternals.”

  “Okay, so what of this prophecy?”

  “Ancient tomes in the Arcanum led us across the three realms, but we still don’t have many details.” Raz purses his lips, wrinkles spread across his alabaster complexion. “We followed leads to no end but came back with little more than hearsay. We’ve passed the investigation on to the EMC now.”

  “We fear if Azrael retains enough power, the weapon could be deadly to all who fall by its blade,” Titus adds. “But does Azrael have to wield it for the weapon to work?”

  “Wait.” My gaze narrows. “Azrael was in Charleston.” My words fall on anxious ears. Everyone in the room stands rigid, the same frantic expression on their faces as mine. “With Helena.”

  “Yes,” Zander says.

  “Who did they attack? And was it with his dagger?”

  Raz sets his hands on my shoulders, trying to calm me. Celestials and Elder Eternals have magical gifts of sorts. Raz can manipulate emotions with a simple touch, though on me, his gifts only work if I want them to.

  “We need to find the dagger.” I take his gesture and allow his calm to wash over me. For now. “Find it and destroy it.”

  “It’s not an easy task, destroying a weapon of that caliber.” Raz releases my shoulders. “But Micah could either reforge the weapon or perhaps render it useless.”

  Micah is our weapon’s master. As Celestial of War, she forges all divine weapons and relics with various metals and materials, depending on the need.

  All divine souls, Luxe and Tenebrous, have weapons forged specifically for their ability and gifts. When the realms divided loyalties and pure souls turned dark, Raz began recording all that in case we ever needed the intel. With so many Fallen to keep track of now, some have been lost in the chaos.