by Jaime Marks
“We will have to reason it out. It does appear odd.”
“Perhaps Wycelion will have some insight as to the reasoning. Have Byryn see what he knows. He should be able to figure it out,” Reyana mused out loud cutting into their thoughts.
They both looked to her in shock.
“Oh, please. All of our energies are linked, you both read me easily, and you really believed I couldn’t hear you just as well?” She rolled her eyes. “It’s insulting really.”
“We…I apologize, Reya,” Marcus replied sheepishly. She had never given any indication she heard them so clearly, though they should have known better he supposed. Cymeryn simply remained silent but he felt his love and remorse flow through her.
“Yes, you should have. Especially considering my stubborn will,” she quipped shooting him an annoyed look. “Regardless, that boy tried to goad Steph for some reason. I saw it clearly in her mind and she was afraid of him, not just afraid but enraged, and she’s definitely concerned for Star.”
“Indeed. I believe Byryn knows what provoked all this, but the boy seems to be protecting her. Whether that is by Mythos’ bequest or some personal obligation I am unsure, but I do not believe he will easily reveal it. I will say that I believe something in the connection he feels with Steph seems to be causing the guilt he carries for his sister to intensify,” Cymeryn mused.
“It’s centered around those unawakened, I’m certain,” Marcus reasoned. “He was all but interrogating them in the woods and judging by the way he pulled Star to him and wouldn’t leave her go I would say he feels they risk her safety as well.”
Reyana had grown quiet once more and he leaned over kissing her head after a few minutes. She was sleeping, the exhaustion had finally caught up with her fully. He felt Cymeryn sensing her before shifting closer. When he looked up in apology to Marcus he just shrugged. Reyana and he had had their issues more than once and he had often pulled her to him as she slept to reassure himself. He could hardly fault Cymeryn for wanting to have her by his side after how close he had come to leaving her. He wasn’t sure if she even realized that they had nearly lost him.
He reached out checking his wounds. Graciously they were closed, but he was not yet fully healed. Reyana was thankfully being refreshed by the energy that flowed between them. The halo of pregnancy was beginning to form around her, the young’s essences merging with her own. It was a good sign.
“We should declare the pregnancy on Friday as well,” Marcus spoke quietly trying not to disturb her.
Cymeryn nodded but became distant. Marcus shook his head and sighed. “You really are a foolish ass if that’s where your head is going, you know that?”
His twin offered him a rueful smile. “I know that is most likely true brother, but she is so upset and you cannot deny where her mind is at.”
“Then fix it you idiot and stop moping about it.”
He nodded, “Once she has rested and things are more settled. First we must ensure Staryana and Stephynia’s safety and reinforce our security measures. I have a feeling we are being set up for an attack.”
“I will have Grifyn increase the guards in the dungeon. Will it be an issue to have both Crytos and Tatyna there? Or would you prefer they be separated?”
“They have never really gotten along. I doubt they will work together now, but I would not exactly recommend they become cell mates.” He grimaced, “With the rage Crytos bears me he will likely attempt to use her to make his point.”
Grifyn entered silently and raised a brow at the intimate embrace the three of them shared but remained silent. It was something they would all have to get used to. They were to be bound in less than two days and these situations would occur on occasion. “What do you need, Marcus? Is she alright?”
“She is, my friend, but we’re concerned that there may be an attack. We’ll discuss it further when we meet but could you increase posts in the dungeon and add coverage to the walls and passages to the plateau.”
“Actually, allow Demytria to assess the defenses and see how she would strengthen them. I want to see what insight she brings,” Cymeryn suggested. “She knows the inner workings and strategies of the Shade and her knowledge will be an asset in this.”
Grifyn gave him a quizzical look but bowed and left quietly so as not to disturb Reyana.
“Demytria?” Marcus raised a brow.
“I am considering appointing her Head of Securine for one of the Realms. She is well suited for the position. I already know that she can be invaluable, but I need Kato, Grifyn, and Mythos to see it as well.” He stared up to the ceiling. “I still need to finish discussing it with Kato before I finalize my decision. I do not wish to add any tension to their relationship but I can understand his concern. It is unwarranted, however. The very idea of being with any save Reyana disgusts me…regardless of the past.”
“I know, brother. I don’t worry about your desires I know them well. I share them. Since the coronation it’s almost as if our minds are linked in many ways. I just didn’t pick up on the intention to appoint Demytria which is curious.” He studied him.
“Worry not, Marcus. I only block you out when I am unsure if it is an avenue I wish to pursue. I realize females do not typically hold such positions even amongst the Fae and I was concerned how her appointment would be taken not only for that fact. I am also uncertain if it would be viewed as favored treatment. I am still wary of how it will be perceived and considering our previous connections I do not wish it to cast her in a Darkened view.”
He met his gaze seeming to consider the situation further. “It is a thing of habit to mask my thoughts. Alayne was my rival. I became quite adept at doing so out of necessity. I am not attempting to shut you out, mine twin, but it is a difficult habit to break.”
“I understand. I don’t mean to be suspicious.” Marcus smirked, “Though I suppose that is a habit of mine that is difficult to break.”
“I have noticed, Marcus. If it were directed solely at me I might take offense, but I see that it extends to everyfae aside from Reyana and perhaps Staryana. It is not healthy. I apologize for causing such doubt and distrust in you.”
“The fault lies with Lazurys, my brother. We’ve already discussed such things in depth. Let us agree that I’ll endeavor to be less distrustful and you will attempt to stop keeping such secrets.”
“I can agree to that, mine twin. There really is nothing I have need to hide from you.”
He nodded sensing him again. “Your wounds are almost healed, rest and give your body the time it needs.”
Reyana stirred in her sleep. Rolling towards Cymeryn, she nuzzled into his chest and Marcus felt him ease. He had to grin at the slight smile that graced her lips and the ease he felt in her. She may be hurt and angry with him, but in her sleep she would always reveal her true feeling. She always had.
Chapter 7
Mythos glanced at the watch on his wrist and almost groaned. He was quite comfortable holding Stephynia in his arms. He had actually slept for a short while himself. Carefully he unwrapped himself from her, trying not to wake her but she pulled back and blinked up at him sleepily.
“Do you have to go?” She whispered.
“Yes, caria. I must attend to this and ensure it is not a threat to you or our family.” He kissed her lightly. “Stay and rest. Trust me to manage this and see to your safety as I promised you I will.”
She sighed. “Will you come back to me when you’re done?”
“Always, caria.” He smiled running a hand through her hair pleased to feel this closeness between them.
She leaned up and kissed him softly then released him. “I trust you, Mythos, but if you need me to explain this, to tell them why, please come get me.”
“Are you sure you wish to do that, Stephynia?” He studied her carefully.
She had never told anyone what had happened to her before him. If he could avoid putting her through the stress of it he would. Byryn knew but that was only because he had seen enoug
h to put it together. She had never admitted it to anyfae else and in fact could not even say it out loud without difficulty.
She opened her eyes and met his a moment offering him a sad smile. “As much as you want to protect me, my King, they deserve the truth if they’re going to be managing my mess.”
He pulled her close again. “This is not your mess, Stephynia. Those boys caused this, not you.”
She nodded. “It doesn’t change the fact that they might need more than a simple explanation. If they need to know, they should hear it from me.”
“Alright. If that is your wish.” He kissed her again. “But for now just rest.”
Reluctantly he pulled away from her and left their bed. They may not yet be mated, but his bed would always belong to her. When he entered the sitting room everyfae was there aside from Reyana, Byryn and Staryana. He glanced around at the rest of them. Cymeryn looked tired and distressed. Something was troubling him.
“Is Reyana alright?” He asked. “I saw how drained she was but I have no idea what caused it.”
Cymeryn almost seemed to deflate, lost in his mind in some way. Marcus looked him over and then answered. “Yes, Mythos she’s fine. The essence flowing out of Steph was so intense, she was dangerously close to burning up. It was surging through both of you. Apparently Reyana saw everything from her window and rushed down to aid us. She cast a sphere of essence around you using the cold quality of the Dark and Night energies to cool you both. It was very draining on her, but Cymeryn and I were able to help her sustain it.”
“Is that what disturbed the earth around where we stood then?” He inquired.
“Yes, the essence was quite intense.”
He recalled the whirlwind inside Stephynia’s mind. It had been so hot, so powerful, the amount of essence it must have taken to balance it even externally must have been immense. “Has the Healer seen her? Are the young progressing well?”
Marcus smiled contently, “She was seen when we returned to the suite and they were well. The halo of pregnancy is beginning to form, I felt it when our essences were merged. She is just exhausted and still recuperating.”
“Fatherhood does indeed suit you, Marcus,” Mythos mused watching the Fae beam.
Walking over to the chair where his brother sat he clasped his shoulder a moment. “It is indeed a magnificent feeling.”
“It is,” Cymeryn agreed looking up to him with a warm smile as their essence merged.
It was still difficult to consider them both not only his sister’s mates but the Fathers of her young. He had always had an issue accepting his little sister in a relationship with Marcus but throwing Cymeryn into things made him want to steal her away and lock her in her room. She was no longer young, however, and was more than capable of making her own choices. It was not his place to intervene in this. More so it was clear the Divine Being approved. If she was happy and content, he would try to be happy for her, as difficult as it sometimes was.
They looked up as Byryn entered the room. He seemed stressed and distraught. Generally he met their eyes as he entered but his gaze seemed fixed on the floor as he walked over to the mantle. “I apologize for the delay, my lord,” he offered in a gravelly hoarseness that they were all unaccustomed to. The boy was usually confident and commanding but now he seemed somehow lost.
Marcus and Cymeryn exchanged glances with Grifyn as they all studied him with concern. It was noticeable that Staryana was not at his side. Pain and regret emitted from him in waves that were tangible.
“Are you alright, Byryn?” Mythos asked watching him closely.
He tensed but nodded remaining silent. Grifyn went to him and rested a hand on his shoulder but he shrugged it off. “We need to be deal with the issue with John and Kyle so that Sta….” His voice broke and he hesitated a moment trying to compose himself. “So that they’re safe.”
Cymeryn gave him a knowing look as he breathed out slowly. “How much did you show her, Byryn?”
He stiffened further but his head lowered in defeat, “All of it.”
Cymeryn grimaced. “Is she alright?”
“She…” His breath hitched as he shook his head. “I don’t know.”
“Is she alone?” Marcus inquired.
“Trina’s with her and Ryo and Tryxia are close,” he replied flatly.
“Are you able to remain objective?” Mythos requested.
“Are you?” He snapped but raised a hand almost immediately taking a breath. “I’m sorry, Mythos. That was uncalled for. I’m definitely shaken, but I need to know that this is dealt with and that she’ll be safe. They’re as much a threat to her as…” He trailed off meeting his eyes apologetically before looking back to the floor.
“How are they a threat, Byryn? And what the hell triggered this?” Marcus demanded glancing between Mythos and the boy. “I saw how that boy goaded Steph when we were trying to calm her. We need to decide if they can even remain here.”
“They were offered Redemption, we need cause to turn them out. It cannot be claimed that we are being selective about it. I would like to deny them as much as the next Fae but we need to be able to justify it in case any challenge the decision,” Cymeryn reasoned.
Byryn shifted uncomfortably. “John is the boy who cornered Staryana at school and both of them were part of that bet to see who could steal her innocence.” He glanced up to Mythos but said nothing more. It was clear he was still trying to protect Stephynia from bearing this pain.
“I realize that Steph can be highly protective of Star. I’ve seen it myself in the past, but there has to be more to this.” Marcus crossed his arms pondering it, “I worked with her this morn. I even pushed her assessing her limits somewhat. Even with just one lesson her control increased. She was beyond out of control. Something had every defensive instinct in her on edge.”
Mythos ran a rough hand through his hair trying to reason a way around this. Before he could even speak the door to his bedchamber creaked open and he winced turning to her. Stephynia met his eyes and nodded as she approached him.
“Are you certain, caria? I can relay this if it is easier,” he offered as she climbed into his lap and he wrapped her in his arms. He glanced to Grifyn who raised a brow but remained silent.
“If they’re going to know, I need to be the one to tell them.” She kissed him chastely. “I can do this if you’re here with me.” He felt her strength and resolve. She felt this was something she had to do in order to move beyond it.
Mythos sighed in resignation but held her protectively. If she meant to do this he would offer her whatever support she needed. “I am right here, Stephynia. Anything you need, I am here.” He kissed her head.
She turned towards them, that hard edge of hers returning but it was not as intense as it had been previously. “John and Kyle, the other boys involved in that bet, they weren’t simply trying to take Star’s virginity. They were planning to…” She hesitated and Mythos caressed her back as he saw Byryn look up to meet her eyes with a reassuring nod. She breathed in deeply as she braced herself. “They were planning to drug and rape her at that party. I know because…because…”
She stiffened and her breath caught in her chest. Grifyn looked as if he were going to intervene but Byryn motioned for him not to interfere. They both knew they needed to allow her to finally work through and move beyond this. Mythos kissed her temple in reassurance and she released the breath she was holding.
“They raped me,” she all but whispered at first but the words rolled out of her in waves. “John stalked me for months after that. If I took interest in anyone else he threatened to put them in the hospital, or worse. I don’t really understand why he approached Star, but he was trying to get to me in some way.”
Mythos could feel the rage flowing off of every male in the room. She was under their protection, more so she was of the Lucerna Lines, the last of the Cerulyions. The very idea that she had been harmed in such a way was intolerable.
Byryn looked up as his brows r
ose in realization. “This wasn’t just about owning you. He was grooming you and trying to instill fear and Darkness. How the hell did he know you were Fae? Shade don’t bother to groom humans they just take them, he had to have known except…he’s not that skilled with his essence.” Although Mythos could sense he was questioning the statement even as he made it. Something about the boy’s knowledge of Stephynia made him wonder if he had underestimated John in some manner.
She shrugged meeting his eyes, though she avoided looking at everyfae else in the room. “We dated before…before the rape. He never said anything about it, but he always kept an eye on me. When I got in his face about Star he whispered in my ear telling me I did good and I should let it flow through me, but that was the closest to anything to do with essence he had ever mentioned. After you put him in the hospital Kyle started following me around but never talked to me until Star disappeared. Then it was only to ask if I knew where she was, which of course I didn’t, not that I would’ve told him anyway. The only other thing was the night he came asking about Star he seemed uncomfortable, like he didn’t want to leave. He kept looking up and down the hall like he was expecting something. He told me to trust my instincts and watch myself. That was the night Alayne showed up. I had no idea what he was talking about but Kyle was always John’s lackey, he pretty much did anything he told him to. John was supposed to be back the next day, the day Cymeryn came for me, so really we’ve had no contact since you beat the shit out of him.”
