by Amy Sumida
Banning's erection burst free when I unzipped his pants. I stroked the silky length; rubbing the moisture at its tip over the whole shaft before I lowered my mouth over it. Banning shouted around Declan's wrist, but continued to drink. I felt Declan's free hand go to my head; moving my hair gently over my shoulder. I knew it was to give himself a better view, so I moved my head so he could see perfectly.
Declan sighed; his breathing speeding up as his hand slipped along my back, over my ass, and then between my legs. He pushed one of my knees up and onto the bed; giving himself better access to my sex. Then Declan started rubbing me with masterful strokes. When his finger slid inside me, I moaned around Banning's flesh.
“Sweet stones, you're dripping wet,” Declan murmured.
Banning broke his bite; his head surging back with a cry of rapture. He leaned back on his elbows and watched me as he thrust himself into my mouth faster. Declan moved me so that I was directly in front of Banning and then spread my legs. I braced myself against the bed as Declan thrust into me. He grabbed my hips and began a pounding so powerful that he was pushing me onto Banning's cock. Banning relaxed back onto the bed and just let Declan control the rhythm. The sounds of our passion filled the room.
“Elaria!” Declan cried as he came.
Banning was beyond words; he could only lick his bloody lips and growl as he spilled into my mouth. I took all that they had until they could give no more. Banning went limp on the mattress as Declan collapsed to the side of him. I straightened on shaky legs, then stood smiling down at my spent consorts. It was a good thing the bed was so large, or they'd be lying across each other. As Banning shifted in his sleep, and Gage flung a leg outward, I chuckled. Despite the size of the bed, they were going to end up in a puppy pile.
I did not want to be there when they woke wrapped around each other. So, I gathered my clothes and went to take a shower. They were still sleeping when I emerged a few minutes later. Banning's skin was glowing with vitality; his cheeks flushed with immortal blood. I kissed all of them on their cheeks and then left them to their rest.
Chapter Fifty-Seven
The experience of feeding Banning brought the men even closer together. There was a tension between them before—the tension between four straight men who were intimate with one woman. It was as if they needed to be put into a position where they became sexually vulnerable before they could completely trust each other in the bedroom. In short; they had to prove to each other that they weren't gay. Not even when under the influence of a Blooder's bite.
Their relaxed manner and the camaraderie between them as they came into the war room was ridiculous. I rolled my eyes at them as they settled into seats around me.
“It's about time you four joined us,” Odin huffed.
“We had to feed Banning,” Gage said with a grin. “It was exhausting; the guy is insatiable.”
The other people in the room blinked in shock at this, and my consorts laughed. I sighed deeply.
“Why is that so funny?” Cerberus asked.
“They've discovered that they're definitely not gay,” I dramatically whispered to Cer.
“And they needed Banning to bite them to know that?” Freya lifted her brows.
“Have you ever been bitten by a Blooder?” Torin asked her.
“No.” Freya got a curious look on her face. “Cerberus wouldn't let me participate.”
“For good reason,” Cerberus huffed. “Their bite is like that human drug: ecstasy.”
“The humans have a drug called ecstasy?” Ilis asked with interest. “Does it deliver the promise of its name?”
“That was the point of the comparison,” Cerberus said dryly.
“A Blooder bite brings ecstasy?” Ilis looked at Banning consideringly.
“Find your own Blooder, Ilis,” I teased her.
“Oh!” Ilis' face flushed. “Of course. I would never pursue another woman's consort.”
“I appreciate that,” I said sincerely.
“And I appreciate that we're all here now,” Odin said brusquely. “We need to go over the strategy again. Mimir and his Giants are nearly here.”
“The Drachen will attack with the Griffins from the sky,” Ilis said as if she'd done so a thousand times.
“The Blooders will take center,” Banning added.
“The Gods will spread out through the Shining Ones,” Freya went on.
“Our troops will form a circle around the temple,” Torin intoned.
“The Spellsingers will sing from this balcony,” Adelaid waved toward the balcony that surrounded the tower room.
The wrap-around balcony gave the best view of the land surrounding the Amber Temple. It was the highest point of the building, with nothing even coming close to it. So, it had no obstructions to its view.
“The Witches will take positions on the lower balconies,” Odin said. “There they can cast their spells safely, without the stress of being interrupted.”
“And the Lesser Fey will be closing in behind the Jotun,” I finished. “They'll attack from behind, and catch anyone who tries to flee.”
“Encircling,” Gage nodded. “The double pincer maneuver.” He glanced out the window. “Actually, with the Sea on one side, it's technically a single pincer.”
“One or two pincers.” Calex shrugged. “We'll have them surrounded.”
“Perfect.” Odin nodded. “I think we're as prepared as we can be. Our soldiers have trained and familiarized themselves with the territory, our commanders have gone through maneuvers with their units, and we've practiced techniques to counter several possible attacks.”
“We should celebrate life tonight,” I said. “Tomorrow brings death, and we may never get another chance to dance with those we care about.”
“Elaria is right,” Ilis said. “The most important way to prepare for war is to rejoice in every moment before it.”
“And maybe through it as well.” Calex smirked.
“I've asked several of our renowned chefs to prepare a feast for us tonight,” Vivian said; ignoring Calex. “It will be served just after dusk. I hope to see you all there, and then, after the feast, perhaps we can convince the Spellsingers to rally our troops with a few songs.” She looked over at the Spellsingers with a hopeful smile.
We—the Spellsingers—looked at each other in consideration.
“Have we ever sang together?” I asked them. “I mean; I know that I haven't sung with any of you, but have any of you ever sung together?”
“I did sing with you once, when you were little,” Aunt Addie said with a soft smile. “But as an adult? No.”
“I would be honored to sing with all of you,” Eilener said sincerely.
“And I with you,” Daphne said.
“Let's do it!” Alexandra declared.
“I didn't mean for all of you to sing together!” Vivian held up her hands in protest. “The power you'd create would be dangerous.”
The Spellsingers deflated.
“What if we chose a positive song?” I suggested.
“You would have to be very focused on one result,” Vivian pointed out. “Without that, your intent would pinball around with uncertain consequences. Even with the best intentions, it could go badly; the magic could become more powerful than your control over it.”
“Well, it was a nice thought.” Eilener sighed.
“You can still sing on your own, and we will be there to support you,” Adelaid comforted him.
“That's still something new.” Eilener smiled. “All right; let's go choose our music.”
They started for the door and then stopped to look back at me.
“Are you coming, Elaria?” Eilener asked.
“Oh!” I looked at my consorts.
“Go ahead, little bird,” Torin said. “We'll look forward to hearing you and your family sing tonight.”
I kissed my men goodbye and left with the Spellsingers.
Chapter Fifty-Eight
I always get nervous when I
sing purely for other people's entertainment. I don't know why. Perhaps subconsciously I feel like I need to be better when I was singing for the music alone. But my anxiety wasn't shared. The other Spellsingers didn't seem at all nervous as we waited in the entry hall of the Amber Temple to be introduced to the massive crowd outside.
The feast had to be moved outdoors because there weren't enough tables to seat everyone together inside the dining hall. The races had been eating separately, at scheduled times, but now we wanted to come together to celebrate our last night before the battle. So, there were trestle tables set on the grass, and the Spellsingers and I would be singing on a stage that had been erected in front of the temple.
Several musicians from the different races had volunteered to play music for us. Most of the instruments had to be fetched from other realms, but letting a few soldiers travel wasn't a big deal. So, we had a full band to sing with; one that would play on after we finished our performances. We could have had Kyanite play for us, but I wanted to save his magic for the war.
The Spellsingers were performing in order of birth, which put Adelaid up first. She looked like a rock star; decked out in leather pants and a glittery top. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she was wearing ruby lipstick. It was a little intimidating.
“Break a leg, Aunt Adelaid,” Eilener said before he kissed her cheek.
“You're lucky that I know what that means,” she teased Eilener before heading out to the stage.
Freya was our emcee, and she had introduced Adelaid, as well as the song she was about to sing; “The Middle” originally sung by Jimmy Eat World. I was surprised that Adelaid had chosen such a modern song and one that had a rapid rhythm. But she was amazing, of course. The crowd cheered and sang along with her; the energy of all of those powerful beings pulsing at us like a heartbeat. I could feel Adelaid's magic drifting out, but the song was uplifting—a message of holding on; that life is only beginning, and everything is going to be okay. That's what her magic manifested; a feeling that it was all going to be okay. And isn't that exactly what a soldier needs to feel before he heads into battle?
I began to smile, and so did the other Spellsingers; Adelaid's song was irresistible.
Then it was Eilener's turn. Freya introduced him and announced that he'd be doing a rendition of “You may be right,” by Billy Joel.
I nearly choked on my laughter. Leave it to Eilener to choose a love song that embraced—and even glorified—the possibility of his insanity. But as the guitar hummed into the happy beat, my laughter settled into a bright grin. I leaned against the doorframe to watch Uncle Eilener enchant every woman in the crowd. He swaggered across the stage, occasionally crouching to sing directly to a beautiful woman. He was perfect, and his magic was an effervescent thing that bubbled in my chest until I was laughing once again. He had lifted our cares away and made us all long for a lunatic in our lives.
When Eilener finished, I applauded with everyone else, and then cheered wildly for Genevieve, who took the stage next. Aunt Gen's song was an orchestral rock that rolled upward into its sweeping message of hope; Coldplay's “Viva La Vida.” My skin shivered with her magic, and I felt her life roll through me. This song was personal; Genevieve's declaration of how she had moved past her megalomaniac obsession with conquering civilizations to simply loving life and the living of it. She had gained everything she ever wanted and then discovered that it was all worthless. True treasure was found in the moments you shared with people you loved, and in the very act of loving them. She shared that hard-won knowledge with us.
Genevieve's song was an offer of enlightenment in exchange for protection. She was lyrically asking them to protect us—the Spellsingers who would fight from above. This wasn't a gift but a bargain; see what I can do for you if you will help me. She had told her life story, not only to allow others to learn from it but also to show them what she was capable of. This woman had ruled empires with her voice alone, and now she would use her magic to assist them. All they had to do was defend her and the temple she'd sing from.
I don't know how I heard all of that in her lyrics, but I did, and it gave me an epiphany. This was how others felt when I sang; they could hear whatever I wanted them to. I stared at Genevieve with tears in my eyes; overwhelmed by the honor of being given such a talent. To be able to touch people—move them with music and change their lives with magic—was a humbling gift. I vowed to myself that I would use it better in the future; that I wouldn't squander what I had been given this time around.
When Genevieve came off the stage, she joined the crowd; as Adelaid and Eilener had done before her. Slowly, we were dwindling; already at the halfway mark. Alexandra hugged Daphne and me before going out to sing.
After Freya introduced her, Alex took over, cutting off the goddess before she could announce the song.
“Get ready to rock, Defenders of Primeval!” Alexandra shouted with a huge grin. “I'm bringing it Aussie-style tonight.”
The crowd roared back at her, but Daphne and I rolled our eyes at each other.
“She's such a show-off,” Daphne said. “She has been, ever since she was little—or so I've heard.” She winked at me. “Being younger than her by five centuries, I only have stories to go on.”
“I've got a song for you from the Rogue Traders,” Alexandra announced. “It's called 'Voodoo Child,' and I'm dedicating it to the magic man himself; Odin Earthshaker.”
I laughed as I searched the gathering and finally spotted Odin. He was blushing up to his dark roots.
“Did you know that she was going to do that?” I asked Daphne.
“No idea.” Daphne shook her head as she chuckled. “But I did know that she has a crush on the Earthshaker.”
“Since when?” I asked.
“Always, girl.” Daphne pushed at my shoulder mischievously. “Since the day she first laid eyeballs on that hottie.”
“Damn,” I murmured as the pounding music started. “Well, now he knows it too.”
“Voodoo Child” was the kind of song that made it impossible for you to stand still. Not only did you have to tap your toes, but you also felt the need to bang your head and generally throw your body around like you were possessed. The music hit you like a freight train; slamming its vibrant chords and manic base into your brain to leave you wanting more. I screamed with the audience; my body thrashing uncontrollably. Not only was it the most uplifting song I'd heard all night, it was also a direct challenge. Alex had tossed her affection into Odin's face, and dared him to do something about it.
Another look at Odin showed a changed man. The embarrassed flush was gone, replaced by a wicked smile and a piqued interest. Alexandra's gambit had paid off; Odin had finally noticed her, and his interest wasn't going away anytime soon. As Alex shrieked her way up and down the stage, Odin's eye followed her gyrations intently. And she looked good; her ebony curls flying about her hips wildly, her pale skin flushed, and her brown eyes flashing with magic. When the song ended, Alexandra jumped off the stage. She had aimed for an open area to the side, but before she landed, it became occupied—by Odin.
The Earthshaker caught my Aunt Alexandra and swept her up into one of the most romantic kisses I've ever witnessed. The crowd went wild; all except for Ilis—who narrowed her eyes at the couple.
“Oh, damn!” Daphne declared. “Ilis is fucking pissed. Check out those daggers she's shooting at Alex.”
“When you play games, there's always the risk of losing,” I said as I shook my head. “A man like Odin doesn't come around very often; Ilis should have grabbed him and held on when she had the chance.”
“If only you took your own advice,” Calex said from behind us.
Daphne cast a concerned glance between Calex and me as Freya announced her.
“I'm fine, Aunty D.” I waved her out. “Go ahead.”
Daphne glared at Calex before she left.
“What did I do?” Calex asked as he watched the Spellsinger take the stage.
“Nothing; you're fine,” I assured him. “We Spellsingers just look out for each other, and you sounded a little critical.”
Freya announced Daphne's song—“Dream On” by Aerosmith—as Calex crept forward.
“Maybe I am being critical,” he admitted.
“Calex—” I started to tell him once more that I was sorry—despite my vow to never do so again—but he cut me off.
“Elaria, I'm here to ask you to use your magic tonight to let me go,” he hurried through the words as if scared that he wouldn't finish them.
“I have let you go.”
“I know.” He shook his head. “But I can still feel this tie to you. I need you to sever the link.”
I stared at Calex a moment—Daphne's voice wailing in the background about making dreams come true—and finally nodded.
“Thank you,” he whispered before he kissed my cheek.
Then I was alone in the doorway, watching the first man I had ever loved walk away from me. I should have treated Cal better—should have been a better lover to him—but our past was in the past for a reason; we weren't meant to be. And if Calex needed me to cut all ties with him so that he could be happy, then I was going to do that for him.
Daphne finished her song and strode off stage to echoing applause. I was so glad that Vivian had asked us to do this. The army needed to blow off some steam. Good food, fine wine, and rocking music; what better way to spend your last night alive? I know it was a horrible thing to think, but my mother had raised me to be practical. I could see Kalliope out in the crowd; clinging to my father with her own grim thoughts lurking behind her eyes. Tomorrow brought events that could tear me apart emotionally or physically, and I wanted to be at peace with myself before then. I would use this night wisely.
And first, I would use it to heal an old love.
“Here's Tír na nÓg's very own superhero; Elaria Tanager!” Freya announced dramatically. “Tonight, she'll be singing 'Bright' from the band Echosmith.”
