by Quinn Loftis
Her eyes took on a faraway look, as if she was remembering something. It was a memory that, based on her crestfallen look, must have been painful. “Maybe,” she finally answered. “I wanted you to know that I will understand if you don’t want me as your mate. You’re a respected warrior, the leader of your queen’s army. It would disgrace you to have one such as myself at your side. I will not bring that upon you.”
Gerick felt his stomach tighten at the thought of losing her. He’d only just found her. On impulse, he reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her close so that their bodies were nearly touching. He took several deep breaths, attempting to calm his raging emotions. When he was sure he could speak and not simply growl at her like a possessive beast, he said, “I need you to listen, and listen closely. Can you do that for me?”
She nodded.
“Words, mate. I want your words.”
“I can do that.”
“Good girl,” he said as he reached up with his free hand and ran a thumb across her bottom lip. “There is nothing that could keep me from your side. Nothing. I would be honored to have you at my side, where you belong. The Great Luna has given you to me as my mate, and I am choosing to gratefully accept the amazing gift that you are. You don’t have to like it. You don’t have to want it. You can even deny me. But you might find it incredibly awkward to have a warlock general following you around all day, glaring at any male that gets near you. You are mine, Myanin. I care not for your past. Whatever you’ve experienced has shaped you into the woman you are today. The woman standing before me now is the woman I want.”
Her eyes took on a glassy sheen as she stared at him. He could see the slight trembling in her body as she tried to control her emotions. He imagined Myanin wasn’t one who lost control of herself very often. She’d have to learn that if there was anyone she could be vulnerable with, it was him. “Even after everything you heard, everything I told Perizada, you still want me?” She sounded shocked, but he could also hear the hope in her voice.
Gerick leaned down and pressed his forehead to hers. He breathed in, taking in her sweet scent, which was mixed with the smell of the cotton candy treat she enjoyed so much. “If you knew how much I wanted you, you’d probably run away.” His voice was gruff with his need for her. But he wouldn’t hide from her, not any part of himself. She’d bared her soul to not only Peri, Lilly, and Lucian, but to him as well. He would never make her feel shame for that. She would only ever know his love, his acceptance, his open arms, always ready to hold her, protect her, and offer her anything she needed.
“Where do we go from here?” she asked in a soft voice, her forehead still pressed to his.
He figured saying “my bedroom” was not the answer she was looking for, though it was tempting. “Where do you need to go from here?”
“I need to face my elders, my judgment,” Myanin practically whispered. The fear he heard there almost broke his heart, and it scared him as well.
“Then that is what we will do.”
She pulled her head back, and he loathed the space it created between them. If it were up to him, they’d never stop touching. He still held her hand in his, which would have to be enough for the moment.
“You would face them with me?” Myanin’s brow furrowed as she stared up at him.
“Where else would I be? I still don’t think you understand how this mate thing works, my sweet. Me by your side and you by mine, always.”
This time her tears fell. Gerick watched as they slowly trailed down her beautiful cheeks. She pressed her lips tightly together as she seemed to gather herself. “Then, I need to speak with Perizada and ask her to take me to my elders.”
Gerick entwined their fingers and motioned toward the door. “Lilly can contact her.” He began leading her from the room, trying to steady his beating heart. He was terrified they would take her from him, and even more afraid of what would happen when he refused to let them have her. The general didn’t want to start a war with the djinn. He had no doubt Lilly would back him if he did, but they would never win, not against the power of Myanin’s race. But there was no way in seven hells he would let his mate go. If her fate was death, then he would die with her. It was as simple as that.
When they reached Lilly’s door, Gerick didn’t hesitate to knock. A moment later, the warlock queen answered. “My queen,” Gerick said as he bowed his head. “Could you please get in touch with Perizada?”
Lilly pushed the door open further. “Please, come in.”
Gerick and Myanin walked in, hand-in-hand. He felt her step closer to him and loved that she was seeking strength from him. He would give her whatever she needed, offer her any shielding she needed. It was his honor to do so.
“No need.” Lilly motioned to the high fae in question, who was currently lounging on the couch like a lazy cat. “She’s here … all … the … time.” Gerick didn’t miss the glare Lilly shot at the high fae. If Peri noticed, she said nothing. Knowing even the small amount he did about Perizada, Gerick suspected she didn’t care a bit.
She stood from the couch and walked over to stand in front of Myanin. “I take it you’re ready to face your elders?”
“I am,” Myanin answered. There was no emotion in her voice, and she’d wiped the tears from her face. Her countenance was blank, showing nothing of what she was thinking or feeling, though Gerick could feel the tension in the grip she had on his hand. Gerick gave it a gentle squeeze, reminding her he was there, and he wasn’t going anywhere.
“And I assume you’re not leaving her side?” Peri asked him.
“I am not.”
“You two are a couple of chatterboxes. I’m going to need you both to get yourselves under control,” Peri said dryly.
Gerick’s lips twitched as he held back a smile. Peri’s sense of humor was one of the many things he liked about her. Though others might have thought it annoying, the general found it refreshing. Many supernaturals her age had grown bored with their existence. They no longer saw the beauty, humor, or awe in life. Peri seemed to see all of those things in most situations and never held back her opinion.
“I’ll be right back. Try not to kill anyone between now and then,” she said, giving Myanin a smirk.
Myanin didn’t flinch. “It will be difficult, but I’ll do my best.”
Peri chuckled. “I really hope they don’t kill you. I think I’m going to like you. You’re growing on me, like mold on stale bread.”
“Is that a reference to your age?” Lilly asked.
“That or a reference to our djinn’s appeal,” Peri said just before she flashed.
Lilly glanced at Myanin. “Don’t take anything she says personally. Even though she probably does mean it, Perizada likes to get a reaction out of people. It’s how she gets her kicks because she’s as old as petrified wood.”
Myanin shrugged. “It takes a lot to offend me.”
“That’s good.” Lilly nodded. “You should have no problem fitting in with this group.”
A few minutes later, Peri reappeared. “They’re ready. And because I’m tired and not in the mood for drama, I’ll warn you Thadrick and his witch are present.”
Myanin nodded. “I expected them to be.”
Peri looked at Gerick. “Can you keep your possessive self under control while facing the man she was so in love with? So in love, in fact, that she was willing to kill one of her own people because she couldn’t have him?”
“Peri,” Lilly snapped.
“What?” Peri asked, sounding completely confused. “It’s a valid question. Mated males of any race are stupid, plain and simple.”
“I will be fine,” Gerick said. And he would be. Gerick would not let jealousy get in the way of what he and Myanin were just beginning. It was not worth it. There were more important things to worry about, like what the djinn elder’s judgment would be.
Peri held out her arms and to his surprise, and obviously Myanin’s, based on her wide eyes, Lilly placed a hand on the high fae
as well. They flashed and appeared in a grand hall. Twenty feet in front of them sat four djinn, with a fifth seat remaining empty. Standing to the far right was a tall male and a much smaller female.
The four djinn stood as one. Myanin immediately dropped to one knee and bowed her head. Gerick did not release her hand, nor did he bow. He met the eyes of each one as he waited to see what they would do. His other hand was ready to grab his sword if need be.
“Myanin,” said one of the djinn, a woman standing in front of the first chair, “stand.”
She did as she was told but kept her face toward the floor. Gerick could feel her body shaking. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and offer her comfort, but now wasn’t the time. Now, he simply could stand beside her and reassure her through his presence that he would not leave her side. Nothing could take him from her.
“You have betrayed your people in more ways than one. You have murdered one of your own. And you fled and joined with our enemy. What do you have to say for yourself?” the woman asked.
“There is no excuse I can give that will be sufficient for what I have done,” Myanin answered. “All I can say is that I am sorry. I regret deeply every choice I have made that brought me to this point. I cannot change what has happened, though I would give anything to do so.” After several seconds of silence, she looked up and turned her head to look at the tall male and the smaller female. “I am so very sorry for the pain I caused you, Jezebel. I wronged you greatly. And Thadrick, nothing could atone for how I disrespected you, as my friend and mentor.” She turned back to the ones Gerick presumed must be the elders and looked at each one of them. “I am here to face the punishment you decide is suitable for my crimes.”
Before the elders could respond, Lilly stepped forward. “If I may address the elders,” she said, sounding every bit as regal as a queen should.
“Lilly, queen of the warlocks, we welcome you,” one of the males said. “Please, speak freely.”
“Myanin has been working with us to spy on the Order. She might have originally joined them to accomplish her own agenda, but somewhere along the way, her heart changed. Some of that was because of her own experiences with the Order, and some of it was because of encounters she had with the Great Luna and the soul of the elder whose life she took. She has since given back the magic, and she has expressed true brokenness and asked forgiveness from both Lyra and the Great Luna. I also took a Blood Oath with her because I believe that strongly in her.” Lilly opened her palm and revealed the crescent moon in the center. “I feel that is something you should know before you pass judgment.” Lilly looked at Myanin and nodded.
Gerick watched as Myanin lifted her free hand and held it open so the elders could see her matching mark.
The elders were quiet as they stared at the symbols, their eyes full of surprise. After a moment, they schooled their faces and seemed to consider his queen’s words as they stared at Myanin. Gerick squeezed her hand gently, once again reminding her he was there. He was with her, and he wasn’t going anywhere.
“And Perizada,” the female djinn who’d spoken first said, “have you anything to add?”
Gerick tensed as he waited to hear what the unpredictable high fae would say.
“I believe her,” Peri said, and nothing more.
“I must look,” the woman said as she walked toward Myanin.
Gerick started to step in front of her, but Myanin tightened her hand on his and shook her head. “This is Synica. She is able to see a person’s true intentions, among other things,” Myanin explained.
Synica glanced at him but then turned her attention back to his mate. Myanin held out her hand, and the elder took it gently in hers. There was no condemnation in the woman’s face, only sorrow. Synica closed her eyes, and as she held Myanin’s hand, his mate’s composure fell. The tight control she’d kept on her emotions cracked, and tears once again streaked her face. Gerick’s heart ached for her. He wanted to gather her in his arms and shelter her from this humiliation, but he couldn’t. She had to face the consequences for her actions. He would do her a disservice to protect her from such a thing. Facing the outcome of choices changed and shaped people. It refined character and helped one grow. He would not rob her of that.
The elder finally opened her eyes. Tears filled them as she stared at Myanin. The elder reached up and wiped his mate’s cheeks. “She speaks the truth,” she said, loud enough for the others to hear. “She has also been given a mate. The man beside her, Gerick, general of the warlock army.”
Synica turned to look at him. “May I?” She held out her hand to him. He didn’t hesitate to give it to her. He would do what he could to help Myanin, even if it meant letting this stranger into his mind.
He knew what she would find. Though he wondered if she would not only see his intentions but feel the conviction behind them.
When she released his hand, the look in her eyes made it clear she knew what he was willing to do for his mate.
“He will offer his own life in payment for her transgressions,” Synica said.
“No,” Myanin immediately cut in, her head shaking as she shot him a glare. “I will not accept his sacrifice. These sins are mine.”
The elder looked at her. The compassion in her eyes surprised Gerick. He had truly expected to find contempt in the faces of her jury and judges. “You still do not understand that you are worthy of love, Myanin. At some point, I hope you will realize it and accept it.” Synica turned and walked back to where the other elders stood. One of the males spoke.
“Thadrick, what punishment do you find acceptable?”
Gerick looked over at the male who’d once held his mate’s infatuation. He felt nothing as he stared at the tall djinn. There was no jealousy because Myanin was his. What she may have felt was in the past, and the here and now was all that mattered. The small woman beside Thadrick pulled on his hand, forcing him to lean down so she could speak in his ear. A moment later, Thadrick nodded and then stood back to his full height.
“I would ask that the Great Luna decide her fate. The goddess has clearly intervened in Myanin’s life already. Only her decision would be just.”
Suddenly, there was a flash of light, and the Great Luna was before them. She stood in the space between the elders and the others. Gerick bowed his head and saw Myanin do the same. Then, as one, they both knelt.
“I have heard the request,” the goddess said. “I have previously spoken with my daughter, Myanin. I have seen her heart. Actions have consequences. They may be good or bad, but they are always there.
“Myanin of the djinn, mate to Gerick, fierce warrior, for your transgressions, I offer you grace and mercy. I will not take your life, for it is not your time. As for the consequences, you will be stripped of your supernatural powers. You will keep the longevity of your life, though it will be tied to your mate’s. As he lives, so will you. As he dies, so will you. Your fate and his are now entwined. As he has willingly offered to lay down his life for yours, I see you would offer the same for him. This is my gift to you. This is my grace. Do you accept it?”
“I do,” Myanin answered, her voice quivering. “I thank you for your mercy, Creator, and for your love.”
“You are my child. I love you with an everlasting love as I do all of my children,” the Great Luna responded. “You are a new creation, Myanin. Your transgressions are cast as far as the west is from the east. My mercies are new every morning. Now is the chance to start fresh. Don’t look back. Keep your eyes on me.”
The light vanished, and Myanin leaned into Gerick’s body. He wrapped an arm around her, giving in to his need to hold her. He turned his head, pressing his lips to her hair. Tears fell as he gave into his emotions. She wasn’t being taken from him. Her life had been spared. “Thank you.” He sent up a prayer to the goddess.
“You are welcome, warrior. Love her, show her she is not her past. She can choose a different future.” The goddess’s voice filled his mind.
“Every day of m
y life, I will make sure she knows.”
“What the Great Luna has decreed, we will obey,” Synica said. “In addition, though we offer you our own mercy in accordance to the goddess’s will, we must also make our own judgment. We have no choice but to ban you from our realm for life.”
Myanin nodded her acceptance of their ruling. She glanced up one more time, her eyes roaming over those at the front of the room. Gerick watched her and could see that she was telling them goodbye and letting them see the regret in her eyes.
Peri walked over to them and took both of their arms, pulling them up from their kneeling position. Lilly placed a hand on Peri’s shoulder and then looked at the elders. “Thank you for your time. I am sure we will see you again soon. The mourning period ends in a month.”
“Until then,” one of the elders answered.
Peri flashed them from the room back to Lilly’s chambers. Myanin stood still as stone, but her breathing was heavy.
“That went better than expected,” Peri said before blowing out a sharp breath.
“Myanin,” Lilly said gently, “are you all right?”
Gerick’s mate raised her eyes to look at the queen. “No,” she said simply. “But I will be.” She turned to him and stepped closer. “Thank you,” her voice had dropped to a whisper.
“You never have to thank me, mate,” he told her. “It is a privilege to provide for you in any way I can.”
She stared at him, and all he could do was stare back. He didn’t want to blink for fear she would disappear and this would all be a dream.
“Not to interrupt what is obviously an emotional moment,” Peri said, sounding anything but bothered, “but Myanin must return to the Order if she and Tenia are to continue their mission.”
Gerick’s jaw tensed. “They will notice her power has disappeared.”
Peri’s lips turned up into a slow smile. “Then it’s a good thing you know a high fae who can make her appear to have power, isn’t it?”
He wanted to say no. He wanted to tell them she was not going back. But that was not his decision to make.
