Remembering back to my first day in Arvayta. Lorelle had been there when I'd woken. My parents had called on her to make sure I was okay. If they didn't have absolute faith in this crazy lady, then they wouldn't have done that. Deciding to use their judgement as my own, I consented.
"Alright, I won't be back until then, but only if you promise to tell me why at some point."
She grinned. "You're very much like your mother, you know. That's something she would have said as well."
My chest tightened with sorrow. Mom. I missed her so much.
"We have a deal, but only after you've killed Alaryk, and things follow a certain path, will I tell you."
Hmm, that last bit intrigued me. "I will do that. Thank you, Lorelle."
Then she was gone.
Maybe she wasn't so crazy after all. Nah, she was definitely far from normal.
I ported home and headed to the guest house where most of my clothes still were. Jordan wasn't there yet, and I didn't expect her to be anytime soon, either.
Once I was changed, I headed back to the main house and brushed out my hair before putting it in a braid. It had been in my face most of the day and was driving me crazy. The crown did nothing to help either.
Glancing at the clock, it was already dinner time and I hoped Ryland was taking me out to a restaurant. Then, I remembered Lorelle's warning and wondered if there were any places to eat that weren’t on the main road.
Another ten minutes later, Ryland showed up, red faced and carrying three bags. "That old bitty and her rambling. She's lucky Francisco was there."
"What are you mumbling about?" I laughed, because he seemed beyond irritated, and I had a feeling I knew why.
He set the bags on the kitchen counter and began taking boxes out. "Lorelle. I was making reservations for us, trying to have our first date be something to remember, but she stopped the whole thing before I could finalize it."
For an older lady, she sure moved quick.
"She got to me, too, and I already figured we wouldn't be able to go anywhere. Don't worry about it. What if we take the food somewhere and watch the sunset? I've yet to do that since arriving, and it used to be one of my favorite things to do at my parents’ house on Earth."
A smile grew on his face until the one dimple I rarely saw appeared. "I have the perfect place." Boxes were already going back into the bags, and he was walking out the door before I could say another word.
After following him outside, I took his outreached hand and he ported us to the hot springs he’d shown me before. The last time we’d been there, I’d been enthralled with the area, but I’d also been a hot mess and hadn’t had the chance to appreciate it as much as I would have liked.
I pulled my hand from Ryland’s and found a spot we could sit where I’d be able to put my feet in the water. When I started taking off my shoes and rolling up my pants, he just stared at me with a silly smile on his face. “What?” I asked.
“You. Your enthusiasm for the things that make Arvayta special that most of us take for granted after living here for so many decades. It’s refreshing.” He took a seat next to me but opted to keep his feet out of the water as he put the food out. “I got a little of everything since I wasn’t sure what you liked.”
“There isn’t much about food I don’t like, so this is perfect.”
We began eating while asking questions about each other, keeping to the basics and random stuff. Favorite color, childhood memory, books, movies, and anything light. I learned he loved fishing, but rarely was able to do it. He also had a knack for woodworking and promised to show me some of his pieces one day.
“Thank you for this. It feels normal, and there hasn’t been much of that lately,” I said as I dried off my pruny toes.
His hand settled on my leg. “You’re welcome. We can do it again tomorrow if you’d like. Not this exact thing, but I can take you to other places. Arvayta isn’t huge, but there is plenty to explore.”
Dropping the towel, I placed my hand over his. “I’d like that. A lot.” And I really did mean it. We’d spent the last hour with no distractions and no worries, and I’d almost been able to forget how crappy my life had been the last week. If I could have more moments like this, I would take them at every opportunity.
Surprising me, he gave my hand a gentle tug, and I toppled into his lap. “That wasn’t how that was supposed to go.” He grinned as I tried to right myself, but he grabbed me first.
As he pulled me over, I found myself practically straddling his lap and my heart was racing. We’d kept a physical distance between the two of us for the most part, and I wasn’t sure what he was thinking, but I wasn’t going to move until I figured it out.
His fingers moved up my arms until both hands held my neck. “I’m going to kiss you.” There was no question in his words, but he gave me the opportunity to object, which I appreciated but didn’t do.
Instead, I leaned in and welcomed the contact. His lips were soft, and I yielded to him with no apprehension as I moved closer. It was our first real kiss that was more than a quick whisper, and he’d made it one I’d never forget with the sound of water around us and the stars glimmering above.
When we finally pulled apart, both of us were holding on to each other, and I was a little embarrassed I’d practically mauled him, but he made it seem natural.
“How about I get you home so you can rest before tomorrow? I already have some ideas, and you’ll need your energy,” he said. My mind instantly went to places it probably shouldn’t have, but I couldn’t help myself after the kiss we’d shared.
Feeling my face get red, I agreed and moved to get my shoes and socks back on while he packed up everything that we’d brought with us.
After arriving back at the house, we shared one last kiss at the door, then I watched him disappear from the deck. My heart and head were finally in the right place, but as I stepped inside the house, I just hoped that the memories of our perfect date were enough to keep the nightmares away for the night.
Chapter Seven
The following day was the first good day I’d had in a while, and I was able to keep my emotions in check for a majority of the day. It had begun with Ryland showing up at dawn, stating our second date couldn’t be done at any other time. He’d taken us to caves filled with vay bugs—the Arvaytan equivalent of Earth’s glowworms, but these ones glowed like the Northern Lights when gathered together.
Between the colorful glow of the bugs and the small stream rolling through, I’d been in heaven for the few hours we’d ventured around the caves. When lunch time came around, the bugs began to disappear, taking our light with them. I had then understood why he’d gotten me up so early. An extra couple hours of sleep wouldn’t have been worth missing that experience.
Ryland dropped me back off at the house, so he could tend to some of his guardian responsibilities, and I finally caught a glimpse of Jordan through the guest house window. Before I could twist the handle, Jordan came barreling outside.
“Where the hell have you been, Chuck?” Her arms wrapped around me and held on tightly as we stumbled to the ground.
“Uh, out? What about you? It’s not just me who’s been busy.”
She brushed her blonde hair away. “Why didn’t you tell me how awesome it was having a bonded animal? Dominic is obnoxious, stubborn, and handsy. He’s my spirit animal, and I love him!”
Jordan rolled onto her back, the most excited I’d ever seen her, and I reached for her hand. “I’m really happy for you, Jord.”
Her head twisted toward me, and she smirked. “You seem pretty happy yourself, and I’ve seen Ryland come and go a few times. Care to share anything with your best friend?”
“Not a chance, Satan.”
“Oh, come on. I’ll behave. I promise.” There was a twinkle in her eye that told me she was full of it, but she wouldn’t stop bugging me until I caved, so I gave her the cliff-notes version of the last day.
“Holy crap, girl. He’s not wasting an
y time, is he?”
“He is being equally patient and persistent. Both of which are appreciated. Being around him keeps me grounded and the worst of the grief at bay,” I answered before sitting up.
She raised a brow and sat up as well. “Hmm, sounds familiar. Isn’t that how several people have described having a Meraki to you, but you still refused? Someone you didn’t need to make you stronger, but a partner who would keep you grounded and balanced.”
I waved my hand. “Yeah, yeah. That’s why I agreed to the bonding ceremony, but it’s not like I want to move in with him tomorrow or anything. I still want some space and time to get to know each other.”
“As much as I would kill for a Meraki, I get it, and I’m proud of you for making that choice. For letting this be your decision just as much as it is fate’s.”
“Thanks, friend. How about we go inside? Unless you have somewhere to be with Dominic.”
She shook her head. “He’s off with the other animals. They’re preparing for our group training tomorrow.”
I shuddered. Training with a bunch of wild animals did not sound like much fun, especially when that snake had tried to kill me the day before.
Stryx had better be able to keep his people in line, or I was going to start frying some reptiles.
Morning came much too soon after staying up until the wee hours of the night. Ryland had surprised me with another dinner, but instead of taking the food out, I’d convinced him to stay in and we watched some of my favorite book-to-movie flicks. I had to hand it to him. Even though some of them were extremely cheesy, he didn’t complain once.
After an amazing night, though, reality had returned and the time had come to do something I’d been avoiding for the last couple of days while I focused on the good in my life instead of the bad.
Before the bonding ceremony, I wanted to visit my parents.
It might not have been the smartest thing to do, but it felt right. So, I crept out onto the porch before the sun rose and ported before Jordan could spot me. She wasn’t known for being a morning person, but today wasn’t a typical day.
I was pretty much getting married later that morning, and I wouldn’t put it past my Satan of a best friend—who was very upset I hadn’t let her give me a bachelorette party the night before—to show up and do something over the top in the morning.
When I appeared at the hill where the trees marking their burial sites were growing quicker than I thought possible, my chest tightened, but I managed to hold in the tears. That was progress I hadn’t expected this early in my grieving.
Sitting down, I fidgeted with the grass and thought about how to begin. “Hey, Mom and Dad. I know it’s been a couple of days since I’ve been by, but I was doing things that I hope are making you proud up there. You were right, and Ryland isn’t that bad, but don’t worry, Dad. I’m still not rushing anything. Though, we’re going to try the bonding ceremony again this morning.”
I paused as tears fought for release. I didn’t want to cry. I wanted to get through this knowing I’d at least moved through a tiny bit of the grief.
“Stryx said you’ll be there in spirit, and I really hope that’s true. I don’t want to do this without you. Well, whatever this is. I never got to ask what would happen at the ceremony, but I’m assuming it can’t be that bad if the two of you were in support of it. Then again, you had also been okay with me dying in order to get into Arvayta.” I snorted at my own twisted humor.
Then, my mind circled back to the bonding ceremony. If it felt too much like a wedding ceremony, there was a decent chance I’d bolt. The whole “cold feet” saying was really starting to claw at me, so I changed the subject.
“Can you guys see these trees? They’re starting to grow together as they move inward, and it’s one of the most striking things I’ve ever seen. Whatever magic they were planted with is definitely doing its job.” My hands pressed into the bark of each tree. “I miss you both so much.”
My throat burned, and I let a few tears fall but kept the worst of my anguish at bay. Just as I wiped the last of the tears away, wind blew at my back. I sighed, thinking it was a sign from my parents. Instead, my bond to Stryx flared to life as he landed next to me.
“Kaliah,” he said softly, then waited.
I squeezed the trees once more and blew kisses to each of them before I stood and held my hand out for Stryx. “Am I late?”
“Not at all. I just wanted to check on you. That wall of yours is a little too effective. You can’t even seem to sense when I’m trying to politely reach out.”
“Politely, huh?”
His feathers ruffled. “I could break through it if I wanted, but it would hurt you and I’m not that cruel.”
“Only part of that statement surprises me.” I winked at him and pulled his body closer for a hug. I’d missed him during my time with Ryland. “How do I make the wall strong enough to keep you out, but transparent enough to hear you if I need to?”
His wing swept up and brushed my cheek. “We’ll worry about that later today. Let’s head to the bonding site.”
I glanced down at myself. “I’m wearing yoga pants and one of my dad’s old shirts. Shouldn’t I change first?”
“You’re perfect as you are. Now, let’s try something new while we’re at it. I want you to close your eyes, ready yourself to port, but don’t think about where you want to go. Focus on my energy and follow it instead. Trust in me.”
That sounded like something that would be helpful in the future. I did as he asked, but I couldn’t sense him. So, I lowered my wall that kept him out and found the energy I knew to be uniquely Stryx.
“Very good, Kali. I’m going to port in just a few seconds. Keep that link and be ready to follow.”
Assuming he was looking at me, I nodded and kept my concentration. His energy began to change, and I braced myself. For what, I wasn’t sure, but it was new, so I couldn’t help being cautious.
Stryx disappeared from my senses, and I followed him, or so I thought. Instead, I ended up back at home with him nowhere to be seen.
“Cheese and rice. Now what am I supposed to do?” I said to myself.
Port to the forest entrance where we entered to meet the other animals. I’ll meet you there, Stryx replied since I still had my wall down.
Without saying anything, I did as he asked. Just as my feet landed on the soft ground, Stryx came gliding through the trees. “Don’t be disappointed, Kali. It’s a perk that takes great concentration and a lot of practice. With all you have going on, I didn’t expect you to get it the first time but wanted to see how you’d do without giving you any doubts.”
He thought he was so smart. No, he was just a pain in my ass.
I heard that.
Immediately, I threw my wall back up and glared at him. “Where are we going, and is everyone else already there?”
“Ryland and Lorelle are there, but no one else. Lorelle didn’t think it was a good idea.”
“How did Jordan take that?” I asked, disappointed my best friend wouldn’t be there, but also okay with it. The less people there, the less it would feel like a really big deal.
“I’m not sure. Dom told her instead of me.”
“Chicken,” I muttered.
His beak snapped at me. “No, I’m smart.”
He took off into the forest, and we headed the opposite way we’d gone before until I heard a stream. Another minute later, the trees thinned out, and I saw Ryland standing in the water while Lorelle circled around him with what looked to be some sort of smudge stick. I tried to use one once in Portland and ended up doing it wrong and smoking us out of the house. Jordan had promptly thrown it away.
Ryland was wearing all white, and his hair and clothes were wet, as if he’d been swimming. Thankfully, nothing was see-through, so I didn’t have to worry about inappropriate thoughts.
The two of them ignored us until Lorelle stepped out of the water. “Perfect timing.” She snapped her fingers and flicked some sort
of magic at me. “Now you’re ready. Please step into the water, but don’t touch Ryland.”
Glancing down, I noticed I was wearing the same clothes as Ryland, only several sizes smaller. Stryx nudged me forward when I didn’t move on my own, and I smiled back at him. “Where is the council? I thought they had to do this ceremony.”
He landed on the ground since there was nothing nearby to keep him at eye level. “Normally, yes, but there is nothing normal about this situation, so Lorelle made different arrangements with their permission.”
“She seems to be doing that a lot lately,” I said with a pointed stare at her as I remembered her demanding I stay away from the main part of town, then ruining Ryland’s dinner plans.
My feet went into the water, and it was surprisingly warm. When I was knee deep and about four feet from Ryland, Lorelle began to circle me with her smudge stick that smelled heavily of sage and something else that I couldn’t identify.
Her greying hair was pulled back into a braid, and she wore clothes similar to those of Ryland and me except hers were dark grey, almost black where the water had touched. After she’d done a few more circles, she stopped in front of me. “Sorry.” Then, she pushed me into the water.
I spat and sputtered as I tried to catch myself, but it was useless. Instead of fighting it, I dunked myself completely. When I emerged, I pushed my hair away from my face only to find I was missing something vital. “Where is my crown?”
Whatever calm Lorelle had been building within me with her juju was long gone as panic began to fill me. I turned to search the water, but she grabbed my arms and caught me off guard with her strength. “I have it in a safe place. You are okay here. I promise.”
My heart slowed, but the anxiety didn’t subside completely. I didn’t like not knowing the whole plan, and she should have warned me.
“Why isn’t Ryland moving?” I asked when I realized he hadn’t reacted to my freak-out.
Of Blood and Sacrifice (Royal Fae Guardians Book 2) Page 5