Well, maybe Sari did, given what had happened with Eanera. An image of Sari popped into his mind, and Phoenix shot him a disgruntled look. “Sari? Who’s that?”
“My brother-in-law,” Rachen replied quickly. “You’ll meet him soon…again.”
He desperately wished Phoenix wouldn’t see his earlier memories, the one he had from the time he’d shared Karein’s body. Unfortunately, exactly that wish made the recollections more preeminent in his mind. Phoenix cursed. “What in the world…You were sleeping with this Sari person, too?”
Overlords, what a mess. Rachen took Phoenix’s hands and squeezed them. If he didn’t make things a little clearer for Phoenix, his mate was liable to go into a jealous rage when he saw Sari or Talrasar.
“Talrasar?” Phoenix inquired right on cue. “What…”
He trailed off when Rachen started to feed his memories through their bond, earlier recollections, before he had even met his mate. Rachen had never allowed himself to dwell too much on them. Some of it was still very much a blur. He could only remember bits and pieces of the time he’d spent within his brother. His mind was fragmented, like a puzzle that had lost half of its pieces. Sometimes, his soul had been kept away from Karein’s consciousness through his brother’s powerful will, but more often than not, he’d gotten glimpses of what was happening. The memories were particularly vivid in moments when Karein’s discipline had faltered. He’d seen Karein fall in love with Sari, almost experienced it himself, like a voyeur who was sharing into something sweet and secret without being allowed to. It had made him bitter, angry, and confused. He had thought Sari belonged to him, and that his brother had stolen him, just like he had with his life.
And then, Kael had absorbed his soul into the black obelisk and a similar thing had happened with Talrasar. It hadn’t been quite so powerful, but because of his fragile state, he’d still gotten unnaturally attached to Talrasar. It was only when he’d met Alwyn—or rather, Phoenix—that he’d managed to truly understand the true meaning of a mate bond.
“Do you see now?” Rachen asked.
Phoenix nodded, his eyes wide and filled with tears. The anger had drained out of him now, replaced by poor sorrow. “I thought I sensed death on you,” he whispered quietly, “but I told myself I was only imagining it because it’s such a faint trace. I’m sorry, Rachen. I should have been there for you.”
It was Rachen who had failed Phoenix. He should have been stronger, powerful enough to withstand his brother’s abilities. If he’d truly come into the world centuries sooner, like he should have, he might have been able to find Phoenix earlier and release him from his prison.
Then again, blaming themselves for the past would solve nothing. They had to focus on the future, on getting accustomed to each other and bringing Phoenix’s memories back. Their bond helped, although Rachen didn’t want to push things any further right now.
It was one of the reasons why he resented the fact that his family had found them. Sadly, they had to deal with it, because far sooner than Rachen would have liked, a group of draechen landed in front of them. Two black dragons led the company, followed by a large number of soldiers. Obviously, they’d come here looking for a battle.
“It’s all right,” he said. “It’s safe. The problem has been dealt with.”
Kael and Karein shifted into their human forms. “Oh?” Karein arched a dark brow. “The humans in charge of the forest would disagree.”
Phoenix looked around, having obviously not noticed the destruction he’d wrought. “Oh…Oh, no, I didn’t mean to do that.”
He looked crushed at the sight of the burnt forest. Rachen wished he could find words to comfort him, but unfortunately, there were things he couldn’t fix, no matter how much he’d have wanted to. Phoenix was a being created out of the earth, and the fact that, in his anguish, he’d caused damage to it pained him greatly.
Once again, Rachen wrapped his arms around Phoenix, wishing he could wipe all that away. In a sense, it was kind of strange that he’d grown accustomed to thinking of his mate as Phoenix so quickly. Perhaps, in his heart, he had been waiting for this to happen. Perhaps he had known all along that it wasn’t Alwyn Cyraltin whom he’d fallen in love with.
Out of the blue, Phoenix’s small sobs stopped. A warm glow enveloped Rachen, a burst of happiness and affection filling their bond. Phoenix was relieved and blissful because that one stray thought that had gone through Rachen’s mind. Perhaps it was all the more important because it hadn’t been something Rachen had actively forced into his mind, but rather, a natural progression of ideas and events.
When he broke the embrace, he found Phoenix smiling. “Better now?”
“Yes,” Phoenix answered almost shyly. “Much better. Thank you.”
As he finished the phrase, he released a small gasp. At first, Rachen couldn’t figure out what was the reason for Phoenix’s reaction, but then, he stole a look around and realized it. The previously destroyed trees had been completely restored. The grass was greener than before, and flowers bloomed everywhere in an explosion of life and color.
It was beautiful, pure, like a slice of heaven unmarred by human touch, but at the same time, so much more than that. Looking at the bright colors, Rachen felt like he was getting a glimpse of his mate’s soul.
When he turned toward the rest of the draechen, he found them gaping in shock. Rachen grinned, feeling impossibly proud of his mate. “Like I said,” he repeated, “the problem has been dealt with. Everything is under control.”
“So I see,” Kael replied. Even he sounded a little shaken, which kind of took Rachen aback. Given the extent of his abilities and his experience as a warrior, Rachen would have thought him to be the one least inclined to question Phoenix’s powers.
Glancing from Kael to Karein, Rachen again wished they could have left, gone somewhere no one could find them. Even so, somewhere deep inside, he found it in himself to hope that things would be better now. Perhaps Phoenix would manage to heal Eanera. Maybe it wasn’t too late for them to begin a life together, just like Rachen had always dreamed.
“We will,” Phoenix said through their bond. It was the first time Phoenix actively used their mind link, and it made that spark of optimism bloom inside Rachen just like the flowers around them had. “We will because we love each other.”
Phoenix was right. Their love was strong enough to defeat anything. Rachen just had to believe in that and everything would be all right. And then, surprisingly, Karein asked him something else, “What in the world happened to your hair?”
Rachen blinked, not immediately understanding what his twin meant. He instinctively reached for his locks when an image of himself flashed through his mind, courtesy of his connection with his mate. He couldn’t help a gasp of shock when he saw his hair had gone completely red.
Chapter Ten
“Everyone, I’d like to introduce to you my mate, Phoenix.”
Rachen’s voice echoed through the cavernous throne room, anchoring Phoenix. He forced a smile as he glanced to every figure in the room. Most, he recognized from the recollections he’d gotten from Rachen, but it was all jumbled, very distant, and confusing. He hadn’t gotten the chance to untangle the threads of his consciousness, and he was guiding himself through this strange world through the one thing that remained stable, the shining cord of his mate bond with Rachen.
“It’s an honor and a pleasure,” he said. “Thank you for receiving me in your wonderful home.”
A man Phoenix recognized as Sareltae Norrenddare Myrthylar lea Tersain—or better said, Sari—frowned at him. “I’m told you don’t remember anything from the time you spent here in Draechenburg. Is that right?”
“Partially,” Phoenix answered. “My bond with Rachen provides me with information I wouldn’t otherwise have.”
“So…you don’t remember my mother?”
Sari’s mother? No, Phoenix couldn’t say he could…Oh, wait. Rachen squeezed his hand, showing him the person Sari was talk
ing about. Phoenix winced as he saw himself with a woman who looked a lot like Sari. He felt the flare of power and the damage he’d accidentally done to her.
“High Priestess Eanera Myrthylar,” he replied. “I remember now.”
It wasn’t actually his memory, but that really didn’t matter. He could understand Sari’s resentment of him, given what he’d done.
“Do you think you can help her now?” Rachen’s twin, Karein, inquired.
Phoenix mused over the question. “I’d have to see her to know for sure. I can’t really tell right now.”
“I’ll speak to her,” Sari replied, not sounding very optimistic about the prospect. “For the moment, she’s with my father, but if you’ll excuse me, I’ll visit her now.”
With a brisk bow, Sari turned on his heel and headed out of the room. Phoenix watched him go, at first in an attempt to assess his rival and then because he couldn’t help but be drawn by the spark of life growing inside Sari. He wanted a family like Sari had, with hatchlings of his own.
Karein followed after Sari, as always mindful of his mate’s welfare. As the two of them left the room, Phoenix glanced away…and caught Imperial Consort Talrasar observing him with a degree of curiosity, or maybe suspicion, in his eyes. “Why were you looking at Sari like that?” the fae inquired.
“Oh…I was just observing Imperial Consort Sareltae’s child. He is growing quite nicely I see. As a matter of fact, so is yours.”
“You can tell?” Talrasar inquired, obviously intrigued. “Just by looking at us?”
Phoenix nodded. “Children are energy. They are life. I can see them as clearly as I do you.”
Talrasar didn’t answer. Perhaps he didn’t know what to say to that. Either way, for a few moments, the room succumbed to awkward silence. Phoenix took advantage of this chance to quietly assess each individual in particular. So far, from the point of view of raw magic, he’d have to say that Kael and Karein were the most powerful ones. However, the third Imperial Consul, Hareem, was very closely behind. Rachen, on the other hand, had the potential to be stronger than all of them put together, and none of them realized it.
Meanwhile, Phoenix really hated treating Rachen’s family like they were a threat. He wanted to be friendly and charming, but they were such a tight-knit group and so wary of him that he really didn’t have a chance. Even Sagenamadeen Zager, who didn’t actually belong to the Tersain, was seen like a member of the family, whereas Phoenix was rejected. Graham and Caelyn were also there, although they stood further back in an obvious attempt to be discreet. Either way, even they were far more welcome than Phoenix.
“It’s only a temporary problem, baby,” Rachen told him through their bond. “They just have to get accustomed to you.”
Phoenix threw a smile Rachen’s way. He wanted to believe that, because Rachen so desperately needed it, but so far, there was no sign of the nest Phoenix wanted for himself, his mate, and his hatchlings.
As it turned out, though, he and Rachen weren’t quite as alone in this as Phoenix had thought. Hareem’s mate, Taryn, came to his side and said, “Hey, don’t look so upset. I know this isn’t what you’d have liked for yourself and Rachen, but we do mean well. Why don’t we give each other a chance?”
Phoenix met Taryn’s green-gold eyes and saw only kindness. It was true. Taryn did understand. He smiled hesitantly. “I’d like that. I don’t want to see suspicion at every corner or every time I look at something.” Talrasar winced at his words, but Phoenix didn’t acknowledge it. “I’m tired of being used. I just want to be…Rachen’s mate right now.”
“I think we can work with that,” Hareem said. “It’s just a complicated situation because of what happened with High Priestess Eanera and with Sari’s vision.”
“Well, I have no control over visions,” Phoenix replied, “but I assure you the last thing I want to do is to hurt Rachen’s family. And really, everyone here is potentially dangerous for other people. Shifters and magical creatures generally are like that.”
“I didn’t look at it that way,” Kael mused. “I suppose you’re right.”
“I must admit that you’re nothing like the creature in the legends my parents mentioned,” Camden Isaiat admitted. “On my part, I’d like to get to know you better and maybe be your friend.”
Camden’s mate didn’t look very happy about that, but neither did he object to it. Phoenix smiled brighter. It wasn’t a lot, but they were trying. There was a huge gap between them, but with some effort, they might manage to bridge it.
Of course, their effort would really amount to nothing if Phoenix didn’t succeed in healing Eanera. Phoenix realized all too well that, no mattered how much he complained, he’d been treated with far more understanding that an outsider would have been. In fact, he was surprised they hadn’t thrown him into prison the moment he’d stolen Eanera’s powers.
It would have made more sense from a strictly rational point of view. In fact, if it turned out that he truly couldn’t control his powers like they believed, Phoenix would demand it. Even now, they didn’t realize just how strong his magic was, but he did. He would rather return to the box than do anything that would hurt Rachen.
Rachen’s arms came around him, tightening into a possessive embrace. “That won’t happen. We just have to stick together and believe in ourselves. I have complete faith in you.”
Phoenix suddenly had a flash of something unpleasant, a knowledge tickling at the back of his consciousness. Before Phoenix could pin it down, the door opened once more. He knew it was far too early for Karein to return, but he was still somewhat taken aback when the usher announced someone else entirely. “Princess Krysta and Prince Arlen Isaiat of Patala, to see the Imperial Consuls of Ornoz.”
Phoenix tensed. Camden’s brother and sister had arrived. Distant memories of conflicts with the naga stirred, and he buried himself into his mate’s embrace, wondering what news the naga brought.
“We will see them now,” Kael said.
The naga prince and princess entered the throne room with a grace that befitted their station and characterized their species. Instantly, their gazes zeroed in on Phoenix, but they didn’t immediately address the proverbial elephant in the room. “Greetings, Your Graces,” Arlen said. “We bring word from our parents regarding the matter we discussed.”
“We appreciate your assistance,” Hareem answered. “The cooperation of the naga people flatters us.”
“You’re late, Arlen,” Camden intervened, shattering the formality of the exchange. “We already know that it’s all true.”
“So…the phoenix did return?” Krysta asked. Apparently, that was incentive enough to warrant the dismissal of regular court etiquette.
Phoenix took his cue and piped up, “Yes. It’s an honor to meet you, Princess Krysta. I am Phoenix.”
Krysta’s eyes widened. Obviously, she had not expected him to be aware of his previous identity. If he wanted to be perfectly honest, Phoenix wasn’t exactly certain how it had happened himself. He just knew that he’d followed his mate’s desires, his bond with Rachen, and had managed to become more than a nameless fire bird. And since back then, he hadn’t been granted a humanoid body, he’d picked this one for himself, the body he’d had when Rachen had fallen in love with him.
“I realize you’re surprised,” Phoenix said, “but it’s true. I’m not what I used to be.”
“I see that,” Arlen said warily. “Nevertheless, we’d prefer it if we stuck around and made sure. With the permission of the Great Imperial Consuls, of course.”
“You are guests here for as long as you like,” Hareem said. Phoenix didn’t like the fact that Arlen had basically said they thought he might run amok, but this was out of his hands. At this point, there was very little he could decide for himself.
The conversation was interrupted when Karein walked back into the room. “High Priestess Eanera will see you now,” he said. “Follow me.”
Phoenix took a deep breath and complied. He was r
elieved that he’d left the naga’s presence, but seeing the High Priestess again was potentially worse. Without being asked, Rachen came with him. As they left the throne room and headed toward the chamber where Eanera Myrthylar was presumably staying, Phoenix held onto Rachen’s hand and prayed that, for once, his magic would do what he told it to. He hoped that today, he would at last become more than an instrument of destruction.
* * * *
“Are you sure you’re up for this?” Selbrian asked Eanera, taking her hand and kissing it. “The last time this creature saw you, he stole your powers.”
“I have to be,” Eanera answered, hating the tremor in her own voice. “It’s our last chance.”
Selbrian grimaced, his eyes fixed on her face. Eanera had the urge to tell him to look away and release her hand. She knew she was no longer the woman he had once held and kissed. She’d been beautiful once, but now, her blond hair had grown completely white and had actually started to fall out. Her skin was wrinkly, and she’d grown deathly pale and thin. Everything ached, and even going to the bathroom was a torment. And throughout it all, she didn’t even have Jenarra anymore to comfort her. That separation was what hurt her the most, and as the days passed, it all grew more and more unbearable.
It was strange, but she’d never realized how hard it would be to have to face the realization of her own mortality. As a fae and as a healer, she had acknowledged it in an abstract manner, like a problem she could fix. Much like other magical creatures, fae never died out of old age.
How did humans handle this? In her heart, she had dismissed them as inferior, irrelevant because they didn’t have magic or strong abilities. But they were far braver than she was, facing their frail existence head-on, flying onward like butterflies who, in spite of their ephemeral existence, still brought so much color and joy into the world.
Fire's Embrace [Chronicles of the Shifter Directive 6] (Siren Publishing Epic Romance, ManLove) Page 14