by Meg Anne
He nodded, his brows lowering as he contemplated what that could mean.
Helena shrugged. “I’m not sure. Shall we test it?”
“How?”
Helena bit down on her lip as she considered. “What’s something I can do that you can’t?”
He lifted a brow. “Really? Can we set the bar a little lower, please?”
“Okay, fair point,” she laughed. “Um… I guess just try something and we’ll see what happens.”
He agreed with a nod and took a few steps away from her. Focusing intently on where Starshine dozed across the lake, Von took a deep breath and vanished. Almost instantly he reappeared beside a grumpy Starshine who did not appreciate the unexpected company. So their assumption had been right, at least to an extent. Blinking was something he’d already been able to do, but never across a distance that great before. His power had definitely received a boost as a result of their completed bond.
Helena watched as Starshine sniffed at Von. He stood still, uncertain about what the Talyrian was doing. She looked confused as well, twisting her head from Von to Helena and back again, before dipping down to sniff him once more.
He gave Helena a baffled glance. “Should I be concerned?”
“I have no idea,” Helena admitted with a shrug.
Von looked back at Starshine who was now pressing her face into him. Tentatively, Von lifted a hand and began to stroke her gleaming fur. Helena let out a snort of laughter when Starshine’s purrs were audible even where she was standing.
“I guess that answers that.”
Starshine had always tolerated Von, but she had never made any overt signs of affection before. Up until now, those had been exclusively reserved for Helena. Starshine must be sensing Helena’s essence in Von. She could only assume this was another unanticipated side effect of their completed bond.
“Do you think this means she’ll let me ride her without you now?” Von asked as he ran his hand along the length of Starshine’s muzzle. Starshine twisted her head away, playfully swiping at Von with her paw. It was her way of letting him know he’d erred when he’d stopped scratching behind her ears. Von jumped back with a startled shout, narrowly avoiding sharp black claws. Unfortunately, what was playful for a Talyrian was still potentially deadly to a human, especially when said paw was the size of a dinner plate.
“Definitely not,” Helena snickered.
“Mother’s tits! I don’t think I’d trust her even if she did.”
“She really is quite easy to understand once you learn her tells.”
“It’s no wonder. Only a fool would chance repeating a mistake with her.”
Helena’s laughter rang out, filling the night with her joyful melody.
Chapter Twenty-One
Seeing Talyria for the first time was something Helena knew she would never forget. The air was thick with power. She felt it as soon as they flew across the border. It didn’t feel like magic, at least not in the way she understood it; this was ancient and much more primal. She wondered if it was what had kept Talyria separated from the rest of Elysia for centuries; if that ancient energy was, in fact, a powerful barrier that kept everyone else out. Knowing that she was one of the first to see the land of the Talyrians was a privilege she would never take for granted.
The setting sun painted the sky in bright oranges and rosy pinks, and thick red clouds obscured all but the highest mountain peaks. These were not the sloping, snow-capped mountains of Vyruul, but rather sheer-faced cliffs that towered high above the ground. From her vantage point, she started to notice cave-like openings scattered across the cliffs. They were often accompanied by small stretches of rock that could act as landing areas.
As they flew deeper into the heart of Talyria, Starshine dipped beneath the clouds, and the land below came into view. There were a few massive waterfalls that surged off of the cliffs, turning into deep pools that broke up the otherwise reddish-brown land. The pools of water were so clear, Helena could see fish darting below the surface. They were sprayed by the water as they flew past, and what didn’t hit them hung in the air like tiny prisms. Helena risked a glance over her shoulder, grinning when she saw that Von’s look of delight was a mirror of her own. If the Ebon Isle was a reminder of the deadly power of the elements, Talyria was a testament to their unending beauty. It was paradise.
They were more than an hour inland before Helena caught her first glimpse at another Talyrian. Massive feline heads tracked their movements, letting out roars of greeting as their queen flew past. A few leapt off the cliffs, joining them in flight. Soon the sky was full of beating wings in a variety of colors. Some were dark like Starshine’s, while others were so light they appeared to be smoke moving across the sky.
By the changing angle of Starshine’s body, Helena knew that they were about to land in an opening that had emerged between two of the flat-topped mountains. Just as they were about to touch down, Helena noticed two balls of fur rolling and playing in the dusty red earth. She let out a small gasp of wonder; they were baby Talyrians.
One of the cubs was an inky black, its glowing violet eyes narrowing as it prepared to pounce. The other was milky-white with amber eyes and small patches of orange covering its tiny body. The black one leapt, jet-black wings flaring out on either side, holding it airborne for an instant before its paws made contact with its target. The white and orange cub tried to dodge the attack, but wasn’t fast enough, and ended up rolling backwards.
It jumped up, shaking off the dust and snarling its challenge at the black one. Helena was certain the little one thought the sound was quite fierce, but the snarl sounded more like a squeak and Helena could not contain her giggle. The cubs were about as ferocious as stuffed toys, but she knew better than to ever say so aloud. Especially with two protective mamas standing watch just behind them. She wondered if she had a chance of snuggling one of them.
Starshine landed, and two Talyrian males immediately approached her. Both of the males were bigger in size than Starshine, but there was no doubt she was the alpha here. The silver one reached her first, rumbling a greeting before bowing his head. The other was the black of a midnight sky. Without the glittering sapphire of its eyes, which were utterly focused on his Queen, he could have easily been mistaken for a rippling shadow. A mistake his enemy would likely never survive to repeat. This one did not bow, but stalked toward her until they were all but touching. There was a growl and he bared razor-sharp teeth. Starshine didn’t flinch.
The midnight Talyrian growled again, a sound that had the hair on the back of Helena’s neck standing on end. Starshine opened her mouth and roared, plumes of smokes flaring up around her. With a huff, the male sat down, its wings shaking out in what seemed like annoyance.
“What in the Mother’s name is going on?” Helena asked.
“Isn’t it obvious? The midnight one is letting her know he’s displeased with how long she’s been gone, and in reply Starshine told him to fuck off.”
Helena was only mildly surprised that Von had translated the situation so easily. After replaying the last few seconds with his assessment in place she had to agree it held the definite ring of truth.
“Apparently males of all species like to tell their queens what to do,” Helena commented dryly.
Von snickered, “Only the smart ones.”
“See, that is where we disagree.”
Starshine finally sat back, allowing Von and Helena to slide down. The glowing gazes of the nearby Talyrians followed them warily; they must have been the first humans they’d ever seen. Helena could not fault their caution.
The cubs were already being carried away from the strangers. I guess I won’t be playing with the babies anytime soon, Helena thought a bit dejectedly, watching as they dangled from their mothers’ jaws.
Following her train of thought, Von rubbed his hand along her back. When she looked over at him he smiled sympathetically. “Don’t take it personally. How comfortable would we be letting a Talyrian play with one
of our young?”
“I know but…” Helena stopped midsentence when she heard the whine slip into her psychic tone. She gave Von a rueful smile. “You wanted to play with them too, didn’t you?”
“There’s a reason I’m not allowed near the Daejaran litters anymore.”
“Oh?”
“The mamas didn’t appreciate having to track their pups down. Usually in my room.”
Helena chuckled. “How do people ever mistake you for a fearsome warrior?”
Von gave her a dark look paired with a wicked grin.
“Let’s just hope none of the cubs go missing while we’re here. I have a feeling you might be the first suspect.”
Their mirth flowed through the bond, but they focused back on the massive felines before them. Knowing the Talyrians would react to any display of weakness, Helena held her chin up and strode purposefully to Starshine’s side. She didn’t allow herself to so much as blink while the darker of the two males sniffed her. It was not a threatening act, but it was certainly intimidating.
Beside her Starshine let out a warning growl. She did not need Von to translate this time; Starshine had just declared Helena as hers. By association, that meant that she had just declared Helena as Pride. There was a confused whine from the silver male, but Starshine’s warning had only made the black one more curious.
“And we thought the Talyrians would be the easiest of the tribes to convince…”
“He just wants to make sure you are not a threat. He’s protecting the ones he loves.”
“Does he have to be so thorough?” she asked, her voice terse as his sniffed between her legs.
Von let out his own warning growl. Apparently Starshine wasn’t the only one that felt the need to claim her. Helena sighed.
Curious about the two-legged creature that would attempt to intimidate him, the black Talyrian shifted focus to her Mate. He unfurled his wings until they were fully extended and blocked out everything but him and his glowing sapphire eyes. Helena stiffened, knowing this was a challenge.
Von crossed his arms and lifted his chin, never once looking away from the sapphire gaze. The Talyrian lowered his head until it was level with Von’s. The two males stared at each other silently. After a long moment, the Talyrian opened his mouth and bellowed. Von’s hair and cloak blew back, but otherwise he stood still. The Talyrian blinked, surprised that the other male had not cowered.
“Are you done?” Von asked in a slightly bored tone. The tone, if not the words, were clear. The Talyrian huffed. There was a calculating cast to his gaze now, as if a decision was being reached.
Finally, he nudged Von, rubbing him with his head and marking him with his scent. Starshine let out a rumble of approval.
“Looks like I’m not the only one who’s been claimed. What will Karma do when you come home with your own Talyrian?”
Von shook his head. “I’m not sure he’s going to have much of a say in the matter.”
Helena wasn’t certain any of them did.
Moving slowly, Von extended his hand, stroking the velvety fur of his Talyrian’s neck.
“What will you call him?”
Von considered the question for a moment. “If Starshine was named for the color of her fur, then there’s really only one name for him.”
“Midnight,” they said together.
“Welcome to the family, Midnight,” Helena said aloud.
Midnight did not reply, he was too busy purring as Von scratched him behind the ears.
Their time in Talyria passed quickly. After the initial meeting, they’d been taken deeper into the heart of the encampment located between the two mountains. There was a central valley with its own pool of water surrounded by a series of caves and tunnels where the Talyrians made their homes. Starshine’s cave was the furthest back, whether as a show of respect, or because it was the best protected, Helena wasn’t certain. The caves were massive and had clearly been created by the Chosen who had once been welcome here. Soft light glowed, reflecting golden light all along the ebony walls. There were also smaller rooms, more proportioned in size to something one of the Chosen would be comfortable with. Von and Helena had shared one such room in Starshine’s cave.
The morning after their arrival, Starshine left the cave early. Catching a glimpse of the brilliant white fur streaking past her room, Helena started to follow her but stopped dead when Starshine turned. With one warning growl the Talyrian made it clear that Helena was not welcome at whatever meeting was about to take place.
Without being present it was impossible to know what transpired, but given their situation, it seemed most likely that Starshine was calling the Talyrians to war. When she did not see the Talyrian Queen for the rest of the day, Helena figured Starshine was spending time with the family she’d had to leave behind when she came to Tigaera. Or perhaps it wasn’t her entire family but just one midnight fellow in particular. Either way, Helena couldn’t blame the girl.
But now, with the sun just beginning to break through the clouds, it was time to meet the rest of the Circle in Etillion. When they’d left the others, they’d agreed to meet again in five days, and they’d been in Talyria for two, which meant they were already a couple hours behind schedule if they wanted to make it to Etillion by nightfall. Talyrians were fast, but they were not Kaelpas stones.
Helena stepped out of the cave and was stunned by the number of Talyrians that greeted her. At most, she’d come into contact with perhaps fifteen Talyrians in the past few days, and sadly not one of them was a snuggly cub. Now, however, there were well over forty gathered and preparing for flight. Some would surely stay behind to protect the young, but otherwise, they had a greater aerial force than she’d imagined.
Standing in the front of them all was Starshine. She looked more than a little majestic when surrounded by the others. As she made to walk over toward the Talyrian Queen, something unexpected happened.
Starshine tipped her head back and roared, a blast of flame lighting up the early morning sky. As one, every Talyrian responded in kind, their roars deafening. As the roars tapered off, they dropped low, baring their necks in the universal sign of submission. But it was not to Starshine that they made this display; it was to Helena.
Helena trembled, her throat thick with emotion as she watched the beautiful and proud creatures pledge themselves, and their lives, to her. And then Von was there, stepping past her and moving to stand beside Midnight.
“Von,” she whispered, her voice quavering as she realized what he was going to do.
His gaze held hers as he joined the Talyrians, dropping to his knee and bowing his head.
“My power, my life, and my love are yours, Mira.”
“That’s all?” she asked, teasing because anything else would have her in tears. In the end, her levity didn’t matter. When Von replied, his words leveled her.
“It’s all that I am.”
“It is more than I deserve.”
His eyes went dark with the same emotion that filled her.
Too overwhelmed to speak, Helena placed her hand over her heart and dipped her head, bowing until she was almost bent in half. It was the Chosen’s sign of deepest respect and reverence, one often used in the Mother’s temples. As Kiri, there were none that she should ever have to bow to, but it was the only way she could think of to express how deeply their act had touched her.
There was another roar, and the Talyrians stood, moving to stand closer to her. Helena spent the next hour greeting and thanking each of them for their service. After she’d met the last of the Talyrians, Helena moved back to Starshine.
This time, Von would not be riding with her. Midnight had made it clear that he alone would have the privilege of carrying her Mate. Helena felt her heart stutter and then slam against her ribs as she caught sight of Von seated atop the great beast. It was like looking at a painting of her ancestors in the Palace. The sky was a blaze of fiery color while the two warriors were wrapped in darkness. The symbolism was not los
t on her.
Von had dressed for battle, his ebony armor glinting in the sun’s rays. Below him, Midnight’s wings were raised as he prepared to leap into the air. Individually, each male was a force to be reckoned with. Together, they were the promise of a quick and painful death. Helena couldn’t help but wonder how many would die with the image of Von astride Midnight being the last thing they ever saw.
Blinking she forced herself to turn away. Using a small burst of Air, Helena quickly got into position on Starshine.
“Alright, girl. Let’s go meet our friends.”
With a final roar, Starshine leapt into the air. Behind her, Helena could hear the echoing roars of the Pride as they followed suit. Helena looked back over her shoulder seeing the sky fill with flapping wings. As Talyria grew smaller, Helena’s heart grew heavy. This might be the last time any of them would see their home. The unwelcome thought settled tight and heavy in the bottom of her stomach.
Turning back around, she let out her own battle cry followed by a fiercely whispered promise, “I’m coming for you, you fucking bitch. Too many have already been lost because of your greed. You may have struck the first blow, but mine will be the last.”
Helena’s words were lost to the wind, but she hoped they found Rowena wherever she was hiding.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Helena knew they must be in Etillion even without being able to see the massive wall that notoriously divided it from Endoshan. In the months after the twin territories divided, the wall was erected as a physical reminder of the separation. Flying from Talyria meant that they came into the realm from the Northeast and as such, were on the opposite side of the landmark. Even so, the hills that they’d been riding over had given way to flat land that had become pockmarked with buildings in the last hour or so.
Taking shape on the horizon was a much larger structure that she assumed was the embassy. Helena could just make out the silver tree on the forest green flags flying from each of the building’s towers. As a Chosen territory, there was no capital as such. Just the sprawling building that housed the ambassador and her family. The additional bedrooms were for visiting Chosen.