by Jaime Marks
Staryana smiled in amusement. “He’s growing on you, I see.”
He squeezed her tightly against him. “He saved my mate’s life. It tends to put me in a good mood and gain my good graces.”
They watched as Cymeryn led Kyle over to take his place by his sister, glancing cautiously to Byryn as they approached. He had to stifle a laugh that her brother still debated if he was a threat when he’d saved his life and sired him the night before, albeit it in a combined awakening but still, he’d done it.
He held eye contact with Kyle as he leaned down kissing Staryana, taking Kylion before releasing her to him. “Go welcome your brother properly, brightness.”
She smiled warmly at him then turned and wrapped her arms around her brother for the first time ever. Byryn watched as Kyle embraced her fully with a tear streaming down his face. He nodded to him as he watched his eyes drift closed and he eased in a way that Byryn had never seen before.
Then again, there was an entire side of Kyle that he’d never seen before. He’d sensed him thoroughly before releasing his hold of the new Fae’s body. The last thing he’d anticipated last night was helping to awaken him. He definitely never intended to share his blood with him. He wouldn’t have, but once their essences merged several things became apparent. Cymeryn was emotionally invested in the boy making it through and watching him die was killing the Fae. Marcus was sure that his death would devastate Staryana and as much as he hated to admit it, he was right. The most compelling, however, had been that Kyle loved Staryana deeply and was committed to her safety so completely that he was at peace with dying as long as he knew she was safe and well.
They were still adjusting to each other and really they hadn’t even started yet. He’d spoken to him a few times but had managed to keep it simple. Tomorrow things would be more settled in the Palace and he’d be able to deal with their new found connections. Sooner or later he had to find some way to talk to Kyle about the bond between them.
Byryn had made everyone present swear not to disclose the transfusion. Only the Kings and his brothers knew, well the Healer but Sanytia was discreet and they’d sworn her to secrecy as well. If he left it go for too long Kyle would think he was hiding it and he didn’t want him to think he had some ulterior motif. Sharing blood to that level, in a one-sided matter, created strong bonds that could be leveraged over the recipient. They weren’t sure if it would be the same with the Sacred Borne, but he didn’t want Kyle to feel as though he were under his control or even to worry that he ever would be. Besides, this was different. It was a direct transfusion, merging their essence in a way. He didn’t know if the same rules applied but it was something he would never attempt to test.
Honestly the issue was that Byryn needed time to sort through his own feelings on everything before he could discuss it with him. His actions had kind of shocked him, considering he’d never even imagine offering it to another, not even his brothers. He didn’t regret it, but he needed to be sure he understood it before he even tried to explain it. He hadn’t even told Staryana yet and he was continually blocking the information from her. It wasn’t something he’d be able to put off much longer. He’d have to deal with it tomorrow.
He wasn’t really sure how Kyle would react. If it were him he’d demand the donor take his blood to level the playing field and as much as he never intended to use that leverage, he never intended to let anyone else have the ability to wield it over him either. Staryana was the only one he trusted that completely and it was sacred to him in a way. He might have saved her brother, bound himself to him irrevocably, but giving him any amount of power over him was something he couldn’t fathom.
His thoughts shifted as Felycia came into view and stood beside his Dad. He smiled warmly as he watched her. So much had changed for her in just two days. She was struggling internally but she was honestly trying and that was more than he could have hoped for. It was a miracle really.
He wasn’t fooling himself. It wasn’t as if she was going to suddenly forgive him, but it was the first time in a long time that he knew she’d be alright. Even if she never trusted him again she had his Dad who was Claiming her and his Mom had sired her. They would always support and care for her.
Then there was Devyn. He was one of the fiercest Warriors in the war regardless of race. If anyone knew how to keep Felycia safe it was him. Whatever happened between himself and Felycia now, he would always know she’d never be alone again and for that he was eternally grateful.
Devyn left the spot where he’d been standing on the right hand side of the thrones and joined him. “Thank you, Byryn.”
“For what?” He requested not taking his eyes off his sister. She looked up a moment to see them standing together and her eyes widened before she looked away. He almost laughed at her nervousness but then stopped himself wondering why she was nervous about them talking in the first place. Really he didn’t want to know.
“For entrusting me with one of the most important females in your life. I know accepting my declaration could not have been easy.”
He grunted but forced himself to curb his attitude. He’d consented to this and he knew they cared about each other. Hell, he’d never seen Felycia instigate physical contact with anyone, ever; especially not romantically. It was good for her and they were bonding so he needed not to turn into the overprotective, asshole brother. Really.
“It was her decision, Devyn,” he replied honestly and levelly as he watched the ritual proceed.
Devyn nodded beside him. “I know but you could have easily dissuaded her. She still lacks confidence in her choices despite her forward efforts. She is trying with all this. It is what she wants, but I do not yet know if she feels she deserves it. I get the distinct impression she feels unworthy of all she is being given, though for the realms I cannot fathom why.”
“Hmmm,” Byryn watched her make the offering of her blood, severing the link of her bloodline, as he pondered the Fae’s words. “Are you sure it’s not just that she doesn’t trust it?”
“Quite, though if you ask her I believe that would be the justification. There have been specific things that she has said, however, that make me certain she feels herself in some way unworthy. As if she feels there is something she need repent for.”
“To be honest, I’ve never known her to act that way. She’s usually confident in herself. It’s everyone else that she has an issue with.”
They watched silently as Reyana continued through the ceremony. Felycia gasped as the binding of the lines occurred once she and Grifyn clasped arms. Devyn chuckled softly, “She is a phenomenal Fae, Byryn. I cannot express the joy she brings me enough.”
Byryn cast a glance up at him curiously. “So you accept the Gray as Fae then?”
He breathed deeply before nodding. “Aye. I will not deny to you that we are bonding, though I would ask you not to repeat that for her sake. She is not ready to accept it, but I can no longer deny it. It could not be so if it were merely trickery of the Shade,” he conceded. “She is too pure of heart for it to be a manipulation and the Shade cannot Taint the heart of the Fae to love, they cannot love. The only other possible conclusion is the Gray is genuine as you all have attempted to show me. I simply could not see it, but I see it through her. Any doubts I have, all I need do is look to her and she shines so brightly that I cannot deny the truth of her Light.”
Byryn nodded. “So you accept it then.”
“I accept the awakening of the Gray and the Fae who seek Redemption as truth. It is the Shade who are Redeemed I still have question over. I will need to see it myself to understand it I believe.”
“That can be arranged,” Cymeryn injected quietly from beside them.
“Eavesdropping, Cymeryn? Why I am not surprised?” Devyn huffed in a droll tone.
“Relax Devyn, it was not intentional. I merely came over to be nearer to my young and watch the young of my former progeny fully transition into our family. You forget, I am her Grandsire as am I Byryn’s.” Cy
meryn shrugged.
Byryn shifted uncomfortably in the sudden tension. It was as if both Fae were exuding aura’s that were choking the air from the room. He had no idea what their history was but the longer he was around the two of them the less he wanted to know and the more he hoped they’d drop it and move on.
He smiled warmly as Grifyn and Felycia embraced completing the ritual. She looked up to them with tearful eyes and a small smile on her face. Byryn could feel something different, but he wasn’t sure where she was directing it. The moment the connection was complete he could feel the bond strengthen in a way that it hadn’t existed before. He could feel her joy, her love. It was amazing. He thought that she looked to him for a moment and he felt a pull towards her, but he would never dare to assume it.
Felycia could feel the connections with them in a way she’d never experienced. It felt…good, complete, safe. She didn’t feel like an outsider in their world, their family, but as if she were suddenly an essential piece of their puzzle. She let the Light and warmth of the moment fill her heart, healing it in some way that she never even knew it needed to heal.
The world wasn’t perfect and she still had major issues with a lot of things but in this moment she had a family and she knew she could trust them, even Byryn. It was something she hadn’t ever felt. Aside from a few days where Byryn had taught her to trust him before everything fell apart around them, she had never had that, and when reality had ripped it away she never thought that she would again.
She needed him in that moment. She needed to thank him for all he’d been doing for her, for always being there even when she forbid him to even look at her, and she needed to share this feeling with him. She needed to make up for so much and for secrets she couldn’t tell him, for the wrong she was doing even if it protected all of them. She didn’t know if this feeling would last but right now she needed her brother like she needed the air.
“Go to him,” Grifyn urged her softly in her ear as he held her. “I can feel what you need, Felycia. He will not turn you away and he understands. He is still and has always been your brother…and your protector. If you only give him a chance he will understand…all of it.”
She hesitated as he gently wiped a tear from her cheek. For a moment she wondered if he knew but Trina hadn’t confronted her and no one else could know. Besides if either of them did, Byryn would know and she was sure he didn’t. Grifyn kissed her head, releasing her as he turned her in Byryn’s direction. She looked at him again searching for the truth and took a tentative step forward but froze sensing his hesitation.
That was her fault and he had every right to hesitate with her, he just didn’t know it. She’d made him feel like he didn’t have the right to so much as look at her and it had never been his fault. She’d kept things from him that could destroy everything he’d made of his life and still she judged him for trying to take care of her when she was in some ways doing the same thing.
What happened between them that night had been his shame and pain every bit as much as it had been hers. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered his name. She had no right to seek this connection to him after how she’d treated him and all she’d kept hidden. Really she should just leave him alone.
Byryn stood frozen, unsure what he should do. He watched his sister standing there, fragile in a way that he had a hard time ever imagining her. She seemed to be solely focused on him and he took a tentative step forward but froze. He glanced around the room meeting Trycen and Wycelion’s confused looks. He knew they couldn’t sense her as well as he could but they were obviously just as confused as he was by her behavior.
He met his Dad’s eyes and he nodded to him. Tears suddenly streamed down her face and he heard his name drift to him almost so quietly that he thought he imagined it. He didn’t know what to do but he felt Staryana’s essence flow through him in reassurance. Still, Felycia had never accepted him before. He didn’t want to make whatever she was going through any harder.
“Byryn, go to her,” Devyn encouraged. “She needs you.”
He almost shook his head but she reached for him and he misted in front of her. “Felycia? Are you ok?” He asked hesitantly.
She suddenly fell into him gripping him tightly as she sobbed. “I’m sorry, Byryn. I’m so sorry.”
He choked back his own sob, wrapping his arms around her as he felt her love overwhelming him. “Felycia?” He held her head to his chest. “You’ve got nothing to apologize to me for…ever alright? If anything I’m sorry.”
“No,” she shook her head against him. “It wasn’t your fault, Byryn, but I took it out on you. I took it out on you because I was so mad at myself for letting you in and all you ever did was try to protect me. You almost died trying to protect me.”
“And I failed you, Felycia. I hurt you in the worst ways imaginable.”
“Only after he pushed you to the brink of death and you were Commanded. And you saved me, Byryn. If I had been left to fate, alone in that cell, we both know that I would’ve died from my injuries. I damned well should have. You nursed me back to health and then freed me before Trevyn could sell me off to the highest bidder.”
He froze, “What makes you think it was me?”
She pulled back and met his eyes. “Come on, Byryn. Who else would’ve been able to without you or Trevyn finding out? Who else would’ve had Kylion lead me out to play hide and seek with the promise that he would come for me when I needed him?”
He smirked. “You weren’t supposed to know.”
“You were the only one who ever cared. No one else would have helped me.”
He wiped away some of her tears, shocked that she’d known all this time, but really she was right. Who else could have gotten away with it or would’ve even bothered to try? He pulled her tight to his chest again unwilling to allow the moment to end just yet. He couldn’t believe he was even holding her like this, let alone that she wanted him to.
“I couldn’t let you die and you didn’t deserve any of it, Felycia, not anything we put you through and not the life he was condemning you to. I couldn’t sit back and allow it after everything you’d already been through. If I had known what was going to happen…”
She shook her head. “I know. You don’t have to explain it to me, Byryn. I don’t want to think about it anymore, but you need to know that I don’t hate you.”
“You’d have every right to…”
She cut him off, “I don’t. I was just so afraid to let you in again. I thought if I had never let you in it never would’ve hurt so much because I was used to people treating me like I was worthless. I was so numb to it, to everything, but then you came along and somehow I started to rely on you. You actually cared about me, took care of me. No one else ever did. You made me feel, Byryn, and after everything happened I didn’t ever want to feel again.”
He drew back and looked her over. “And now?”
She looked over his shoulder and he knew that she was looking at Devyn. “I don’t think I could avoid feeling if I wanted to…” She met his eyes again, “and I don’t think I want to.”
“Good, because you deserve better.” She lowered her eyes and for the first time he understood what Devyn was talking about. It was something she’d never shown him before. “I mean it, Felycia.” He hooked her chin, lifting it up so he could meet her eyes. “You deserve better.”
“He’s right.” His Dad, no their Dad, stood beside him. “Leave the past behind you, Felycia. You have a new life, here with us,” he glanced over his shoulder, “with Devyn.”
She blushed slightly and Byryn chuckled, reaching over to pull their Dad into their embrace. He never in a million years thought it would happen. He was sure he didn’t deserve it but he would cherish the opportunity. He needed his little sister so badly and he finally had her back.
Chapter 22
Alayne screamed out yet again as that brilliant white Light ran through him. Curse the Protectors of Balance. He grit his teeth as he tried to reason a wa
y around their block but there was nothing. He could feel neither his precious bride, nor his traitorous grandson. It was one thing to betray him but to align himself so thoroughly with his greatest rival, to become his progeny, his blood, to denounce his lines. The boy would pay greatly when he reached him.
“You have lost them both?” The Dark Lord demanded, his voice echoing from everywhere at once despite the fact that Alayne could see him pacing Tatyna through torture to his own pleasure yet again.
“I have, my lord. It seems the Protectors of Balance have found a way to Claim the young of mine line and sever the bonds completely,” he hissed.
He dared not voice his aggravation at the fact that they would never have united, never have been able to thwart him so easily had Lazurys allowed him to deal with Cymeryn before Reyn had chance to reach him.
“If you had followed my wishes, Alayne, it is likely this would not have occurred,” his disembodied voice floated around him. “Trying to prevent them from bonding was foolish. It will be much easier to control them now. It is a shame she was not awakened of your strength but it is still a part of her and once she drinks of me, completing her fully, her power will grow still.”
He was being held, imprisoned in invisible bindings that he could not break. It had never been thus. His Father had never held him captive prior. This was a fate Cymeryn had often endured and Alayne had savored in his misery but he had never been forced to bear such restraint. Always he presented himself willingly for his penance. Such measures were hardly necessary.
“You had never so thoroughly disobeyed me prior,” Lord Lazurys snapped appearing before him. “Did you think I would not know your mind? That I would not know you meant to kill the boy and claim the girl as yours despite my expressed order? You disappoint me, son, more for your naivety than your treachery. The latter I expect, given your lust for power. The former I will not tolerate.”