Two friends with a shared tragedy find life companions in very different ways. One gets a familiar, and the other gets everything she didn’t know she wanted.

Missy is delighted to be reunited with her sister and mortified to be tied to Tannic once again when she is so close to being free of the birdbrained jock. They settle in for companionship and slow courtship, but Missy’s mindset is difficult for most folks to understand, so she calls in reinforcements.

Rehalla is a friend from school, and when together, she and Missy understand each other.

After meeting Tannic, Rehalla acts as a translator for some of Missy’s behaviours, and soon, they have an arrangement that helps Missy act in a socially acceptable manner at her sister’s engagement party. With that settled, Rehalla is ready to flirt with some of the available guests when a shocking rejection sends her into a spin that leads her to the origin of her executioner abilities and a family she could never have imagined.

It’s no wonder that she has been feeling blue. She was always supposed to be.

The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Portal Magic

Copyright © 2024 by Viola Grace

ISBN: 978-1-990635-59-5

©Cover art by Angela Waters

All rights reserved. With the exception of review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the express permission of the publisher.

Published by Viola Grace

Look for me online at violagrace.com.

Portal Magic

An Obscure City Book 3

By

Viola Grace

Chapter One

Artemis Will could feel the narrow connection between her and her newest familiar, Smoog. He would get his human name back when he was back on his feet. Well, standing on two feet. He had stripes, he had spots, and he had white feet and a white belly. He was adorable, even to Missy.

She picked him up and scritched his head with her fingertip. “Well. We have to register you now. I will include the punitive timing of five years.”

I thought I was registered with you.

Tannic chuckled and said, “Your consent to the link was registered. Now, Archmage Will will confirm that the procedure has been completed.”

Was it like this when you linked with her? Smoog wandered around the room and bounced a little as he found a bit of fluff on the floor.

“No, it was a lot more formal, and there were a bunch of mages watching to see if I would explode. That had been the fate for the previous attempts.”

Missy grimaced. “They were all under a death sentence in their human form, so it was a quick death, but yeah, they did blow.”

The kitten looked at her in shock. I thought you were kidding.

Tannic shook his head. “She was not.”

Missy thought about the animals and got ill. “I was not.”

The kitten stood next to her, and then he climbed her jeans. When he climbed her tee, she winced but remained still until he was on her shoulder.

The world looks so big from up here. Do I smell blood?

“Yes, Smoog. Your claws are sharp; the shirt is thin.” She offered him the burning pain that ran up her torso to mark his path.

He froze. You didn’t move when I crawled up.

Tannic took her hand and rubbed his thumb along her knuckles. A warm wave rushed over her skin, and the hot prickles faded.

Smoog blinked. Thank you, Tannic.

Tannic smiled. “Healing is what I got when I bonded to the archmage. I learned every application that I could. You dumped a lot of power into me.”

“I really didn’t.”

He shook his head. “Do you want another dance lesson?”

Missy paused. “Uh. Didn’t we have one an hour ago?”

“Yes, but it is literally something that you will get better at the more you practice.”

He just wants to get his hands on you. The kitten snorted.

“He just has to ask,” Missy said to Smoog. “I do not respond well to surprise contact. I wanted to scatter you around the world with your body in a hundred pieces, but I had to heal myself first, and then I had to gather a crowd to outnumber the wolves.”

The kitten froze. Really?

“Really. I really am not swayed by something cute, but I thought it would make folks treat you more kindly as you serve your sentence. As you were a feline shifter, I thought to keep you in that species.”

Uh, thank you.

“You are welcome. So, just remember that when folks coo over how cute you are, it was deliberate.”

Tannic played music on his phone again and pulled her into his arms. “Dancing should be second nature. You should be in the arms of your partner and move with them effortlessly. We will practice at random intervals.”

She focused on relaxing against him and sighed as she put her hands on his arms. “They tried to teach me before I became a master mage, but I couldn’t manage to relax.”

He moved one of his arms and held her hand in his. “Just focus on relaxing one muscle group at a time. It will feel completely normal when we are dancing at the engagement parties.”

She nodded. “I have used desensitization before. I respond well to exposure therapy.”

You sound ill, Archmage.

“Not ill, just... my brain has chosen its focus, and it is not the world around me. This is just where it exists. It sees other planes and dimensions as easily as it does the street I live on. My brain is in a constant state of calculating my location in space and time and the position of those around me.”

The music was soft, and they were slowly moving around the room. Tannic’s hand was wrapped around her back, and they were closer than they had been when they had started dancing.

“Autism?” Tannic asked.

“They don’t diagnose mages like that. They know even a brain with its own way of processing is a useful thing that can tap into its own power if given enough time. Mine raged into full activation when they took Athena away. She was like always having a door at my back, a person to lean on, and then she was gone.”

She sighed and pressed her head to Tannic’s chest. “I never wanted to do that to anyone else.”

He murmured, “Do what?”

“Obligate someone to look after me. I know how hard it was for her, but she was my sister. Roping someone else into being the block at my back was something I avoided as long as I could.”

He rubbed her back. “I know. They did not ask me lightly. I am literally the only one of my kind in this generation. I read the parts of your file that they presented and then your statement that you would not make any demands on me.”

She sighed. “It nearly worked. I nearly got you out of the contract.”

“I never asked to be released from the contract, Archmage.”

“Call me Missy.”

“Missy for Artemis; Atty for Athena.”

“Correct. Girls like cute names. It was a private joke, and our given names were so serious, we needed to make them fun.” She lifted her head as the song finished.

Tannic looked down at her, his golden eyes crinkling as he smiled. “There may be more than one.”

The kitten snickered.

Missy nodded. “Don’t laugh, Smoog. You are going to be wearing a cute little bow for the ceremonies. Maybe a collar.”

He growled. I am not a pet.

“No, you are a familiar. You contain a tiny piece of my power. Once you get stronger, it will be more and more power, but I am being careful with your teeny body.” She looked at him seriously.

Please don’t explode me.

“I am trying not to. The speck of energy inside you is going to get your body ready for more. With Tannic, I just dumped the extra into him because he demanded it. He’s bossy.”

Tannic snorted, and she looked at him. “Bossy?”

“Well, you yelled at me to get it over with, so I did.” She looked at him and knew her eyes were huge. They were headed into social declarations, and those freaked her out.

He chuckled. “I was a bit of a thug, and I do remember snapping at you as you tried to get the council to change their minds.”

“You were tense and grumpy.”

“I was eager, and the council asked me to take more of your power than you offered. I had finished arguing with the councillor outside the ritual space, and he was glaring at you.”

“Yes, I am not particularly liked by the council, so when I won the spot of the archmage, there were several who wanted me dead. Draining a good portion of my magic and then sending an assassin would be a good place to start if they wanted to kill me. They almost did. Twice.”

Tannic’s hand squeezed hers. “Twice?”

“Yeah, right after we linked. Assassin on my running path was the first, and poison on my groceries was the second.”

“Then it stopped?”

She chuckled. “Yeah, I let some of the pieces appear in a council meeting. I was lectured for it but simply stated that I had been so flustered by the attacks that the temporal effect of the portals had been unpredictable.”

“Wait, you timed the remains to arrive in council?” Tannic smiled.

“Yeah. My mistake.” She nodded. “This dancing is different.” They were stepping forward and back with their hips rocking gently. His hand guided her gently as he moved them around the room.

“It is. It can be done to fast or slow music.”

She nodded and moved with him, getting closer and closer to him until they were in light contact. “I think the basics will be enough.”

“These are the basics. Your sister is advanced.”

Missy scowled and then nodded. “Atty has always been better at people things.”

Tannic smiled. “I would like to take you for a flight one day soon.”

“Why?”

“Because portals are fine, but actually moving through space is a very different thing.” His hand moved in a slow circle on her back as they shifted back and forth. “Wind and the view that reaches around the horizon. Light unclouded and blue sky all around you.”

“It sounds pretty.”

“It is spectacular, and I would love to be your guide.”

Missy twisted her lips. “I will consider it.”

Her phone chimed, and she blinked. “Oh, I have something to do.”

Tannic chuckled and slowed until they were standing. “If I didn’t know better, I would think you planned the interruption.”

“Physical fitness is no joke. I have to remain fit, or my magic slips.”

Tannic stared at her. “You aren’t kidding. You are going to work out?”

“Yes.” She pried her hand out of his and stepped back. “It is time for me to go for a run. Cardio helps spell casting.”

Tannic let her step away and inclined his head. “Can I come with you?”

“No. Not necessary. You probably have XIA stuff to do or patients or recreational activities to engage in.” She set the kitten on the floor.

She stared up at him while a band of magic changed her into exercise clothes.

Tannic blinked. “How do you do that?”

“I have mannequins with my clothing on them, and I portal a new outfit on and an old one off.”

“That must take a lot of energy.”

“Yes, but I have a lot of energy to use.”

Tannic looked at her. “You really think I have been spending my time with frivolous relationships?”

“No. I do not think that they are relationships. I get heavy hits of pleasure from you at strange times. I assumed it was a woman unless it wasn’t. Are you interested in males?” She tilted her head.

“No, I am not interested in males. The pleasure you felt was when I had mastered a healing skill or had a patient survive because of my actions.”

Missy looked at his serious expression. “Really?”

“Yes.”

“Oh. Well, then, I am sorry for stating that you were a bit of a tramp. My apologies.” She put a hand over her left breast on her sports bra and bowed to him. “I request your forgiveness for the assumption.”

Tannic blinked. “I don’t need an apology.”

“Yes, you do. I have been calling you all kinds of things in my head for a few years.”

“You really can’t tell happiness from pleasure?”

She was still bowing. “No. I only relax enough to feel happiness around my sister, and I have only just seen her in person. There was happiness there.”

How long can you bow, mage?

“Nine hours and fifty-two minutes.” She made an amused sound. “After that, I have to kneel.”

Tannic touched her shoulders. “I accept your apology for thinking the worst of me.”

She straightened. “Thank you. I drew the conclusions based on what I observed in the guild. Men seem to create repeating patterns. I will try to suspend my opinions in the future.”

He smiled. “Just come to me with questions, and I will try to explain my situation.”

Missy paused. “Really? Most folks don’t like being asked direct questions.”

“I will make an exception for you. You have my permission to ask me anything, any time.”

The phrase unlocked something in her. “Are you sure?”

Tannic nodded. “I am sure. I would like to discard the clock you have been working with.”

“The ten years?”

“Yes.”

“How will you react if I begin dating? I don’t think I will be able to avoid it for long. Now that Atty is getting married, people will be looking at me to socialize, so I should just get it over with.”

He cupped her jaw. “I will be fine. Do not worry about me. But does this mean I will be able to feel what you feel when it isn’t an emergency?”

“Uh, you really want that? My emotions aren’t exactly standard issue.”

“Please. I am sure I can deal with whatever you have in your mind.”

She set her headset in place, got her music playing, and headed out on her run. Fitness was important, but it was difficult to manage when on call.

She listened to her music as her feet rhythmically hit the pavement, and on the third song, she started to open the emotional gateway. She felt the surprise from Tannic and kept her scheduled run as her mind reacted to each song as if it were an actual event. By the time she clattered into her house and toed off her shoes, she could feel his stunned numbness through the link.

Missy headed to her room and took a quick shower. She dressed in loose and comfortable clothing as soon as she was dry.

There was a carafe of lemon water on the counter, and Tannic served her a glass of water. “What was that spur of excitement followed by the cold bit of emotion on your run?”

She sipped at the water. “That was where the uncancellable assassin tried to scorch me, and I sent them to the guild hall in the swimming pool with a portal block. I should be getting a call soon.”

He blinked. “What?”

“An assassin. The pack sent it before the council meeting, and Richard just forgot to mention it to the council. Oops. What an oversight.”

Smoog bumped her ankle with his head, and she picked him up. You are all right?

“Yeah. She isn’t. That chlorine is probably stinging her burns. I ran her past a volcano on the way to the guild hall.”

“There is nothing in your mind. You aren’t even amused.” Tannic stared. “You didn’t do more than flicker a little. I thought you saw a bug.”

She shrugged and finished her water. “You wanted to know. That is what I feel. As you know, it isn’t quite in line with what others would think.”

He looked at her, and she saw understanding beginning to flare behind his eyes.

Missy set her glass down. “I told you you didn’t want that door open. I can close it again, but it will take a few days.”

He swallowed. “No. Please. Leave it open. I will get the hang of how you think.”

“As you like.” Her phone rang. “I have to get this. The council wants to have a word.”

She answered and walked to her office while the head of the mage council screamed into her ear. Missy grinned and waited for the shrieking to stop. She didn’t really feel amused, but smiling was what you were supposed to do when you knew someone would be upset but could only verbally go after you. She was pissing off her manager. Smiling was appropriate, even if her mind was just happy that the plan worked out.

Chapter Two

When the screaming ended, Missy sighed and changed into her archmage garb. She walked back downstairs and had some more water.

“You are going out?” Tannic was petting Smoog at the kitchen table.

“Yes, they want to take turns shouting at me. I am the problem child, but they can’t get rid of me. It’s a conundrum.” She smiled slightly.

“So, when you are smiling, there isn’t anything behind it.” He set the cat down. “I am coming with you.”

“No, you are not. They will ask why you weren’t with me, and they can and will punish you. I don’t want that. I knew the likelihood of my being attacked after that meeting with Richard. He is not known for his self-control, plus some of the assassins can’t be called off. This was one of them. I mean, he could have warned me, but he didn’t, so here we are.”

He frowned. “I don’t like the idea of you facing the council.”

“I am not a fan either, but I am more worried about you two being with me. You are basically hostages once we go to the council.” She turned to where Smoog was lazing at the table. “Stay.”

She took a deep breath and portalled to the council hall.

She looked at the wet assassin huddled on the ground. “Well, she’s healing nicely. I think I have gotten the hang of the exposure time at the volcano.”

The four council members took turns screaming at her for defiling their sacred pool. Missy waited, and when they were done, she tilted her head. “Richard wasn’t able to call off his assassin. That’s her.”

They stared. She filled them in and then waited.

Sanctions, penalties, and house arrest were all thrown around. She stood still as a healer and restraints were ordered for the poor assassin.

Missy got a message and checked her phone. She smiled. There was an engagement party scheduled for her sister and Cassian. The warmth that she associated with happiness spread through her thoughts. She sent a reply to Atty asking about what she should wear.

I have something you can wear. Don’t worry. So, tomorrow at seven?

Missy smiled again and sent the affirmative.

“Archmage! Are you listening?”

Missy looked up. “Yes, house arrest, sanctions, penalties, funds taken. The whole works. I am a horrible mage and a disgrace to the guild.” She cocked her head. “Should I have let her kill me?” She smirked. “I could have let all my portal energy just disperse in a giant blast, making a crater that would have taken out ten square miles. I mean, that’s still an option.”

Yanith paled. “Are you threatening this council?”

“No. I am not going to blow, but if I don’t have proper measures in place when I die, I am taking a lot of folks with me. We have discussed this. Oh, and I need a few days off for my sister’s engagement stuff, so I will be off house arrest for that.”

Yanith growled. “That isn’t how house arrest works.”

The rest of the council muttered, and Missy straightened, letting her eyes gleam bright as she looked them over. “This council signed my sibling, my only point of stability, over to Richard York’s pack. They refused me counselling so that I would not spill council secrets while I recovered from weeks of torture. I was forced to take a familiar that was far beyond my level, and my control had to come hard and fast, or he would shatter into pieces. So, here I stand, and I am going to my sister’s engagement party, I am going to her wedding, and when I am not trying to get in touch with my one living relative, I will be home and studying.”

Yanith froze and looked at the council. “We need to discuss this. Will you return to your home?”

“Sure. Don’t do anything stupid.” She looked at them calmly. “You have spoken out against me getting help, correction, and proper assistance for my situation. You have not been operating in the best interest of a master and council member. So, I am going to keep as low a profile as I can manage, but if you think you are going to use my specialty before this house arrest is over, you are deluded.”

Missy started showing off. A slow portal was something that only two percent of the master ranking could manage, and no one else could do it with a spiral of glitter slowly moving up their bodies. The last thing to disappear was the tip of her staff, and she was at home again.

Smoog bounded up to her on silent and awkward feet. She scooped him up and set him on her shoulder. “Hello. Meeting is all over. I am a disgrace to the uniform, the mage guild, etc.”

Tannic frowned, and she felt the probing at her emotions. She created an icy ridge between her and her familiar.

She rubbed her cheek against Smoog then scooped him off and set him on the floor. “Right. I need a nap.”

“Missy?”

“I just need some quiet safety. If there is an emergency, I will be in my closet.”

Tannic stepped toward her. “Closet?”

“Since you seem to want to hang around, you probably need to know. This way.” She walked past him, up the stairs, down the hall, and to her room.

Tannic looked around. “I thought it would be... different.”

She snorted and walked to the closet, opening the door to show him her hiding spot. “This is where I sleep.”

His eyes widened as he saw the super soft bed tucked in between the walls. Cushions, stuffed animals made of super squishy fabric and stuffing. The space was silent and soft.

“Okay, now this makes sense.” Tannic respectfully remained outside. “You have been using this since the kidnapping?”

“Two years later, when I pulled this house out of a dimensional rift. I bought the property and did the same at several places around the globe.” She smiled. “I used it as a rehab project to keep myself safe. Once this place was set, I felt less frightened.”

“I can’t imagine you being frightened.”

She swallowed and let him feel the empty, swirling pain and loneliness that took up most of her soul.

Arms wrapped around her carefully, and he held her for a minute without saying anything. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, keeping her pulse steady. She waited until he let her go.

“I have run into two-by-fours more yielding than you.” His hands rubbed her biceps.

“Yeilding is not in my personality definition.” She eased away from him. “I need to rest, and I can only rest here.”

“I will make dinner when you come down. Any preferences?”

“A jar of marshmallow fluff,” she muttered, glancing at him.

He blinked and smiled at her. “For dessert, but you are eating something that will take some of the transparent cast from your skin.”

“Well, aren’t we fancy?” She went into her closet and closed the door softly.

She remained still until she felt him leaving then changed into her nightwear and crawled into her soft bedding, moving her stuffed animals to bring her eagle against her chest as she curled up. He was her favourite, but she kept him hidden for obvious reasons. Tannic would never let her live it down.

Missy breathed slowly and slept.

* * * *

Tannic video-called Cassian. “Hey, Cass. Is your mate around? I have questions about what happened to Artemis.”

“I can answer most of them. We have had a long discussion while we waited.” Cassian was seated at his desk.

“For what?”

Cassian chuckled on the other side of the call. “Never mind. What do you need to know?”

“Did she receive any PTSD assistance after she recovered from the kidnapping?” Tannic frowned. “There wasn’t any mention of it.”

“No. The guild was embarrassed that she had been taken under their noses. There is usually a protection protocol in place for folk with her magic levels, but they didn’t bother because she is so abrasive.”

Tannic sighed and ran his hands through his hair. “Aside from her neurodivergence, this actually makes a lot of things make sense. I am amazed that she hasn’t gone on a murder spree.”

Cassian nodded. “She has. She portals her victims into shrubs around the world.”

Tannic blinked. “Right. So, I am looking in the wrong records.”

“What?”

“The XIA has records of unusual findings. Do you know why they end up in shrubs?”

Cassian shook his head. “No. Athena isn’t aware of the correlation either. Does Artemis have shrubs around her house?”

“No, we are shielded by trees.”

“You have moved in?”

“I believe I have. The thought of leaving her makes me sick.” Tannic felt a rub at his ankles and leaned over, lifting the kitten to the table. “She has to register this little fella as a secondary familiar, which will complete our little trio.”

“So, you aren’t tempted to go out and find some entertainment?”

Tannic grimaced. “No. Not since she took me on. She has no interest in sex, so that bled through.”

Cassian stared and then laughed. “I don’t think I have ever heard a more surprising statement.”

“Shut up. Missy was bound to virginity by the prophecy, so she is a little touchy about it. My history is just that. I can’t help it if I am attractive.”

“Well, Athena is planning a helluva engagement party. We are having the first one tomorrow night. Will you attend?”

“Sure. I will leave the kitten at home.” He smiled.

“Missy didn’t mention it to you?”

“No, but she has been distracted today.” Tannic grimaced. “She wasn’t going to ask me to come with her, but her dancing is coming along.”

“Her sister is rather accomplished in that area.” Cassian smiled.

“I am aware. Missy lives to work, and her main enjoyment is using her magic to move people.”

Cassian looked at him. “Do you know what kind of power you need to do that many transformations at once? Then, she set all the triggers. It’s incredibly hard.”

“Your point?”

“She’s twenty-nine and has enough focus to reshape the world around her, but she only uses defensive magic. The self-control she has at her disposal is astonishing and horribly sad. I have taken several psych courses covering the results of violence, and she is not good. You are her familiar. What are you getting from her?”

“Flickers of amusement, but that is usually when she is making someone else uncomfortable.”

Cassian asked casually, “How soon after the incident were you asked to be her familiar?”

“I thought it was a few years. Let me check.” He got the file copy out and actually checked the dates. “Sonofabitch. Weeks. It was three weeks after she returned to the guild hall. Fuck. No wonder she was insisting she didn’t need me near her. She was still recovering.”

“So, why did you?”

“She looked like a lost little girl. I didn’t know then that it was a perception spell. She looked young and helpless. I felt bad for her.”

“She knew that. She felt bad for you being tied to her, so she kept her distance and worked toward your freedom.” Cassian shrugged. “Apparently, your rescue of her at the pack home destroyed that plan of attack.”

Tannic ran a hand through his hair. “Yes, and I am only pissed that I had no idea anything was happening until her life was draining away.”

“This family is difficult.”

Tannic laughed. “Yeah, I am beginning to understand that. Women used to be simple, but now I am enamoured of one who can launch me into a volcano with a wave of her fingers.”

“Athena bound herself to me with her own blood when she thought I was a pile of rock. These ladies are tricky but fun.” Cassian grinned. “I am looking forward to spending the foreseeable future with Athena.”

“You are fortunate. You seem to have settled in quickly.”

“She chose me over a decade ago. It has not been quick,” Cassian said softly.

“What day were you chosen?”

Cassian rattled off the day and time. Tannic blinked. “That was the same time I became Artemis’s familiar.”

Cassian grinned. “You don’t say. There was a lot of energy in the air around that time.”

“The timing is strange.”

“Well, the ladies have been confused at a distance before. Perhaps fate was trying to straighten things out.”

Tannic paused and nodded. “Perhaps.”

“Tannic, while I have you, I need a recommendation of where to get wedding bands. I have rings for Athena, but she wants to match, so I need to get a set made.”

Tannic smiled. “Athena wants to match?”

“Fine. I want to match.”

“I will send you some names. The XIA has links to some of the best artisans.”

“Yes, I gathered that.” Cassian nodded. “I will send you Athena’s number, and you can call her for any details on her sister.”

“Good. I think there might be things that your partner didn’t share with you.”

“Possibly. Where is Artemis now?”

“Sleeping in her closet that she has lined with pillows and soft fabrics and warded for safety. She’s resting.”

Cassian cocked his head. “That setup seems familiar. Do you remember the blue family? They ended up being royals.”

Tannic focused and then nodded. “Oh, yes. Morn and Hazel are the younger generation. I believe they just had a child.”

“Interesting. I should send a gift.”

“Probably.”

Cassian nodded. “I will contact Morn and see if I can get any information about that situation. It seems so familiar.”

“Let me know what you find out. It seems like something I have heard of, but I can’t quite remember it.” He smiled. “I have access to a great library here. I might give that a whirl.”

“Good. We will talk soon.” Cassian chuckled. “This sudden activity after decades of the same old, same old.”

“Terrifyingly fun.” Tannic snorted. “Have a good day.”

They ended the call, and Tannic looked at Smoog. “Let’s go looking for that information. I am pretty sure that there is something in the library. Here’s hoping that Artemis has one of those enchantments on her books that does the search for you. Now, which search terms should we use?”

He picked up the kitten and carried him to the library. He tried to think up search terms and tapped into the link with Artemis for it. He got more of her intelligence and looked around at the books. He started to call out, “Nest, soft, privacy, outworlder.”

The books trembled on the shelf, and he took the hint from Smoog. “Nest.”

A stack of books flew toward him and settled on the desk.

“Soft bedding.”

Another stack of books and one from the original pile were now in front of him. He skipped privacy and said, “Outworlder.”

The book that had hopped from the first pile to the second rose up and settled alone in front of him. He blinked. “Well, that is convenient.”

He picked up the book and looked at the two piles still on the table. “I don’t need you.”

The books lifted and returned to the walls.

Tannic settled at the desk and opened the book. It was written in glyphs he didn’t understand, but he reached out and tapped Artemis’s mind and got the knowledge of the language that he was now understanding he had always had access to. Being a familiar had its perks.

Tannic looked at the book, and the words made sense to him. He nodded and got to work researching. Smoog chased a pile of fluff in the corner.

Two hours later, he sat up. There it was. If she had a closer link to the outworld, her sister would have the same adaptation, but there was obviously a generational span that had distanced them from whichever ancestor had crossed between worlds. He wished she was up so he could ask her if she had always sought out this kind of silence, but he could feel the restful nature of her sleep in his mind. She needed this.

Tannic sent Cassian a text with what he had found, and Cassian replied. That’s it! I met one of them a few centuries ago.

Which one? Alpha or omega?

Male omega. He had a companion. They were both from the outworld. Their child was with them.

Let me guess, female child?

You are correct. So, probably, their line will be something that you need to keep in mind if you plan kids. And I will have to keep in mind. This is a delightful turn of affairs.

Easy to say from someone who has their mate agreeing to the union. Artemis is not as direct as her sister and is very direct in other ways. I am glad she made me more intelligent. I believe I will need it.

Well, your texting has improved. Go take care of your mage. I think she has been getting by for a while.

Tannic looked at the phone and set it down carefully. He really wanted to punch the bastard. The guilt he felt knowing what Artemis had been dealing with was all-consuming. She would hate that he felt that way, he was pretty sure.

Smoog was looking at him silently.

Tannic cocked his head. “Do you think she likes cupcakes?”

The kitten began to pounce around on all fours. Apparently, cupcakes were on the menu.

Tannic found a recipe, gathered ingredients, and smirked when Smoog brought a packet of edible sparkles out from somewhere. They got baking, and two hours later, they had the sparkliest cupcakes Tannic had ever seen. Pink, blue, and silvery glitter covered the purple icing.

“Those look good. Are they edible?” Missy’s husky voice came from the doorway. She was rubbing a hand over her face. Her white braid had unravelled, but the silk robe printed with rubber ducks gave a conflicting signal to Tannic’s body. Cute, stunning, and sexy were both occupying her space.

“I sincerely hope so. I stuck to the recipe.” He lifted one. “Care to try them?”

“Sure. The scent managed to reach me.” She looked at Smoog. “Thanks for that.”

Tannic paused. “We can share senses?”

Missy walked up to him and took the cupcake. “Yes, we can. I am just used to keeping mine from interfering with you.” She smiled smugly, and he felt the trickle of amusement in her emotional output.

When Tannic watched her rotate the cupcake edge on her tongue, he closed his eyes. She paused and looked at him through her lashes. She finished her swipe, swallowed, and said, “Sorry. I eat things weird.”

He cleared his throat. “Don’t stop on my account.”

She chuckled and finished narrowing the overflowing icing with her tongue. “There. Now I can open the wrapper without getting my fingers all sticky.” She smiled brightly and started to peel the cupcake.

Her phone chimed in her pocket, and she pulled it out and looked at it. Genuine enjoyment and anticipation flowed through her and into Tannic. “What’s that, Missy?”

“Rehalla is on her way. She’s bringing me a belated housewarming gift.”

“Rehalla?”

“The elf of chaos. She works for the executioner branch of the mage guild. She and I have been friends for a while. We both went through basic instruction at the same time.”

“Wait. Did you say elf of chaos?”

“Yes. She’s only a partial elf but less human than she is elf. She’s also known as The Hand of Dark Flame.”

Tannic froze. “That is in your file.”

“Yes. She provided me with the line back home. She brought me back with the dark flame.”

Tannic could feel the happy excitement that had to be Missy’s version of friendship joy. “How?”

“She linked to my study room and burned a hole through space to me, freeing me from confinement. After that, I did what I had to do and came home.”

“It just mentions that she put out a tracer to you.”

“Oh, that she did, but her fire burned off the restraints. That is the hand part of the hand of dark flame.”

He smiled. “Does she know about me?”

“She does. She’s my coffee buddy when she’s in town.” She finished her text and returned to the cupcake. “We satisfied the family need that we both had, as Rehalla’s family is distant.” She looked at him. “Can Rehalla have a cupcake?”

Tannic looked at the eleven left on the counter and smiled. “Yes, she can.”

Tannic felt the same excitement that he had seen in school children when their friend was coming over to play. “Oh, boy.”

The doorbell rang, and Missy sprinted to answer it. Apparently, the play date was about to begin.

Chapter Three

Missy grinned the moment she opened the door, and Rehalla stepped in with a large parcel. “Hello, Missy.”

Missy smiled. “May I take it?”

“Of course. Would you like a hug?”

“Of course.” Missy laughed as she took the parcel and walked into the kitchen. “Did you want something to drink?”

“Water is fine. Why do I smell men?” Rehalla asked.

Missy chuckled. “I seem to be collecting them. This is my familiar Tannic, and the little one is Smoog.”

Rehalla looked at the man and the kitten. “Hello, I am Rehalla, a friend of Missy’s.”

“Tannic, and this is Smoog.”

Rehalla looked at the kitten and sighed. “He’s adorable.”

The kitten bounded toward her, and she picked him up. Missy smiled. “He’s an adult male in the body of a kitten, so watch how close you hold him.”

Rehalla cuddled him, and the loud purr started as she scratched him behind his ears. “That will be then; this is now. Now he is a kitten, and I needed a cuddle.”

Missy looked at her friend, put the gift down, and turned toward her, arms open.

Rehalla set Smoog on the counter, and Missy hugged one of the few people she trusted. Rehalla smelled like a bonfire after the rain. There was destruction in her scent, but there was also nurture and hope.

“Your hair looks great,” Missy murmured, and Rehalla slowly released the hug.

“Thanks. I brushed it.” Rehalla grinned. Her rich dark hair was up in a ponytail at the crown of her head.

Missy chuckled. “Selfie?”

“You may want to change out of your PJs.”

“Oh. Oops.” She changed into a summer dress so she would look right next to Rehalla’s wrap dress.

They stood with their heads together, and Missy took the photo. “Cool. I am sending that to Athena.”

“I wonder if she will remember me.”

Missy chuckled. “I don’t doubt it. What did she call you?”

“Ella. Nice and simple.”

“Fun. Well, you did a good job protecting her.” Missy put her phone on the counter and went to the fridge.

“Yeah, but the glamour pinched a little.”

Missy saw Tannic walk over to Rehalla and shook her hand. “I am pleased to meet you, miss. You and Artemis are friends?”

“Yes. Since we were in mage training. We had rooms next to each other in the dorms and avoided the parties together.”

Missy smiled and brought her friend a cold soda. “She is shy, and I am me, so we got along. When I was taken, she was the only one to figure it out.”

Rehalla sighed. “Yeah, and took me a few days to get the power together to help you.”

“And the fact that you went looking is what’s kept you from rising above the rank of master, even though you should be next to me by now.”

“Attachment issues, scooter. I am happy to be doing what I do and commuting through three countries. That is a pretty big authorized span.”

Missy felt a pout coming on, and Tannic looked at her in surprise. She paused. “You are feeling something?”

“Yeah. Everything. Some of it is off-standard, but it is identifiable as an emotion. A lot of emotion.”

Rehalla smiled. “No matter how weird her emotions are, I don’t judge. So, she’s free to be herself with me. Right, Missy?”

“Absolutely. It is super relaxing. No matter what I say or how I say it, Rehalla is still my friend.”

“Tested in fire.” Rehalla smiled at Tannic.

Tannic released the hand he was still holding. “So, you are an elf?”

“Mostly. That’s how I am classified.” She pointed at the ears exposed by her hairstyle. “Dead giveaway. I have a cousin classed as a giant but denied promotion beyond what they can’t ignore. They do keep her records out of the books because she is a giant, which sucks because she carries twelve soul blades to my two.”

Missy got a cupcake and brought it over to Rehalla with great ceremony. “Here. Tannic made it.”

Rehalla took it. “It looks really good. Smells good.” She peeled the wrapper back, lifted the cupcake, and took a huge bite. The sugary sprinkles popped off everywhere as she bit down.

Missy turned and got a napkin. Rehalla’s nose was purple. Tannic opened his mouth, but Missy just held out the napkin. The purple was removed. “I like cupcakes.”

Missy giggled. Rehalla didn’t hold back. What you saw was what you got, and if her eyes were glowing red, what you would get was death.

The cupcake was soon gone, and Rehalla was tidying up. Tannic said, “While I appreciate the back story. I am still not sure why you mentioned it.”

Rehalla smiled. “You can feel what she feels, right? If you know why, it will be easier to understand. Missy has always held affection for me because I hold affection for her. We are not a couple, but I will always come when she calls, and she will always portal to me when I call. And, of course, the same for Athena.”

Missy nodded. “Athena only called once.”

“Yeah, but there were a few incidences before this last event. Sorry you couldn’t free Tannic.”

Tannic straightened. “You knew of this?”

“Sure. She’s been trying to set you free for ten years. It has been unpleasant for her to depend on your very existence.”

Missy shrugged and nodded. “She’s not wrong.”

Tannic sighed. “Well, we are now firmly enmeshed.”

“Not all the way, but everything in turn.” Rehalla smiled.

Missy cocked her head. “What do you mean?”

“Sex, pet. He’s fixated, and you are oblivious with moments of interest. Eventually, the moments will expand, and one of you will make a move.”

Missy felt her cheeks get hot. “You are sure?”

“Of course, I am. Make sure the kitten is out of the room, or shit will get weird.”

Missy swallowed and looked over at Tannic, who had a slight smile on his lips. She stared, and he shrugged. “She isn’t wrong.”

Rehalla smiled. “Well, do you want to hear some gossip, Missy? I was at a very weird party last week.”

Missy blinked. “You went to a party?”

“Yeah. I was invited to join other women of power at a satyr’s wedding. It was super sweet at first, then the happy couple left, and it was every woman for herself.”

Missy blinked. “Is this worthy of another cupcake?”

“Two and maybe some hot coffee or tea. Tannic is invited to chat as this was hilarious.”

Missy smiled and revelled in the basics of a gossip session. When everyone was situated and there was coffee and tea, Rehalla took a deep breath and began the tale.

* * * *

Rehalla smiled. “So, I was travelling for work and going to backup an XIA team at the governor’s mansion when the governor’s assistant, a vampire, came up to me and asked if I could attend the bonding ceremony of the governor and his mate. I was going to be in town anyway, so I said sure.”

Rehalla picked some of the shining glitter off the cupcake and smiled. “We were served lovely canapés, and the dresses were provided. The satyr had some kind of ritual attached to his choosing, so we all trooped out and were in our actual forms. A few of the ladies had wings, including the mate-to-be. The whole thing was a formality, and the governor came out and chatted with all of us, one by one. Once he had announced his choice, we all trooped out into the gardens, and there was an arbour set up. They got married there, and we ended up as bridesmaids.”

Missy chuckled. “Sounds like fun.”

“Oh, the fun was yet to come.” She nibbled at her cupcake. “So, the happy couple is gone, the buffet opens up, and the ladies head for the food, ignoring the male witnesses to the event. Now, here is where I have to reiterate. Every single woman in the lineup was distinctly powered. All had a very different and specific energy signature. I was just glowy.”

Missy chuckled. “Well, yeah. That is your default look.”

“Hush. Don’t spill my secrets.”

“So, what happened next?”

“Well, the gentlemen who had been invited were also ridiculously energized. We were dressed all pretty, and they surged forward one by one and tried to pick us off.” She snorted. “Romantically.”

“Aww.”

“There was music and dancing and food. The food was excellent.”

“So? What happened next? Did you meet someone?”

“Yes, but I believe I managed to drive him off.”

Tannic leaned forward. “What was his name?”

“Rennaulk Amberwill.” She shrugged, “But he wasn’t the problem. It was his brother who came to transport him home that was the issue. He was perfect. Tall, golden blonde, golden skin, and rainbow eyes that looked bronze for some reason.”

Tannic sat up. “Really?”

Rehalla sipped her tea. “Really. He apologized for his brother’s drunk behaviour. The governor and his mate were putting out a lot of sexual energy, and Rennaulk got a little hammered. I had to radiate heat to get him to stand down, but once he was badly sunburned, his brother showed up and took care of him.”

Tannic cleared his throat. “Did the brother have a small tattoo here?” He tapped the spot just above and between his eyes.

“Yeah. Anyway, so I finally saw a guy that brought my body to full attention, and I don’t know his name, and he doesn’t know mine and is probably married.” Rehalla smiled. “So, what do you think of my story?”

Missy’s eyes were wide. “Oh, wow. So, did you look him up?”

“No. I know better. He was a bright spot to a very weird evening. Fun but weird.”

Tannic smiled. “Is it so odd that you met an attractive man?”

Rehalla shook her head. “No, I meet attractive men all the time. It is odd that I met one that my body reacted to. It was like all the oxygen left the room, and the elf part of my blood got all worked up.”

Tannic smiled. “What will you do when you find him?”

“Oh, I am not looking. It was a lovely evening, and it is over. Sometimes, a nice encounter is just that. It doesn’t have to be something else.”

Missy smiled. “I could find him if you wanted.”

Rehalla laughed. “No shrubs, Missy.”

Missy giggled and scrunched her shoulders. “Fine. Hey, did you dance?”

“I did. Rennaulk likes a weird combo though. Elf court dances mixed with swing dancing. It was strange but fun.”

Tannic asked, “Why aren’t you looking for him?”

“I am an executioner. The moment I am in a relationship, they take me off the active roster, and you know how many kids my family has, so my life as I know it would come to a shrieking halt. Plus, he was polite but distant at the party, so I am sure that the attraction was one-sided.”

Missy’s familiar struggled to understand. “But you want him.”

“I don’t want him. I am fascinated by him because I felt normal around him. I have heard friends and family say what they felt when they met their mate after years of looking. This felt like that sounded, but I didn’t look like this at the time. This isn’t a glamour, but on that night, it was my power on display, not me. Even if he were interested, he wouldn’t be able to start looking for me. I haven’t pursued a guy I wasn’t going to kill before, so I am just going to let this be.”

Missy sighed. “You want him.”

“I don’t know anything about him other than that his brother is clingy.”

“Right. Well, you spoke to him?”

“Yes. He apologized for his brother’s behaviour. He was supposed to be the one at the wedding, but he sent his brother as the family envoy. Now, he understood that it had been a mistake. I nodded, got Rennaulk calm, and sent him off with his brother.”

Tannic frowned. “Why did you have to calm him?”

“Uh, he was attached to me and wanted me to go with him. I stunned him, and his brother took him away. Romantically it was a shit show.” Rehalla laughed. “Which is par for my current record.”

Missy sighed, got up, and walked around to hug her.

Rehalla leaned against her friend and saw Tannic’s surprise. “She knows that laugh means I am close to crying, and a hug is appropriate. She will learn you eventually. Just honestly explain what emotional response means what. She will teach you the same. Just because you can feel what she feels doesn’t mean you can unravel what it means. She will give you the clues and probably a pamphlet.”

“I now have a digital slideshow, but no one wants to watch it,” Missy muttered.

Tannic paused. “May I see it?”

Missy straightened. “Sure. I tried to make jokes during the audio, but I don’t know if they make sense.”

Rehalla patted her arm. “I am good now. Thank you. Good hug.”

“Thank you. I have been practicing.” Missy pulled away and sat back down.

Tannic asked, “Rehalla, can you move in for a bit?”

Rehalla shook her head. “No, but I can visit while I am in between assignments.”

Missy chuckled. “I have asked her that before, but she said neither of us would have to grow if we were able just to stay together. And I would never figure out a way to sleep in an empty house if I wasn’t alone.”

Rehalla nodded. “How is the nest working for you?”

“Good. I sleep now. I have it just the way I like it. I think it freaked Tannic out.”

Tannic cleared his throat. “Not anymore. I was able to find a book in your library that explained things a little.”

“Rehalla gave me that book. She and I are sort of cousins. At one point a few hundred years ago, we shared an ancestor who had a lot of kids. They had special requirements.”

Tannic smiled. “Like the closet.”

Missy shrugged. “Closet, quiet room, safe space. Part of me settled the moment that I got it just right. Solid walls, protected, right stuffed animals.”

He frowned. “I thought those were pillows.”

“They are. Those super squishy ones that look like stuffed animals.”

Rehalla grabbed another cupcake. “She has a favourite.”

“Shut up, Rehalla!” Missy hissed.

“Why? It might give him some hope.” She chuckled and ate the cupcake.

Tannic was staring at them and rubbing his temple. “What is that?”

Rehalla smiled. “Embarrassment. It comes through differently for her. It’s because it involves things concealed because she has an issue dealing with them. So, I am guessing that her mind is an orange blaze right now.”

Missy looked at her, huffed, and sat down.

“Good girl.” Rehalla winked.

“Don’t.”

“Oh, come on. I have been on your side for fifteen years. You want him and have no proper plan of attack, so I am giving him a tip sheet to help him figure out the moves. He’s old but hasn’t dealt with anyone like you before. You are one of a kind, Missy.”

Rehalla watched as Missy settled back in her chair. “You are a bully, Rehalla.”

“Yes, I am, Missy, but I mean well. So, open your housewarming present, and I will be on my way.”

Missy blinked and then turned to the present. She walked to the counter and opened the parcel, softly humming as she opened the silky ribbon and draped it around her neck. She opened the crackling brown paper and gasped as she saw the golden artificial fur.

Rehalla looked at Missy as she went face-first into the blanket, and then she smiled at Tannic. “She uses texture for emotional control. Burlap and nylon make her furious. Denim is iffy. If there is high humidity, forget it. It sticks to her.”

Tannic blinked and looked like he wanted to ask why she was telling him that, but Missy was still making happy sounds with her face pressed against the fur. “Oh. Right.”

He narrowed his eyes and then widened them. “Holy hell. She’s happy.”

“She doesn’t get happy from events; she gets happy from comfort and relaxation. She is happy with me because we are comfortable. She wanted to be happy with you around, but she was young, and that was too much, so she went for distance and found comfort elsewhere.” Rehalla stroked the kitten that had somehow ended up in her lap.

“So, you two are really related?”

Rehalla looked at him as Missy stopped chortling and began excavating the two books of restricted magic from the blanket. She shrieked and hopped up and down before sprinting to the library to tuck the new books in.

“Yes. We ran a genetics test as part of a class project. No one was surprised that we had a blood connection.”

“So, do you share any behavioural issues?”

“Some. More patterns than issues. There is a reason that I know what she will find soft and soothing.”

“Hmm. Why won’t you pursue the male you met that night?”

“Well, he saw my energy signature in glow form, not the actual me. We didn’t talk much or interact. In my mind, he will be the one who got away. Definitely beats the ones that I caught.” She smiled and finished her tea.

“So, you don’t want to pursue a relationship?”

“Pursue implies exertion, and I am not currently in the mood.” She rubbed her forehead. “Solitary life is simpler.” She wiggled her fingers as she said, “Men complicate things.”

He paused. “I suppose that we do, but if you don’t let us in, things won’t change.”

“But if we do, you make demands, become bullies, and steal all the leftovers. Does no one ever feed you?” She looked at him with challenge in her eyes.

He smiled slowly. “You adjust as we do. The multitude of products in the bathroom, the knickknacks everywhere, the soft furnishings. They are all a shock to the system.”

She smirked. “Ah. I understand.”

Missy came back in, smiling and humming. She took a look at Rehalla and said, “What were you talking about?”

“The amount of adaptation that men do in a relationship versus what women do. Tannic suspects that I have too many knickknacks and a cluttered bathroom.”

Missy snorted. “Rehalla lives in guild barracks, or she lives rough. She washes her hair with whatever is handy and air dries after a shower.”

Tannic blinked. “Why?”

Rehalla smirked and poured more tea. “I have burned down three houses. Twice while I was under attack. One was a nightmare. I woke up with dark flames everywhere. It took my knickknack count down to nothing.”

Tannic looked embarrassed. “I didn’t know.”

“I know. I manage to clean up good for someone who spent last night in a tree.” Rehalla smirked.

Missy smiled. “Seriously, Rehalla. You can stay here. We can strip everything out and ward your room.”

“Naw. I feel confined inside a house now.” Rehalla looked at her. “I can sleep in the tree in your back yard. We can have breakfast together.”

“Done. I have to head to Athena’s for her engagement party tomorrow night.” Missy perked up. “Did you want to come?”

“I don’t think I am invited. This is probably a family and friends thing, and I haven’t seen her for a few years.”

Missy pouted, and Tannic stared at her. Rehalla snickered. Missy picked up her phone and started typing before raising it and, snapping another picture of Rehalla.

Rehalla asked, “What are you doing?”

“Asking Athena if I could bring an emotional support person with me. Tannic will already be there, so he doesn’t count.” Missy smirked as she sent the text.

Tannic murmured, “Ask Cassian as well. He’s usually at his desk all day.”

Missy nodded and quickly punched the message in again.

Rehalla sighed. “It isn’t appropriate. The engagement party is for celebration, not letting in the weirdos.”

Missy snorted. “Then they shouldn’t have invited me.”

Tannic took out his phone and started typing.

Rehalla smiled. “Well, as you two are busy and your kitten is unconscious, I think I will make my escape before you get a response.”

She lifted Smoog to the table and got to her feet. She kissed the top of Missy’s head and nodded at Tannic. “Nice meeting you.”

Missy made a sound of protest. “Stay for dinner.”

“What is dinner?”

Tannic cleared his throat. “How about a roast, potatoes, vegetables—”

Missy finished, “And strawberry shortcake.”

Rehalla grinned. “Deal. What are we going to do for the rest of the afternoon?”

“I thought we could just hang out, or I could show you the dancing that Tannic has taught me.”

Tannic blinked. “You aren’t serious.”

“Sure. Rehalla might know how to dance. She is an excellent instructor for stuff like that.”

“You are learning how to dance?”

“Yeah. Athena likes it and wants me to dance at her parties and wedding.”

“If it isn’t too creepy, I can help.”

Tannic cocked his head. “You dance?”

“Not very well, but if you do, Missy is a visual learner. Once she sees how it’s done, she can do it.”

“Ah, so if she watches us...”

Missy nodded. “It will help. The slow dancing is fine, but anything else I need help with.”

Tannic blinked. “Right. Well, I don’t know how advanced I am, but if that is what it takes, that is what it takes.”

Rehalla smiled. “Prepare to be stepped on.”

Missy chuckled.

Tannic frowned; Rehalla smiled. “What you are feeling from her is smugness. She knows that it is likely I will give in to her and stay over.”

Missy shook her head. “No, I am smug because Athena is sending you an invitation to the engagement party tomorrow night. She was surprised that the name she knew you under wasn’t actually your name. You make a good Ella. Check your phone.”

Rehalla checked her phone, and there was the invitation. “Well, I am going to have to figure out something to wear. I think I have a cocktail dress at the guild barracks.”

Missy frowned. “I always wondered why you went for the guild instead of the XIA?”

Rehalla chuckled. “While elves can go either way, I chose the guild because that is where my buddy was.”

Missy smiled. “Thought so. You like me.”

“Yes, goober. I do. Now, what do we need to do to get the promised dinner underway? Then we can dance, and someone can provide me with shortcake.”

Tannic got to his feet. “Yes, ma’am.”

Missy looked at him. “You don’t have to cook. I can cook.”

“I like it. It’s enjoyable. Being a familiar lets me actually do it. Normally, I would have servants, but since I am here, it isn’t necessary, so I have found pleasure in the daily tasks of studying and even working.”

Rehalla watched the couple cook and answered a few texts from Athena. She filled her in about the last few years since they had worked together at the bakery while Rehalla was in disguise and acting as a bodyguard for Athena. Missy had paid her in portal charms.

When the meal was prepped and in the slow cooker, Tannic smiled. “Now, does anyone want to dance? It will kill some time while we wait.”

Rehalla smiled. “Sure. You will understand what I mean.”

Missy chuckled and nibbled on a carrot. “I think he will figure it out.”

Chapter Four

Missy smiled at the dawning understanding in Tannic’s mind as they replicated the dance moves he had just performed with Rehalla minus the two times he got his foot stepped on.

Tannic asked, “When did you learn this teaching technique worked?”

Missy shrugged. “Combat training. I can copy whatever Rehalla does if she puts herself into teaching mode. It’s a specific energy that she puts out.”

“It’s highly effective.” He smiled.

Rehalla was sitting on a comfortable chair and checking her phone with Smoog on her lap. She saw the moment that her friend fell asleep. Missy sighed. “Poor bunny. She’s tired.”

“Why doesn’t she sleep in a normal house? I can understand a few incidences, but that shouldn’t put her off getting her own home.”

“Rehalla is afraid all the time. You haven’t seen her when she’s wrapped in fire. She’s frightening.”

“She looks like a demon?”

“No, she looks like an elf made of black fire.”

“She mentioned a white glow.”

“Oh, that’s just her soul. She’s a super nice person, in case you missed it. She suspects that it is related to her outworlder nature.”

“So, you know about that?” Tannic held her with a hand at her back as they swayed around.

“She is an excellent researcher. We knew about that link the year after I returned. When she helped me set up the first nest, I got so much calmer.” She shrugged. “It sort of proved the theory. I mean, the DNA test proved it, but it confirmed the ramifications.”

“Well, I enjoy the thought of you in a nest.”

Missy looked at him, blinked, and then blushed. “Oh. Right. Big bird.”

He sighed. “Yes. I have spent decades at a time in that form, and making a soft, fluffy nest for a mate who never came was frustrating.”

“It sounds sad.”

He pulled her in close. “It was. But now we are bound together, and I finally feel that things are settling into place. No more sadness.”

“What is there instead?”

“Hope.” He dipped her and smiled. He was so freaking pretty.

“Tenuous.”

“Something that wasn’t there before. Why is Smoog so fascinated by her?” Tannic looked over at the kitten on Rehalla’s lap.

“You may have noticed that she’s warm. She’s also the calmest creature in this room.”

Tannic nodded. “Right. Does she need a familiar?”

“Well, I am the one he owes and has to compensate. She doesn’t need a familiar. She has a grasp on her magic. She has to. She would have flown apart or immolated if not.”

“So, she’s an elf?”

“Technically, no. She’s a muddle with elf manifesting.”

“Muddle?”

“Genes of unknown origins. Part of them is the outworlder genetics, and the others can’t be figured out. There aren’t any definitive identifiers aside from her not being recognized as a demon. So, there is that.”

“So, she’s a mystery?”

“A conundrum. They test her blood against species samples, and nothing matches.”

They swayed together. “Have they tried to match her against outworlders?”

“No. There aren’t any samples of it. We have looked into it. We can’t find any of the outworlders out here that are willing to part with their blood.”

“Right. That would be difficult.”

“Yeah. The one we know about is a descendant as diluted as we are, and the mage guild won’t give us a sample either. She’s high ranking.” She smiled as she swayed her hips left and right. “She’s also a mage killer, so I need to ask very politely.”

“Should we talk elsewhere?” Tannic asked.

“No, this is fine. She sleeps better with someone she trusts in the room. It is the solitude that causes the panic that makes the fire come.”

Tannic frowned. “That sounds remarkably unsafe and not restful.”

“It isn’t, but if she makes a ward and sleeps in the open, nothing comes at her. Or same thing in a tree. The nature of the tree means she keeps on alert while she sleeps so she doesn’t burn it down.”

“That is horrible.”

“It’s her life. She’s remarkably at peace with it.”

“You said she rescued you, but the records don’t have anything about that.”

The music changed, and they changed how they moved. After a few steps, Missy had the hang of it. “Well, she is my buddy. We have been besties for fifteen years. When I went missing, she started looking for me when others just said I had gone to experiment with my new focus. Portals. So, she concentrated her new focus, fire. She sent micro tendrils out across the world until she caught traces of me. She reeled herself in and then pushed a column of fire toward me and burned off my bindings, releasing me from the rack. At that point, my mind went red, and when I woke up, I was with her, and she got me to the healers.”

“And that is where your recovery begins in the official archives.”

“And when her fire went from white to black.”

They continued dancing until there was a knock at the door. Rehalla leapt up and landed in a kneeling crouch with black flames surrounding her.

Missy sighed. “Easy, Rehalla. Just someone at the door.”

Rehalla’s consciousness came to her gaze, and she stood up. “Sorry. Sorry, Smoog.”

The kitten was standing nearby, looking electrocuted. He meowed loudly and scampered over to Missy. She sighed and picked him up. “I think you hurt her feelings.”

He looked at her, and there were little scorches to the tip of his tail. She burns!

Missy headed to the door where someone had knocked. “Of course she does. She’s dark fire. You are just lucky she didn’t pull her blades.”

She carried the kitten to the door and opened it, blinking at the woman standing there with a basket of baked goods. “Lenora Ganger. How pleasant to see you.” She kept a genuine tone when she spoke.

“My daughter mentioned that you were here, so I thought I would bring you some snacks, Archmage.”

“Please call me Missy.”

Lenora cocked her head. “You seem different from Benny’s description.”

“My best friend has come to visit. It always puts me in a better frame of mind.”

Rehalla spoke from behind Missy. “Hello, Mrs. Ganger. How are Harcourt and Benny’s quad?”

“They are all doing well, Rehalla. Wait, you are the archmage’s friend?”

“I am. This is her familiar, Tannic, and her soon-to-be bound familiar, Smoog.” Rehalla’s voice was amused. “Missy, invite her in, and if Tannic could make something to drink, we could all sit around the table and chat.”

Missy nodded. “Please come in. Thank you for coming to the door.”

“Well, when the house appeared, I had no idea it was occupied until Benny and the guys mentioned that you were here. It is always nice to meet a neighbour.”

Missy took the basket and ran a casual poison and enchantment detection over it. If anyone could make a treat toxic, it was Mrs. Ganger.

Tannic made tea, and they all sat around as the scent of dinner began to waft through the space.

Missy looked to Rehalla as she tore apart a cinnamon bun and nibbled it while Lenora talked about the joys of the neighbourhood and the invites that she would extend to Missy as the elaborate parties were held, and it was easier to be in them than kept up by them. They could get loud.

They chatted for hours, and Missy watched Rehalla keep uncharacteristically quiet. Tannic fed the kitten and returned to the table. When Missy talked about renovating, Benny’s mother offered several books from her library and a recommendation for one of her family members, who was an interior designer.

Tannic kept up his end of the conversation and said he looked forward to meeting with the newly corrected Harcourt. Now that his demon aspect was back under his control, the house arrest had been lifted, and the XIA was no longer doing checks. Of course, Benny was now in the XIA.

When dinner smelled done, Lenora got up and said her goodbyes. She stuck her hand out to Rehalla and inclined her head. “It is good to see you out and about, Master Will.”

“It is nice to be out for pleasure rather than duty.” Rehalla inclined her head.

Lenora nodded. “I definitely appreciate that. Missy, it was a pleasure to meet you. Harcourt is always up to talk shop when it comes to guild matters.”

Missy nodded. “As am I, and now that his clearances are back in place, I would be happy to visit.”

The woman smiled and nodded. They escorted her to the door, and Missy put a hand on the woman’s arm. “Sorry. That is the wrong portal. There. Fixed. I don’t want you exiting across the globe.”

Lenora blinked. “Ah. Right. Thank you, Missy. Talk to you soon.”

“Thank you for the treats.”

“No problem. I consider it a challenge to share them before Benny and her crew swoop in and swipe them all. It’s keeping me young.” She grinned. “And Harcourt is forcing me to hide my good chocolate.”

Missy blinked. “I had not considered that. I will have to keep an eye on my inventory.”

Tannic laughed from the kitchen.

Rehalla walked Lenora to her car, and they spoke softly. Missy couldn’t hear it, but the two were smiling together. To Missy’s surprise, Lenora hugged Rehalla, and Rehalla hugged back.

Lenora left in a classic car and drove the few miles down the road to her home. Rehalla returned to the house.

Missy smiled. “Dinner?”

“Dinner.”

They closed the door, and Missy locked the wards around the house. No matter how friendly, no visitor was getting in without Missy’s authorization. For now, dinner.

* * * *

Rehalla hung back as Missy greeted her sister. Tannic had wandered off to chat with Cassian, so Rehalla was on her own. She breathed and focused, recovering from the transport.

Being able to sleep the previous night had been wonderful. Missy had warded the room to hell and back, and the room was empty, and the floor was comfortable.

Athena looked over at her. “Rehalla? According to my sister, you are her best friend.”

“She is mine, so it is nice that it is reciprocated.”

“Thank you for taking care of her while I was gone. I confess to curiosity about you.”

“Well, I have heard all about you over the years.” Rehalla smiled. “You are the centre of her soul. I just tidy up the edges.”

Athena blinked back tears. “That is the sweetest thing, but it is the prettiest lie I have ever heard.”

Rehalla sighed. “Well, it is mostly true. She loves you to her core as much as she loves anything.”

“Right. So, do you have a preference for outfits?”

“No. I can grab something if you would like. I am shaped a little dramatically.”

“I am pretty sure we can find something that will work.” Athena smiled. “What are we working with?”

Rehalla reached back with one hand and pulled her tunic tight. “I need something that wraps a little.”

Athena whistled softly. “That is going to be tricky, but I think we can manage it. How can you look like an elf with curves like that?”

“Genetics are peculiar. I don’t mean to put you out. I can wear something loose if necessary.”

“I consider this a challenge. So will the dressmaker. He’s waiting in the dining room.” She smiled. “I asked him to help Artemis, but he is going to get a kick out of assisting you.”

“Why?”

“Oh, he’s an elf clan leader.”

Rehalla perked up. “Is he married to the mage killer?”

“Oh, you have met?”

Rehalla smiled. “Sevval and I are friends. She is the record holder for soul blades. I only have the two.”

“Where are they?”

“Left forearm and my back.”

“Okay, good to know.”

They headed to the dining room, where racks of dresses were arranged.

Sevval was standing near her husband and looked at Rehalla. “Cousin! You look great. What are you doing here?”

“Friend of the bride’s sister. You?”

“Wife of Lord Tylos Spiralbright. Tylos, this is Rehalla. My cousin and also a soul blade wielder. She’s a very brutal executioner, Master of the Dark Fire.”

The elf looked at her. “She’s an elf?”

“The same way Sevval is a giant. Genetic lottery.” She smiled. “Pleased to meet you, Lord Spiralbright.”

He walked over and took her hand, bending over her knuckles with a smile. “That may change.”

“This is Artemis, the bride’s sister.”

Missy smiled. “Pleased to greet you, Tylos.”

Tylos inclined his head. “Archmage. It is an honour.” He greeted her more formally than he had Rehalla, but there was still a smile on his lips. He paused over her hand. “You are an omega?”

“I have outworlder blood, as does Rehalla.”

Tylos stared at them in turn. “That is fascinating. She doesn’t feel the same.”

Missy shrugged. “She rinses her skin with fire before she gets dressed so it isn’t so sensitive.”

Rehalla sighed. “Squealer. Tylos is also like us, by the way. An omega.”

Tylos blinked. “You know about that?”

“I have collected books on outworlders. Missy keeps them for me.”

Tylos paused. “Wait. Rehalla is an omega?”

Rehalla turned hot pink. “Yes. Shut up.”

He chuckled. “It takes getting used to.”

“I have a system to deal with it.”

Missy shivered. “It’s brutal, but it stops her heats.”

Tylos smiled. “I would enjoy hearing any tips.”

Missy grimaced. “No, you wouldn’t. If you don’t want to use dark fire to cleanse sensitive areas, you would not. She says it is a horrible hour twice a year.”

Tylos’s eyes widened, and he got pale.

Sevval murmured, “Rehalla, I had no idea.”

“Since no one else in the family seemed to be going through this, I found a way that works for me.” Rehalla smirked.

Tylos looked at her with concern. Rehalla looked back with raised brows. “The image of me with a baby strapped to me while I use dark fire to destroy my target as slowly as I can is always in my mind when that wave hits. So, I burn out the heat.”

He blinked and smiled slowly. “It’s an interesting image. Do you have a father in mind for the imaginary baby?”

“No. I have gotten close recently, but it still wasn’t dead on. I think he was married.”

Missy blinked. “I thought you said you felt something when you saw Rennaulk’s brother.”

“I did, but it was like going from a cold drink to tepid tea. I was surprised to feel anything at all.”

Sevval chuckled.

Tylos looked thoughtful. “Rennaulk’s relative? Emmerwell? No. Aken.”

“The pretty golden and pearl guy? Yeah.”

“Okay, I have to ask you some more stuff.”

Rehalla asked, “Why?”

“Because I am in love, and I want everyone else to be there as well. So, you are looking on the elf side?”

“Uh. Keep your matchmaking to yourself, sparkletits.” Rehalla blurted it out.

Sevval laughed until she bent over. When she straightened, she put a hand on Rehalla’s shoulder. “Come on. Tylos is really good at dressing curvy ladies. His daughter Hazel has never looked better.”

“Hazel is his?”

“Clothes and gossip. If he steps out of line, I will give you a handful of cheese snacks and set you loose near the pastels.”

Tylos looked at them. “Hey!”

Sevval snuggled next to him and patted his ass. “Come on, sparkletits.”

He grinned.

Missy looked at Athena and shrugged, heading over to the dresses.

Rehalla followed, trying to figure out Hazel’s parentage. It suddenly hit her that if Tylos was an omega, he was the mother. She blinked and headed for the racks.

Two hours later, she was in a dress that was reinforced in the front and had a daringly low back that showed off her main blade. The dress was an iridescent charcoal and a lot more daring than anything Rehalla would normally have chosen. She glanced over at Artemis, who was wearing a floaty gold gown. Rehalla was envious. She never got to wear the soft stuff. She was always in rigid and practical, or in this case, she looked like a classic femme fatale. One night and she could go back to her normal clothing.

Missy smiled at her, and her expression stumbled. Missy walked up to her. “Rehalla, you look stunning.”

Tylos grinned nearby.

Rehalla shrugged. “Just one night, right?”

Missy frowned and hugged her. “Oh, gross. I am sorry. You don’t have to come.”

Sevval stepped in, wearing her dress already. She looked stunning in the figure-highlighting dress that still exposed a lot of her blades. “What’s wrong?”

Missy beckoned her in and peeled one of the bra cups away from Rehalla. “This fabric makes her itchy.”

“Oh, man. Welts?” Sevval flapped her hand at her husband.

“Hives.”

Rehalla slapped at the hands around her. “Stop. It’s just uncomfortable. Lots of female fashions are uncomfortable.”

Missy scowled and went to the racks, stroking the dresses until she found one she liked. “Try this one.” It was a dark purple with black trim, slit sleeves, and had an open back. The only thing it wouldn’t show off was her waist.

Tylos looked close to tears as he saw the welts. “Your skin didn’t feel like it would react like that.”

Rehalla snorted. “I normally don’t react that way, but all of my uniforms and casual clothing are smoother and softer.”

Tylos focused and tried to heal her. Rehalla felt the magic hit her and shouted, “Stop!”

He was knocked back, and Rehalla sent a soft cushion of air to catch him. He was suspended on the cloud that was billowing out of Rehalla’s hand.

Missy looked and smiled. Sevval was staring. “What happened?”

Missy smiled. “Rehalla’s magic is a different frequency. If folks try to bespell her, it bounces back. Tylos is a healer?”

Sevval nodded. “It’s a reflex for him. He sees an ouchie, and he tries to heal it. Let’s get you into the new dress, and then I will get him out of that puffy cloud. What is in it? He looks sleepy.”

Rehalla slowly moved him to a chair. “A mild sedative. It will wear off ten seconds after the cloud does.”

She settled him carefully and dissipated the cloud. Missy and Athena got her out of the itchy dress and into the dark purple one. Her body relaxed at the silky feel of the fabric. She looked at Sevval. “How many years’ wages are this dress?”

Sevval chuckled. “One and a half.”

“Oh, great. Remind me not to eat or breathe or sweat.”

“I will cover for you. I can work it off if I have to.”

Tylos was at his wife’s side in an instant, wrapped around her and nuzzling her neck. “I think the dress is going to be a collector’s item. It is going to be a lot of difficult work, love.”

Rehalla looked around and saw Missy looking at her with a frown. Missy came over and walked her away from the happy couple. “Maybe making you come was a bad idea.”

“Well, so far, I am only guessing at five happy couples. If there are more, I will just head out.”

“Sound plan. I forgot about that.”

“So did I. I wish it wasn’t so painful.” Rehalla wrinkled her nose. “I am going to get some tea or coffee or something.”

“Is it going to be an issue when Tannic and I get together?”

“Not a clue. It depends on how many pheromones you two pump into the air.” Rehalla smiled. “I might have to skip the dance lessons or just stick to coffee meetings.”

Missy hugged her, and from across the room, Athena stared. Rehalla mouthed, I’m sorry.

Athena smiled and replied, It’s okay.

Rehalla nodded and hugged Missy back. “I have to go and talk to someone. Continue bonding with my cousin.”

Missy chuckled and released her. “Hurry back, buddy.”

Rehalla smiled and made her way out of the room and used a burst of energy to find Tannic. He was becoming intent on seducing Missy, and he was going to have to be aware of the ripple effect.

Rehalla loved love, but she couldn’t stand the pheromone boost of couples who were completely bonded. It had caused her to avoid family gatherings and social events and made her more of a loner than the fire already did.

She found Tannic speaking with a man who looked engraved with a few others standing around who didn’t look involved in the conversation.

Tannic turned to her and frowned. “Rehalla? Is there something wrong?”

“I may need to leave suddenly, so you will have to keep Missy calm.”

“Why? Is there a work call?”

“Uh, no, but the pheromones of bonded couples cause me pain. I can handle a bit, but this is turning into quite the party, so if I disappear, just keep Missy calm. I won’t have the chance to notify anyone.”

Tannic frowned. “How the hell do you go out in public?”

“I don’t. It hurts. Eventually, it mimics a haemorrhagic fever. The bleeding eyes really sell it.” She kept her focus on Tannic. “So, keep an eye on her tonight. Please.”

He nodded. “I will. You will be okay?”

“Sure. I just have to go somewhere solitary, and the effect wears off. I will come and check in on her as soon as I look less appalling.”

“So, you think that you are going to have trouble tonight?”

“Oh, I know it. Tylos and my cousin Sevval are going to cause a reaction. They are really enjoying their union.” She chuckled weakly.

“Your nose is bleeding.”

She blinked and clamped her nostrils shut. “Yeah, well. So much love in the air. I guess I am allergic.”

“Can I heal you?”

Rehalla blinked. “You can try. I will pull back the warding that blocks assistance.”

He sent gentle energy toward her, and it was focused on her nose. Warm heat crawled into her nose, and the pounding pulse of blood faded. She unclenched her hand slowly and checked for more blood drops.

“I feel like a fucking toddler.”

He grinned. “You don’t look like one. Nice dress.”

“It isn’t the one Tylos picked, but it is the one that was necessary.” She didn’t explain it any further. “I am going to clean up and then try to pretend to be one of the girls at a distance. How are things with the gathering guys?”

“The ones that you are studiously ignoring?” He grinned. “Fine. Rennaulk doesn’t recognize you. He remembers you as a being of light.”

“Oh, yeah, that is what the true nature spell showed.”

“So, that is what you actually look like?”

“No, that is my true nature. There’s a difference.” She shrugged. “I am just here for Missy tonight so that she can have a good time.”

“Thank you for that. She’s so bright when she’s around you.”

Rehalla looked at him. “She will be that way with you eventually and won’t even know I am gone. I will just take up space in her list of acquaintances when she can’t see me.”

“I have seen you together. I don’t think that is possible.”

“It will be. She was blank before I arrived, right?”

Understanding dawned. “You were. Oh, damn.”

“Correct. The social self she is showing is temporary, and she will need a lot of sleep tomorrow.”

“Are you leaving?”

She smiled at him. “The longer I am here, the less you two will make up a routine and grow your own links. So, I will leave and try to visit once every two weeks or so. Couples need private time.”

Tannic sighed. “Thank you for acknowledging it. I was worried that you were moving in.”

Rehalla felt a pang. When they had been younger, they had dreamed of sharing space, but now it wasn’t possible. “No worries. I would never encroach on a couple.”

“I didn’t mean...”

She held up her hand. “I understand. I really do. It’s all right. Missy deserves to be happy, and you can give her a kind of normal that I am unable to. I wish you luck, and I wish you joy.”

Tannic looked relieved and inclined his head. “Thank you for being you.”

She laughed and turned to return to where the ladies were getting dressed for the last-minute event. A male she didn’t recognize stepped in front of her with a concerned expression.

She looked up at the new person and blinked in surprise. A blue elf. Cobalt-blue skin and navy-blue hair, pointed ears, sparkling violet eyes, but he had slit pupils. “I don’t see that every day.”

He asked, “Are you all right? You have a little blood under your nose.”

“Oh. Fine. Thank you for asking.” She curtsied and stepped to the side, walking around him. “I will just clean that up.”

He shifted as if to cut her off. “I can assist you if you are in distress.”

“Thank you for the offer, Prettyeyes.” She covered her mouth when the word reached her own ears.

He grinned, showing pointy canines, upper and lower. “Any time.”

She felt heat starting in her face, located the nearest restroom, and made a beeline for it. She had thought they were in Athena and Cassian’s home, but it had the feel of an event centre.

In the restroom, she saw the small rivulet of blood that had dried under her nose. “Classy.”

She dampened some paper towel and carefully removed the blood from her lip and nose. Once things were clear, she burned the towel in a flash and felt the heat in her blood. There was a reason why she didn’t burn the blood off her skin. Her fire went bone deep.

She was mortified. If Missy weren’t depending on her, she would have transported to someplace quiet to wait until her face wasn’t hot. She had called a stranger Prettyeyes.

She was bright pink. She sighed and pulled her phone out of the ether, quickly typing a message to Missy. In under a minute, Missy portalled into the ladies’ room.

“Are you okay?” Missy looked at her with concern.

“Yes, can you portal us into the ballroom? I embarrassed myself and don’t want to walk past anyone that I said something stupid to.”

Her friend was stunned. “Really?”

“Really. My brain went numb, and my tongue took off. I just want to sit in a corner for the rest of the night. Or up a tree. A tree sounds good right now.”

Missy stared at her. “Wow. This is new. You are babbling and spiralling. First, we will get you a small corner. If you need outside time, there are a lot of nice old-growth trees.”

“So, no escape?”

“Please, no. I need you here. I am going to dance with Tannic, and if you are here, I can remember how.”

“How long until the festivities start?”

“The DJ is set up, and the lighting is dim. Come on. We can switch, and you can hide for a change.”

“Fine.”

Missy grinned and hugged her, and when she backed up, they were in a shadowed corner of the ballroom that was slowly populating.

Rehalla settled at one of the tables in the corner, and Missy squeezed her hand. “Just stay there, and as soon as Athena is tired of seeing me, we can go.”

She nodded, and her friend scampered off to meet with her sister. Rehalla sat in the shadows and watched the party bloom. Prettyeyes came in with not only Rennaulk but the golden fellow who had been at the governor’s party. Delightful.

Tylos walked over and chatted with Prettyeyes. She didn’t know what they were discussing, but they both started looking around for something. She remained still in the shadows as she hid behind a centrepiece. She couldn’t believe what she had said and got the feeling that her mouth was going to run away with her.

Chapter Five

Missy kept an eye on Rehalla. It was weird. She had never been this nervous. Maybe it was because of Tannic? Unlikely. She seemed to be giving him pointers all the time. He was being encouraged at every turn, and Rehalla seemed to talk easily to him, but there were no signs of infatuation. It looked like they were becoming friends.

“Missy, where is your friend?” Cassian asked politely. There was a dark elf standing next to him with a curious expression on his face.

“She’s around here somewhere. Why?”

“Prince Aken was interested in speaking with her.”

“Oh, she’s not in the mood to talk tonight. She just came to keep me company.”

The dark man smiled. “But you have your male companion.”

“That is new. My friend and I have been friends since I was in training. Right now, she knows me just as well as my sister does.”

Tannic brought her a glass of lemonade, and she nodded. “Thank you.”

“You are welcome. So, what is the topic of conversation.”

“My friend. They want to know where she is.” Missy gave him a warning through their link.

He nodded.

Prince Aken asked smoothly, “What was the woman’s name again?”

Missy looked at him and did a quick analysis. “If she didn’t tell you, then you don’t need to know.”

He blinked and leaned back. “Interesting.”

Tannic moved to Missy’s side. “You know better than to ask a mage’s name.”

“Ah, she’s a mage. I thought she was a cute elf.” He nodded. “If she is a mage, she has nothing to fear from me. I don’t dabble with mages.”

Cassian looked at him in surprise. “I thought you thought—”

“It doesn’t matter what I thought. A mage-trained elf is of no use to me.”

Missy felt the power surge as Rehalla left. She had been listening in on their conversation.

Missy looked at Prince Aken. “You hurt her feelings. Apologize.”

Missy transported the djinnborn elf to where Rehalla was hiding. He needed to reject her to her face, where she could burn him to ash. It was only fair.

* * * *

Rehalla wrapped her arms around herself as she stood on the cliff edge. She would have to return to the party if only to swap out her dress. She had gotten three possible assignments in the time she had been with Missy, but her friend was more important than organized slaughter.

She felt the soft thud behind her and turned her head. “Hello, Prettyeyes. Sorry. My friend takes offense on my behalf easily.”

“So, you didn’t do it?”

“No. She’s an archmage with a portal speciality. If I had done it, you would have been burned to ash, but you aren’t worried. You have no use for a mage-trained elf.” She focused on the moon hanging over the sea. It calmed her like nothing else.

“I am seeking my mate. A master mage doesn’t qualify.”

“Got it. You have made that clear.”

She pulled her phone out. Send him back.

Did he apologize?

No.

Let me know when he apologizes.

“She needs you to apologize, or she won’t transport you back.”

“I apologize for speaking my mind.”

“Close enough.”

He apologized.

Great. Do you want to come back?

Soon. I am feeling a bit emotional.

Okay. Back he comes.

There was a sound of air collapsing, and the blue elf was gone. Rehalla was back to being herself and decided that it was how she needed to present herself. Ten minutes later, she had made up her mind.

Her skin glowed with the colours of a milky opal, and she transported herself back to the ladies’ room and walked back into the party. Missy waved at her, and Rehalla walked through the room full of men who turned and stared at her as she passed. There was nothing like being oneself to turn heads.

* * * *

Aken stared at the stunning creature who just walked through the engagement party. “Who is that?”

Rennaulk said, “That is the elf at the governor’s ball. I told you about her. Rehalla, I think.”

“She’s sitting with Cassian’s sister-in-law.” He had a sick feeling in his gut.

“Right. She’s the friend who calms the archmage down.”

With everyone seated, Cassian and Athena took to the dance floor and swayed to soft and romantic music. When the dance concluded, they kissed, and everyone was invited to the dance floor.

Aken got to his feet and was heading for the table with the glowing woman, but a troll beat him to it. The woman was graceful and seductive in his arms, and all Aken could do was watch.

The laughter that her throat emitted turned heads, and she spun and moved lightly against the troll.

When the song ended, the troll walked her back to her table, right past him. She didn’t even look at him. She thanked her companion, returned to her seat, and then a vampire was next to her, chatting her up.

Aken was stunned. She glowed with attention. Rennaulk had said the same. The woman he had met at the governor’s ball had glowed with unrivalled power. A glamour had not occurred to him, which was foolish as he wore one all the time.

Cassian came up to him. “Well, you look besotted.”

“Is that the archmage’s friend?”

“She is. Soul blade wearer and master of dark fire. Executioner of the mage guild.” Cassian smiled. “Many interesting women surround my fiancé.”

“Yes. I see that.”

“Would you like a formal introduction?”

Aken looked at him. “I have already botched the informal one, so perhaps a formal one would help.”

Cassian frowned. “How botched?”

“She overheard me saying I had no use for a woman like her. And then I confirmed it with an apology.”

The dragon paused. “Why?”

Aken understood the question. “Because I had been told that my mate glowed and burned, and she was doing neither at that time.”

She had coiled the heavy waves of her hair up on her head, and the vampire was leaning in. She smiled and stroked his cheek.

Aken felt a sad rage taking place as she rose and went to dance with the vampire.

Cassian was still staring at him. “But why would you do that? It isn’t like you to be blunt to the point of cruelty.”

Tylos walked up with his mate and said, “He’s in rut. He’s going a little mindless. She’s in heat, so he’s easily confused. She doesn’t match what she smells like. I figured that out during the fitting. Of course, she won’t let him near her now, and she has enough energy to back it up. Not to mention, her best friend can teleport him around the globe in pieces.”

Sevval asked, “Is that what happened to us? The rut/heat thing?”

Tylos pulled his mate in tight. “Yes, love.”

“Oh, damn. I am amazed he’s on his feet. I was blinded, and the only thing I saw was you.”

Aken growled in frustration at Sevval and she pushed her omega behind her in response, blades suddenly in her hands. “Don’t you fucking growl near my mate.”

Aken looked at the blades and then felt a prod in his back. A husky voice said, “Don’t mess with her. She’s pregnant.”

Aken turned around and saw the dagger of the soul blade that had prodded him. She smelled wild. Florals, musk, citrus, and sex assailed his nostrils.

“Rehalla, I would like to talk to you.” He spoke slowly. Saliva filled his mouth, and his body ached at the sight of her.

“Sure. What about?” She kept the dagger out.

“In private.”

“You have no use for me, so why privacy?” She looked at him with a bland expression on her glowing features.

He looked at her, and the green pools of her eyes were calm and implacable. “Because I have made a mistake out of misguided reflex that I will pay for for the rest of my life if I don’t take steps now.”

Her nostrils flared, and she cocked her head. “What steps?”

“Abject grovelling. I can’t afford to miss the opportunity to find my life partner because the rage in my blood would not allow civility.”

She cocked her head. “Fine. Where would you like to grovel?”

Cassian blinked. “The gardens are private.”

Aken nodded and bowed low, offering his hand to Rehalla. She looked at his blue hand and then back to his face. She set the blade back into her forearm and took his hand. He felt a lock of destiny click shut.

She looked at him calmly and spoke to Cassian. “Tell her where I went and that I went willingly. You don’t know what will happen if she worries.”

Cassian’s eyes went wide. “Right. As soon as she leaves the dance floor.”

“Probably wise.” She nodded.

Aken pulled her slowly, and she walked next to him through the dancers. He switched the hand holding hers and wrapped a hand around her waist, shocked when the fabric crushed under his hand, indicating that her curves weren’t just breast and hip.

She snorted. “Your hand started sweating.”

“Not just my hand.” He sighed. He led her out of the building and into the expansive grounds of Cassian’s country home.

Rehalla looked at the trees and smiled.

He smiled in return and asked, “You like trees?”

“They are safe places. Safe spaces.” She chuckled. “I have spent many years up in trees.”

“Why?”

“Because they are a safe place. When work gets the best of me, I need to go somewhere safe.”

“Why don’t you go home?”

“I have burned my last three to the ground. I am not a safe person to be around.”

“Controlling dark fire is difficult.”

“You, too?”

“Yes. I would like to find out if your flame compliments mine.”

“I haven’t heard it speak before, let alone issue compliments to anyone.” She smiled slightly.

“You are not a virgin?”

“No. I have needs and hate waiting.”

He shuddered.

“So, why were you such a dick earlier?”

“I had been told my mate would have light and fire. You appeared to have neither.”

“Can’t judge a book by its cover.”

“You also didn’t smell like a mate. Now you do.”

“Oh, right. My glamour works on the scent and appearance level.”

“Interesting.”

“So, why are you shopping?”

“Because the oracle told me that my mate would cross my path.” He kept walking with one hand at her waist and another holding her hand, like a strange promenade.

“I would have crossed your path looking like this at the governor’s party, but you sent Rennaulk instead.”

He paused. “My mistake. I was asked to attend a local event. It was a fundraiser for the local children’s hospital.”

She glanced at him. “You are kidding.”

“No. A local celebrity fell through at the last minute, so I had to stand in, representing my family.”

“Large family?”

“Fairly sizable. Yours?”

“Immediate family is four and extended is about fifty. Sevval’s bloodline has lots of kids. Tylos is going to be swimming in little ones.”

Aken thought about children and chuckled. “It is an interesting mental image. He’s going to have to adapt quickly.”

“Sevval grew up in a huge family. They can help.” She shrugged.

When they were finally out of sight of the party, he turned to her. “So, Rehalla, I would like to kiss you.”

She stared up at him with her brilliant green eyes in her softly glowing face. “Why? You don’t even know me.”

“Chemically, I would like to see if we suit.”

“How romantic.” Her full lips twisted. “So, one try, and it’s over?”

“If we don’t match.”

“Sure. I have kissed guys for stupider reasons.”

To his surprise, she stepped toward him, pulled him down to her, and kissed him. His focus shattered at the taste of her.

* * * *

Rehalla had just wanted to kiss him and get it over with, but when she pressed her lips to his, his arms snapped around her and lifted her off her feet. She was holding his head, and working around his canines was difficulty during the kiss, but she managed. Aken threaded his hand through her hair and held her as he took over.

Her blood raced through her veins, and her skin tingled. She felt heat ripple through her when he growled softly. She pulled her head away, and his hands clenched. She was breathing heavily and trying to get herself together. Knowing that it would stop the reaction between them, she pulled her glamour around her. He lifted his head and leaned back. He let out an animalistic sound and leaned in to nuzzle her neck.

“Uh, what are you doing?”

She felt the scrape of his canines and yelped, snapped her knee up, and when he grunted and glared at her, she realized she might have needed to back away before striking. “What was that, Rehalla?”

“What was with the teeth, Aken?”

“Alphas mark their omegas.”

“Who says?” She pushed against his shoulders. “And who says I am yours? It was just a kiss.” Rehalla tried to ignore that her lips were throbbing, and her mouth was as well.

He blinked and let her put distance between them. When he set her on the ground, she stepped back.

Aken’s chest was moving rapidly. He flexed his hands and said, “Perhaps you should return to the party before I do something we will both regret.”

“Sounds like a good idea.” She inclined her head, turned, and headed back to the house.

When she slipped into the ballroom, she smiled at the sight of Tannic and Missy among the dancers. They were moving in rhythm and looked like they were enjoying themselves.

Rehalla moved along the wall and slipped back into the house, going back to the changing room. She swapped back into her normal clothes and checked her messages. She had three possible assignments and activated one of them. If she didn’t have a place to sleep, she may as well be on the job.

She transported back to the mage quarters and put on her work outfit. Black everything with a mask and hood. She headed out to kill her target, removing the being from the living world with no trace of ghost or spectre. She smiled when the job was done. It had been a very nice party.

Chapter Six

Missy grabbed a glass of the punch for Rehalla that was on offer and turned to scan the shadows. When she realized her friend was missing, the slight smile that had been on her lips fell. There was no signature, no energy pattern. Nothing that marked her friend’s presence was there. She had left.

She set the punch glasses down and returned to the table. Tannic returned to her side, smiling. His smile failed, and he asked, “Missy, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“You were having fun.”

“I was.”

“What happened?”

“Rehalla left. She’s gone. No traces of her are left in the building.” She looked at him calmly.

“Oh.”

“You knew she was going to leave?”

He rubbed his neck. “She and I had a conversation. She stated that she knew I was trying to court you and that we needed privacy.”

Missy looked at him. “You can court me all you like, but if she came to visit, she needs companionship and shelter as well. Now, I am worried. There isn’t enough PDA here to hurt her, so why did she leave?”

“I don’t know. She was talking to Prince Aken. Maybe he knows.”

Missy nodded and twisted her hand in the air. A very startled prince was suddenly seated next to her.

“Prince Aken, what happened to Rehalla?”

“How did you do that?”

“It’s what I do. Now, what happened with my friend?” Missy rapped her fingers on the table.

“We kissed to determine compatibility. I started memorizing her scent, and she kneed me in the groin. After that, we agreed to separate, and she returned to the party. I walked off the collision and was on my way back inside when I was teleported to this table. Why?”

Missy sighed. Avoidance was what Rehalla was good at. “She’s gone.”

Prince Aken tensed. “What? Where is she?”

Tannic said, “We thought you might know.”

“No, but I am very interested in finding out.”

Missy was holding her phone and was texting with both thumbs. She waited and then slumped. “Oh, she just killed someone. Now she has a place to sleep tonight.”

Prince Aken scowled. “What do you mean?”

“She’s homeless. She has been for years. Her family is unaware of it, but when she burned down her third house while experiencing nightmares, she was broke and had to pay off the property damage to those on either side of her home. I offered to help, but she refused. So, she finished paying them off two years ago and has been living rough since.”

Prince Aken frowned. “Living rough?”

Tannic sighed. “Apparently, she sleeps in trees. Where is she tonight?”

Missy held up her phone. “She’s being interrogated, and when she passes out, they will put her in a secure, fire-proof room. She will get some desperately needed sleep.”

Prince Aken stared, his violet eyes bright. “What do you mean, interrogated?”

“Oh, they take all of her recent memories and download them as a defense for a legally executed execution.” Missy shrugged. “They are incredibly painful for Rehalla, but she sleeps like a baby afterward.”

“You accept this?”

Missy blinked. “I am the Archmage of Portals; no one interrogates me.”

Aken looked around. “I must go home first, but where will Rehalla be in an hour?”

“Sobbing and drooling on the floor. Right now, she’s screaming. She does not like the extractions of the memories of the kills though, but she considers it a fair trade.”

Prince Aken nodded. “I will be back within the hour.”

Missy inclined her head. “Off you go.”

He disappeared, and she looked to Tannic. “It seems he has some kind of interest in her.”

“What was your first clue?”

“When I mentioned her screaming, he changed shape a little.” Missy cocked her head. “I read about that but never thought I would see it. He’s holding up well for being in rut though.”

“Maybe Rehalla’s knee did some good.” Tannic sighed. “Care for another dance?”

“Sure. I can use the exercise. Do you think Smoog is having a party?”

“No, I think he’s sleeping in your underwear drawer.”

Missy smiled slightly. It was a funny image. She stood, and they returned to the dance floor. Prince Aken was going to need her help finding Rehalla. The interrogation centre was heavily guarded.

It was only thirty minutes until Prince Aken arrived. Missy hugged Athena and wished her a delightful engagement as the very big engagement party was yet to come. This was the warm-up for friends and family. Athena hugged her and smiled. “You did incredibly well tonight.”

“Thanks. I thought the Charleston was pushing it, but I think I pulled it off.” She put a small smile on her lips.

“Archmage Wills, may we leave now?” Prince Aken asked.

“Oh, of course. She will be rather drowsy and sweaty.” She looked to Tannic. “Are you staying here?”

“No, I am coming with you.”

She turned to Cassian and nodded. “Congratulations on your engagement. Your present will be arriving shortly.”

“Thank you, little sister.”

Missy stood, grabbed Prince Aken’s and Tannic’s wrists, and they were at the interrogation centre.

She addressed the guards who came running. “Hello. We are looking for my friend, Mage Rehalla.”

The approaching guard captain looked at her. “Archmage?”

“Yes, Captain. I am seeking my friend. She left my sister’s engagement party to attend to business, and I want to make sure she is comfortable and cared for.” She looked at him. “Now.”

“I will have to report it to the guild.”

“Of course you will. I am already under house arrest, and you can see how well that worked out.”

The captain paused, and she looked toward the window. “Oh, look. Shrubs.”

His eyes widened, and he nodded. “This way, Archmage. And your companions.”

“My familiar, Tannic, and Prince Aken of Vrenhar.”

“Thank you.”

“Now, Rehalla?”

“This way. The inquisitor has completed the extraction.”

“I guessed as much.” Missy followed him, and the guards followed the men behind her.

The scent of pain was unmistakable. When they were at the doorway, the guard opened it and stood aside. Missy stepped toward her friend, but Aken beat her to Rehalla’s side. He stroked her cheek, and she glowed softly.

“Rehalla, I would like to take you somewhere safe with your permission.”

Her eyes opened, and the bright green gaze rolled until it locked on him. “Prettyeyes. Why are you here?”

Missy smiled. “I brought him. Will you go with him?”

“Is the bed flat?” she asked Aken.

“It is.”

“Then, sure.”

He moved carefully and rolled her into his arms. There was a lot of wincing, but she wore a clean grey men’s t-shirt with only a few sweat marks.

Missy looked at them. “Off you go.” She teleported them off to the palace and then took Tannic’s hand. “And off we go.”

The captain gasped. “There are wards to stop the portals. It will shred you.”

Missy shrugged. “Who do you think installed the wards? Have a nice evening.”

She cuddled against Tannic, and they were back at the party.

He squeezed her. “You are good?”

“I am good. Rehalla in the recovery phase is the best chance Aken will have. She is very good at pushing males away.”

“Wait. What?”

“If she is particularly interested in sex, she just finds a companion and gets it out of her system.” Missy cocked her head. “She tried to disengage from Aken before it got to that point. It was a rough move, but it meant she didn’t want something casual. That’s new.”

“Ah, so that is why you took him to her.”

“Correct.” She could feel that Tannic was understanding. “If she gets a good night’s sleep and some meals she can eat slowly, I think she will call it a win. If Prince Aken is her fate, then I will get little besties to play with.” She grinned at the thought.

“That thought made you happy.”

“Yeah. Athena will probably give me nieces and nephews, but Rehalla would have little friends.”

Tannic’s eyes widened. “I don’t think it works that way with babies.”

“It will.” She shrugged. He didn’t know about her foresight yet. Rehalla had always been there and would always be there.

“I need to ask, why does she seek solitude?”

“Oh, she isn’t the best in her family and is generally a chronic screw-up as far as they are concerned. They love her, but she is not the smartest, not the strongest, and not the wealthiest. She’s spent her entire life trying to rise to master status, and now that she is there, she is trying to fight her way to stability that is socially acceptable.”

“Sevval didn’t say anything.”

“She got her blades early and holds the record for it. Her father is a council mage. Everyone is proud of her. She is also a giant. She always has an advantage.”

Tannic blinked. “Huh.”

“Rehalla is spectacular and never quite enough when compared to her cousins. For me, she’s my best friend, and I would kill for her.” Missy turned to Tannic. “Do you want to dance?”

He frowned at the change in topic. “Yes?”

She stood and hauled him to the dance floor. The slow-dancing couples made room for them, and she smiled at Athena and Sevval as she passed them.

Tannic held her against him, and they swayed to the music. Missy was still worrying about Rehalla, but she was pretty sure she would be all right. Pretty sure. She would check on her in a day.

“What are you planning?”

“Going to check Rehalla in a day or two.”

“Aren’t you under house arrest?”

“Yeah, but what are they going to do? Lock me up? I have created all the anti-portal wards on this continent. No restraint facility can hold me.”

“Good to know.”

Sevval and Tylos danced over to them, and before Missy could think, she was dancing away with the elf and Rehalla’s cousin was talking to Tannic.

“Why did you do that?”

“I wanted to talk to you about Rehalla. Do you know which elf clan she belongs to?”

“None. They have all rejected her, including yours.”

Tylos frowned. “No. I wouldn’t.”

“Your assistant Kemil did. She was not exceptional enough to overcome her human bloodlines.”

“When?”

“Two years ago when she lost her last house. She didn’t want to head your way because it was a bit distant, but you were the last clan on the continent to apply to, so I nagged her into it. I now wish I had not. She grew much more depressed after that.”

“But, her family...”

“They live a comfortable life, but when she gets mopey, she loses control, and they prefer to have her on her own. She is less dangerous to their homes that way.”

“You aren’t worried about her?”

“No. I have fire suppression all over my home. I adapted for her. Mind you, I could afford to learn the spells that made her life easier. It’s a pretty simple spell.”

“Her family didn’t do it?”

“She never asked them to. She was sent to guild training and was never quite right. Not enough of a mage, only two blades, looks like an elf, too curvy for an elf. The only thing that lifted her slightly was the dark fire, but it was only good for destruction, so they assigned her to the executioner corp.”

Tylos spun her and then brought her in. “According to Sevval, you have to volunteer for that.”

“Not if you need a job and it is the only thing that you qualify for. She’s good at killing, but it hurts, so she has to get the interrogation and full extraction after every kill. It’s taking a toll. Her mind is slowing, and sense of humour is forced.” Missy spoke calmly.

“That doesn’t sound good. She seems perky around you.”

“She has assigned herself to perking me up and helping me to integrate more easily with the world around me.” She sighed.

“Is it working?”

“I am here, aren’t I? If Rehalla hadn’t come with me, I would have come, hugged Athena, and left. But she helped me learn to dance, and now I can do it with someone who isn’t Tannic.” She shrugged. “She’s taught me to cook foods I like and to avoid foods I don’t. She helped me learn housekeeping, and we had movie and popcorn nights. She made me feel neurotypical for the first time ever. She accepted me. That is a super rare thing.”

“I understand.”

“I don’t think you do. She helped me do brain mapping and compared my responses to arguably average minds, and I started to understand so many things. She gave me all the information I needed when I needed it.”

“So, you have been good friends for a while.”

“We have.”

“When did she get the rejection? What month?”

“August.”

“Thank you. Do you mind if I stop to check the records?”

“Of course not.”

They stopped dancing and walked to the edge of the space where Tylos sent his recruiting assistant a message. They waited silently, and then the file was sent to the phone.

Missy tapped the phone and projected the file in the air in front of them.

Tylos read the copy of the file, and his skin darkened. “Oh, no.”

“There it is. Unremarkable. Average appearance. Unexceptional. Unworthy. Unlikely to add to the clan.” Missy nodded. “She didn’t get this version but got that very polite turndown. If he had just asked her or tested to see if she used a glamour, he would have seen her in her glowy state. He didn’t, so she didn’t know it was important.”

Tylos sighed. “We could have helped.”

“No, you couldn’t. She wouldn’t meet your criteria.”

Tylos teared up, and Sevval was over in three seconds. “Sweetie, what’s wrong?”

“I could have accepted her into the clan. She would have had shelter and more education.”

Sevval sighed and cuddled her husband. “She had family to take care of her if she needed it. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Missy looked at Sevval and shrugged. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“We are members of the same family; I know that they would have taken care of her if she needed it.”

“When she broke her arm five years ago, who came to help her.”

Sevval blinked. “What?”

“When she was stabbed on her first assignment and it was found that she resists healing, who was with her to help her recovery? I know her family was called. I was there.” She looked at Sevval with her normal blank expression in place. “No one came. Her parents called, but one of her siblings was having a hard time at mage camp, so they needed to be with him.”

Sevval paused. “Mithun was having problems at camp. I remember that. You mean her parents know that she had been stabbed, and they left her alone?”

“No, they left her with me. I read about what she needed for recovery, and we got through it. And the next one. And then next injury. Her parents were always loving on the phone, but they said you’ve got this, Rehalla. Every time.”

Sevval swallowed. “I want to say you are kidding, but I know you aren’t. Rehalla was the eldest, and she always had this air of competence around her. Her parents weren’t proud of her like they were their other children, but they were happy with her position. They think she is settled with a house and a good job.”

Missy blinked. “She’s burned down her houses. Nightmares. She hasn’t had a home in two years. Her parents know this. No one offered her a place to rest. Well, I did, but they just said they knew she would sort things out. She always did.”

“I feel sick, and it isn’t just the morning sickness.”

Missy looked at her. “Congratulations.”

Tylos was typing on his phone. “Just giving Aken a head’s up. He needs all the information I can supply him with.”

Sevval frowned. “If he’s her alpha, he will get by.”

Tylos glanced at her. “Did you guess she was an omega? You have known her for decades. Did you guess?”

Sevval swallowed. “No. I had no clue. I just thought that she was a bit timid for an executioner. The family makes fun of her targets dying in agony. I am guessing that she isn’t really happy about that.”

Missy nodded. “Now you are getting it. There are few applications for dark fire. Executioners always have dark fire so that is where she was slotted to be. Do you know what she actually likes?”

Sevval blinked. “No.”

“Botany and childcare, oh, and baking. Do you know what her family doesn’t let her close to?”

“Plants and children.” Sevval groaned. “There is always another teen to take care of them.”

Missy nodded. “I know. She knows. Just because you know something doesn’t stop it from stinging.”

“Where is she?”

“Aken is taking his chance with her. If he fumbles it, she will accept the rejection and just go on with her life.” Missy shrugged. “I have been trying to convince her to move in with me, but I think Tannic has urged her not to.”

Tannic spoke up, “I didn’t urge her. She doesn’t want to intrude.”

Missy sighed. “She has spent her life staying out of the way. I want her where I can hug her. She needs it.”

Tannic looked at her. “You are her support. Her familiar.”

“In name only. I think when she went looking for me, she broke something. She never says, but I am pretty sure that is where the nightmares come from. I don’t know how she got me home, but she did.” Missy frowned. “I think I should find out.”

Tannic grabbed her shoulders. “Not tonight.”

She frowned. “No. Not tonight.” She paused. “Tomorrow?”

Tannic pulled her in for a hug. “Maybe. Give it a day or two.”

“Fine, but three days is my limit. If I don’t contact her, she won’t contact me, and I will start to miss her.”

Tannic asked, “Will you?”

“Yes. She is the only person I miss aside from Athena, but that is different.” She looked up at him. “I am going to check up on Rehalla in three days if she doesn’t come to me.”

He nodded. “Take me and Smoog with you. I think she will enjoy having the kitten.”

Missy nodded. “Good idea. I still have to finish registering him.”

Just like that, he had diverted her. Damn. He was getting the hang of this.

Chapter Seven

Rehalla was wrapped in comfortable warmth. Her back was against something rigid, and when it moved, she realized it was a person. The arm around her hip and belly was blue. “Aken?”

He kissed her shoulder. “Who are you expecting?”

“The inquisitor, but he doesn’t spoon.”

“He did this to you?”

“Yeah. It’s his job.”

“Your mind has scarring.”

“Sure. It would. I am the most prolific executioner in the last three hundred years.”

“So, each time you go out, you get your mind scrubbed?”

She swallowed, but it was easier to speak with him behind her. “Yeah, I don’t like to hear the memory of the screams. They tend to send me after child abusers, but the screams still hurt. They echo.”

“You are not meant to cause pain, Rehalla.” He paused as if saying something profound.

“I know.” She exhaled slowly. “I know, but it’s all I am good at.”

“The fire doesn’t like being used that way.”

She twisted, but he held her. “What?”

“The fire is alive, and it does not like being used for nothing but death. It lashes out.”

Rehalla was still tired, so she started to cry. “That explains a bit. A lot.”

“It has been a rough night for you.” He kissed her neck.

“How are your nuts?”

He chuckled. “They recovered.”

“Good. I panicked.”

He brushed his lips along the side of her neck and grazed his canines across the spot he had identified. “Because of this? How do you know about this?”

“I can read. Missy and I both have bloodlines from the outworlders. I have been looking for books on the subject on every mission.” She brought her hands up and summoned the fire. She whispered, “I am sorry.”

The flickering flames paused and then stroked her cheek. They disappeared back into her palms a moment later. She felt a light warmth inside her, and the fire felt... happy?

“Why did you apologize to it?”

“It isn’t the fire’s fault that I have accepted that it only had one purpose.” She sighed. “I haven’t been able to find books on dark fire.” She felt herself drooping.

“We have some here. It is a djinn adaptation. Are you still tired?”

Rehalla nodded. “Just a little bit. The fire is doing something.”

“Thank goodness. You have too many scars.”

“It’s not near my scars.” She drooped and slept again.

She heard the sound of water and a woman saying, “Aken, it isn’t seemly for you to tend to her.”

“I brought her here knowing that she would need time and care. I am willing to cover both, but I need to remain with her. It isn’t even a joke, Mother.”

Rehalla was picked up and carried through the bedroom and into a room filled with scented steam.

“Aken, we have maids that can help her.”

“Yes, and I am here to help her now. If her fire lashes out at you, you are on your own.” He chuckled and stepped down a few steps until he began to settle, and warm water gripped her feet, her butt, and then her legs. Her torso followed as Aken settled.

Her fire was currently still doing something in her lower abdomen. It was a slow storm that was roiling around, and she slowly opened her eyes.

She looked down and saw bare skin, his and hers.

“Don’t panic. You smelled like sweat and sulphur. What is the fire doing? It should have started working on your scars.”

“I don’t know what it’s doing, but I think it’s working on my scars, just not the visible ones.”

“You have had internal injuries?”

“Sure. Bunches of times. The executions aren’t voluntary. They fight back.” She shrugged. He was scooping water over her shoulders and rubbing her back. Reality rushed in. “What are you doing?”

“Bathing you is relaxing and necessary.” He smiled. “Your body is very surprising.”

“Did it play hide-and-seek? Magic tricks?”

He chuckled and pushed her hair behind her back. “Well, it did make curves appear. Your clothing leaves much to be desired.”

“I didn’t choose the t-shirt, but the fire burned my clothing, and I had been cut up a bit at the last execution.”

“Who was it?”

“Mage Larithen Argutal. Accused and convicted of assaulting twelve students under his control. He ran from the judgment, and I caught up with him to carry out judgment.”

Aken sighed. “What kind of injuries?”

“Blunt impact of his fist to my abdomen. He died immediately after.”

He put his hand over her belly. “He cursed you.”

“Yes. That happens a lot. I am resistant, but it still hurts.”

“Is the curse extracted by the inquisitor?”

She grunted. “It is. You are smart for a guy with such pretty eyes.”

He chuckled and stroked her belly. “Thank you. My father contributed to them.”

“Your parents are still together?”

“Yes. Yours?”

“Uh, yes. I haven’t seen them in a while. The last time was over winter holidays, I think.”

“Was it a good visit?”

She paused. “It wasn’t what I had been hoping for, and then I got an assignment.”

He kissed her temple and kept slowly rinsing her. “What happened?”

“You sound like you know. Damn. Missy.”

“She is very concerned, and her familiar brought her here to give me a briefing after she saw you.”

“How long was I out?”

“Four days. You were desperate for sleep.” He smiled. “She is giving the staff instructions on how to best take care of you and her number in case there is an issue.”

She started crying and tried to keep her head down. “Most folks wouldn’t consider her friend material, but to me, she has been steady since the day we met. If she’s giving out her number, she was extremely worried.”

He hugged her. “Don’t cry, Rehalla. You have more backup than you imagined, but I will ask you to retire from execution.”

She looked up at him and blinked. “I have tried. The guild won’t let me out of the contract.”

He jolted. “You are not joking.”

“No. When one of the perverts nearly killed me, I tried to resign and was willing to have Sevval kill my magic just to set me free.”

“Oh, honey. I think I am going to kidnap you.”

She stared into his violet eyes. “You had better warn Missy.”

“Why?”

“She can keep anyone from finding me.”

“I will speak with her as soon as we get you relaxed and warm.”

She looked into his blue features, and when his lips were an inch from hers, she asked, “How can I have dark fire if it is a djinn thing?”

He grinned and tilted his head to kiss her. He started slowly by licking softly, and heat curled through her when she opened her mouth to his. When their mouths fitted together, she felt something starting, and as his tongue stroked hers, she felt heat. Not just ordinary heat. Dark fire flowed out of him and into her. It joined the fire in her abdomen and turned the storm into a hurricane.

She clutched at him and gripped his hands as the fire overtook her. His fire acted as a catalyst for hers, and soon, the water was churning around them as the flame ran along her limbs.

He stood, shifted, and sat on the tiled edge of the pool they had just been sitting in. He kept his mouth over hers until the world around her was full of black flame, and Aken was making soft sounds with every kiss.

Rehalla gasped when the fire stopped, and he lifted his head.

He smiled down at her.

She looked up at him. “What the fuck was that?”

He laughed. “Mating fire.”

“What?”

“That is what the dark fire is for. It is to heal and stimulate your mate.”

“But I have been using it to kill.”

“And it has made the fire angry. It was never made for that.”

“But it tore the targets apart.”

He stroked her cheek. “They weren’t your mate. The fire got angry.”

“Oh. Oh, that’s sick.”

“Yes. Here is the problem. The mages knew. The guild has all sorts of records of dark fire.”

“But when I went looking, they didn’t have any information on it.”

“That would be because they haven’t seen a female with it before. Our women are not generally found in mage families.”

“Wait. What? Where are they found?”

“Closer to the djinn. When a seer has decreed it, we use infertile couples to have our children for us. The benefit to the couple is that they are then able to have the families they want. The magic in our children fixes its environment.”

“Oh. Wait. So, I am not a member of my own family?”

“You were born to your mother, but genetically, you were not her daughter.”

“That explains the DNA.” She swallowed. “It said I was part outworlder, just like Missy.”

“Not quite like Missy. How close was your ancestor?”

She pressed her knees together and locked her feet together. “Closer than I let Missy know because I didn’t want her to get the idea that my mom had cheated on my dad.”

He smiled. “Given your colouring, I believe I know the donor couple who started you.”

“So, you just send the kids loose into the world? That’s fucked up.”

“We normally retrieve them, but something happened in your case.”

“What?”

“They asked to keep you.”

“What?”

“They figured out what you were and asked to keep you, so you remained in place.”

She whispered, “Put me down.” She felt the blood drained out of her system. They had had the chance to have her raised by people who understood her, and they had kept her, cherishing her until the first of their children had come along when she was six.

“Missy told me. They should have given you up, but they didn’t. So, you went to school, met Missy, and helped save her life.”

“Yeah. I sent my fire everywhere, looking for her signature. I burned the guards near the torture chamber and then returned home, sending fire directly to her to break the rack they had her on, and she followed the fire home.”

“Why did you let her think she escaped on her own?”

“She needed more confidence. She had a lot of power but not a lot of confidence in her own actions.”

“So, you gave that to her and then got her help.”

“I did. I also posited the idea of a familiar for her, but I wasn’t able to qualify.”

“Wait, you wanted to be her familiar?”

“Yes. It made sense, but they informed me that my fire wasn’t compatible with her, so they would not allow it.”

“And they took your friend away.”

“Yeah.”

“So, you have functionally been alone for... thirteen years?”

“Closer to fifteen.”

“Hm. May I hug you?”

She paused and then nodded. He wrapped his arms around her, and she started shivering and crying.

While she let herself go, he got them both back into the tub, washed her body, and washed and rinsed her hair. He had her wrapped and sitting while he had a towel around his hips.

“Wait. Were you naked this whole time?”

He laughed and handed her a brush while he started on the other side of her head.

When her hair was wet and straight, he wove his fingers along her scalp and fire-dried her hair from root to tip.

She looked at him. “You have always wanted to do that.”

“I saw my father dry my mother’s hair once, and it intrigued me.”

“And now you have your own dolly to play with.”

“So, you are acknowledging our connection?”

“Well, I swallowed your dark fire in a direct and not euphemistic sense. I know that isn’t a common thing.”

He kissed that spot on her neck again. He exhaled fire against her skin, and she felt a throb under his mouth. She looked at them in the mirror, and her whole body got hot. “Um, what are you doing?”

“Waking you.”

“I am awake.”

“Waking your outworlder nature so that we come together on equal footing.” His lips grazed her skin again, and she felt a throb again.

He pressed a soft kiss to her neck, and she shivered. “You are coming along fast.”

“If you say so.”

“Now, when do you think you can pull your glamour?”

She looked at herself in the mirror, and her skin started glowing.

“I have never met someone who could hold a glamour while they slept.”

“Is that why your mother was pissed?”

“She was pissed because she has been trying to convince me to settle for a lady of the court.” Aken smiled at her in the mirror. “And she never uses the word pissed.”

“Ah. I understand.” She looked down at her towel. “What was I wearing when I came in?”

“A grey jersey shirt. I have something else for you to wear. Artemis brought it in. It was a gift from Lord Spiralbright. He wishes to invite you to his clan.”

“What?” She stood up and clutched the towel to her. “They turned me down.”

“Apparently, they reassessed it with the guidance of the archmage. She can be persuasive.”

“She probably threatened him with shrubs.”

He kept a hand on her back as he supported her out. “Shrubs?”

“It is a running gag. Every time assassins attack her, they end up in different shrubs all over the world.”

“Ouch.”

“Yeah. It started out as appalling, but now, it is just funny. She doesn’t even know she’s dispersing them. It simply happens.”

He walked her toward a dress that was hovering in mid-air. It was gold and green with burgundy trim, and it was a skirt and top.

“It’s broken.”

“It’s traditional, and it will take care of the dramatic intake of your waist.”

“I try to hide it.”

“It deserves to be seen. When it’s showing, I can’t look away.” He smiled and handed her the bag that had been near it.

“Underwear. Tylos selected it.”

He frowned. “How can you tell?”

“It matches. Missy would have picked my most comfortable set.”

She pulled the panties on under the towel, got the bra into position and then wiggled the towel loose while she finalized placement. The towel hit the floor, and she was covered two seconds later.

Aken was watching her closely instead of getting dressed himself, and when she slid her arms into the sleeves of the wrap top and worked out the fastening that kept it tight to her skin, he sighed happily. “That’s lovely.”

“Weird fetish.”

“Absolutely. I will explain in detail why later.”

She saw the shoes and stepped into them. She loved wearing flats. They made it so much easier to move.

There was a thumping at the door, and she smiled at the sound. She opened the door and scooped up the kitten that came bounding through the crack. “Hey, Smoog. Has Missy made you legal yet?”

He shook his head and then tucked his tiny head under hers, purring.

She stroked behind his weirdly large ears. “She’s been busy.”

He was kneading at her hand, and the purr was tremendous.

Aken asked, “He has been around. What is he?”

“He was a kidnapper assigned to capture Missy’s sister. He punched Missy into a wall and cracked her skull. This form is his punishment. She’s going to take him as a secondary familiar with Tannic being her primary. She knows his actual name but calls him Smoog to protect his family.”

Aken tugged his sleeveless shirt straight and smoothed it down. It was a more casual version of the outfit he had worn to the engagement party. It was black and dark pewter.

She looked at him and blinked slowly. He was built. Wide shoulders, thick biceps, forearms wider than her calves. “How did I miss that?”

He grinned and reached out to let Smoog sniff his hand. “The same way I missed you under your glamour. You saw what I wanted you to see.”

“Damn. It might have saved you from my knee.”

He chuckled. “It was probably for the best. It let us both take a step back.”

She grimaced. “I stepped back and fell on my ass.”

“And I was rapidly educated as to who and what you are.”

She absently stroked Smoog. “Yes, I suppose you did.”

“Your friend is waiting with her familiar. Shall we join them?”

“Oh, sure. Smoog, you are walking.”

The kitten started to meep in protest.

“Dude, either you walk, or Aken carries you.”

Aken held his hand out, palm up.

He cringed back into her grip. She handed him over to Aken. The kitten was sulking.

Aken’s hand easily contained and supported the little dude. “Shall we head out?”

She nodded. “I think Missy is going to need a hug, or she’s going to fly apart.”

“You may be right about that.”

The walls were smooth and a soft peach. Tile highlighted every threshold and framed each door. It was soothing, calming, and comfortably cool. As they descended some stairs, there were suddenly people milling around. Very few were blue, but every other skin colour was represented in droves.

Rehalla moved closer to Aken, and he wrapped an arm around her waist. The crowd parted and let them through, but when she heard, “Rehalla!” She stepped forward so she could catch Artemis when she thudded into her arms.

Rehalla held her friend, and Missy leaned back while she held onto her. “You are glowing.”

“Haha.” She sighed. “I haven’t left my glamour down this long in quite a while.”

Artemis sighed. “Are you upset that you woke up with Aken?”

“I am just glad to have woken up at all. I had quite a bit of internal bleeding.”

Missy’s expression hardened. “I am going to kill him all over again.”

“No need. I managed it fairly effectively, but I am going to have to find a way to break my contract with the guild. I don’t want to do that again, and now that I understand what I was doing, I am sick about it.”

“Oh, the dark fire thing.”

Rehalla sighed. “You knew?”

“It has been a few days. I learned. I have always been good with books, and Aken’s family allowed me at their library.” She smiled. “At least we know a bit more about your genetic history. It explains a bit.”

“Yeah. I wonder who my originators are. I mean, do they have a registry? And what about my parents? Why did they ask to keep me and then ignore me?”

Missy leaned in and whispered, “Your glamour. They helped you construct it so that you wouldn’t attract attention.”

Rehalla was shocked as the ramifications set in. “You are kidding me.”

“I am afraid not.” She shrugged. “I talked to Sevval, and she interviewed her cousins. They both said that when you started using magic, they just lost interest in you.”

“I was five!” Rehalla was shocked. “Holy shit! Fucking assholes!”

The room fell silent.

Aken chuckled. “Well, this is one way to create an introduction to our court. Archmage, I would like to have her meet my parents.”

“Oops.” Rehalla looked around at the shocked expressions. “I suppose I make an impression.”

Aken handed Smoog to Missy and said, “You certainly do. Here is your furball.”

Missy grinned. “I have your back.”

Tannic appeared from the crowd and took Missy’s hand.

Aken steered Rehalla toward the thrones at the far side of the room. A blue-skinned couple were sitting in the golden chairs, and the woman looked surprised when she saw Rehalla.

Rehalla did what the guild taught her; she curtsied gracefully. “Your Majesties.”

The queen huffed. “You are not to speak unless spoken to.”

“You weren’t speaking, and it isn’t polite to leave someone unacknowledged.” She smiled. “I acknowledged you.”

The queen snorted. “From what I hear, you have not been acknowledged. What is your name?”

“Rehalla.” She felt Aken squeeze her hip. “Master dark fire mage and executioner.” She smiled. “Friend to Artemis, Archmage and portal specialist.”

Aken chuckled. “And beloved of Aken.”

She muttered, “That’s a little strong and flowery.”

“Four nights with sleeping beauty has turned me into prince charming.” He chuckled.

The king leaned forward. “So, Rehalla, beloved of Aken, how have you bewitched my son?”

“We made out at a friend’s engagement party.” She smiled. “Our fires changed places, and I kneed him in the groin so I could have a moment to think.”

Aken sighed and rubbed her hip.

His father looked at him. “Really?”

“Yes. It is very accurate. She neglected to mention that she was at the end of her heat, and I was at the end of my rut. If she hadn’t enforced her decision, we might still be locked.”

The king grinned. “Well, it is a pity that her cycle has passed, but there will be others.”

Rehalla jolted.

Aken shrugged. “When it happens, it happens. We are young enough to have an astonishing amount of time to try and produce an heir. If we are blessed, we are blessed.”

A snide voice said, “She was a transplant, so what would she know about carrying?”

Rehalla looked at the woman, stepped forward, and pulled her blades, moving until the woman’s head was resting on the deadly energy. It took less than two seconds.

Aken spoke, “Rehalla, that is Lady Avenel.”

“She didn’t introduce herself and wasn’t acknowledged by a royal. So, isn’t the sentence death?”

The lady’s eyes were huge, and blood began to trickle down her throat.

The queen shrieked. “What are you doing?”

“She is being rude. I am making the point that I do not tolerate rudeness. I don’t care whose vagina she crawled out of, manners matter.”

There were gasps, and a few of the men in the gathering chuckled. Apparently, the good lady was a bitch to others.

The queen calmly said, “Please sheath your blades. I thought those were just tattoos.”

“Oh, I forgot to mention being a blade mage in my description. Oops.” She looked at the lady. “No, apologize for the dig about my birth or start doing your hair at arms’ length from the table in front of you. I don’t hesitate to issue death.”

She waited.

“I am sorry, miss. I was rude.”

“Yes. You were. Now, say you will not be rude to me again, and I can lower the blades.”

“I will not be rude to you again, miss.”

Rehalla tilted her head. “Call me Master Mage Rehalla.”

Missy snorted.

“Yes, Master Mage Rehalla. I am sorry.”

Rehalla pulled her blades back and returned them to her skin. “There. Manners matter.”

Aken’s arms wrapped around her and pulled her back against him. The queen was staring at her, and the king had an amused twitch on his lips.

She felt something behind her and muttered, “Please tell me that didn’t turn you on.”

He leaned in and kissed her neck. “I am not going to lie to you.”

“Geez.” She shivered wildly.

He pulled her tight against him. “So, Rehalla, may I introduce you to my parents, King Akonel and Queen Yasminia.”

She tried to curtsy again but was held tight. She inclined her head.

He whispered in her ear. “You didn’t kick. Good girl.”

She felt the rush of heat rip through her and recognized it for what it was. She reacted to praise because it was so rare. Stupid kink.

He chuckled. “Oh, that is a fun response, precious.”

She hissed, “Dude, fifty people are staring, and Missy is laughing her butt off.”

“They can stare, and she can laugh.” He chuckled. “By the way, your glow has increased.”

She groaned. “Good grief.”

“It’s a good thing. Do you see anyone else here with the same aura?”

She turned her head from left to right. “Uh, no.”

“It narrows down your parentage.” He nuzzled her ear. “There is only one family here who has this kind of energy signature as part of their line.”

“You are kidding.”

“No, I am not. They also made arrangements for a changeling just over thirty years ago.”

“Wait. Changeling?”

“Yes, that is what it is called when elfborn mix with djinnborn and can’t have a child on their own and have a surrogate bear their child.”

“So, what happened with me?”

“You will have to ask your parents.”

She sighed. “Which set?”

“Perhaps we can speak with both.”

Missy murmured from behind them. “You might want to speak with your original parents first and then the surrogates. Just to get things straight. I can referee.”

Despite the agony of the situation, Rehalla chuckled. Aken’s arms tightened, and masculine heads turned toward her.

“That is a very nice sound, Rehalla.”

“Is that why you are squeezing me in the middle like toothpaste?”

His arms relaxed, and his fingers trailed over the tiny bit of exposed skin. “That is a weird way to use toothpaste.”

She leaned back against him, and one of his hands wrapped around her throat. She chuckled again. “My knee is getting itchy.”

The queen chirped out, “Are you a virgin?”

A wave of shock rippled through the court.

Rehalla looked at her. “Of course not. Don’t be stupid. I am over thirty, and I go into heat. How long were you a virgin after your first heat?”

The king leaned back. “Yes, dear. How long were you a virgin after your first heat?”

The queen blushed. “I don’t go through that, as you well know.”

Rehalla looked at her. “But you know all about it, right? The pain, the desperation, the need to just have someone, anyone inside you, and the agony when it isn’t right.”

There were a few women in the crowd nodding.

The queen was flustered, but she locked onto part of the statement. “Wait, over thirty? That’s too old for you, Aken.”

Dread crept through Rehalla, and she slowly looked up at Aken. “Wait, how old are you?”

“Two years younger than you, and I know you are only twenty-seven. You round up?”

“Yeah, it explains my aura. I just look older, so...”

“Hm. You are twenty-seven, and I am twenty-five. Not too far apart.”

“You aren’t a virgin, are you?”

He smirked. “No, but if you want to roleplay later, I am willing.”

She opened her mouth and then closed it with a snap.

The king barked a laugh and said, “On that note, I believe we should seek a more private location to discuss matters.”

Missy spoke from behind Rehalla. “May I be included?”

The king nodded. “Please. I believe you have some insight into this, as does your mate.”

Missy sighed. “Not a mate. Not yet.”

Tannic chuckled. “Events have kept the courtship from progressing.”

Rehalla gasped. “Oh, I am so sorry.”

Missy shook her head. “Don’t be. This is a fraction of the time you spent on me. Plus, Tannic has a ridiculous lifespan, and he can wait a few days.”

Tannic snorted. “Yes, dear.”

The king snorted. “Come along.”

He held a hand out to his queen and kissed her knuckles before leading her away. Aken mimicked his father’s formality, let Rehalla go, and offered her his hand. She took it, and they followed. Missy snorted, so Rehalla guessed they were walking in the same manner.

They walked through the building and had guards ahead and behind. The king led them to what seemed to be a large sitting room. The guards took up positions outside, and they all settled on cushioned chairs. Rehalla was settling when Aken scooped her up and pulled her onto his lap to cuddle her.

“This is not appropriate.”

“Rehalla, you still smell hot, and I am not putting distance between us until you are not.”

His mother asked hesitantly, “Still?”

Akonel nodded. “Still, dear. I am amazed she can function.”

Rehalla shrugged. “You get used to it, but I would have normally burned it out of myself by now.”

“Burned...” Akonel cleared his throat. “How?”

“I would use the dark fire to clear everything out. It hurt, and I wanted to die, but it worked.”

Aken said, “She and her fire have found peace.” He kissed her temple, cheekbone, and jaw as if compelled to do it.

Rehalla tried to remain businesslike. “I didn’t know I could talk to it. They told me it was just power and showed me how to kill with it.”

Akonel sat back. “I have never seen a woman with enough fire to kill. What do you look like when you wear it?”

“Wear it?”

Missy filled in, “On your skin, goober. Wrap yourself in it.”

Rehalla shrugged. “Right. Aken is fine, but ya’ll might want to back up.”

Missy got to her feet and hauled Tannic and Smoog to the wall. She snapped a ward between them.

Missy spoke to the royals. “Your Majesties, she isn’t exaggerating.”

Yasminia caught on and stood, grabbing her husband’s hand and hauling him to the wall.

Rehalla shrugged and spoke to the flame inside, letting it come out. The dark fire roared out through her skin, wrapped around Aken, and then began to fill the room.

Aken murmured around the roar, “You can pull it in now.”

She nodded and pulled the dark fire back into her body. Yasminia and Akonel were stunned. Missy was smug. Tannic and Smoog looked horrified but unsurprised.

Rehalla looked at Aken. “I am guessing that yours doesn’t look like that.”

He smiled. “It does not. It is very impressed and pleased with itself for getting so much power in a mate.”

His parents looked slightly grey as they returned to their seats. Missy nearly skipped to hers. “She’s magnificent, isn’t she?”

Akonel nodded. “Magnificent, terrifying. Rehalla, how did you get so strong?”

“Um, I went looking for something that was lost, but I spent so much time looking that I—uh—sprained my fire, and when I got it back, it was harder to contain.” She shrugged. “After I became an executioner, the more I pushed it, the larger it got.”

Yasminia asked, “What was lost?”

Missy raised her hand. “Me. I was lost, and the guild search was ineffective. Rehalla was the only one who believed from the moment I disappeared that I had been taken. She got on it, found me, and led me home.”

Akonel frowned. “You hunted her with it?”

“Tracked. Yes. It took me five days from the time I found the spell to the moment she was at the healers.” Rehalla kicked her feet.

Missy sighed. “It felt like so much longer.”

“Sorry. You were in a cavern, under the ocean, next to a live volcano, and the room was covered with containment crystals. That is a tricky find.” Rehalla smirked at her friend. “But I found you.”

“Yes. They don’t make a card for that.”

They smiled in unison.

Aken slid a hand into her hair and nudged her head over until she faced him. The kiss was intense and not intended as anything other than the communication of how much a fan of her fire he actually was.

When he lifted his head, she was throbbing all over. She muttered, “Stop doing that in public.”

He grinned. “I am showing my appreciation for your ferocity.”

“That wasn’t ferocity; that was just my fire.”

“I know, but you have so much potential for creation or destruction that it gets me all worked up.”

“Well, get it down. This is a very odd day.”

He grinned and pressed his forehead to hers.

Rehalla swayed a little, and Missy asked, “When did she last eat?”

“Before she slept. Her fire has been running her body and began healing when she woke.”

“She needs something to eat or, at least, drink.” Missy frowned, opened a portal above her, and plucked a few bottles of juice from inside.

Rehalla smiled and took the opened bottle that Missy brought. Orange and pineapple were Rehalla’s favourites. “Thanks, Mom.”

Missy laughed. “Finish that one, and I will get you some more.”

Rehalla drained the first bottle, handed it off, and took the second and then the third. She felt a little stronger by the time the last one was down.

“That’s better. Thank you, Missy.”

“No problem. Making out doesn’t beat an actual meal.” Missy glared at Aken.

Aken sighed. “We were requested.”

Akonel shrugged. “They were. Rehalla, when would you like to meet your genetic parents?”

“Uh, I don’t know. What is the estimated timeline?”

“What?”

“When can they be here?”

Aken murmured, “They were in the court.”

Missy’s eyes went wide, and she lifted her hands.

Rehalla stopped her. “No. Don’t transport them here.”

Yasminia held up a hand and spoke to an attendant that appeared from the shadows. She spoke softly, and the person nodded. Yasminia looked at Rehalla. “They will be here in five minutes, at a nice stately pace. Their names are Irfrenel and Althuria. He is the outworlder, and she is the djinn. They have both been waiting for this day.”

Rehalla frowned. “The day I woke up naked with Aken? That is weirdly specific.”

Tannic rubbed his eyes with his finger and thumb. “She is literal. Like Artemis.”

Aken chuckled. “Wait until you meet Irfrenel.”

“You have met him?”

“Of course. He’s the chief administrator of the treasury. CFO of the city.” Aken smiled. “He is a good and even-tempered man. His wife, however...” He shrugged.

“What?” Rehalla growled.

Yasminia laughed. “You will see.”

They waited in silence, and Rehalla’s gaze was fixed on the doorway.

The soft knock preceded the entry of two fascinating figures that explained a lot about what Rehalla was made of.

Her family had never doubted her origins as her mother had been obviously pregnant, and her father had been happy when she was born.

The glowing golden elf had brilliant green eyes, and the vibrant blue woman had a heavy cascade of crimson hair carefully contained with pearls and chains. Her dress was black with gold trim, and her husband wore dark blue with silver trim.

They walked into the room and froze when they saw her. Rehalla tried to get up, but Aken was holding her. She slapped his hands, and he chuckled and let her go.

Rehalla walked up to them, took a deep breath, and stuck out her hand. “Pleased to meet you. My name is Rehalla.” They stared at her with watery eyes, so she lightened things up by saying, “Uh, it’s a girl?”

They smiled, and then she was lost in a hug where traces of both scents combined made hers. She was crushed between them and heard Missy laughing, but she didn’t mind. These people liked her.

Chapter Eight

Rehalla was sitting with her genetic parents and nibbling at a tray full of savoury snacks. “So, you found my birth parents, and you approached them?”

Irfrenel nodded. “Normally, when a couple is approached and agrees, the child produces enough magic to grant a single wish. That wish is usually for more children. Your family delayed making the wish until we came to ask them when they would surrender you.”

“When I was five.”

Althuria loosely had a hand on her forearm. “Yes. You were pale, faded, and looked unwell. You looked like their daughter but with my hair. They begged to keep you.”

Rehalla shrugged. “That backfired. When you tell someone like me to make themselves unnoticeable, I become very good at the glamour that makes everyone ignore me. Even family. My friend Missy figured that one out. The only time the glamour cracked was... never mind,” she mumbled.

Irfrenel winced. “I can guess.”

Althuria chuckled and then asked, “But you had a good life?”

“It was fine. I had food, shelter, and a warm place to sleep. I think part of my birth parents loved me, but they lost the ability to show it. I went to guild training when I was sixteen, and from then, I only attended major family events.”

Althuria frowned. “They stopped being your family?”

“No, they were family, but there is no emotional attachment on their end. They treat me more like the child of a next-door neighbour who has been left behind.”

Althuria paused, her face froze, and then she smiled brightly. “I will be back in a moment.”

Irfrenel murmured, “Stop her, Rehalla.”

Rehalla caught on as Althuria was standing. “Please. Stop. Whatever you were going to do, don’t. I have enough regrets in my mind; I don’t need more.”

Althuria thudded back into her chair. “I am going to have to process my rage.”

Irfrenel smiled. “Oh, joy.”

Rehalla looked between them and blinked. “Wow. So, you two... how long have you been together?”

Irfrenel smiled. “Fifty years. Our inability to have a child was not for lack of trying.”

Althuria sighed. “It took us seven years to find a family that resonated correctly. We got images of you until you were five when we were to claim you, and then... you looked like you belonged with your family. When we saw you, our hearts swelled and broke at the same time. They explained how you were their world, their focus, and no other children had followed. You were all they had.”

Rehalla knew what had happened. Her genetic donors had left, and as soon as they were gone, the glamour did its job. They and her birth family forgot about her and focused on their new family, as they never told her when to drop the glamour.

“Well, now they have a bunch of other kids, so their wish for a big family came through.” She smiled.

Their expressions fell. Althuria asked, “You had other siblings?”

“Yes. Other cousins came to visit, and I just studied as more and more children arrived. I attended family events and went home. Studied and went back to classes. It all went very well until I met Artemis. Then it all went to hell, then it got better, and I had a friend for life.” She squeezed Althuria’s hand. “I made it to meet you.”

Aken rubbed her shoulder, and Rehalla sighed.

Her mother looked sad. “Anything to survive?”

“Yeah. If I can get out of my guild contract, I will be relieved.”

Aken rubbed her back. “We will notify them that you are no longer available to act as executioner.”

Irfrelen asked, “What?”

“Rehalla is the mage guild executioner. She has been using her dark fire to tear apart her assignments, but now that she understands her fire is alive, she is not keen to return to her missions.”

Irfrelen looked ill. “How long?”

She shrugged. “About nine years. Primary executioner for the last two.”

Althuria frowned. “You aren’t going back there.”

Aken chuckled. “She either knows or suspects by now.”

“Missy isn’t going to let me do it now that she knows. They will listen to her, or they will end up in the shrubs.” She smiled.

Althuria was still stunned. “You have enough dark fire to kill someone?”

“Yes. Several someones.”

Aken explained, “She filled my father’s study with it in a majestic vortex. It was lovely and encouraging.”

Rehalla looked at him and frowned. “Encouraging?”

Althuria smiled. “In our people, our fire is linked to our ability to bear. The stronger it is, the more likely we can have a natural birth.”

Irfrelen cleared his throat. “So, you are really strong?”

Rehalla shrugged. “I don’t know what scale is in use, but I get the job done.”

Aken stated, “I have not seen that level of fire in my lifetime. Well, until now.”

Rehalla continued to graze on the snacks, and Althuria smiled. “You are hungry.”

“I haven’t eaten in a few days.” She sipped at her water.

Althuria frowned. “Why not?”

“I was catching up on sleep. I have issues sleeping unless I am sure I am safe.” She glanced at Aken. “Don’t get a big head.”

He lifted her hand to his lips. “Wouldn’t dream of it. Now, where do you live so that we can move your things?”

“I have a pack at the guild barracks. That’s it.”

He frowned. “Nothing at your parents’ home?”

“No. I moved it all out at their request, so it was in the first home that burned. My clothes are some underwear and three guild uniforms. And a toothbrush.”

“Well, I feel confident that we can supplement that.” He chuckled. “My mother is eager to get to work turning you into a princess, but I believe that is my job.”

Irfrenel looked at him with raised brows. “You are going to take our daughter without asking authorization from those who raised her?”

“Yes. They can be informed when we have the ceremony.” Aken smirked. “After we have the ceremony.”

Rehalla kept eating. “He didn’t even ask me.”

Aken sighed. “My fire asked; yours answered. They are very well-suited to each other.”

She shrugged and nodded, wiping her fingers delicately and leaning back against Aken, looking up at him. “You are probably right, but I am always right.”

Althuria looked at her husband, and they both laughed. Irfrenel held his wife’s hand and squeezed. “Just like your mother.”

Rehalla smiled. “You two are cute together. Irfrenel, how long have you been in this world?”

“Fifty-two years. Fifty-one of which have been spent with your mother.”

Rehalla’s fire was happy and wanted to greet their parents. She turned her hands up on the table, and tiny, thin tendrils of the dark flame tiptoed across the table while her astonished parents watched. The couple held hands, and their own fire emerged from their free hands. Rehalla felt the moment of contact with a jolt. There it was. The interest in her, the joy in her existence that her own parents had grown out of. They wanted to know her, and when she saw their tears, she knew that the fire was sharing the endless hollowness that she felt. Like Missy, she felt better when she was with someone who understood. She hissed, “Stop doing that. You are oversharing, and that is not attractive.”

The flames flicked and shared until Rehalla pulled them back in.

Althuria blinked away tears. “I really want to buy you a pony right now.”

They laughed together, and Rehalla felt a slow, warm glow in her soul. Her birth parents had never been cruel, but they had not seen her. Not really.

Irfrenel asked, “Your friend Missy is the one we saw?”

“Yes.”

“She’s a mage?”

“Archmage. She is the portal specialist. We have been together since mage training.”

“And your favourite family member? Do you have one?”

Rehalla thought. “My cousin Sevval. She just got married to Tylos. He made me this outfit.”

“Excellent. I will be back in a moment.” Irfrenel disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Rehalla blinked. “I thought that was a djinn thing.”

Althuria nodded. “It is. He’s a golden djinn from the outworld. That is how you got your glow.”

“Oh.” She looked at her hand. “I forgot you could see it.”

Althuria smiled softly. “It was his glow that first attracted me to him. I hung around for his sense of humour. When we first saw you, you didn’t have it, and we began to think our magic hadn’t transferred to you. They hovered around you, and you hid behind them with huge eyes. They swore that they would love and take care of you always. You would be their treasure.”

Rehalla sighed. “The less said about that, the better. They do love me. I know that, but when they can’t see me, they forget about me. A few of my cousins are memory talents, and they remind the others that I am alive.”

Althuria frowned. “They swore to us that they would take care of you always.”

“Uh, that lasted until I was fifteen when I was sent to the mage guild for training. Then, no calls, no communication. It was the cousins who asked me to family events. They were fine in person, but when I was gone, they were gone from my life.”

“No one noticed?”

“No. The glamour worked on most people, but it didn’t work on a few, and those are the ones that I am friends with. My cousin Sevval, Miralel, Amberwin, and of course my friend Artemis. They all see me as I am if they focus.”

“But now you have dismissed the glamour, so all will see you, Rehalla.”

“I haven’t dismissed it. I have just pushed it down. I don’t know how to dismiss it. I don’t know where the spell came from or what it entailed. I haven’t been able to find something exactly like it that was long-lasting.”

Althuria scowled. “That is a puzzle.”

“What is weirder is that my parents aren’t spellcasters, so someone else had to cast the spell.” She sighed and looked at Aken.

Aken was scowling and kissed her cheek. “I will be back in a moment.” He disappeared in a coil of smoke.

Rehalla looked to her genetic parent. “Do they do that a lot?”

“What, dear?”

“Poof in smoke.”

“We all do. We turn into smoke and move through a pinhole in space.”

“Oh. I don’t do that.”

“Of course not. You are mage-trained.”

“Ah, right. Well, as soon as I relax myself, this happens.” She relaxed, and the glamour snapped around her.

“Oh. I remember those eyes.” Althuria gripped her hand. “I was haunted by those eyes.”

“They are your husband’s eyes.”

“Framed by my hair. You are the best of both of us, and we came so close to losing you forever.” She frowned. “Do you know why your parents kept you?”

“I was all they had. They said I was all they wanted, so they didn’t need other kids. And then there was the glamour and the visit, and suddenly, the siblings started coming.”

“You look so sad.”

Rehalla blinked and pushed the glamour back. “Better?”

Althuria got up and pulled her to her feet, hugging her. “No. But I am hugging you anyway.”

It wasn’t just the hug. Althuria had the same calm magic that Irfrelen had. It felt so comfortable and warm. She couldn’t remember a hug that felt like that.

When she lifted her head, her mother smiled. Both of them wiped away tears.

Sevval’s voice was soft. “I am here to represent your birth family.”

Missy murmured, “I am here to represent your chosen family.”

Rehalla looked around, and the room was full of familiar faces. “What’s going on?”

Aken was smiling. “These are the traditional elements of a djinn wedding. We are going to wed, and then everything else can be figured out.”

“Why?”

He held up a book that she recognized from the locked case at her family home. It was what she considered to be her spell primer. “Because we are going to figure this out, and I want you safe. With me, you get me, my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and you get a binding to this place and these people.”

Her fire was swirling happily inside her at that thought.

Sevval smiled at them. “As long as she will still come to family events. Now that the glamour has been removed, more of us will remember her when we see her.”

Althuria paused, and her husband stood next to her. He looked down and nodded. “As long as we are invited as well.”

Sevval smirked. “You could have a giant wedding...”

Aken paused. “You don’t mean a large wedding, do you?”

“Oh, no. Giants love a party, dancing, and her father’s side is ice giant on his mother’s side. It’s why he doesn’t do much magic.”

Aken shrugged. “I would not mind having a wedding from your side of the family.”

“I have two sides.”

He chuckled. “I have noticed. We can have a party every month if you like.”

There was a gleam in his eyes, and she muttered, “If you follow that with as long as there is a honeymoon for each one, I am going to try finding the outworld. Now.”

The inhabitants of the room chuckled.

Aken bowed. “I would never be so crass. I would think it, not say it.”

She snorted. “Charming.”

“That’s prince charming to you.” He looked up at her with a wicked grin.

She wrinkled her nose. “Stand up, Aken.”

He stood straight and wrapped her in his arms. She thudded her forehead against his collarbone and inhaled deeply. Something was going on, and this was different from the rapid romantic collisions she had had in the past. Part of her was petrified, but the part of her that craved a home knew that he was offering it to her.

Missy said, “I can act as family defender.”

Sevval said, “You have a partner, so no, you can’t. We need to find someone who is close but doesn’t have a partner. And they have to be able to win a fight.”

Rehalla turned to Missy, and they both nodded. “Fiora.”

Aken asked, “A friend?”

Missy paused. “Yes. A younger sister who likes to fight, sort of.”

“Sort of fight?” he asked.

“Sort of a sister. A sister in survival.” Missy sighed.

“Ah, if I am guessing right, there will be combat between the two sides, and I need to find a champion of my own.”

Sevval nodded. “Yes. You will.”

Rehalla muttered, “You might need more than one.”

Missy laughed.

Akonel asked, “How many are we allowed?”

Sevval cocked her head. “Technically, four a side. Rehalla, how many does your friend count as?”

“Against djinn? She counts as four.” Rehalla nodded.

Sevval looked at the royal couple. “You will be allowed four champions, then.”

Aken blinked. “That isn’t fair.”

Missy grinned. “You are right, but the optics would be ridiculous if Fiora took on her full capacity. So, when and where would the contest be held?”

Akonel looked intrigued. “We can arrange our people tomorrow. Hold the wedding here on Friday?”

Rehalla blinked. “Wow. That’s quick.”

Yasminia said, “We are paying for it, dear. We will arrange portals and everything.”

Missy snorted. “I will arrange the portals; just give me a list.”

Tannic said, “Don’t strain yourself.”

“Easing doors into reality is what I do best. I can do it all day.” Her phone chirped, and she checked it. “Fiora is in. She’s asking what she is supposed to wear and how hard she can hit.”

Sevval said, “No fatalities and only use weapons or skills natural to your body.”

Missy typed it into her phone and smiled. “There are a whole bunch of laughing emoji. I think she is looking forward to it. What does she win for Rehalla?”

Sevval shrugged. “Usually, it is any domestic task she doesn’t want to do, like dishes, though I don’t think that applies here.”

Aken laughed and hugged Rehalla close. “It does not, but we will think of something.”

Rehalla mulled it over. “Maybe you can have babies.”

He snorted. “Thankfully, not.”

“Gee. That is putting a lot of pressure on your partner.”

“I promise to take as much of the load from you as possible if it happens.”

Rehalla nodded. “That’s something, but it’s going to look a little weird if you are constantly behind me and holding my belly.”

His arms nearly crushed her. She squeaked, “Protest or enthusiasm?”

“Guess. Ow.”

She blinked. “Ow?”

“There is something climbing my leg.”

She leaned back and looked, then grinned. “Hey, Smoog.”

She plucked the kitten from Aken’s hip, cuddled him, and he purred wildly under her jaw. “This is Smoog. He is one of Missy’s household.”

Aken narrowed his eyes at the kitten and then blinked. “He’s a shifter.”

“Yes, but not the way you think. He was an adult mercenary who was a cat shifter. He cracked Missy’s skull while abducting Athena, and Missy holds a grudge, so he is a kitten until his sentence is served.”

“How long is the sentence?” He was glaring at the kitten. The striped little bundle turned and hissed at him.

“Ask Missy.” She chuckled. “His kitten instincts have taken over, and they will remain in place until he is free. Then, if he has learned his lesson, he will go free, and if he hasn’t, he will end up in the shrubs.”

“Why the shrubs?”

“Ask Missy.” She scratched Smoog behind his ears.

He sighed. “I will. I confess to a certain amount of jealousy.”

She looked at him. “You barely know me. I love animals, pets, horses, tigers, and whatever else I run across. They seem to sense that, and I end up like this.”

He smiled. “You are very welcoming when you make up your mind.”

“Yeah, sucks for you that you tried to drop me before we got started.” She smirked and cuddled the kitten.

“But we did get started, and we are making plans. You have more family than you thought, and they will love to host the events for you.”

Yasminia cleared her throat. “The palace will host. She is joining our family, after all.”

Althuria approached. “We will negotiate, Your Majesty. Irfrenel and I want to support our child publicly.”

Rehalla had a thought. She looked around and found Sevval and Tylos. Sevval looked over and then smiled and came over. Rehalla asked, “Do you think it would be weird if I talked to my parents?”

Sevval smiled. “I think it is very kind of you to consider it. Those of us who saw you for everything you could be tried to speak to your parents, but they wouldn’t hear us.”

“Will you come with me?”

“I will call them, but it is best that you go without me. I am pregnant, and transporting is a little rough on me, especially when Tylos does it.” Sevval shuddered. “I need a few more hours to recover from the journey here.”

“Have Missy move you. It’s like walking through a spring breeze.”

Sevval smiled. “Well, I will consider it. Are you going now?”

“I think they are home. Can you check?”

Sevval held up her phone and got to work. She waited and then smiled. “They are home. Are you sure that you don’t want company?”

Aken spoke from behind her. “She will have company. She doesn’t have to face them alone.”

Rehalla turned and stepped into his arms. “I’ll drive.”

She wrapped her arms around him as far as they would go and headed to where she had grown up. Home was with him.

Chapter Nine

Rehalla stood outside her childhood home and rang the bell. Aken remained slightly behind her, and she kept her glamour down with effort. It was second nature to hide in plain sight in her own home. That was a warning sign that things had been wrong.

Her sister, Embilla, opened the door and blinked. “Wow. Oh, wait, Rehalla? Holy shit. Is that a glamour? Wow. Oh, who’s that?”

“Not a glamour, and this is my fiancé, Aken. Are Mom and Dad available?” Rehalla looked into her sister’s eyes and saw the slow understanding in Embilla’s eyes.

“What do you mean not a glamour?”

Their mother was there, and she touched Embilla’s shoulder and sent her away. She looked at Rehalla and Aken. “Oh, so, you know.”

“Yes. If you just want me to tell you out here, I will.”

Her father came up behind her mother and stroked her arms protectively. “So, you know. You... is this what you look like?”

“Yes, Dad. It is. So, no invitation in. Okay. As the legal eldest of this house, I am here to announce my engagement to Prince Aken. We are having a quick wedding and portals will be arranged if anyone wants to come. You are invited but are not obligated to attend.” She felt her glamour try to snap into place, held it off, and made her glow brighter. Aken’s fingers wove between hers.

Aken spoke softly. “The wedding is in two days. Are you available?”

Her mother’s face contorted with grief. Her father said, “We will check on our obligations.”

Rehalla nodded. “I understand. It must be horrible to find that the child you begged to keep has turned into such a disappointment. Enjoy your life with your other children. I will enjoy mine.”

Aken said, “But you are all invited to the wedding.”

Rehalla exhaled. “Right. You are all invited. Come if you like.”

Her father asked, “Who is hosting your side?”

“I am, and Aken’s parents are. There really wasn’t an option, was there?” She swallowed.

Her mother whispered, “The guild is looking for you.”

“Good for them. I have words for them as well. If they come here, send them to the wedding. The more the merrier.” She looked at Aken. “Let’s go.”

He nodded and wrapped her in his arms. He transported her back to his chambers, where she sniffled twice and then bawled.

She sat next to him, leaning against him. He asked, “What was supposed to happen?”

“They were supposed to invite us in for tea, serve us, and then we would tell them and ask them to be part of the day. So, we don’t, and it isn’t a thing.” She wiped her cheeks. “I am sorry. I thought it would be different.”

“Don’t apologize. I have heard for years of the warm hospitality of the giant clans. I was not expecting what happened.”

“They are nicer to strangers.” She looked around and saw the book Missy had been carrying sitting on the desk. “I would ask how that got here, but it’s Missy, so I know.”

She got up and walked over to the book, smiling.

Aken asked, “What is it?”

“It is my magic primer. The first book that I was encouraged to use.” She picked it up and started flipping through it.

Aken paused. “This was your first book? It smells like peanut butter.”

“Of course it does.” She smiled and flicked through the pages. “I left my handprint here.”

She showed him the page, and her eyes flicked across the spell. “Oh, I think I am going to be sick.”

“What?”

“Can you read the note at the top?”

“No. Djinn magic is different.”

“Under no circumstances is the user to cast this spell on themselves. This is strictly for casting to aid others in concealment.”

Aken looked at her. “So, they had you cast the spell?”

“They marked the page for me. It is a spell of concealment of power and appearance. This book isn’t a primer. It’s full of purpose-built spells that no four-year-old should have been reading.”

“You could read at four?”

“Sure. It is just glyph to meaning, and I could sing a bunch of them, too.” She scanned down the page and then further back in the book. “There we go. This should work.”

She looked around. “Do you have a knife?”

“For what?”

“I need to get some blood.”

He smiled, lifted her left hand to his lips, and she felt the sharp nip as he broke the skin, swirled his tongue around her finger, and then lowered her hand. “There you go.”

She swallowed, inhaled, and looked back at the book, chanting and whispering the reversion of the previous spell before putting her finger in her mouth. The finger contained the spell reversal, just as the peanut butter crackers had carried the initial spell into her body.

Aken asked, “Are you all right?”

Rehalla felt the magic boiling in her. She ran to the window, flung it open, and a boiling cascade of mage energy came out as she vomited the energy that had been reinforcing itself since she was a child. Twenty years of confined magic rushed out of her while Aken rubbed her back.

The expulsion finally stopped, and she rested against her fiancé. It was gone. The pressure to pull up the glamour was gone.

“Are you all right?”

She swallowed. “I think so.”

She held up her wounded hand and saw the healing tip of her finger. A colour change was starting at her fingertip. “I am turning blue.”

“I believe you are going to be a gorgeous golden blue when the transformation completes.”

“You knew this would happen?”

He smiled. “When I saw what you were doing, I took the opportunity to get part of myself inside you to help push out the old spell. There was a chance you would take on a certain glow.” He rubbed her back. “Since I have not gotten inside you in the traditional sense, this was the next best thing.”

“Djinn are odd.”

He laughed. “Yes, but we simply are magic; we don’t have to focus it much. It is why we don’t read magic books. We don’t need them. We spend our early years working on control.”

She felt the hot bar of arousal through his trousers. “Well, that’s a good thing from where I am standing. But the blue?”

“More of a line between your first life and the life you will get used to.”

“This looks like a weird skin condition right now.” The colour had passed her elbow.

“It should cover you by tomorrow.”

“Wait. Is it just surface tinting?”

“For now. When we couple, it will begin to spread from the outside in.”

“No protection?”

He shrugged. “Nothing is one hundred percent, and since our birthrate is so low, condoms are hard to find.”

“Uh-huh. Am I still in heat?”

He tried to put an innocent look on his face. “I believe you are.”

“You want to test that belief?”

He smirked. “Perhaps, but you need something to eat, some nice conversation. Tea. Family, friends. Shall we?”

She snorted and realized she was hungry. “Fine.”

They left through the door and walked through the halls with her outfit showing the progress of the staining of her skin. She reached out to push the glamour down, but it wasn’t there anymore.

They walked outdoors where Missy, Tannic, Sevval, and Tylos with her parents and his.

Sevval smiled. “You are back fast. Tylos nearly floated out after the tea ceremony.”

Aken shook his head. “No ceremony. They didn’t invite us in. They met us at the door, and we remained there. They have been invited to the wedding, but we do not expect them.”

The djinn couples looked appalled and were around them a moment later. Althuria smiled and caressed Rehalla’s cheek. “We’ve got this. We’ve got you.”

Missy spoke up, “And Fiora says she can come and play bodyguard anytime. She’s a little bored right now.”

Rehalla swallowed. “Maybe tomorrow. Today, I am a little overwhelmed. She’s a lot.”

Missy replied. “Got it.”

Rehalla saw Sevval with Tylos across the space, her cousin speaking angrily into a phone in the rough language of the giants. “That’s not going to end well. She’s talking to Grandma. Dad’s Mom. She’s the one who urged them to take on the surrogacy.”

Irfrenel nodded. “We told her. We met with all members of your parents’ family before you were transferred. They knew. There was no secret. It was necessary considering the likelihood of you emerging blue.”

“Oh. Right. Well, I seem to be late to that inheritance, but it is arriving now.” She held out her left hand and put her right next to it. The blue was continuing to creep.

Missy looked her over. “I like the blue. It is good on you. It sets off your hair, and the gold in it doesn’t mess with the green of your eyes. Sort of like a peacock with red highlights.”

Rehalla smiled. “Thank you, Missy. Now I have to figure out my new colour palette.”

“Well, you have no clothes, so anything you buy will suit your new colouring. I think Tylos might help.”

“That is a lot of portals.”

Missy smiled. “I will give you a charm or just call.”

Aken murmured, “We do have dressmakers here. They would be honoured. My mother and your mother would be delighted to go dress hunting for you.”

“Yeah, well. That is obviously something that I forgot about. I am not used to getting help from within my family.”

“Get used to it. After her first surprise, my mother is now officially astonished by you. That’s a good thing.”

Yasminia chuckled from nearby. “I am.”

Rehalla’s stomach rumbled. “Sorry.”

Aken hugged her. “No problem. This we can easily manage, and we can plan the party while we are at it. Almost everyone involved seems to be here.”

“Except for your representatives and Fiora.”

“Right. I am still not sure that I need more than one.”

Rehalla giggled and then paused at the sound. “Weird. Oh, you will need more than one. Fiora’s a force to be reckoned with.”

“I haven’t heard of her. Where does she reside?” He rocked her slightly.

“Ah, Mount Akeron. She has a place there.” Rehalla swayed with him.

“Where else?” His lips were close to her ear.

“Here and there. She goes where she pleases.”

“Does she go by any other names?”

“Yes.” She chuckled and leaned against him. “I am not giving her name to the djinn. You are worse than elves.”

He slid his hands along her bare waist. “Yes, we are. So, you won’t give me a name?”

“You have your own name; you don’t need hers.”

He chuckled and lifted his head. “Missy?”

“Yes, Aken?”

“What is the other name of Fiora?”

Missy stated blankly, “Ogrewhelp. Foxborn. Lostdaughter.”

Tannic sighed. “I think Rehalla didn’t want him to have the names.”

“Fiora is defended against summoning and scrying for her names.” Missy was matter-of-fact.

Rehalla nodded. “I know; I just hate to disturb her.”

Missy shrugged. “She just opened another club, so she’s disturbed already. She welcomes the distraction.”

“She’s upset?”

“No. Dodging suitors. You know how cranky it makes her.”

Rehalla nodded again. “I do. It is why I hate disturbing her. She’s still dealing with... things.”

“She has gone the aggressive route, but that is leading to miscommunication, so she needs to regroup. A fight is just what she wants.”

Rehalla sighed. “Ah. Well, a wedding is the perfect place.”

“You nutty giants.” Missy smiled.

“Well, I don’t know any other traditions, so I have to stick with what I am familiar with. Since Sevval is the only person I have grown up with, aside from you, who is familiar with me, I will stick to the traditions I have seen my entire life.”

Aken murmured, “We could stick with our traditions. They are a little more formal than a brawl though.”

“I like the idea of starting with a fight between the bride’s side and the groom’s. It gets everyone’s blood up and tends to start a lot of courtships.” Rehalla smiled. “The giants seem to think it is the greatest thing, and the species they mate with go along for the ride.”

“As we don’t always remain in couples, our unions are a little more restrained with an effort put into making sure that each spoke of the wheel is accounted for.”

“Anyone else tries spoking me, and they draw back a stump,” Rehalla muttered.

Aken chuckled against her neck, his lips moving slowly. “Thank you for that.”

“What?”

“The addition of else.”

The king and queen called them over from where they had scattered as a meal was ready.

More details for the distastefully speedy wedding were gone over, and Fiora was put on speakerphone for her input. The low seductive tones of their friend got several sets of eyebrows up, but Aken just looked surprised. When he spoke, he said, “Izzy Harker?”

There was silence and a rich chuckle. “Prince Aken. Still turning down girls from around the world? Wait. No, you have settled on a gem.”

“I just turned down your license for a nightclub here; don’t put the wrong idea in their heads.”

“Ah, spoilsport.” She chuckled again.

Rehalla remembered her face as young and sombre with fury behind her eyes, her hair cropped close, and her skin ablaze. Seeing her come through the portal held in Missy’s arms had been a shock. Rehalla had no idea there was another captive in that prison. Not knowing that was a shame she still carried.

From Missy’s phone came the voice she knew from countless phone calls. “Rehalla? You two are going to be good together. I guarantee it.”

“Guarantee?”

“Absolutely.”

Rehalla blushed as she saw Aken’s steady look. “Good to know.”

“Don’t sweat it. Your wedding will be an event for the ages. Ask the local seers. They will say the same. When am I needed? And Missy still hasn’t answered what I am to wear.”

Yasminia said, “Wear what you would wear to a formal event for your people. Is that acceptable? I am assuming you are an extranatural.”

“Oh, yes, Your Majesty. I will dress for a formal event with my people.” There was amusement in her tone.

Rehalla didn’t give it away, but Missy whispered to Tannic, who looked appalled. No one but Rehalla was watching, so he quickly straightened his features and scratched Smoog’s head.

The meeting and meal came to a halt, and Rehalla hugged her friends and nodded to Aken’s family. Irfrenel and Althuria held her tight before promising to see her the following day.

Aken helped her get ready for bed in his room and crawled in next to her. “So, enough chaos for you?”

“Just enough, I think. At least I am pretty sure that my fire won’t cause any burns tonight. That means I don’t have to sleep in a tree.” She yawned again. He curled around her and held her against him.

She noticed the distinct lack of foreplay. “So, we are both naked and horizontal...”

“Rehalla, are you coming on to me?” he whispered against her ear. It seemed to be a hobby for him.

“Um, no. Just making an observation.”

“Well, in that case, you are tired, and I am tired, and tomorrow will be exhausting, so I don’t want us to lock and then have to explain why you are stuck on me over breakfast with the parents.”

“But won’t they figure it out?”

“Oh, yes. But the questions will still be asked. They will be asked in great detail and repeatedly. So, I think it is best that we just get used to each other for now. As entertaining as a wedding baby would be, I think you need time to settle, and we still have to deal with the guild. I am using some of my self-control, but if you want to play, I am at your service.”

Rehalla thought about it and then squirmed around until his erection was between her thighs. She slowly moved on him until her clit had enough of the hard warmth easing over it with the slippery substances they both were leaking. She covered her mouth as she moaned and squeaked as she came. Aken’s hands gripped her hips, and he moved against her until his cock jerked and her thighs were painted white.

She skated dark fire across them both to clean up. She chuckled. “Now I can sleep.”

Aken’s voice was nearly unintelligible as he rasped in a strangled voice. “Oh, good. I was worried.”

She smirked and settled against him with him still between her thighs. “Night, night, Aken.”

He kissed the side of her neck that he favoured and scraped his fangs along her skin. She shivered. He chuckled. In that dark tone, he murmured, “Night, night, Rehalla.” His hand was on her breast, and the other splayed wide on her belly.

It should have been distracting, but she fell asleep with a smile on her lips.

Chapter Ten

Over breakfast, she tried to focus on the itinerary for the day, but if Aken had been closer, he would have been on her lap. Her skin had completed its morph to blue and was darkening slightly with every passing hour. The gold tone was strong, and her glow was intense. That might have had something to do with Aken’s hand on her thigh.

Missy checked her phone and grinned. “Fiora is confirmed for tomorrow morning.”

Rehalla asked, “When did you last see her?”

“Six months ago. She invited me to a new club opening.” Missy shrugged. “We had a private balcony and lots of tiny food, so it was fun.”

Rehalla blinked. “How did she look?”

Missy smiled. “Tall. Strong. That glittering look in her eyes as she kept an eye on staff and patrons.”

“That look is something.”

“It is, indeed.” Missy nodded. “Out of everything I have seen in her eyes, that is my favourite. The new colour on you is rather pretty.”

Althuria smiled. “I would agree. Oh, the seamstresses are waiting.”

Rehalla sighed. “Right.” She looked to Aken and then down to where his arm disappeared below the edge of the table. “Ahem.”

He slowly dragged his fingertips across her thigh. “Off you go, Rehalla.”

Missy smiled at Tannic. “See you soon. Play nice with the other boys.”

Tannic sighed. He leaned down and picked up Smoog. “Will you take him?”

“Nope. Rehalla is going to be undressed, so I don’t want him perving in there.”

Tannic blinked. “Wait, is that why he is after her?”

“He has a crush on her, which will be uncomfortable when he is a shifter again. She’s not the threesome type.”

The kitten covered his eyes with his paws.

Tannic sighed. “Right. Out here with me, little guy.”

Missy patted his cheek and kissed his temple.

Rehalla blinked. “Wow.”

“We are trying it out.” Missy shrugged. “Let’s see if it can feel normal, not that I am the judge of what is normal.”

Rehalla chuckled. “You are your own normal.”

Missy cocked her head. “You know how to say the right thing. Let’s go.”

They linked arms and followed the older ladies. Rehalla asked, “Is Sevval coming?”

“She will be here shortly. Your grandmother called an emergency family meeting. Sevval called it an inquisition.”

“Oh.”

“You aren’t in any trouble, but your parents are going to have to answer some detailed questions. You should never have been allowed near that book, and they obviously coached you through reading it as you were, what, five?”

“Something like that. You returned the book to them?”

“Sure. I am the portal master.” Missy snorted and pointed toward her own chest. “It was important that they understood what they did.”

There was something about how Missy phrased it. “How long have you known?”

“Five years or so. The exact spell was difficult to find, but the book explained it. The amount of warnings to not cast it on yourself were hard to miss unless you couldn’t properly read yet. They just didn’t teach you to read them.” Missy sighed. “I can understand them wanting to keep you, but their desperation caused you an issue.”

Althuria turned slightly and nodded. “It had a ripple effect.”

Rehalla nodded as they entered the cooler confines of the palace. A sitting room was full of fabrics, laces, and glittering gems. Yasminia smiled. “Well, as you are becoming a princess, what would you like to wear?”

Rehalla exhaled and stared at the eager djinn seamstresses. “Uh, what would you recommend?”

Althuria smiled. “I think I know just the thing.”

“Please. I am open to all suggestions.”

The sweet excitement in Althuria’s face was unmistakable. She had probably dreamed of spending the day with her daughter, choosing dresses. Now, it was here via a route no one had expected.

Seven hours later, Rehalla was exhausted. Yasminia and Althuria were best friends, and Missy was surprised to have been declared the maid of honour.

Althuria smiled and mentioned that they would supply a few bridesmaids from extended family.

Rehalla looked to Missy. “Anyone from the giants?”

“Just a minute. I believe I can still hear your grandmother yelling. I will send Sevval a note.” Missy typed, and then they waited. When the phone pinged, Missy read, “They have five attendants. Tylos needs to know what the clothes need to look like.”

Althuria smiled. “Send him the image of the bridesmaid’s gown.”

Missy sighed. “I think he is going to have an aneurism.”

“You can also let him know that we will outfit any of the ladies who arrive. It is easier for us than him.”

Rehalla nodded, but she was energized. Four cousins would be with her on the day from her surrogate family and four from her genetic family. Fiora as her defender, and Missy as her maid of honour. It was going to be a fun party.

Missy murmured, “Do you think you will be able to spend the night without Aken?”

“What?”

“They adhere to the separation of the couple before the big day. If you are worried about things catching fire, I can stay over with you.”

“Um, I should be fine. The fire is getting what it wants. The building isn’t in danger, but where will I sleep?”

Missy lifted her head toward the queen. “Where will Rehalla be sleeping tonight?”

“There is a guestroom available for her.”

“Good. I will stay with her tonight. Tannic will have to take care of Smoog.”

Yasminia smiled. “Of course.”

They gathered with Althuria, who asked, “I know it is an imposition, but may I stay for a while?”

Rehalla smiled. “Of course.”

They were escorted to part of the building far away from Aken’s quarters.

The room had a series of daybeds, a huge television, and a pile of pillows. It looked like girls’ night had begun. Movies, food, laughter, and Althuria sharing tales of her early days with Irfrenel were all part of it. Yasminia came in and discussed her first days with Akonel, and Rehalla just sat and looked at the two women who had been more affectionate than her own mother had been in twenty years. It was a strange situation when affection was given freely.

Missy smiled at her. “Get used to it and get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.”

“Oh, sure. Now you understand emotion.”

“I can always see it. I just can’t figure it out. I know you and know your face. This is tense and angry and hopeful and wistful. Now get some sleep, and let Aken try to make you happy and safe tomorrow. No more executions, no more nasty guild folks. Promise.” There was steel in Missy’s tone.

She got dressed for bed and crawled onto one of the daybeds. “Don’t do anything stupid, Artemis.”

There was a chuckle, and Rehalla fell asleep with Aken’s and her own mother watching over her. It was oddly comforting.

The smell of breakfast and the soft whispers of women woke Rehalla the next day. The moms were gone, and the bridesmaids and everyone involved in prep was there. Rehalla was eased up, bathed, fed, and wrapped in the dress. When they were done, she looked like a bride.

Missy was dressed in sapphire blue at Rehalla’s side, and Rehalla had one question. “When does Fiora show up?”

“Oh, she’s going to make an impressive arrival on the fighting field.”

Althuria smiled. “Good. We are about to go and uphold your traditions.”

Rehalla’s hands were heavy, her wrists were heavy, her neck was heavy, and she was wearing pounds of gold on her head and everywhere else. “So, is this to keep me from getting away?”

Missy chuckled. “Probably.”

“You are really chipper.”

“Some of the guild are here to wish you joy.” Missy was snickering.

“Voluntarily?”

“More or less. I got to use my archmage status for a fun purpose for a change.” Missy pulled her hood up over her head to frame her snowy hair.

They walked together to the vast yard where an astonishing number of extranaturals were gathering.

Rehalla murmured, “Oh, wow.”

Aken and his men were on the opposite side of the field, and the giant battle coordinator leaned down and spoke to him. Aken walked forward with his four groomsmen, and Rehalla walked out, Sevval at one side and Missy at the other. Missy hit her phone, and a countdown started. Fiora would arrive in a minute.

The three of them walked to meet with the other five.

Aken looked at Rehalla, and his eyes glowed. “You are stunning.”

“I am weighed down. You look very pretty. I had no idea your ears are pierced.” She smiled.

He reached for her hand. “As I know, neither of these ladies is fighting for you. Do you concede, and I get everything I want?”

She snorted and looked at Missy, “The count?”

“Two and one.”

An explosion of sound, a bolt of lightning, and a heavy wave of energy moved through the soil. Fiora stood up, six foot five, with rippling black hair that was filled with the crackle of energy, giving it a blue light. Her bustier and skirt were in a cobalt blue, and her arms were wrapped with gold ribbons. She looked stunning, ferocious, and festive.

She walked to their gathering. “Hello, I am Fiora, representing the bride. Who is first?”

Rehalla smiled at the stunned expressions of Aken’s companions. She asked her groom, “Do you concede, and I get everything I want?”

He looked at Fiora and then at his groomsmen. “So, any takers? My honour is at stake.”

A djinn with black hair and royal-blue skin raised his hand, as did a pale elf with silver hair and the look of a fox shifter.

The two looked at each other, and the fox asked, “May we confer?”

Fiora said softly, “Two minutes.”

They backed up to a safe distance, and Rehalla smiled. “Fiora, you grew up.”

The woman laughed. “Yes, I glamour down for working in town, but I do have to shop in special stores.”

Missy smiled. “Where did you get the outfit?”

“Oh, I had it. I just had to add the ribbons.” Fiora winked.

Sevval blinked. “You are so striking.”

“That is why I am the fighter today. Don’t worry. I won’t hurt them too badly. Just badly enough.”

The ladies smiled, and then the men finished their chat.

Rehalla watched as Fiora walked away from them and checked her nails in the designated fight zone.

When the men started to move toward her, they did it cautiously. Rehalla watched the fox male slowly approach with a charming smile, and the djinn male circled around to the other side.

Rehalla gasped when the djinn disappeared, but Fiora flared to blazing flame to forestall a sneak attack, and the fox rushed her and wasn’t burned. Damn. He tried to grab Fiora, and she struck him with a flurry of blows, finally striking his nose and sending him stumbling back to fall on his butt. The djinn appeared, and she elbowed him, bent, flipped him over her shoulder, and pulled a water blade on him, aiming it at his groin.

She held another water blade toward the bleeding fox male. “Do you yield?”

He bowed and knelt.

The djinn held his hands up. “Me, too.”

She chuckled and looked to the officiant. They nodded, and Rehalla watched her dismiss her blades and help the men up to their feet. They were slightly taller than Fiora but just by an inch.

Fiora cleaned them all up with a blaze of blue fire. She reached out and straightened the fox’s nose with a snap and more fire.

Rehalla smiled and inclined her head.

Fiora bowed toward her with a smile, and the battle was over. The ceremony could now begin.

After swearing themselves to each other in the fashion of the giants, they took up seats in jewelled chairs while all the guests came by to offer congratulations and set gifts aside.

Fiora waited in line, congratulated the families, and then handed gifts to Rehalla and Aken. “Congratulations, Rehalla. He looks blissfully normal for a blue guy.”

Rehalla smiled. “Thanks, Fiora. I think so, too.”

Aken asked, “Where did you learn to fight?”

“My father’s side of the family. They are always kicking the shit out of each other.” She smiled.

“You are... what are you?” Aken asked casually.

“Part ogre, part inari from a long line of foxes. My grandmother has her own temple.”

Aken opened his eyes wide. “Do you visit?”

“No, one of my cousins has warded the islands against me. I can’t see her.”

“Oh. That sounds like a story.”

“It usually does. Congratulations on getting your head out of your ass.” Fiora nodded to Aken and made her way through the line, apologizing for the damage she did to the two defenders who were part of the groomsmen collection.

She circulated with the rest of the guests and was easy to spot.

Aken asked, “Why wasn’t she a bridesmaid?”

“Missy asked her. She didn’t want to show up for hair and nails. It messes with her lightning.”

“Ah. Is that your grandmother?”

Rehalla looked at the figure making her way toward them. “No, it is my great-grandmother. She never goes out.”

Sevval leaned over to confirm. “Rehalla’s not wrong. Nana Grim is scary as hell, but making sure family behaves is her job.”

The old woman skipped the line and stood in front of the couple, scowling. “Rehalla, so, you are a djinn?”

“Sort of, ma’am. Half djinn, half outworlder elf.”

“Well, that explains the fire. Your mother insisted you were hers when I asked her, but I always saw you surrounded by djinn fire, so it was muddled. Glad to know my senses haven’t failed me. You have the deepest apologies from your family; your parents have gone for some therapy to process the guilt over what they did to you. When they are ready, they will come to you and your genetic parents.” Her great-grandmother smirked. “I will see to it. Your siblings are a lost cause. You have a better connection to your cousins, and you will continue to be invited to all family events, like Sevval’s wedding, if she and Tylos get moving before their child arrives.”

Sevval chuckled. “There is just so much going on. We can wait.”

Rehalla swallowed. “Right. Thank you for that, ma’am.”

“I would like a hug later after this line is complete.” She smirked. “From your man as well.”

“We stand warned, ma’am.” Rehalla smiled. She turned to Aken. “Watch out. She gets gropy.”

Aken blinked. “Noted. She looks small for a giant.”

“She has height control, like Sevval does. She can be big or little, at her discretion. She has currently set herself to old granny.” Rehalla smiled and greeted the next person who had made it to their dais.

People carrying trays of food began to circulate, and the line of people finally trickled to an end. Rehalla had seen a lot of familiar faces and far more unfamiliar ones, but everyone seemed happy for them.

When the line was over, they washed their hands, and Aken helped her to her feet. “Now for the first dance.”

Rehalla stepped into his arms, and they moved together in a classic waltz. After they had danced for just over a minute, they were joined by the enormous bridal party. Rehalla looked at him. “So, this very efficient rush was due to your family?”

“Correct. We are particular about conceptions occurring after the vows.”

“Classy.”

“Because of our nature, we are extra susceptible to curses. That includes the unborn. Once we are wed, our fire protects them. Until then, the onus is on your body. You would be fine, but tradition is tradition. Not all partners of the djinn are djinn.”

She looked at her blue-gold arm. “Oh. Right. I forgot.”

He smiled. “You looked gorgeous pale as well.”

“Thank you. Now, do I need to worry about sunscreen?”

He chuckled. “I swear to rub it all over you before you go to the beach.”

“But do I need it?”

“No, but I will enjoy the activity nonetheless.”

She felt her cheeks heat, and his eyes twinkled. “So, did you have a bunch of guys in your room last night?”

“No. I spent last night getting advice from my father and yours on how to keep my wife happy and secure.”

“Sounds like a boring evening.”

“No, it was quite fascinating.” He smiled.

“So, why are so many guild members here?”

“They are here to express their enthusiasm for this union and have provided your cancelled contract to my parents. Have you noticed that a few of them are slightly battered?”

“Yes.”

“Missy had a word with them. She’s very proud of it. She’s on house arrest again, but I don’t think anyone wants to try and enforce it.”

Rehalla laughed. “They wanted her more interested in others. Now they have it.”

“I believe they have regrets.”

She paused. “Do you?”

“No. I look forward to growing extremely old with you, surrounded by our children and grandchildren.”

Rehalla leaned against him. “Let’s try for one, and if it shows up, we can make additional plans.”

“Deal.”

As they twirled around, she saw her genetic parents moving gracefully with a sort of satisfied glow on their features. Aken’s parents had the same energy smirk.

“Aken?”

“Yes, Rehalla?”

“Have you ever been engaged before?”

He nodded. “Oh, yes. From birth.”

“Uh-huh. Where is the unfortunate soul that you were bound to?”

He swirled her around, and she clung to him. “Right where she is supposed to be. Safe, with me, and enough mating fire to repopulate the entire city.”

“Wait. Is that what that means?”

“You have a passion for life, all kinds of life. That includes the small portable kind.”

“Oh. Someone should have told me.”

“Well, that was the thing. Your parents had agreed to leave you with your surrogate family, and they had no idea that things had changed the moment they left.” He held her close and swayed. “So, I waited for my fiancé, not realizing that it was you until Irfrenel and Althunia confirmed your identity. At that point, a whole number of things made themselves clear to me. My mother’s suddenly warming to you was the largest hint.”

“So, we have been engaged this whole time, and you still didn’t want to have sex with me?”

Aken stumbled.

He muttered, “I am regretting that at this precise moment.”

“Really, too bad. We still have to get through the rest of the party, and I am not going to try anything on an empty stomach. I am a princess, after all.”

He grinned and pressed her against him until she had doubts about separating them.

* * * *

Missy smiled as she danced with Tannic. “Well, that turned out well.”

“You planned this?”

“No. I just hoped she would land somewhere safe. She looks pretty safe.” She looked up at his astonished face. “What?”

“You are... emotional?”

“I am. I know what I am feeling; it just doesn’t show, and I don’t necessarily react the same way someone else would. It doesn’t show, but it’s still there in one form or another.”

“So, if I kissed you, you would react?”

She gave him a challenging look. “You won’t know unless you try.”

Tannic slowed and bent toward her, kissing her slowly on the dancefloor of her friend’s wedding. She leaned up to catch the pleasant tingle that started in her lips and moved through her body.

She could feel his emotions, and he could feel hers. It wasn’t the level of intimacy that some of the people around them were engaged in, but it was a start. It was a solid start.

When their lips parted, she whispered, “Is Smoog still in the shrimp dish?”

“Yes, he is mourning the chance with Rehalla.”

She sighed. “Of course he is. She is so out of his league.”

“Am I in your league?”

Missy nodded. “For as long as I last. So, do you think you will revert to a birdbrain after I pass on?”

“I think that you will live a lot longer than you think. How long is your house arrest this time?”

She genuinely grinned. “Three years. Apparently, you aren’t allowed to beat the hell out of the other archmages. I checked the rules, and I will be filing an appeal next week.”

“Are you attracted to trouble?”

“Of course. It means I get to use my mind, body, and instincts. That makes me feel.”

He understood. “You are looking for excuses to feel.”

“I am. Rehalla used to tell me how important it was to fake it until I made it.”

“Why are you such good friends if she was trained as an executioner?”

“Oh, easy. She’s a caretaker. I needed a lot of fussing over to keep me moving forward. The only reason she was ever successful at killing was because they chose her targets. Those who preyed on others. That is how they made her into a killer. Her fire didn’t like it, but it did it because the subjects needed to die.”

“Ah. That is interesting. Do you think Aken knows?”

“Oh, yes. His fire would have told them. They are like symbionts. The fire lives inside them and holds them together. We will know how bright they burn together when they retire for the evening.”

“Wait. We have to wait for that?”

“Yeah. It’s important. It will mean their parents were right to match them.”

“Wait. What?”

Missy listened to the tale of destined mates parted by fate. She looked toward her friend and smiled. “Looks like fate can’t be denied. I wish it took an easier path though. She didn’t deserve that.”

“It made her what she is today, flaws and all.”

“No flaws. She’s perfect.”

Tannic smiled. “Fine. She is perfect to you.”

She nodded. “Now, what about our courtship?”

He chuckled. “What about it?”

“When does it start?”

“Oh, we are already well on the way.” He twirled her, and they continued dancing until dark fire wrapped the entire castle, and the djinn talked excitedly.

It was a very good omen, and there was talk of fertility coming to their kind. Missy just enjoyed the dancing and eventually grabbed a comatose Smoog, cradling a shrimp like a teddy bear. With Tannic, Smoog, and mighty yawn, Missy portalled them home. She would start house arrest later.

Author’s Note

I apologize for the delay between books. Life and death have interfered. It’s not been a fun few months. Due to the distractions, this one ended up sweet instead of spicy.

I don’t know what the next few months will hold as I get used to a missing family member, but I will keep on trying to get the imaginary people out of my head and onto the page.

Thanks for reading,

Viola Grace

About the Author

Viola Grace is a Canadian author who immerses herself in Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, and graphic novels (that’s new). Writing for a few decades, she has spanned short stories, novellas, novels, and the occasional collaboration with the result being an astonishingly large backlist.

Focusing her work on humour, lightness of spirit, and now and then a heat level to scorch the pages, she leaves the dark and depressing to others. Happily ever afters are guaranteed.

The crafts she has accrued over her lifetime regularly work their way into her books with a variety of results for the characters.

When she’s at home, she is usually hiding indoors with felines of various sizes. The bees come in one size, and their speed is usually fast. When she is outdoors, she takes pictures of the stunning skies above her home and the wildness of nature that surrounds her, imagining fantastical worlds hiding in everything around her.