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Nyx is immediately reminded that he will be accompanying me wherever I choose to go, which he has no quarrel with. Either he's given up fighting the issue, or perhaps he's grown fond of our friendship and doesn't mind being my shadow.
Atlas is arguably opposed to the trip as a whole. He brings up valid points that he's not just looking out for me, but Ronan as well. With Soul Eaters well aware of my whereabouts, they'll be looking to get their hands on me or anyone that could give them leverage to arrange a swap. Ironically, it's the same idea Atlas had when he kidnapped me after I foiled their attempt to assassinate Bastian. I know my safety is high on his list of priorities, but I refuse to live my life in fear just because people might try to harm me.
When I remind the room of exactly that, they all say nothing in rebuttal. Soren smiles at me like a proud father would and says, "I believe the matter is settled. In three days, Ronan and Shaye will travel to the Frost Kingdom. Any of you are free to join them, if it would ease your mind on the safety of your friends."
I know the last part is aimed toward Atlas specifically, but he glares at his uncle in response.
With the informal family meeting adjourned, people scatter throughout the house, and some take the party outside on the back porch where Rafe is toasting marshmallows over the fire and Soraya is passing out steaming hot cups of cocoa. The drink fills my belly and warms me, despite the slight chill in the autumn air. The sun has officially set, and the neat thing about being way out here is I can see every sparkle and flicker of the stars above us. What a truly magical sight. I remember when I was on the brothers' boat, after discovering my kidnapping, I looked up into the night and felt so small compared to the vast expanse of the sky. I still feel that way now.
"Looks like Atlas isn't giving up easily tonight." Eris bumps my hip with hers, jerking her chin toward the windows of the sitting room behind us.
I turn slightly, just enough to see Atlas pacing the room while his uncle sips his drink comfortably seated in one of the leather armchairs by the roaring fireplace. Atlas is without a doubt irritated, and Soren looks more than amused in shutting him down. Atlas' gaze suddenly flicks up toward me, and I immediately whip around so we don't make eye contact.
"I don't know why he's always putting up such a fight." I take another sip of my drink and moan lightly at the smooth chocolate flavor.
"You know damn well why he puts up a fight when it comes to you," she clicks her tongue, drawing my gaze.
"Listen, he's made it abundantly clear – "
"That he wants you, but wants you to make the first move? Or how he wants you to know what you want in life without forcing your hand?" She fires back and I narrow my eyes at her. "Shaye, at some point, you will have to open yourself up to love again. Don't let the fear of who hurt you in the past dictate who you allow to heal you in the future."
I clear my throat, refusing to shed one tear here in front of everyone due to the war of emotions raging inside my chest. "What's over there?" I point toward the edge of the deck that sprouts into a path.
Eris takes a moment to respond, as if she's trying to decide if she wants to address my deflection, but graciously, she leaves matters alone and says, "There's a gazebo down there. Best views of the city from the northern crest."
"Can I go down there?"
"Go ahead!" She bobs her head with a smile. "There are lights that guide the way. It's not far.
"You don't want to come with me?" I pout.
"I look forward to these toasted marshmallows Rafe makes throughout the year. I'm eating my fill."
"Fine," I laugh. "I'll be back in a few minutes."
Just as Eris said, the path is well-lit with lanterns and leads me to a stunning, octagon shaped gazebo. The black siding matches the house perfectly and when I walk inside the modest sized structure, I'm pleasantly surprised to find it has a glass ceiling that comes to a point, allowing me to admire the stars whilst overlooking the view of the city lights twinkling in the near distance. I can hear the laughter from the others but it's the rippling of the water that soothes my soul. I bring my mug to my lips and take another swig of the warm cocoa, tugging one of the shawls I nabbed from the bonfire area tighter around my shoulders.
"For being the Midorian heir, you certainly don't look the part."
I spin around, expecting to see Vesper's ghoulish face, but sigh in relief when I see Soraya standing in the threshold of the gazebo, arms crossed, a look of mischief in her eyes.
"Did I startle you?" the teasing in her voice eases my nerves and I chuckle.
"It's quite possible you have the softest gait, Your Majesty."
She waves me off as she approaches. "Oh please, don't use titles with me, my dear. I never did care for them. I'm Sorarya. Nothing more, nothing less." She rests her forearms on the wooden railing next to me. "I heard you went to Draaksten."
"I did, and it was truly one of the most magnificent sights I've ever seen." Even though I'm still intimidated being alone with her, I lean against the railing in attempts to relax. "I just wish dragons were still around. I've only read about them in books, but I've always dreamed of them being real."
"When I was younger, I wanted to be a dragon rider." She chuckles. "I once convinced my favorite cousin, Bram, to take me up for a flight. He was a few years older than me, but he loved me too much to deny me. Quite honestly, I wouldn't have taken no for an answer anyway. So, even though it was against the rules to have a civilian ride a dragon, Bram took me up on his red dragon, Sagreed. She was a fearsome creature with molten gold eyes and fiery red scales, but when he scratched just below her chin, she would melt like a puppy.
"I learned very quickly that morning that I am terrified of heights and unfortunately, my dream of becoming a dragon rider died that day. Instead, I turned my focus on being the most powerful fire wielder of our age, a competitive trait I'm well aware I passed to at least two of my sons."
"What happened to Bram and Sagreed?"
The small smile fades from her face and I know before she says anything what she's about to tell me. "Bram and Sagreed fell in battle. Soren said they fought valiantly throughout the Great War. So much so, they made themselves a high-value target of the enemy. Unfortunately, one day, the demons were able to hit their mark."
"I'm so sorry, I should have realized – "
