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Just as I prepared to unleash my magic, a loud roar echoed through the cavern, and Triss stopped as if she’d hit an invisible wall. She turned toward her mother like a wayward puppy, batting her long lashes with a whimper.
Isa snarled down at her daughter. Return to me this instant. You will play with them only when I allow it, and only when you can exercise restraint.
Triss let out a low whimper, then tucked her tail between her legs, dragging herself back up the dais steps before plopping on the floor and covering her eyes with her paws. I almost felt sorry for her, but I was grateful her mother put the safety of my girls first.
The satyrs bade Shiri and me sit at the end of the center table with our mates and children beside us. I sat beside Finn, and Ember and Aurora were sandwiched between my mates with Ash on the end. The rest of the satyrs cast us curious looks as they found their seats, too.
When everyone was seated, Esther stood between the tables and the dais and cleared her throat. “Let us say a prayer.”
I hung my head, nudging Finn when Aurora played with her napkin and Ember picked at a roll.
Finn nudged the girls, and when they didn’t listen, Ash snatched the napkin and roll, telling them to bow their heads in his dark wolf voice.
They frowned, hanging their heads, but not before giving Finn a look as if he could intervene.
Finn pretended he didn’t see their pouts as he took my hand and bowed his head.
“Oh, heavenly Elements,” Esther called aloud, her voice echoing through the cavern walls, “we thank you for sending us two new goddesses who will drive these demons back to hell where they belong. We know their task will not be easy, so we ask that you bless them with strength and cunning, but most of all with courage to face their enemies in the battles to come. Please bless them, Elements.” She paused, and when I chanced a look up, I saw her looking directly at me. “The world is counting on them,” she continued, her voice dropping to a low rumble, “else the demon infestation will spread, and all of Fae-kind will be doomed.” Then she clapped her hands together, a cheery smile on her face. “Let us feast!”
The crowd broke into a cacophony of chatter as satyrs began piling their plates with food. Finn helped the girls put food on their plates while I looked across the table at my sister.
That was a cheery prayer, she grumbled through thought.
No pressure at all, I added.
Yeah, no pressure, she said, not bothering to mask the bite in her tone, other than all Fae-kind will be doomed if we fail.
I clutched my roiling stomach, saying aloud, “I’ve suddenly lost my appetite.”
“You must eat.” She gave me a stern look. “Think of the baby.”
I let Finn pile food on my plate, and then I slowly spooned creamy peas and parsnips into my mouth, a heavenly mixture of butter and dill exploding on my tongue. Everything was so delicious, I soon forgot about Esther’s gloomy prayer and helped myself to seconds of everything.
I sampled all kinds of fish and vegetable dishes and an assortment of savory and sweet breads. I was so grateful to the cooks for serving only fish, so I didn’t have to contend with the spirits of dead animals. These satyrs said they were pescatarians, like me, which brought me a sense of relief, for I’d hate to turn away the food our hosts had worked hard to prepare.
Kaida brought me a special memory tea. It tasted awful, even after sweetening it with honey, but I forced myself to drink it. I only hoped I wouldn’t retch it up later.
Isa and Triss sat on the stone slab at the end of the cavern, eating the charred remains of a shark. I forced myself to look away when Triss slurped up a long intestine like a noodle while blood dripped off her fangs and chest. She was certainly a messy dragon, her mannerisms reminding me very much of the girls. Despite the fact that she was as old as me, Isa was right that Triss was still a hatchling. Even more reason for me to keep the girls from riding her. I couldn’t trust the cub with my children, not until she matured. I continually scanned the hall, looking for a sign of Radnor. I still had yet to find out where they were keeping Helian, and though he didn’t deserve my concern, I worried that he wasn’t being treated well. Was he warm? Did he have food and drink and a place to sleep?
When they brought out tarts for desserts, the girls squealed so loudly, I had to shield my ears. Shiri explained there was a satyr cook named Crispin at Abyssus who served the most delicious food that was very similar to tonight’s fare, especially the tarts. When the girls asked for seconds, I looked to Shiri, who quickly looked away. Then the girls batted their lashes at Finn, and he answered for us, giving them each seconds and taking thirds for himself.
I placed my hand on Finn’s forearm. That’s enough, I said through thought, or else they’ll be climbing the walls.
He let out a wolf’s whimper. I have a hard time saying ‘no’ to them.
I refrained from rolling my eyes. Yeah, they know.
After we were finished, Ash leaned back and let out a belch. “I could eat like that every night.”
“So could I,” I said as I stood and thanked Esther and the other satyrs.
Then a quartet of musicians joined Isa on the dais and struck up a happy tune. Satyrs jumped up with hoots and hollers, pushing back the tables and then dancing to the music. Shiri and her mates joined them on the dance floor, and the girls dragged Finn onto the floor, too.
Ash stood beside me, frowning at the crowd. He placed a hand on my back, projecting to me through thought. Do you feel up to dancing?
I shook my head. My stomach was too full, and I was exhausted, no doubt an effect of pregnancy. Besides, how could I enjoy myself when I had no idea what had happened to Helian? Even though he didn’t deserve my sympathy, that didn’t mean he should be denied protection and basic care. I motioned toward the satyrs clearing the platters of food from the tables, dumping the leftovers into a big tub. I had a feeling that tub would be given to the wyverns. Someone should check on Helian and bring him food.
The wolf flashed in his eyes as he snarled down at me. He doesn’t deserve your pity, Tari.
