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I pull her to me in one more hug, surprising even myself with my show of emotion. "Take care of her, Jaz."
"Of course, Vi. I won't let any harm come to her."
As they walk away, an arm wraps around my waist. Tulip leans into my shoulder. "Things are changing," I say quietly.
"I know. But that's what growth is. You couldn't think everything would be exactly as it was before, could you?"
"No, I know, but still. It just feels like so much is happening at once."
"Taegan, I've told you a thousand times what she said," I groan, dropping my head to the wooden tabletop. "It's notgoing to change."
"I want to make sure this is right, Shadowweaver."
"Viola."
"Shadowweaver."
I lift my head, glaring at him. The Helios stares me down, blue eyes strong and firm. I always forget that despite how soft-spoken and gentle the man is, he went toe to toe with Loris, who by all accounts was an absolute force to be reckoned with. I roll my eyes. "Fine, whatever. The Equinox told me that when I am ready, I can pass all of the magic onto one another. That one Equinox and four magical high priests will provide balance."
"And so you plan to pass the power on?"
"Obviously."
"When?"
"What is this, an inquisition? I don't know Taegan. She said I know when it's time."
"Leave the Shadowweaver alone," Morrow says, dropping down into the seat next to me. "Even I can tell the story in its entirety, and I tune out most of what she says."
Taegan grumbles and gathers up his papers, muttering something that sounds a lot like, "Stubborn fucking God and her stubborn fucking high priest."
My gaze lands on Morrow, his hair wrapped in a bright yellow scarf and his bulky body dressed in all black. "High priest," I say by way of greeting.
"My Eternal Shadowweaver," he says with a smile.
"Ew, stop."
His laugh echoesaround the meeting hall. We're the only two here. Cirrha is gathering the remaining Patricians, and Mace and Tulip are getting paper and drinks for the meeting. He rests his head on the table, eyes drifting shut. I poke his shoulder, and he opens one squinting eye. "Tired?"
"Her nightmares are back," he says quietly. "I don't know why."
"I think it's because her body is having time to process and heal. Since Twig died, we haven't stopped moving, fighting, Racing. I think it's just all settling in now. Plus, there is the fact that she is not just living a human lifespan without Twig, but a fae one." I rest my head in my hands, my own grief pulsing to the surface.
I've lost a lot. In less than a year, I lost Max, found out my parents and Link were murdered, lost Zeph, and killed a megalomaniacal God who was rapidly becoming a father figure, regardless of the fact that I should not have seen him that way.
I shake myself out of it, burying it underneath the responsibility I have for my realm. One day, soon, I'll unearth it and explore all of what I have gone through.
But not today.
Tulip and Mace walk in with arms full of papers and pitchers, setting them up on the table in front of us. Tulip's familiar, Hellebore, hops along behind her.
"Whatcha talking about?" she says, sliding in beside Morrow. She wraps her arms around his bicep, leaning against his shoulder. Seeing their relationship blossom these past few months isincredible. They were both holding themselves back for the other's sake. I know Tulip getting magic cut down a lot of the barriers that they had, but I can't help but think losing Zeph did as well.
"Oh, you know, just what an incredibly benevolent God our Shadowweaver is," Morrow deadpans.
"Oh yes, she is just so warm," Mace says, grabbing my hands and pulling them across the table. His green shirt matches his eyes, which sparkle with mirth. "Where are the Patricians?"
"Here!" Cirrha calls, walking a small group of fae through the large doorway. It has been a pleasure getting to see our small city through their eyes. Even now, all of the Patricians are glancing around the meeting hall with curiosity. I wonder what they think, having gone from the luxury of the Palace to our stone and wood building. There are no decorative sconces, banners, and flags. Right now, it is just stone walls and exposed wood beams on the roof.
