Atlas and I finished dinner in our suite and spent the rest of the night in our plush bed. I finally slumped into a dreamless sleep a few hours later. My body was sore from training and spending those last few hours with Atlas, but the pain reminded me of early mornings spent with Nicki and Dustin, training with all of the other recruits.
As I floated in a dreamless sleep, something strange began to happen. I could see light dancing all around me, different colors and hues. Some were warm, while others felt like a cool spring day. I had no clue what they were, but reached out anyway. Some of the colors shifted and moved away from my stretched hand, while others went still, or continued about their business.
"That's incredible." I laughed, watching as Atlas showed me what he had learned so far.Alette, Atlas and I stood around the rim of a great fountain, bigger than most modern swimming pools. The tile at the bottom was iridescent and shimmered under the warm sunlight. There were fish and different aquatic life carved from the stone that made up the fountain. A stream of water spewed from the top, forming a dome over top.Atlas was currently kneeling by the fountain, dipping his fingers into the water. The stream that spewed from the top morphed into a horse. I could see the eyes and snout from where I stood. The horse was true to size, but then quickly changed into the form of a dragon."It looks like the tattoo on your back." I pointed out, touching the blue ink from beneath his shirt.He shivered from my touch and the dragon's form faltered for a moment. When he met my eyes, a lazy smirk sat on his face."Sorry, kitten. You're distracting." He teas
We met Alette back at our suite an hour later. She escorted us through countless hallways, halfway across the castle.Summer was in full bloom now, and I enjoyed every glimpse of flowers and the rush of warm air on my skin. It was especially nice in the parts of the castle that had no ceiling. Only pillars with billowing curtains, lined the marble walkway that we currently traveled down."There's multiple libraries in this place, but this one is my personal favorite." Alette told us, throwing a smile over her shoulder. "Adelina has her spying and seeing the future, and I have this.""The library?" I asked, glancing up at an ornate set of doors etched with golden filigree."Knowledge." She corrected, shoving open the doors with a single heave.My nose wrinkled initially as I expected the scent of dust and old books. Instead, I smelled vanilla and tobacco, leather and ink.Floor to ceiling bookcases lined the walls, all full of different volum
Ever since accepting Atlas as my mate, I've been learning new things about him. How unfalteringly loyal he is, and fearless in the face of danger. How he uses his words to tease and torment my body, until I'm breathless and begging for his touch. Atlas also happened to be a man of his word.I first found release with his face between my legs, his tongue making long, lavish strokes across my skin. The second time was with his hand twisted in my hair, and my face pressed into the soft pillows as he grunted and thrust into me from behind. His fingers had traveled around to the front of me, working me into another blissful orgasm.His movements and touches became rougher, and I enjoyed this side of him. The one that brought both pleasure and pain, and wielded them masterfully. His teeth scraped down my skin, nipping at me until small bites formed across my breasts. I had found my third release when his teeth scraped across my nipple. My back arched and my vision blurred as
The three of us hurried down the dark pathway within the walls of the castle. I could hear murmuring and excited chatter from the maids and servants preparing for the ball, just as I could hear the first wave of guests arriving. The heels I wore clicked against the smooth stone floor, and echoed in a symphony of short notes."She vanished once she reached the doors that open to the valley below. If she did leave the castle grounds, the forest will make it impossible to find her." Adelina huffed, hiking her lavender dress up to her knees. "We can't--"Adelina skidded to a halt; the only warning was Tamara's venom laced voice approaching.Atlas and I stumbled into one another, becoming a mess of limbs as we tried not to fall to the ground.'So very graceful, kitten.' His sly thoughts crossed over to mine.'We're the two clumsiest Fae to have ever existed.' I snorted, steadying myself on one of the smooth walls.Tamara was shouting at one of th
With the High Lady's cold, furious eyes on my face, I descended the stairs. My arm was linked through Atlas's, and more than anything, I desperately hoped I remained on my two feet. The stairs were long and curved around as they descended to the ground level where the crowd awaited.Atlas and I reached the bottom at the same time as Alette and Adelina. We stood at the base of the stairs, looking out into the sea of fae that chose to attend. As soon as our feet hit the ground, I was enveloped in the rich scents and addicting sounds of the ball. Music twinkled, upbeat and joyful before becoming slow and passionate. The mouthwatering scent of fruits and roasted meats wafted in every direction. It was easy to get caught up in the allure of it all, I realized. How freeing it would be to simply let go and enjoy myself for a change.Atlas's irritation snapped me out of my stupor, and brought me back to the present where danger accompanied the beauty that lived within this wor
We emerged in Atlas's living room, barreling through the portal so fast that I nearly took out the lamp that sat on an oak end table.Everything was shrouded in darkness. The billowing curtains were wrenched open, revealing the dimly lit street outside. It was late at night, but there was something almost somber looking about the neighborhood. There were no more toys littering the front yards, and some of the houses even had boards on the windows. It sent a sickening feeling into my stomach, one that Atlas picked up on immediately.As I flicked on the lights, I couldn't help but look around. I had spent so little time here since actually returning home. The moment I came back, things were just set into motion. Even though we weren't safe here, I felt like I could breathe just a tad better."We're here--in the human realm." Alette murmured, her eyes blown wide with both wonder and horror. She glanced around the living room, which seemed a bit less extravagant tha
"So, how did you find out I became fae?" I asked Tyra, finding it more than odd that she hadn't seemed too surprised. Nicki walked back into the room with a blanket in hand, passing it over to me before she flopped down beside Tyra. I opened the blanket as best I could with Adelina sleeping on the couch beside me, and covered her with it. She made a few sounds here and there, but nothing that would indicate she was seeing future events. I turned back to Tyra as she continued speaking. "Your fae friend, Finn, got here two and a half months ago." She explained, taking a long drink of the coffee in her hands. I felt a bit guilty considering they all looked sleep deprived. "He gave Nicki and I the run-down, told us you probably were chased into the fae realm. He let us decide to tell the boys or not." "Which we clearly didn't." Nicki chimed in with a roll of her eyes, "Dustin obviously has a thing for you, considering he's been frantically searching for you for t
Any anger I had felt towards my mom had long passed. She had made the best decisions for me at the time, but always put my best interest before anything else. Even though the pain had changed me, I had AtlasAny anger I had felt towards my mom had long passed. She had made the best decisions for me at the time, but always put my best interest before anything else. Even though the pain had changed me, I had managed to come out the other side."It's alright. What's done is done." I nodded, agreeing with Finn.I could feel the searing spikes of guilt digging their way beneath Atlas's skin. Even though his face was skilled into cool neutrality, I could feel the pain that hid beneath. He couldn't hide it from me, no matter how much he wanted to at times.'You understand what this means, right? It's not your fault that you rejected me.' I told him softly, hoping he could understand how much I meant this. 'Even if our beginning was rough, this gives us a chance
One Year Later “You could be over here with your true mate and not sweating your ass off, but no—violence prevails.” I sighed dramatically, grabbing a grape, and plopping it into my mouth. Atlas was easily a hundred feet away, his skin porcelain and shimmering with sweat. I eyed the thick muscles that spanned his shoulders and back, running down the length of his thick arms. “Well, I guess the view isn’t that bad.” “Speak for yourself, I love a little violence to start off my day. Nothing gets the blood pumping like political intrigue, vigorous training or a good old-fashioned fight.” Nicki grinned manically, leaning against the thick truck of the tree she sat in front of. Her chestnut hair had lightened from spending the year in Liam’s court, beneath the blistering sun and thick humidity. It now held golden undertones that matched her tanned skin. The dress she wore was bound at the shoulders with golden pins and reminded me of the Greek goddesses taught in
I pulled Nicki into my arms, my heart swelling with the strength of my best-friend. I said nothing because Nicki needed no reassurance. She could see the flame that burned within her as well as everyone else; Nicki never once doubted her place in the world, or her own importance. Even on my darkest days, when Atlas’s rejection sapped the happiness from even the smallest of things, the undying confidence Nicki had in herself and the people she loved fueled me. Once Dustin appeared and dragged her away, I was able to catch up with Liam and see how things were going—and to get some elaboration on the previously mentioned assassination attempt. Atlas had kept his snarling to a minimum when Liam pulled me in for a bear hug, even if his eyes were hardened shards of granite afterwards. “Really, it was awful. Not even a whole-hearted attempt.” Liam shook his head, disappointment for the unskilled assassin. His lips twitched into a smirk, and the teasing note in his v
Three Months LaterMy stomach was twisted with nerves and excitement as I stood beneath the magically crafted arch of waterlilies and cherry blossoms Tyra herself had created. Atlas was at my side, his arm looped through mine as I leaned against him for support.We were initially skeptical about the pure white flowers, but the delicate aroma they emitted was well worth it. Clusters of tulips, orchids, and peonies were strewn throughout the courtyard, which had been completely remodeled for the grand ball I had been planning for months now.With Atlas by my side, I stood atop a long staircase looking down at the arduous work of countless fae, myself included. It was easy to forget about the sprawling crowd down below, watching us with interested and eager eyes.From the decorations to the guest list, I had full reigns of this project. Of course, I had a near endless supply of assistants at my side, all of which were introduced to me by Alette and Adelina.
Micah and Liam could only stay for a few short days, each one packed full of planning and introductions. Micah and Finn were helping Atlas and Liam, teaching them the differences between High Lord and Alpha—though they technically were both. We hadn’t figured out a way back to the human realm, but there was plenty here to keep us busy; for now. Our first day in the castle, Alette confided in me that during the last moments of battle, she had flung a gust of ice and rage at Aralia, sending her flying into a portal. I followed Alette through the castle, while Adelina rejoiced over the fact that Melia was alive and well, along with her five sisters. “There’s no way she would have survived it. Not when it hit her square in the chest like that.” Alette insisted, her eyes welded forwards as we wandered the maze-like halls of the castle. She knew where she was going without a fault, while I had become lost an hour ago. “I assumed she would end up here, in th
Nicki and Dustin had taken charge, helping the newly turned Fae that came through the wall. Every five minutes another blinding flash of light would appear, leaving spots that danced in our vision and more fae in our wake.My attention momentarily flickered over to Atlas, who was speaking with a group of warriors, some of which had passed through days ago. Duke stood at his side, silent but always watching. A flash of midnight hair and clothing darker than the night sky appeared from the western corridor. Ambrose, High Lord of the Night Court’s slender form appeared from around the corner.Ambrose was the only one to have improved in looks after the battle we had all endured. He had been thin before, a testament to the damage his sister had done on his body and court. His face had filled out since the battle ended; his slim frame now etched in lean muscle. He approached Atlas and Duke, nodding at the various warriors who bowed in his midst.“Oh, don&
We formed a line, with each of us walking in pairs of four.Most who chose not to pass through lingered, watching with eyes that bordered on curiosity and fear. It was that flicker of curiosity that gave me hope, because sooner or later they might feel the call of this place.There was a part of me that trembled with excitement, almost desperate to return to the vibrant colors and scents, and the rush of magic within every gust of wind and drop of water. I wanted to learn the secrets of this realm and explore the hidden corners of the court under Atlas’s rule, mastering the wild magic that fluttered in my chest.Another part of me, the small part that would always remain mortal, mourned the memories, and ghosts I was leaving behind.At the very back of the line were the warriors. A sea of metal headpieces and colorful armor stood out as fae from every court gathered. Those who fought to the death days ago, now walked side-by-side.There had b
Surprise and indecision rippled across countless werewolves faces as the word spread, and they finally began to understand the decision that lie ahead. I never enjoyed public speaking. Having the attention of so many eyes burning into my skin was unsettling, but I wasn’t alone. Along with the steadying presence of Atlas beside me, I had friends who had stood by me through all of this. Each of us had taken turns speaking, sharing our story and what we had come to learn. I told the crowd what I had done, merging the two realms together, separating them with a wall of pure magic. It was the only choice I had, the only thing that would have saved them both. The very connection that brought our realms together would have destroyed us both. It was Atlas who revealed the truth of the past, that werewolves were not from the human realm. A very small few of us had come here a long time ago, forgoing immortality for this new world. The only thin
Something rippled behind Liam, towards the center of the charred circle of earth.The scent of rain filled my nose, marred only by the slightest hint of blood. The fae and werewolves must have been busy, identifying and burning the dead. My heart threatened to sink for the families who had lost loved ones in the battle, but I couldn’t let myself drown in the emotion, forever stuck in the past. I needed to press forward.The ground crunched beneath my feet, and I stopped when Liam placed a hand on my shoulder. I tilted my head, watching closely as the sun crested the trees, hitting the spot where we all stood.It looked like a thin film that spanned west and east, far into the sky where it vanished within the fiery light of the sun. I marveled at how it shimmered, the colors rippling like shaky water. When its color rippled like that, it was near impossible to see through. There seemed to be nothing on the other side, just the rest of the park.&ldqu
I woke Atlas as the sun began streaming through the curtains, turning his platinum hair silver. His eyelids were pale blue, the dark circles beneath an even deeper shade.He shifted in his sleep, eyebrows furrowing as he felt my guilt. He really was exhausted.I tried to pry at the thick arms that were wound around my torso, pinning me to his chest. His plush lips moved as he mumbled, letting out a satisfied hum as he tightened his hold.The voices coming from the first floor of the house were growing louder. Tyra and Dustin were talking, heading through the kitchen and towards the stairs that would lead to Atlas and me.I smirked and pinched his bicep, “Tyra and Dustin are seconds away from knocking on this bedroom door. Either I can get you up, or they can.”A surprised yelp escaped my mouth when he rolled in bed, never once loosening his grip on me. My legs dangled uselessly as he stood from the bed, holding me against his chest.