2. Elzora
2
ELZORA
“ I ’ve never met a group more imbecilic than the lot of you,” Jasper snarls, and I flinch as my eyes fly open. The sharpness of his tone jolts me straight past the bleary sleepy stage and into full awareness.
I’m lying on a sofa, my glasses still on my face, and I blink a few times as I adjust to the light.
“Imbecilic is surely not a real word,” I hear Mael mutter, and there’s a few snickers.
“She’s fine,” Zohar says, his voice laced with both exhaustion and irritation. The weight behind his words tells me this isn’t the first time he’s said it. “I know we’re getting heated, but everyone needs to keep their magicae under control.”
“Why?” Mael asks with a frown. “We’re not actually going to hurt each other.”
“Not out of choice, where you’re concerned. You couldn’t hurt a baby,” Etrix taunts.
“Why would I want to hurt a baby?” Mael asks.
“We need to control our magicae because the anger is likely what upset her magicae. Fucking idiots,” Jasper interjects.
“We all know Zoe’s magicae is possessive,” Eirik adds, and I lay still as I listen. “But when we’re arguing, I can only imagine the discomfort it causes her because she’ll want to protect us all.”
“I’m sure she’ll not worry about you, brother,” Etrix says dryly. “You know, since you’re so capable and all?”
Eirik lets out a sigh. “You’re the one in the wrong here, Etrix, stop trying to twist this around on me. I agreed with Necos that Zoe needs a health check—I never once said that we’d drag her to the fucking castle and let Etonik sit in and watch.”
Vexus snorts. “But if Daddy Dearest asked, what would you do?”
“Bend over for him to be fucked first,” Mael says, and there’s a lot of laughter.
I take that moment to groan softly, letting them know I’m awake. The sound is enough to silence the room instantly, guilt hanging in the air like a thick fog.
Zohar immediately shushes the room. “How’s your head feeling, dragonfly?”
“Fine.” I reach up to touch the back of it, expecting a lump or some dried blood, but there’s not even a wince as I brush over my scalp. I grin at him. “Perfect, as usual.”
“I’m the one who halted your fall,” Ryes says, nudging my thigh with his head.
I smile down at him, the warmth in his expression calming me. “Thank you.”
“You can repay me by easing my headache.” He grins widely.
“You don’t have a headache,” Zohar mutters, rolling his eyes. With a soft brush of his lips against mine, he moves to sit on the sofa with Eirik, leaving me flustered but steady.
Ryes climbs up to lie on the long sofa beside me, resting his head in my lap. The easy intimacy of the gesture soothes my lingering anxiety. I immediately begin running my fingers through his hair, my focus drifting as I glance around the room.
“I think we’re all going to have headaches before this day is over,” Jasper mutters.
“What did I miss?” I ask, looking over at Necos. Out of all of them, he’s the calmest right now. His steady demeanour feels like the safest place to get the truth.
“We’d never lie to you,” Eirik protests, his sharp grey eyes catching mine.
“I never said you would.” I bite my lip, feeling cornered.
“You thought it,” Ryes murmurs against my thigh. His eyes are closed, his entire body somehow at ease, despite the thick tension still lingering in the air. I envy his ability to relax so completely.
“Oh. I just… I didn’t mean…” I stammer over my words, and there’s a few chuckles and grins.
“You need to get your health signed off on by a physician,” Necos says calmly. “Since you’re still officially registered at Whisperfelt, you’re going to be assigned one of the school doctors.”
“Why can’t Zohar just check me over like he always has?” I ask with a frown.
“I’ve not yet graduated, and I’ve not yet matured,” Zohar says through clenched teeth. His frustration simmers under the surface, and I instinctively let my magicae brush against his, trying to soothe him.
Some of the tension in his shoulders eases, but his anger doesn’t fully dissipate.
“Mr. Downey has insisted that you be checked out by a profess—someone other than Zohar,” Necos continues, his voice measured but firm.
“And the benefit of her maturing is that she’s no longer under his purview,” Mael says, shaking his head. “I say fuck them all, and let’s not put her in the danger in the first place.”
Necos and Eirik share an identical look of frustration.
“You know just as well as we do that Zoe doesn’t have that option,” Jasper says, and I look at the earth witch in surprise. He’s the last one I expected to speak up, and I’m really glad he has.
“Oh, enlighten us, please, Mr Mighty Oak.” Mael sneers.
“What even is that insult?” Ciar asks, and Mael shrugs. Ciar snorts into his fist, and I look at Jasper for answers.
“How come I can’t?” I ask softly, trying to get him to focus on me. I don’t want another argument. With tensions this high, the best bet is to keep the energy focused on myself.
“Trust me, princess, my focus is always on you.”
I blush, but Jasper speaks before I can muster up a response for Etrix.
“You’re currently trending,” Jasper says, and I frown, not sure what he means. “Are you forgetting the royal dinner where you were Etrix’s date? Where you were introduced to the important people in our society? Where Etonik took the opportunity to share the mystery surrounding your magicael type?
“You’re admitted into the most elite academy in our world, and have the most annoying men on campus following around after you. You’ve been removed from classes and have now left the campus, despite still being an official student.
“Everyone is talking about you, sunflower. You can’t hide or just disappear because people are already interested—they want to know you, to uncover your secrets, to figure out the mystery behind your existence.”
“He’s not wrong,” Etrix says, shaking his head. “I’ve had numerous questions from people about her.”
“Did they dare ask you twice?” Ciar demands.
Etrix smirks. “They’re wise enough to not even think her name in my presence now.”
I shiver and try to ignore the butterflies in my tummy. I love that they’re protective… but I don’t love that people are harmed because of me—because of the lies I’m telling.
“Don’t think so black and white, Elzora,” Necos says firmly. “You’re lying to protect your life and all of ours. You’re not a bad person.”
And yet, this world of theirs thinks differently. To them, I’m a horrid person just for existing. The thought makes me feel bitter.
“You shouldn’t have to lie in the first place,” Vexus gripes. “It’s absolutely ridiculous that we’re killed just for existing. You know who should be murdered for existing? Etonik Farglory.”
“And here we go again,” Eirik mutters with a heavy sigh of frustration. The look he shoots Vexus’s way is pure ice. “If you want a shot at him, you’re welcome to try. But, funnily enough, your family doesn't have the best track record when it comes to besting mine.”
“Funnily enough, huh,” Vexus says, not bothering to rise to the bait.
“Um, can I ask a question?” I raise my hand in the air, and Eirik nods. “How does Mr Downey know that I’ve matured? Does an announcement happen or is there some kind of connection between the two of us where he just noticed?”
“Fuck no,” Mael snarls. “That fucker would be dead if he dared try and put a magicael tracker on you.”
“We’d never have allowed that, mo sholas , trust me,” Ciar adds, his voice a lot darker than Mael’s was and somehow far more controlled. “He knows because we told him.”
“Oh.”
“He needed to know,” Necos says, and the look he shoots Ciar’s way is telling. Ciar disagreed, but Necos pulled… rank? “Both Eirik and I informed him.”
“We’re still not in agreement that he needed to know,” Etrix says, leaning back in his chair. “But you’re going to be angry when you find out what else they’ve done with their tattling.”
“She’ll not be angry,” Jasper says. “She’ll go along with it just to keep the peace, as always.”
Ryes taps my thigh, and I raise my brows at him.
“You’re panicking, ZoZo,” he says, and I shrug helplessly. “Do you want to know a secret?”
“One of your secrets or…”
He grins at me. “Your thoughts are leaking into my brain so much stronger than they were before yesterday. I don’t know if that’s because our bond is fully complete or if it’s because of your maturing, but it’s amazing.”
“Is it? My head is a mess, Ry. You shouldn’t have to suffer with hearing all of it.”
He moves to sit up, ignoring the way the rest of the room hones in on us, and he tucks my hair behind my ears. “You’re confused, and scared, and emotional. You’re not a mess, though.”
“I feel like I’ve just made things so much worse.”
“What’s that look for?” Ciar demands. “Why does my anima nexum look like she’s about to cry, Thorne?”
“Seriously? She’s all of ours,” Mael protests. “She’s not just yours.”
“Either way, I don’t like that she’s upset,” Zohar says. “Come sit here, dragonfly, so I can check you over.”
“I’m a doctor,” Vexus says, raising his hand. “Let me check her over.”
“You’re not a doctor,” Necos and Etrix say as one.
I groan, but there’s amusement in my voice as I look at them all. “I’m not going to cry, but if I were going to, it’s not Ryes’s fault.”
“That sounds like it’s absolutely his fault,” Mael says, cracking his knuckles. “I’m itching for a fight, and Ryes’s face is ugly enough you won’t even be able to tell.”
“That’s not the brag you think it is,” Zohar says dryly.
I let out a groan. “I’m sorry.”
“Why are you sorry, princess?” Etrix asks, and the softness in his tone makes my eyes water.
“I just feel like I’ve caused so much extra trouble when we’re already struggling.”
Eirik rises from his chair and strides over to where I’m sitting. He crouches down in front of me, taking my hand in his, and I shiver at the intensity in his grey eyes.
“Right now, everything feels out of control. It’s terrifying, and scary, and overwhelming,” he murmurs, squeezing my hands softly. “But, Zoe? You’re failing to see how magnificent you truly are. You’re going to change this world for the better—all of us are.
“You don’t cause trouble, you bring to light the problems that exist and help guide the way to fixing them. We’re struggling because of the injustice that exists—not because of you.
“We’re getting through all of this one day at a time, together.”
“But are we together?” I whisper, my voice husky, as tears trail down my cheeks. “There’s so much anger…”
“You think a little thing like a criminal record is enough to turn me against my brother?” Eirik asks, brushing his lips against my knuckles. I bite my lip, and his gaze softens.
Nobody else talks, and it’s like Eirik and I are in a bubble, just the two of us.
“Eirik,” I murmur, not even sure how to explain my anxieties to my dark-haired prince. He raises a brow, letting me have the floor. “What are you… how do you…”
I sigh in frustration, letting my curly hair cover my face.
“Zoe, love, don’t hide from me,” he says, reaching over to take my chin in his hand, lifting my head. “You’re worried about the argument from Friday.”
I bite my lip, the truth written all over my face. “Yes. Today’s meant to be the day you decide…”
“She’s right,” Vexus says, cheerfully. “Your forty-eight hours are nearly up.”
“Shut up,” Mael hisses.
I don’t break away from looking at Eirik. He lets out a heavy sigh. “I’m not happy with my brother, Zoe, as you know.”
My eyes dart over to Etrix, and I can see the pain in his gaze. The little beam of light inside me tightens, and I’m desperate to soothe the hurt away.
But I know that no matter what I do, Etrix isn’t going to feel better until he and Eirik can talk it out.
“I don’t think?—”
“No, love, please, don’t try and argue his case for him,” Eirik says gently. I nod, shame bubbling up. I just want to help them both. “But you don’t need to worry. I’m interested in hearing them out.”
“You are?” Zohar demands.
“You are?” Etrix echoes, and he sounds far more surprised than the water witch.
“Thank fuck!” Ryes cheers, clapping his hands. He beams at Mael. “We’re going to have a fucking great time with their training mats.”
Mael’s eyes narrow. “What are they?”
I wring my hands together, not sure I can embrace the excitement that the others are displaying. Necos moves to sit by me, resting on the arm of the chair, but not touching me in the slightest.
“You’re worried about what happens if I don’t like what I hear?” Eirik asks quietly, and I nod my head, tears pricking at my eyes. “Then you can take my memories away.”
I gasp, looking up at him in shock. Even Necos seems surprised by the offer.
“I mean it.”
“You’d… you’d consent to me taking the memories of the rebels and the revolution away? Of our involvement? Of… you’d willingly give up knowledge of what I’m doing and…”
I look at Necos, not sure how to even process this.
“It won’t come to that, Elzora,” Necos says firmly. “Your safety is everything to us, Elzora, and I’m sure that once your elemental witch sees the measures we’ve taken, he’ll understand.”
“I agree with the time witch on that,” Eirik adds, letting his thumb rub over the back of my hand. “Your safety is everything to me. Everything . If this is something we need to explore to keep you safe, then I’m going to do my hardest to get on board.”
“It feels right,” I say quietly. “When I was there, it just felt right . Vex is there, Necos is there, Etrix… they’re all smart, talented men, who are supporting this cause. I trust them.”
Necos doesn’t react, but I feel the relief across his side of the bond, just briefly before he shuts it down.
“As you should,” Eirik says, leaning back in the chair. “But, love, what about Zohar, and Mael, and the rest of us?”
I look around the room, realising that they’re not really paying active attention to us. They’re probably still listening, I have no doubt of that, but my men—even Jasper—are giving us the semblance of privacy as they discuss the training equipment at the rebel lair.
Compound? I have no idea.
They’re calmer now, and the changes within me because of it are amazing.
“What about you?” I ask in confusion.
“Aren’t we smart, talented men?”
I blush at the waggling of his brows. “You are, and I know you support another cause. But Ryes has heard so much from Etrix and is willing to switch sides. Ciar’s bound his life to Etrix’s quite willingly—I have no doubt he’ll throw himself into this new venture. Vex trusts his mentor, the leader , and you…”
“Hate my father.”
I flinch but nod. “I’m not saying I’m choosing the rebels over you.” I rise up on my knees, moving to the edge of the sofa to cup his cheek. His icy grey eyes meet mine, and I see some vulnerability in them.
My hand drops to his hip, and I move his shirt, reaching for the rune sprawled across it.
“ Tu es meas ,” I whisper, the rune glowing a bright gold. Eirik’s eyes mirror the colour as I gently lean forward and a press a gentle kiss to his lips. “ Fides .”
As I pull away, his eyes return to their icy grey, and the rune settles down.
“What the fuck was that?” Mael demands, looking over at us.
“Do that to me now, please!” Ryes demands, tapping my knee.
“Fuck me, give the man a second of privacy,” Etrix says, and I see him roll his eyes.
Eirik shudders, and his gaze meets mine. “What was that?” he whispers, his voice full of awe and gratitude.
I smile at him. “My feelings for you.”
He brushes a tear from my cheek and smiles. “From the day we met, I knew you were going to be my anima nexum . I knew our souls were destined, that our lives would be intertwined. We’ll get through it and come out the other side.”
“Is any part of you doing it for Etrix?” Ciar asks, and Eirik rises to his feet, turning around to look at the dark witch.
“Don’t try to fight my battles for me,” Etrix says, waving off the comment.
Eirik frowns at his older brother. “I’ve spent a lot of years wanting you to grow up and get your life together. I’ve wanted you to act like the man I know you can be, and I’ve got a lot of resentment for you not doing it.”
Etrix clenches his jaw but doesn’t argue. Ciar’s gaze darkens, and I see Eirik flinch before I feel him be drowned in Zohar’s magicae for a moment. I frown at the three of them, not sure what happened.
“Ciar broke Eirik’s ankle,” Ryes tattles.
I gasp, but Eirik talks before I can lecture my dark anima nexum.
“It’s been an adjustment to realise that you’ve been doing that exact thing, in the shadows, alone for years. I’ve got a lot of work to put in, to understand… but I’m doing this for you, too. I always will.”
“Well, that was unnecessarily soppy,” Etrix says with an eye roll. I can see the relief in his face, though.
“I’d suffocate Tien if she dared say shit like that to me in front of other people,” Ryes says firmly. “If you want me to do it to him, I could.”
Etrix smirks. “Go for it.”
“Well, now that we’ve got that conversation on the record, can we talk about the meeting Elzora has with Theran in… oh, forty-five minutes?”
My heart drops, and the panic that had started to subside emerges once more.
This emotional whiplash is giving me a headache.