Chapter 17 #2
There is a rush of footsteps followed by shouts of joy as Viella collides with Nueena and me, turning us into a mess of tangled limbs and tearful cheers.
“We’re Zemras! We’re Zemras!” Viella steps back grinning from ear to ear. “The gates opened and we are soulbonded!”
“How was it, Vi?” I hold my breath, desperately hoping she tells us every detail. I must not be the only one; Leon’s back stiffens besides me, and he leans slightly closer.
“It was like a dream. The temple is magical in a way I've never felt before. Crystals everywhere! It's a different type of magic. We found our stones! They glowed and the soulbonding ritual’s magic took over. Just like that! We were one!” Viella’s eyes shine with adoration as she gazes at Lillian, whose expression mirrors her own.
Lillian wraps her arm around Viella’s shoulder. Their Zemra stones flare in affection with a bright yellow light.
“Sounds wonderful,” I say, my heart full of love for my friends. “Why last night, though?” I think I know but I wish to hear it from them.
Traditionally, Zemra journeys are planned in advance. A group of close friends and family wait for the couple to return. To celebrate a bond with joyous revelry or grief, weather the weeping together.
Lillian is the first to speak, staring down at Viella with such devotion.
“I’ve known she was my Zemra for many years.
Even when she disappeared the night we intended to journey to the temple, I still knew.
When we found our way back to each other, years later, I told her I may never be ready to try again, but seeing her ride away into Adreania, I just couldn’t bear another night not being connected with her in every way possible, to not know if she was all right.
It suddenly seemed so damn foolish to deny us the bond any longer because of past hurts.
I had forgiven her a long time ago so what was I waiting for?
I understand why she was so scared the first time.
We could keep healing from the past while ensuring a future together. ”
We are all stunned into silence at Lillian’s vulnerable words declared so openly. Becoming Zemras truly does change a heart.
“I couldn’t change the past, but I can prove now, in every way, that we are meant for each other,” Viella says in a dreamy voice.
They were always destined for each other.
Seemed so foolish to deny us the bond any longer.
My stomach clenches in distress.
Isn’t that what I am doing? Denying what Leon and I have?
“Besides, I have this now.” Lillian snaps her finger and a flame appears, dancing around her palm. It is not the blue light of Viella’s fire, but mixed with Lillian’s magic, it is a deep purple. “Just what I needed to motivate new recruits.”
Nueena, Tavien, and I laugh, knowing she is merely joking, but one of Leon’s eyebrows rises in concern.
Viella adds, “Sharing magic is incredible, sharing minds! It is the most beautiful connection, to know her so deeply. And the sex is astonishing. Best we ever had!” She laughs.
A flustered Lillian blushes. “All right, that's enough of that, my love.”
Viella giggles, pulling on her arm. “Let’s go back to the dance floor.” As they leave, Vi animatedly tells her new Zemra about the sugar-covered lime pie she enjoyed earlier. Lillan is led away with a smile, her almost black-purple dress that matches Viella’s, trailing behind her.
The Zemra stones around Nueena and Tavien glow too as he leans down to his love. They must be thinking of their own time in the temple.
When I glance over at Leon, the open longing on his face nearly takes me to my knees. Afraid of what is etched on my own face, I force myself to look away. In the distance, a large stone wall holds back a reservoir, moonlight reflecting off the dark water.
Leon follows my stare. “What is that?”
Nueena frowns. “The Airvell River that once flowed through the Merawood Forest into the mortal realm is blocked here. Realm Keeper Zarella let the waters free to bring peace and prosperity to Adreania but had the stone dam built when Drystan murdered her best friend. From what Del has told me, it was a great loss to the mortals. If I had enough magic to release it, I would. The enchantment ensures its healing waters are never returned to the mortals.”
“Loyalty runs deep in Ellova,” Leon says, glancing between Nueena and me.
“The mortals are right to fear the fae. Drystan started a war by taking Inara's life the way he did, and he was lucky to survive it. Zarella did everything she could for revenge.”
“Remind me never to be on the receiving end of your wrath, Nueena, if that is the bloodline you descend from,” Leon says with a short laugh.
“As long as you do not hurt Della, you never will be.” She says it with a smile, a simple jest, but it holds so much truth.
Before Leon can respond, Alachite comes out to steal his daughter away for a toast with the Guardians, and Tavien follows, leaving Leon and me alone once more.
He holds me in his arms, and we dance on the balcony.
Why can’t this night last forever?
The music is slow, leaving only lovers on the gilded tiles just inside. I relax in his arms, safe and content, only stumbling over the skirts of my gown a few times, laying my head on his chest, soaking up everything that he is to me.
Friend. Lover. Protector.
I stumble at a commotion on the dance floor. The dancers all stopped at once, all eyes on the dawn breaking behind us, before rushing past us.
“Fire!” One of them shouts.
Terror strikes my chest.
Lillian runs to me, Viella at her heels. “Della, your cottage!”
In the distance, part of the Merawood Forest is on fire. The tallest tree, the one planted in my backyard, burns brightest of them all, and I watch in utter horror as it goes down.
Farren!