Chapter 8 Reverie
Reverie
Idragged my injured body out of bed and then into the shower. No healer had been sent. Razor had come to check on me when I didn’t show for training and managed to find enough supplies to treat my wounds.
This was the fifth day, and my back was almost completely healed. The skin had returned to its pale shade, with only light red marks where the worst of the damage had occurred.
This type of healing was unusual. It’s true that Aurathions recover from injuries faster than humans, especially when we are part of a Faction. But my Faction was far away, so I shouldn’t be able to do this kind of healing.
Unfortunately, my skin had healed where my Nexus mark had previously been, but the mark itself hadn’t returned. I wasn’t really expecting it, but I had hoped the Ancestors might see fit to restore it.
I was heartbroken, but the fact that deep inside, where it really counted, our connection was still strong helped me survive the pain. As long as that wasn’t lost, I could deal with anything.
In fact, I was almost 100% sure I could hear my men now. I even caught the sound of Pantar whispering in my head… so faint that I couldn’t understand the words spoken, but I had faith our connection would strengthen.
Maybe Selene did me a favor. The trauma of her actions may have let me get past the barrier that being here had put between me and my Faction.
I smiled at the thought.
Today, I was on my way to the dining hall for a meal, and then to training. I had rested in my room for as long as possible. I needed to train, but I also had to keep my healed back and front concealed for at least a few more days.
I stepped out of the shower but froze again at the sight of my chest, bare of my mark.
I paused, clenching my eyes shut tightly to send a prayer to the Ancestors, hoping that somehow my mark would return to where it belongs.
Suddenly, a gentle breeze lifted the dark, wet strands of my hair, and I felt a wave of peace and comfort.
I opened my eyes, and my skin shimmered, illuminating all the dark corners of the small bathroom. I stared in the mirror in amazement as my mark appeared briefly before seeming to sink deep into my skin.
I sank to my knees on the cold bathroom floor and bowed my head in gratitude. I didn’t fully understand what it all meant, but I knew at that moment that no matter what lay ahead, I would face it, and I wasn’t alone.
Walking down the hallway toward the dining hall, I saw Torren approaching me. “Hey, stranger. I haven’t seen you in training or the dining hall for several days. I was beginning to worry.”
I smiled warmly, “No worries, I had a small injury from sparring. It really wasn’t a big deal.”
“Must have been pretty serious to keep you down for so long.” For a second, I thought I caught a flicker of rage in his eyes, but it was there and gone so fast I couldn’t be sure. “Are you headed to the dining hall?”
“Yes, I planned to grab a quick bite and then do a light workout to get me back on track.” I needed to ensure that I kept my training limited until my recovery reached a speed that would be considered normal.
“Why don’t I come with? Then we can train together afterward,” Torren said, then looped his arm through mine and started heading in that direction without waiting for my approval of his plan.
We entered the room, and everyone paused in what they were doing. I believe it was partly because of my appearance after days of absence, and also because of the man beside me. In all the months I’d been here, no one had dared to befriend me openly.
“Why don’t you take a seat, and I’ll fix us a plate?” Torren led me to a table smack dab in the middle of everyone.
“It might be better if we sat over there.” I pointed to a table in the back corner.
He frowned, “What’s wrong with this table?”
“Nothing. But it would cut down on the bullshit if we were a little more isolated.” I shrugged my shoulders. “I told you that I’m not well-liked around here.”
“And I don’t care.” He raised his brow. “Anyone who doesn’t like where you sit can take it up with me.”
“Well, okay then, big man.” I shrugged. “Don’t complain to me when you get heartburn from all the shit they feed you about me. Carry on and bring my food, garcon.” I waved him on with my hand.
“As you wish, my Queen.” Torren bowed deeply before turning and heading to the buffet laden with food.
I smiled. This guy was something else. I admired his bravery —or maybe it was just pure arrogance — that made him think he was untouchable. Either way, I was happy to have his company. After everything that happened, I needed some lightness and humor in my life, or at the very least a distraction.
I hadn’t been completely honest; it was only Kristine and her Faction that caused trouble.
I didn’t think everyone here hated me. They would’ve probably befriended me if it weren’t for all of her bullshit.
Most were so busy trying to stay alive and find a Faction they wanted no part in whatever was going on with me… I understood that, but it was lonely.
I was pulled out of my thoughts when a large plate of food was placed in front of me.
“This should put some meat on those bones,” Torren smirked as he sat across from me with a plate even more loaded down than mine.
I laughed, “I have a large appetite, but there is no way I can eat everything on this plate.” He’d brought me a large steak, a mound of scrambled eggs, and a small stack of pancakes.
He motioned at me with his fork. “Eat what you can, then I’ll finish the rest.”
As I watched him dig into his food, it reminded me of my guys; every one of them ate as if it were their last meal.
“Why the sad face?” Torren asked around a mouthful of food.
“Just thinking about some people I miss from home.” I smiled faintly, then started to eat.
“What people?” He gave me his full attention.
There was no way I was going to tell him my story. He’d probably find out soon enough, but until then, I was keeping it to myself. “I don’t want to go into all of that right now.”
Torren eyed me in annoyance for a moment but nodded his head and began eating again.
I heard Kristine’s whiny voice talking to Hugo, another member of her Faction. I winced, waiting for her to walk over, but she just scowled in my direction and sat at another table on the other side of the room.
“Who’s the uppity bitch?” He motioned to Kristine.
“Don’t point.” I panicked and pushed his finger down.
We looked at each other in shock when I felt a jolt run up my arm. I was utterly speechless, and he must have felt the same way because he didn’t say anything either.
When the silence had lasted so long that it grew uncomfortable, I laughed awkwardly, “I guess we’re Potentials.”
He didn’t answer for several long moments. “Maybe.” He cleared his throat. “Are you almost finished? I just remembered something I have to do.” Without waiting for an answer, he stood and headed out of the dining hall, leaving his plate and everything.
Well, that was awkward. I guess he wasn’t looking for a lowly warrior as Faction. Fortunately for him, I wasn’t seeking another Faction member—especially without any of my men here to agree to adding someone new to our group.
I took a deep breath and stood, then disposed of both our plates. I’d lost my appetite after that startling development. I didn’t have the headspace to deal with this right now.
When I exited the hall, I thought Kristine would make a rude remark, but, to my surprise, she didn’t acknowledge me at all, nor did Hugo. Selene likely ensured I was left alone, at least until after my upcoming battles.
Instead of training, I went back to my room.
The quick healing I experienced had drained me, and I needed extra rest. With a few days until my next fight, I hoped to recover fully by then.
Honestly, I saw only two choices: fight or die.
.. and dying was not an option. I desired a long life with my men, and I would fight for it with all my strength for as long as necessary.
I pushed open my door and sealed it behind me, then took off my clothes, plopped down on my bed, and sighed in exhaustion. The last few days, my body hadn’t felt like my own. Changes were happening that I couldn’t explain, and the previous nights, I’d had strange dreams.
Snuggling under my bedraggled blanket, my final thought before I drifted off to sleep was of my men and what they would think of this latest development.
I was on the bank of a beautiful river. The wind was blowing gently, and I felt a deep sense of anticipation.
I leaned back against the trunk of a tree with a book in my lap and dozed lightly.
Feeling an insect tickle my ear, I swatted at it in irritation, then began to drift back into sleep.
Before I was completely submerged, the bug landed on the tip of my nose.
I swatted at it again, and my eyes flew open at the sound of deep masculine laughter.
The reason for my anticipation was kneeling beside me, holding a long piece of grass. “Ambrose!” I squealed, “When did you return?”
“Just now. I came straight here instead of the castle because I knew it was where you’d be.” He gave me his hand, then pulled me to my feet.
For a moment, I didn’t speak—I just let my eyes drink in the sight of him, whole and safe. Then his arms opened, and I was in them, held so tightly it hurt in the sweetest way.
“I didn’t expect you back until tomorrow, but I hoped I was wrong.” I grinned, unable to contain my joy, then pulled him in for a soft kiss.
“Queen Lilibet, you frightened us. We heard you scream and thought you’d been attacked," my Aegisseer, Lexith, said as she rushed to me, closely followed by her Faction and my Aegisworn, Cassian, Viktar, and Soren.
“Looks like she was attacked, but it wasn’t unwelcome.” Cassian laughed.
Lexith swatted him on the arm, “That’s our Queen you’re talking about.”
“Oh, really? Didn’t I hear you two talking about sexual positions yesterday?” Viktar smirked as mine and Lexith’s faces burned with embarrassment.
“I’m sure you were mistaken.” Lexith narrowed her eyes at him. “Let’s leave our queen and her consort alone.”
Soren put his arm around Lexith. “I’m sure he wasn’t, but we can discuss that back at the castle.” He smiled widely. “Good to have you home, Ambrose.”
I smiled as I watched the four of them walk down the hill and through the castle gates.
“Is that all the welcome home I get?” Ambrose picked me up and held me in his arms bridal style.
I held his precious face in my hands and said, "I think a bigger celebration could be arranged.”
“Is this celebration only going to have two participants?” He looked into my eyes with all the love anyone could ask for.
“If that is what you wish.” I felt my blood heat up in anticipation of what was to come. I’d been without him for too long, and I missed him so much.
His lips found mine slowly, not rushed or ravenous, but reverent, as if he was afraid I might shatter if he pressed too hard.
The kiss carried weeks of absence, yet it was gentle—like a promise whispered against my mouth.
I melted into him, my hands buried themselves in his hair tightly, but not out of desperation.
More out of relief for his safe return.
He tasted like rain and warmth, familiar as home.
The slow press of his mouth softened something that had been wound tight inside me, loosening the ache I hadn’t let myself feel until now.
I breathed him in between kisses, tears burning at the corners of my eyes, and he brushed them away with the lightest touch of his thumb, never breaking the fragile rhythm of our kiss.
When he finally pulled back just enough to look at me, his forehead resting against mine, his smile was small but steady. And in that soft, unhurried kiss, I felt it—the ache of parting, the relief of return, the quiet certainty that whatever storms waited, he was here.
He was mine.
I woke breathing hard with a warmth that still lingered on my lips and a single tear rolling down my cheek. As I lay there trembling, caught in the bittersweet knowing: that kiss wasn’t mine to keep, yet it had always belonged to me.
As I drifted back into sleep, I knew one thing: the kiss had been real.
Not in this life, not here—but somewhere long ago.