Chapter 32
H
e was simmering.
For the past several hours, the unopened letter had remained in Jayce’s hand.
He had found himself concealed from the rest of the crew and the citizens of Isis.
His eyes were fixed on the letter bearing the words “To: Jayce” in her handwriting.
He wondered if this was some form of karma, given that he had asked for more letters to be written to him shortly before the Battle at Sunfall.
He cursed himself once more, feeling his heart leap into his throat at the mere thought of opening the letter and discovering its contents.
Perhaps he was overreacting, and it was merely a harmless joke.
“You can have your date, after, I get my answers,” her words lingered in the recesses of his mind, just before she vanished into Ilkiz’s Tomb.
It wasn’t a joke, and as he recalled the story of the moon, it struck him how eerily similar it was to the situation he had entangled himself in with her.
Repeatedly, he had approached the precipice of revealing the truth to her, yet each time, some intervening force or a surge of apprehension caused him to back down.
He convinced himself, time and time again, that it was for her own well-being.
Receiving this letter the day after her return was torment.
The most agonizing, yet strangely satisfying part, was that she knew precisely how it would affect him.
This was why she strategically handed it to him just before he was no longer allowed to see her, knowing that the next time he did, there would be hundreds of eyes on her.
She was going to make him suffer and truthfully, he deserved it.
After taking one more deep breath, he unfolded the paper. What took him by surprise was the first word. He hadn’t even read further down the page, but he already knew that his worry was entirely justified.
He couldn’t contain the unfiltered laugh that escaped him. His heart was racing, not from nerves or fear, but from relief. That’s my girl, he thought as he folded the paper and tucked it into his shirt pocket.
He rushed back to where everyone was waiting for the celebration to begin, a whirlwind of thoughts racing through his mind.
How had he not noticed that she knew? When had she found out?
Could Ilkiz have known and told her? Amidst these countless questions, one fact was certain: it was time.
He had already planned to tell her after the ceremony.
Knowing she was aware of who he was and seemed ready for him, he felt a wave of emotions he wasn’t prepared for.
As he reached the focal point of the celebration, aglow with hanging lanterns and towering torches, people danced to the melody that resonated through Isis.
Some engaged in lively conversations, but the crew, who all gazed in the same direction, held a different air.
Alyse wore a mischievous grin, and Kaen seemed far too pleased with herself.
His eyes landed on Akua, whose expression hinted at intense anticipation, leaving only one conclusion.
Steadying himself, he took a deep breath and followed their gaze.
“By the Mother,” he said aloud, not addressing anyone in particular, “You are beautiful.” He might have assumed she wasn’t real if it weren’t for Xol walking beside her, holding her hand as they approached the final ladder.
Dress or no dress, look at that smile, he thought, stepping in her direction.
She hadn’t noticed him yet, her focus on navigating the ladder in her form-fitting dress. She lifted her head and glanced around only when her feet were safely on the ground.
A little to your right, he said through the winnox. Watching her slightly jump and shift her eyes just a bit to the right, he smiled when they met.
Her eyes narrowed at him, trying to act mad, but the smile she was fighting betrayed her. She raised her hand and pointed at him, “I should be so furious with you.” Even her voice sent a chill down his back.
I know… You can punish me later. For now, you are stunning. A blush was growing on her lifted cheeks as she approached closer. I may have a surprise for you after everything is done, as long as you promise not to hurt me.
“I promise.” She babbled through the end of his words, making him laugh aloud. “Thank you, save me soon.”
Always, Sunshine. Knowing that she was aware of who he truly was and that he didn’t have to struggle to avoid accidentally using his favorite nickname for her, he felt as though a weight had been lifted.
Seeing the joy on her face, which brought forth a bright, toothy smile, made him fall in love with her all over again.
The crew congregated around her, and Kaen left no room for doubt that touching her was off-limits. There would be repercussions if they marred the masterpiece she and Alyse had crafted. She set her palms ablaze to heighten the drama, causing Azahara to take a nervous step back.
“You’ll set her hair on fire!” Akua shouted, sending the group into a fit of laughter.
Azahara laughed in unison with them, her shoulders bouncing with mirth.
He had never seen her with her hair up, aside from the occasional messy bun, and he had to admit it suited her.
Observing the graceful curve from her neck to her shoulders unobstructed, he marveled at every detail that whoever had brought her into this world had taken to craft such perfection.
You are perfect, he said through her window, watching her cheeks turn red like flames.
“Let’s see, do a spin!” It was Carmen, and with Xol’s help, she did as she was asked. Not because she really had a choice, of course. Though he wasn’t upset that she did.
The marking on her back was new, and it wasn’t something he was familiar with.
No other Spirit Rider had that, and it took him entirely by surprise when he saw it.
In black and dark blue ink, starting at the center of her spine, there stretched beautiful raven-like wings.
They extended up to her shoulders, cascading down her back and disappearing beneath the dress.
He could almost swear they moved as she completed her turn.
He focused on her face, and although she seemed preoccupied by something Théodore was saying, she appeared to sense his gaze. Her eyes briefly flicked toward him before swiftly returning to the ongoing conversation.
“Are you excited?” Kaen was practically bouncing with enthusiasm, which was somewhat concerning.
Azahara questioned, her smile tinged with weariness, “You mean for the Sealing, right?”
“Yup! The sooner we get it done, the better,” Akua groaned which made Kaen quickly add, “I mean, the sooner we can start the celebration.”
Jayce approached the group, and they made way for him.
Azahara continued, “But what exactly is going to happen during the Sealing? Nobody has provided any details, and of course, Ilkiz is...” She noticed him approaching and choked on her words, “remaining silent.” He could hear Alyse giggling beside him, and Xol, who hadn’t moved from Azahara’s side, stared at him.
“Fae out of the bag,” her toothy grin elicited an eye roll from him. He was thankful that everyone was too engrossed in Azahara to overhear their exchange.
“Yuul out of the bag too,” he retorted, and she seemed nonchalant about it.
There had been no concern from his side when Azahara found out.
They had been mortal enemies for as long as he could remember, and overcoming that enmity was a challenging feat for him.
Yet, here he was, doing just that for his girl.
Azahara looked back and forth between the two of them, her expression changing as understanding dawned. “It all makes so much sense now,” she exclaimed as if a light had suddenly turned on, and she tilted her head back. “I’ve been so blind.”
Xol and he shared a laugh while the people around them appeared bewildered.
Kaen had no reservations about inserting herself between the three of them. “Alright, listen up. We are going. Come on, you can suck everyone’s face later.”
“Why would I do that—ah!” Kaen pulled Azahara away with a forceful yank, not even allowing him the chance to embrace her. It was probably for the best; he might have smudged her face paint, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to challenge Kaen while she was in such a volatile mood.
He didn’t like her leaving, but watching her go was something else. Especially that mark on her back; it stole his soul from his body.
“It’s her Connection,” Akua commented, probably noticing him staring. “It’s what will link everyone to her. Each person will see something unique. For me, I see a water lily.” As he began to follow Azahara, Akua remained at his side.
Kaen was pulling her like she was some animal on a leash.
He wanted to get to them and stop her—but he knew better.
Azahara was more than capable of controlling the crazed twin if she wished to.
He knew what she needed from him: to allow her to be her own support.
It was why she came to Ilkiz in the first place.
“What do you see?” Akua asked, and while it would mean nothing to him, he answered honestly.
“Raven wings, they take up nearly her entire back—” Akua stopped, and Jayce instinctively did the same, stopping and looking back at him. “What?”
Akua animatedly waved his hand in front of him and followed back into step, “Sorry,” he cleared his throat, “you said her entire back?”
“Nearly,” he muttered, glancing again just as she was led up onto a small platform.
Kaen was basically yelling at her while addressing the ever-growing crowd around them.
He couldn’t help but feel sorry for Azahara; she looked incredibly uncomfortable up there.
The desire to rescue her was overwhelming.
“Then I am even more sorry for flirting with her,” Akua said, slapping Jayce’s arm. “I thought she was only telling me she was your woman to ease the pain of the rejection.” He narrowed his eyes at Akua, which made him laugh nervously.