Chapter 33
A
zahara couldn’t fathom the overwhelming happiness she experienced in those moments.
From the understanding gaze of Jayce to the exhilaration of summoning Ilkiz before her descendants, eliciting roars of excitement, she felt a profound sense of purpose for the first time in her life—something beyond mere love and a body.
Perhaps, amid all the pain and suffering she endured until that point, there was a possibility that it would amount to something meaningful.
This realization brought tears to her eyes as she gazed directly into Ilkiz’s eyes, the massive entity emerging beneath her feet.
She was something to be loved and adored, never to be feared.
If not for herself, she resolved to uncover the events of that day and understand why Kuraiō had flown Zuru into the Kingdom with malicious intent.
“Enjoy your night, Azahara,” Ilkiz spoke aloud, and she wondered if everyone present could hear her Spirit. Gently placing her hand against the Dragon’s snout, and as the magnificent being shifted, the ground beneath them trembled.
Without hesitation, the children and even the adults rushed toward Ilkiz.
Azahara turned away, confident that Ilkiz would enjoy the company of her people, and decided it was her turn to do the same.
As she beheld her family, wide smiles and excitement painted across their faces, she couldn’t have envisioned this scene nearly half a year ago—a feeling of belonging to those who truly saw her.
The tableau before her would only have been made more perfect if Illyan, Zhal, and Kaed were standing there.
Though the thought made her stomach turn, she held onto the belief that one day they would be here, in one form or another.
Approaching them, Azahara could hear Alyse and Kaen roaring and jumping as though she had just won an award.
The rest of the crew seemed more reserved, offering neutral smiles and winks, undoubtedly pleased to see her as happy as they were.
Xol, standing beside Jayce, wore a bright smile with open arms. Their emotions seemed to surface more each day, and Azahara pondered if the prolonged time apart had softened Xol toward her.
Perhaps the once protective nature had transformed into something deeper—love.
Accelerating her pace, she hurried into Xol’s arms, holding her tightly. No worry lingered about causing harm, but she remained mindful of her newfound strength; the last thing she wanted was to accidentally snap someone in half.
“I’ve seen men twice your size cry to a paper cut. You took that searing rod like a Yuul.” Xol squeezed her just as tight, and when she released Azahara, she took her hands. “Ah, and you are already healing them. Incredible.”
Azahara experienced a sense of exhilaration as she realized her body was growing stronger.
The open wounds in her hands were seamlessly stitching themselves together, and although she could feel the sensation, it didn’t bother her.
It felt akin to someone gently scratching at her palms, a perception she would admit felt more like a tickle than anything else.
“You did wonderful,” Jayce chimed in, and for once, Xol conceded and passed her over. He didn’t grab her right away, just held her gaze. His eyes were glistening as he took her in. “I am beyond proud of what you did tonight, and have done over the past months, Sunshine.”
Her cheeks burned as he stepped closer. “I know I’m in trouble, as I deserve, but—” He didn’t get to finish before she launched herself into his arms. He didn’t even stumble, enveloping her so intensely that she knew he’d never let her go.
“Never mind.” His heart raced, and she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t happy to feel it so.
A plastered smile adorned her lips, and it showed no signs of fading. He had a lot to tell her, yet she wasn’t genuinely angry with him, even though she had every right to be. She truly believed that he had kept it from her because he thought it was for the better.
He gently placed his hand under her chin, lifting it to make her look at him, “My Sunshine.”
“My—Fae?” She chuckled, never imagining a day in her life that she could have ever fallen in love with a Fae.
“Your overbearing man is fine too,” he said, leaning down towards her. She lifted herself to her tiptoes, meeting his lips halfway. It felt right to kiss him, as though her soul was complete when they were connected.
One of his arms wrapped around her neck, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss. He consumed her entire being, both physically and mentally. Jayce would be one of two that would have full claim to her. The only other would be Kaed, and she had enough of herself to give them both.
His hand came up to her cheek, and chills ran down her arms. As she had done to him outside of Ilkiz’s tomb, he brushed his tongue between her lips and tasted her.
While small, a jolt of lightening shot through her stomach, and she instinctively moved her arms up and around his neck to pull herself closer.
It was only when she felt hands on her backside that she was brought back to where she was. Quickly pulling away from Jayce, she shot her head around. It was Alyse, sheepishly smiling and blushing. “I hate to interrupt, but—”
“YOU ARE MESSING HER FACE PAINT UP YOU FOOL!“ Kaen was on fire; literally.
Azahara’s face was hot, and she stared at the pyromancer as though she was ready to end everyone’s existence over a few lines of paint. His hearty laugh behind her made her even more worried that it would send Kaen into a frenzy.
She licked her lips, tasting the peeled paint. When she gazed at Jayce, he had a red smear across his face, and he grinned, well aware of what she was observing.
Kaen grabbed onto her arm and dragged her away, “It’s time to drink and dance, you guys can suck face later.
I told you—” her voice disappeared as Azahara looked back at Jayce who was in tow, along with Alyse, Xol and the rest of the crew, who was chatting amongst themselves and showing excitement for the rest of the night.
Azahara was excited, maybe not for what they were going to do, but knowing at the end of the night it would end with knowing who Jayce was. Though, it was slightly agonizing that she would have to wait till Kaen was satisfied with her presence enough that she could slip away peacefully.
The agonizing feeling she had been worried about vanished the moment they had a few drinks and started dancing.
She felt beyond elated that they had wine, offering a welcome escape from the bitter ale that seemed ever-present.
She didn’t indulge heavily, only savoring a few glasses with her family and the people of Ilkiz.
The music resonated as both beautiful and distinct from anything she had heard on the mainland.
A fusion of gentle instruments, such as the flute and harp, juxtaposed with the more robust sounds of drums and violins, all harmonized seamlessly to create a rhythm that she believed even moved the trees.
Someone was singing songs—tales as ancient as Ilkiz, and some from Rah.
They portrayed him not as their Star but as their Keeper.
She pondered, if he were watching then, would he be contemplating that.
To her, he would always be a Star.
She devoted a significant amount of time dancing with everyone, from Lucala and Zayne to Carmen and Yelena. At one point, she discovered all of them dancing together in a large circle, the effects of the sweet wine and ale beginning to make their presence felt on most of them.
At a certain juncture, she found herself wondering if it was just her mind playing tricks, but she could have sworn she saw Tessa and Broan dancing among them.
Tessa, her smile genuinely illuminated by her eyes, and Broan, the excessively large, gentle-hearted bear, relishing a moment of happiness in such a darkened world.
Perhaps, one day, she would seek out their souls. Venture into Oblivion, scour for them, and bring them back from solitude. She had no clue if it was even possible, but for them, she was willing to try.
Jayce gently wrapped his arm around her waist, drawing her undivided attention, and she willingly responded in kind.
Amid the lively dance with everyone, he focused solely on her.
Laughter and smiles abounded, and in that moment, she discovered the peace and happiness she had fought so hard for.
While she was fully cognizant that this wasn’t the culmination of her journey, and challenges still lay ahead, she recognized that this particular moment deserved to be permanently etched into the pages of her life’s story.
Happiness is fickle, but she was determined to strengthen its presence around her.
After what felt like days and not hours, Jayce lean down and whispered, “Can I save you now?” Her heart was racing, and while she had always said he made her nervous, now truthfully, she was.
“Yes,” her cheeks began to burn under the intensity of his gaze. His hand gently brushed over her cheek, then slid down to hers, lacing their fingers together.
Gently but with fervor, he led them around the crowd of still dancing people. When they exited, she let out a heavy sigh. It had felt like she had been holding her breath the entire time they were in the pit of dancers.
He brought them to a stop, and she glanced around. Ladders were leading up towards the canopies, but they weren’t close to their pod. “Not that I was expecting anything specific,” She said with a sheepish smile, “but we can go up to the canopies at least to talk.”
The smile on his face only widened, “Do I not strike you as a romantic, Sunshine?”
Her entire body flushed with heat. “I didn’t say that.” she quickly interjected, taking a deep breath, and letting out a heavy sigh.