Chapter 36
Rylee
“Is that the palace?” The question bursts from my lips on a gasp as the path of tall, green palms widens ahead, revealing a structure the likes of which I’ve never seen.
“We don’t call it a palace,” Altair answers, but there is no offense in her voice.
“I apologize,” I say regardless. “What do you call it again?”
“Sanctuary.”
The word clangs through me as I follow them through the quickly clearing path, the tropical oasis giving way to the Occuli-built structures peppering the horizon.
A crystal-clear river winds down the center of the forest, glowing turquoise in some areas, silver in others as it trickles toward what I would’ve called a palace built right into the mountain the forest hugs.
The stone is covered in green vegetation, orange and red flowers blooming in chaotic rows that make the Sanctuary feel alive. We take the sandy path next to the river, the smells of citrus and spring wafting through the air as we make our way toward the massive structure.
The closer we get, the more stone buildings can be seen on either side of the Sanctuary, though they’re hard to spot at first. They, too, are covered in the forest’s rich flowers and vines, making these homes look like they were birthed by the land instead of forged by hands.
Along with the citrus smell, there’s an almost lightning-like tinge to the atmosphere that grows more intense the closer we get to the Sanctuary. I’ve felt Occuli magic before, when Frenrick tested me during the Choosing.
This is infinitely more intense than anything I’ve experienced. It awakens the powers buried inside me, the bonds stretching in curious awareness. A pang of longing hits me, followed quickly by worries over how Axl, Kal, and Jax are faring.
I miss them.
“Come.” Altair beckons us up a set of stone steps and through a pair of guarded wooden doors.
A zap of energy slices down my spine the minute I step over the threshold, and with the way Pierce’s hand clenches mine, I’m sure he felt it, too. We share a silent, concerned glance but don’t say anything.
Such uncharted territory, even with Dalfon’s previous help in studying.
“The Gemeni will meet you in the meditation room,” Altair says as we’re funneled quickly through the Sanctuary.
I do my best to make a mental map as we follow her, but it’s difficult.
The hallways are more like cave tunnels, decorated with the elements—flowers and trickling glowing water—and are impossible to use as markers.
The floor is made of the same soft black sand that coated the beach when we arrived, yet somehow we leave no trace of footprints to indicate a clear direction back.
A small sense of dread blooms in the pit of my stomach, some buried instinct cautioning me to be on alert.
Maybe it’s all the Occuli guards standing at attention in front of the various tunnels we pass.
Maybe it’s the magic that floods this space, constantly reaching out and testing my own power, like internal shocks.
Maybe it’s simply the unknown, my world growing and expanding at such a fast rate I can barely adjust.
Pierce, on the surface, looks calm, poised, like he belongs here. Like he belongs everywhere. Internally, I can feel the tension through our bond. He’s on alert, too, but his attention feels much more contained than mine.
Altair stops before a wide-open cave tunnel, the rock a smooth, glittering gray and illuminated by floating blue flames spaced evenly down the walls. The scents of damp earth and blistering cold waft from the tunnel, tinted with a hint of spice.
“I’m sure Dalfon did his best to prepare you,” she says. “But he has not been home for quite some time, and things change. I would advise you not to argue with the Gemeni.”
I arch an eyebrow at her, trying to decipher if that’s a friendly warning or a threat. Could be a combination of both, but we’re in too deep to turn back now.
“Thank you for the warning,” Pierce says. “We’re here not to argue but to negotiate.”
Altair looks unconvinced but dips her head toward the guards at the tunnel’s entrance. They step to the side, and we follow her until light fills the space and it opens into a vast chamber.
There are rich, wooden chairs gathered on either side of a glowing pool of turquoise water with Occuli lounging in them, some with eyes closed in meditation or maybe concentration.
A soft breeze floats by us, drawing attention to the holes in the ceiling that let in natural light from the outside, the beams hitting the black sand like beacons in the night.
Tranquil music echoes throughout the space, melodic and haunting.
There are tables with food and bone pitchers filled with water and other liquids across the room.
Some of the glasses the Occuli drink from are glowing, too.
Magic flows everywhere, so natural and raw it’s overwhelming. My stomach churns with anxiety.
“Gemeni.” Altair stops before a pair of Occuli perched atop two massive, red silk cushions at the focal point of the chamber.
They’re twins, identical in everything but their hair.
One has long black hair that dips over a set of narrow shoulders, the other a short-cropped style of the same color.
They have the same brown skin, the same obsidian eyes, the same lithe build—but the short-haired one wears a dress while the other lies shirtless with simple trousers.
“The prince and princess of Lumathyst are here to see you.”
The shirtless one sits up straighter, his black eyes lingering on me for a long moment before studying Pierce. The one with the short hair tilts her head, not bothering to stop what she’s doing—trailing her finger through the small glowing pool she sits next to.
Pierce and I bow respectfully, but my heart is in my throat. The powers inside me are skittish, mine pulsing just beneath the surface, my mates’ coiling behind their locked doors.
“We wondered who would come,” the one twirling her finger in the water says.
“And we get the Mind,” the other says. “How delicious.”
I swallow hard, but Pierce simply smiles.
“An honor to meet you both. Please, call me Pierce,” he says, then motions to me. “And this is my mate, Rylee.”
Warm chills burst on my skin at the claiming title. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get used to it.
“Isn’t she interesting, Gem?” the shirtless one says, looking to his counterpart.
The one playing with the water finally looks up at me. She stills for a moment. Another head tilt. “Oh yes, Eni,” she says, a lilt to her voice. She stands in one fluid motion, appearing before me faster than I can follow. She inhales deeply, blinking slowly as she looks me up and down.
I do my best not to flinch, not wanting to offend if this is a normal introduction behavior.
“She has old magic in her, but it’s also new,” Gem says.
My eyes flare, and I do my best to bury the air in my blood, my inherent power.
Gem laughs, shaking her head as she backs up, giving me space as her brother stands to join her. “You cannot hide it here, princess,” she says, still laughing.
“But you have no need to,” Eni adds. “I suppose you have many reasons to hide where you’re from.”
I look to Pierce, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I’ve never so openly been exposed before and have no clue how to handle it.
Pierce flashes me a sympathetic look before returning focus to them. “We’re grateful you’ve allowed us this visit,” he says. “It’s important to us that we reestablish our alliances in these critical times.”
Gem leans against her brother, focusing on Pierce.
“These are critical times,” Eni says. “The Source has . . .” His voice trails off, his head dipping toward the glowing water. “Told us many things. Shifts are happening. The Fates are restless.”
Dalfon told me more about the celestial entities that sit even higher than Lumathyst’s goddesses.
The same ones Evaluna mentioned in my dreams. The Occuli worship them, believing they blessed their lands with their precious Source—the all-powerful connection that fuels Occuli magic.
According to him, there are many people from all realms who have died trying to steal from it.
Pierce’s hand tenses in mine.
“We know what you want from us,” Gem says. “Another magically binding contract, tying our two powerful realms together.”
“Yes,” Pierce says. “As we ready to take the thrones, we want to keep our relationship—”
“Relationship.” Gem cuts him off with another laugh. “The one where you send spies to our lands in search of the Source? The one where you employ our kind to do biddings you cannot?”
Ice fills my veins.
“The one where you ignore our warnings? Or before, when you brought your armies to our shores.”
“We are not our fathers,” Pierce counters. “I assure you, no missions were sanctioned by the Legends.”
Eni scoffs. “The Legends. All-powerful now, right? After your . . . mating?” He studies me, and it’s all I can do not to cower from his probing, black stare. “Why haven’t you taken the thrones for yourselves, then?”
“I have no need to challenge my father—”
“Because you don’t want to or because you can’t?” Gem asks, eyeing me.
Do they know? That easily?
“They will take the thrones soon.” I finally find my voice. “And they will make a change for the better.”
Gem tilts her head. “They. Them. Why not we? Are you to sit in the shadows, silent and cold?”
Anger rumbles beneath my skin. “They’re meant to rule.”
“Enough,” Eni says, smiling broadly. “It’s too soon in your visit to be so serious.”
Whiplash. I basically sputter my next breath.
“We need to come to terms,” Pierce implores.
“You two need to rest,” Gem drawls. “And enjoy our hospitality while it lasts. It is so rare for those from Lumathyst to be invited here. Relish in this honor. We will discuss terms tomorrow.” She snaps her fingers, and Altair returns to usher us away.
I stop, unable to take it for one more second. “Are you even going to be open to reestablishing terms?” I ask. “Because from the way you two are acting, we might be wasting each other’s time.”
“Do you have somewhere more important to be, princess?” Eni grins widely. “Time is such a trivial concept.”
I take a breath. “This is important to me because it’s important to the well-being of my home. And no, time isn’t trivial to me. There are pressing matters at home that need our attention, but we ranked meeting with you above them. If you’re toying with us, send us on our way and be done with it.”
“I like her,” Gem whispers to her brother.
“Such spirit,” Eni responds.
They turn to each other, sharing words in a language I can’t understand.
Pierce leans into me, a solid show of support. I’m glad he’s not upset with my outburst. I can’t help it. We’ve got Faders to worry about, other trade agreements to solidify, and the enhancement still harming our people. I’m not here to speak in riddles and play games.
“I apologize if our behavior has led you to think we’re wasting your time, princess,” Eni says, his body language relaxing a bit.
“We are grateful you made the journey. You must understand, it’s rare for us to have visitors.
We’re out of practice.” He motions behind us.
“Please, take a night of reprieve, as will we, and then tomorrow, we’ll discuss terms.”
I dip my head, still wary as we follow Altair out of the room.
“That went well,” she says as she leads us down another few tunnels before motioning to a large wooden door in another hole in the rock wall.
“Really?” I blurt.
“Yes,” she says. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen the Gemeni so engaged in a conversation with strangers before. They certainly never spoke as much to the king.”
Pierce and I share a look.
“Which king was the last to set the terms?” Pierce asks.
Altair takes a moment to think. “King Baydel Lavine,” she finally says. “He spoke much, but the Gemeni responded little. Gem and Eni were younger, though, fresh to take the thrones after their parents met the Fates.”
The idea of Baydel making terms with the Gemeni has hope building in my chest. If he can get them to agree, certainly they’ll like dealing with us better?
“These are your rooms,” Altair explains, opening the wooden door. “You’re free to explore the Sanctuary as long as you have a guide. Either Dalfon or I would be best.”
“Thank you,” Pierce says.
“Besides the Source,” she continues, “we’re most known for our library, as I’m sure you’ve heard. It’s the oldest and most extensive collection of written history across all the realms.”
My lips part at the kernel of information.
Altair smiles at me. “Perhaps you’ll explore it before you leave,” she says before she heads off in the opposite direction.