115. Violette
VIOLETTE
Levi wills us to my father’s shores. Since he exchanged blood with Azrael, his magic and ability to wield it is nothing short of god-like. It’s a reassurance to say the least considering our endeavors—even if I am jealous that Azrael and I haven’t yet exchanged blood. Or fulfilled the final rite.
The beach is completely empty. Not even a singular crab scuttling or a seagull soaring, as if all life has held its breath in anticipation. Even the waves are eerily calm as the sun kisses the horizon and makes the surface of the water blush.
The only solace to my heart-pounding anxiety are my males standing beside me—all masked and dressed in matte black loin cloths that are nearly three handspans in length, horns and wings on display—including Azrael’s thanks to Lazarus. Azrael nearly cried when they were returned.
Their muscles gleam in the dimming, amber glow of the sun. Truly, they are a mouth-watering sight to behold.
I’d be desperate to mount them if I weren’t so nearly ready to jump out of my skin with nerves. If my stomach wasn’t in my throat.
Lazarus’ hand slides over the small of my back, tucking me that much closer to him, despite the fact Levi already has his arm around my shoulder. Levi casts a narrow glance at Lazarus, who meets his gaze.
Something seems to silently be communicated between them—what, I have no idea.
Azrael is the pillar at my back, standing so close I can feel his chest brush against my shoulders with every inhale, and I reach behind me to squeeze his hand. He presses a kiss of reassurance against the top of my head.
When seconds turn to minutes, impatience grinds my molars. “Well, he certainly likes to take his fucking time.”
As if beckoned by my words alone, the sound of rushing water fills the too-still air.
A few moments later, the sea begins to part directly in front of us, forming two increasingly harrowing walls as far as the eye can see.
The breath I hadn’t realized I was holding rushes out of me.
Did I say I was in a rush? Because now I want to turn and fucking run.
My magic bristles across my skin, restless.
Lazarus leans down and presses a kiss to the top of my head, murmuring low.
“Everything is going to be fine, sweet seraphim.”
A fraction of my tension eases.
Levi presses a matching kiss to my crown.
A little more tension bleeds out of me.
Azrael’s hand slides over my shoulder as he bends, brushing his lips against my neck. “We’re going to have so much fun.”
There’s a wicked edge to his words that renews my confidence and reminds me that we are indeed fucking gods and my father will face our wrath.
Akash be with us.
I take a step forward and my males follow.
The water walls widen almost imperceptibly as we step between them as if beckoning me forward. The sides of my neck itch with need to shift. To swim. To return to the depths in which my soul belongs. To the home I’ve always denied myself.
My heart hammers harder.
The cool, wet sand hugging my feet grounds me; soothes something in my soul.
As does the sight of the sea’s life swimming beyond the partition.
The water behind us seals us in with each forward movement.
I imagine this is meant to intimidate my father’s guests, but for me, thanks to my mer form, it sends a thrill up my spine.
The further we travel, the more emboldened I become.
If not a little bored, because dear fuck how much further could it possibly be?
Eventually, we travel so deep, the walls become an ombre of black and blue. Amber orbs line each side to illuminate our path. Levi studies the creatures swimming beside us—some of which I’m certain he’s never seen before—but he says nothing.
When I’m certain so much time has passed that another wrinkle has creased, we’re finally able to see the glowing dome of my father’s city–Sinsól. My breath catches in my throat.
Fuck, this is it.
The culmination of all these years waiting, procrastinating, deliberating, plotting, lamenting...
And when I see my father’s towering figure in the distance, guards posted on either side of him, I wonder if I’ve made a horrible mistake.