Chapter 90 Night Before
Mason rubbed his chin as he worried about the dangers that might be awaiting them. “How are you going to travel on foot with demons everywhere? It would be best for Xander to fly you.”
“We can’t all fly there. Not for that long.
Xander is strong, but it’s too far. Besides, that would almost make us a big beacon to the demons, and they would know where we’re going.
We’re going to have to try our best to go unnoticed by them.
Get there and get back.” Reiya was hoping they would be able to sneak out without anyone noticing they were gone.
“You guys will have to do your best to make it seem like Xander is still here.”
“I’ll stay out of sight while you guys are gone.
Then they’ll just think Xander and I are bonding.
Same with you and Leviathan. They won’t know he isn’t here, just that he’s spending time with his mate.
” Lila walked up to Xander and linked her arm with his.
She didn’t want to be separated from him, but she wanted her new friend to be safe, too.
The two of them were safer together, and that made him going with Reiya a no brainer.
“I’m surprised how calm you are right now.” Weston eyed Reiya with a hint of concern.
Reiya smiled at him brightly. “There’s nothing to worry about, that’s why. Lee likes to treat me like I’m defenseless. That really isn’t the case. I’m going to get what I need and bring Lee back. It’s that simple.”
“Yes, about that. How will whatever you’re getting be able to get Leviathan back?” Mason asked with intense interest. He stared into her sapphire blue eyes, searching for the answer.
Reiya looked over everyone in the room. “I’m …
” She wasn’t sure how they would react after hearing what she was about to tell them.
She hoped they wouldn’t be upset about it.
“I’m going to link his life force to mine.
He will no longer be immortal. Whatever happens to one of us will also happen to the other.
In this way, the deities will no longer object to me being with Lee.
” She glanced over all the dragons in the room, waiting. It was Xander who spoke first.
“I think this is actually a great thing.” His amber eyes met with hers and a smile spread across his face. “I was worried about how Levi would do after your mortal life ended. I can’t imagine a better scenario for either one of you.”
“I wish I had something similar. I want my life to end when Mason’s does.” Ruby leaned into Mason and smiled up at him.
“Does Leviathan know?” Dex asked quietly.
“Yes, he’s fine with linking our lives together. He just isn’t okay with me going to get it.” Reiya giggled with a shrug. “But he doesn’t have a say in the matter. I refuse to live without him.”
Dex smiled and nodded. “I wish I could come and help, too.”
“Thanks, Dex, but I need you here. I need you to watch over Lila while I’m gone. And my kingdom. All the royals can’t disappear.” He then chuckled quietly as Dex nodded in agreement. He appreciated Dex’s offer, but this was where they were needed.
“So, how will you get Leviathan back after you link your lives?” Weston asked, while the others also looked at Reiya curiously.
“Well, I was thinking ... when my father was missing, my mother was able to draw energy from her guardian and my grandmother to transport herself to my father. I think I can do the same with Brody and Xander, if they don’t mind.”
“Whatever you need, Reiya. You know this.” Brody looked over at Xander, who nodded in agreement.
An older voice rang out from behind them. “I have something for your travels.”
“Gramps? How did you manage to climb up those stairs without having a heart attack?” Xander gasped out.
“Tsk. Such a rude young king.” Grandpa Sage shook his head and then walked up to Reiya. Xander grinned widely. He got a kick out of riling up the old man.
“Here you go.” Grandpa Sage held out four dark cloaks, handing them to Reiya.
“What are these?” she asked.
“Hey! How did you know how many people were going, or that we were leaving at all? And how did you know Levi wasn’t coming back?” Xander pointed to the four cloaks and eyed the Sage. “You knew all this was going to happen, didn’t you? Sometimes your gift of foresight can be really creepy.”
The old man smiled and shrugged his shoulders. “The future is never guaranteed. But some visions are stronger and more certain than others.” He then turned and took one of Reiya’s hands into his own. “Remember, trust in yourself and your instincts. Believe in who you are, my dear.”
She squeezed his warm, wrinkled hand and smiled. “I will. But what are these for?” Reiya held up the cloaks and raised a brow at him.
“They will hide your scent so that you will not be able to be tracked.” His kind eyes stared at her, and he nodded slightly.
“You’re going to need your rest. You have a long journey ahead of you.
As annoying as this young, rude king is, please keep him close.
Your defense against magic is only impermeable when you’re together. ”
“Is this a hint of something you’ve seen in the future and aren’t telling me?” Reiya watched the old man chuckle.
“Let’s say it’s just sound advice from an old man.
” He released Reiya’s hand and took a few steps away from her.
“No one’s future is guaranteed. From this point on, there are many different paths, some just as clear as the others.
Every decision you make will have an impact on the future.
Trust yourself, and trust your companions.
” His gentle voice reminded her of her own grandfather.
“Thank you.” Reiya watched as the old man headed back to the stairs.
“You sure you don’t want me to carry you down, gramps?” Xander grinned as the old man’s eyes flickered at him.
“You be sure to bring her back safely. I’m counting on you, son.” His tone was gentle as he looked at the young king he helped raise. Joking and playful banter aside, he believed in Xander, and this was a pinnacle moment for him. This small part in his life could have big consequences.
Xander’s face grew serious as the two men stared at each other. “I won’t let you down, Gramps,” Xander said with confidence.
“I know you won’t.” Grandpa Sage smiled and disappeared down the stairs.
Chelsie walked up to Reiya and leaned her head against her forehead. “Do you want me to stay with you tonight?”
“No, actually. I don’t know how long this trip will take, so I INSIST that you stay with Brody tonight. We don’t need any promiscuous travel plans.” Reiya giggled as Chelsie’s face turned radish red.
“I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep,” Dex said, looking at Reiya.
“No, that isn’t necessary.” Reiya didn’t want to bother anyone. She was fine. At least she thought she was.
Dex smiled. “I know it isn’t necessary. Call it me spending time with you before your trip.
I won’t be in this kingdom forever either, so I need to absorb my friend time.
” No matter what she said and no matter what front she put on, he knew better.
She was hurting and nervous, even if she didn’t realize it.
When he was rejected, he put on a brave front, too.
He recognized the signs. He would stay with her until he was certain she was able to stay asleep.
It was the only way he could help right now.
“Wait a minute. You trust having Dex with her behind closed doors?” Weston arched his eyebrows and glanced around at everyone.
“Yes, we do.” Xander shrugged and watched Weston open his mouth.
“What about me?”
“No,” everyone said tersely, in unison.
“Hey! I wouldn’t touch her. Especially knowing her mate is Leviathan. Give my self-preservation more credit than that,” Weston chuckled.
“Well, we have an early morning. Reiya, why don’t you go ahead and head to bed? We’re just going to finalize a few more details.” Xander could see how exhausted she looked after having drained her energy.
“Thanks. I think I’ll do that.”
Reiya shut the door to her bedroom. This would be her first night in here without Lee.
She made the quiet walk over to the bed and slid into the cool covers.
It was never cool in the bed before, because Lee always made it warm with his body heat.
Her fingertips brushed the empty, soft pillow beside her, tracing over the area where his head would lay.
She grasped it tightly with her fingers and raised it up to her face, taking in his scent.
The room felt empty. Her chest tightened as she laid her head down, holding the pillow in her hands.
Like a tidal wave, the emotions rolled over her.
It’s only temporary. We’re going to get him back, one way or another. Reiya felt the sting in her nose, and she bit her bottom lip to fight the sadness creeping in.
We will get our mate back, Reiya. No matter how we have to go about it, Lumi said threateningly.
Mm-hmm, Reiya answered quietly as she inhaled a deep breath of cool air. How had she become so dependent on Lee already that a night away from him felt like an eternity?
The creaking sound of the door echoed in the room, and she heard the gentle sound of the door latching. Quiet footsteps approached the bed, and a metal chair was plopped down near her. She opened her eyes to see the moonlight shining on Dex’s face. She offered him a small smile.
“I know you said otherwise, but I think you could still use the company tonight.” Dex smiled back at her knowingly.
“Thank you.”
“Just make sure your mate doesn’t roast me when he returns for being in his bedroom alone with his mate.” Dex winked at Reiya, who giggled quietly.
“I think he’ll be grateful to you for taking care of me.”
“Try to get some sleep. I’ll be right here.”
She closed her eyes. She could sense his presence and could hear him breathing.
Surprisingly, it did help. It was calming, having another person near her.
She was very grateful to him. She didn’t realize it until she was back in her bedroom alone, but it was hard. She appreciated his thoughtfulness.
She squeezed Lee’s pillow into her chest. Don’t worry, my Lee. I’ll be coming for you soon, she quietly thought to herself as a crystal tear trickled from her eye.
Because she was so exhausted, and with the help of Dex’s presence, she managed to fall asleep. Dex listened to the sound of her rhythmic breathing and smiled.
“Sleep well, princess,” he whispered, barely audible in the dark. Instead of leaving, though, he remained sitting in the chair, watching over her as she slept. Just in case she woke up, he wanted to be there for her.