Page 49

Through the canopy of trees, Renya caught glimpses of Brutus' scaled body, his massive form weaving between the clouds. Atop his back, a familiar silhouette stood out against the night sky—Cressida.

The group stood frozen, hardly daring to breathe as Brutus dove in and out of the tree line. Cressida's gaze swept the forest floor, searching for any sign of their passage. Renya's heart pounded so forcefully she feared its rhythm might betray their location if Cressida flew too close.

Brutus ascended, his wings carrying him higher as he circled in ever-widening arcs. As the dragon neared their position, Renya trembled, her body betraying her fear despite her best efforts to remain still. Grayden's arm tightened around her, and he pressed a reassuring kiss to her hand.

You're alright, my love. Your father's magic will protect us.

Through their bond, Renya sensed a flicker of shame from Grayden. She knew it pained him to rely on Cyrus for protection, his pride as a warrior and protector bruised by the necessity.

After what felt like an eternity, Brutus and Cressida veered east, their forms growing smaller as they headed towards the Sun Realm.

“She thinks that's the first place we'll go,” Cyrus whispered, his voice barely audible. “It's the closest and where my power is the strongest.”

“Plus it's abandoned,” Renya added.

“Actually...” Phillippe began, a hint of hesitation in his voice.

Renya looked between her companions, sudden realization dawning. “It appears there's a lot I need to be caught up on.”

The journey through the forest seemed endless, each step a battle against exhaustion. Renya's legs ached, unused to such prolonged exertion after her confinement in Cressida's castle and the Twilight Kingdom. She longed for the hiking trails of California or even the familiar streets of Seattle, where she'd walked everywhere. The delicate satin slippers from the Shadow Realm offered little protection against the forest floor, leaving her feet sore and blistered.

“Are you doing okay, Renya?” Cyrus asked, falling back to walk beside her and Grayden. His eyes, so like her own, were filled with paternal concern.

“My feet hurt a little, but I'm fine,” she admitted, trying to keep the fatigue from her voice. Before she could protest, Grayden swept her into his arms, cradling her against his chest.

“Just for a few minutes,” she conceded, too weary to argue. As she relaxed into Grayden's embrace, she caught her father watching their interaction, a mix of emotions playing across his face.

“Renya, you don't need to be embarrassed for being in love,” Cyrus said gently. “You're fate-bound, there's no shame in that at all. I happen to think highly of your mate, anyway.”

Heat crept into Renya's cheeks. “I'm sorry, I just...I don't know how to feel. I hardly know you, but you're my father, and I feel like I should remember more of you...since you were the first man in my life. But...Grayden has protected me since I came into this world, and I—”

“You don't have to explain,” Cyrus interjected, holding back a low-hanging branch for Grayden to pass. “I'm glad you have someone to protect you now. I looked over you the best I could in the human realm. But I'm getting older. The human realm aged me significantly, and I won't always be around. When the time comes for me to join the Fates, I'll gladly go, knowing there is someone here who loves you so completely.”

Renya felt tears prick at her eyes, overwhelmed by the sudden sense of belonging. After feeling alone for so long, she now had a father, Grayden's family, and her aunt. The thought of her aunt sparked a question.

“Did you find Aunt Agatha?” she asked, wiping her eyes on Grayden's shoulder.

“No, but Sion and I are going to go through the portal as soon as you're delivered safely to the Snow Lands,” Cyrus replied, his tone resolute.

“Where is Sion?” Renya inquired.

“He's taking Selenia home,” Grayden explained, his chin resting atop Renya's head. “I didn't want her anywhere near Cressida.”

“That was wise,” Renya agreed, a shudder running through her at the thought of Selenia in Cressida's clutches. “I don't want her around Cressida either.”

Grayden's arms tightened around her, and she felt his heart rate quicken. “Did she hurt you, my love?” The question was laden with dread and barely suppressed anger.

“No,” Renya assured him, her hand coming to rest over his heart. “She was rough on me in the beginning, but I think she actually might care for me a bit.”

“I felt—at times, you were happy, Renya,” Grayden admitted, his voice thick with emotion. “I was scared that you would want to stay there.”

“Oh Grayden,” Renya breathed, cupping his face in her hands. “I was miserable! The only friend I had was Margot, the lady who attended me. Well, and Beauty.”

As soon as the name left her lips, a pang of sadness pierced her heart. Beauty. She'd left Beauty behind.

“Who's Beauty?” Grayden asked, instantly attuned to her emotional turmoil.

“She's...amazing,” Renya explained, her voice soft with fondness. “Cressida now has four dragons. But the youngest, Beauty...she bonded with me. She was—is—my friend. I know that sounds weird, but—”