Page 63 of Feral Gods
KAIA
T wilight bathes our valley sanctuary in lavender and gold, transforming the hidden paradise into something from ancient legend rather than mortal realm.
From my perch on the natural stone balcony overlooking our home, I watch as the last rays of sunlight catch on the crystalline waterfall that bisects the valley floor.
The water sparkles like scattered diamonds before plunging into the luminescent pool below—our own private wonder in this place that exists on no map of Protheka.
Three months since Thane's resurrection at Obsidian Falls.
Three months of healing, building, and discovering what it means to live without constant threat.
Three months of creating something entirely new—not just a physical sanctuary but a way of existing beyond the rigid hierarchies and brutal power structures that defined our previous lives.
The valley Thane led us to exceeded even his descriptions.
Hidden behind an illusory cliff face that responds only to specific magical signatures, the enclosed ecosystem spans approximately two square miles—a perfect microclimate sustained by underground thermal springs and mysterious ancient magic that maintains ideal growing conditions year- round.
Ruins of an outpost dating back to the Height Wars provided foundation for our permanent dwelling—a graceful structure of stone and living wood that combines practicality with unexpected beauty.
"Contemplating the universe again?" Thane's voice rumbles behind me, his approach deliberately audible despite his warrior's stealth.
Since his resurrection, he moves with even greater purpose and presence, as if his time in liminal space intensified rather than diminished his connection to physical existence.
"Just our small corner of it," I reply, leaning back against his copper-hued chest as his powerful arms encircle my waist. His transformed body radiates comfortable warmth against the evening's gathering cool, wings partially extending to cocoon us both in private sanctuary.
"Small but significant," he counters, chin resting atop my head in casual intimacy that would have seemed impossible during our early days together.
"Ravik reports the latest magical adjustments to the perimeter defenses are complete.
Zephyr's modifications to the illusion barrier now recognize specific magical signatures of any awakened gargoyles seeking sanctuary. "
This information warms me in ways beyond physical comfort. Each of my mates contributes unique strengths to our shared home Ravik's strategic protection, Zephyr's scholarly innovations, Thane's intuitive understanding of living systems—creating something far stronger than any could achieve alone.
"How many have found us so far?" I ask, though I already know the answer. The question serves more as acknowledgment of the responsibility we've chosen to shoulder despite our retreat from wider conflicts.
"Seventeen," Thane confirms. "Most recently the mated pair from the eastern mountains—the healer and the blacksmith. Zephyr's already consulted with the healer about expanding our medicinal garden."
Seventeen awakened gargoyles who discovered our hidden sanctuary through the subtle magical pathway we established after settling here.
Not actively recruiting an army as King Kres feared, but offering refuge to those who needed it most—those struggling to adapt to their sudden freedom after centuries of stone imprisonment.
Most stay only temporarily before establishing their own lives elsewhere on Protheka, armed with knowledge and support we freely provide.
A few have chosen to remain nearby, establishing satellite communities within the greater valley system that surrounds our hidden sanctuary.
Not subjects or followers, but allies connected through shared experience and mutual respect.
"The evening meal awaits," Thane murmurs against my hair. "And the others have something to discuss with us both."
Curiosity piqued, I allow him to guide me from the balcony into our home's main living space.
The great room centers around a circular hearth where cheerful flames dance within a ring of black volcanic stone.
Comfortable furnishings crafted from local materials create conversation areas that accommodate various physiologies—from human-sized cushions to sturdier structures that support transformed gargoyle frames.
Zephyr and Ravik await us there, deep in conversation that pauses as we enter. Something in their posture—a mixture of solemnity and barely contained excitement—suggests this discussion involves more than routine sanctuary business.
"There you are," Ravik greets, amber eyes warming as they meet mine.
His transformed indigo form reclines against cushions beside the hearth, wings folded comfortably behind him.
The rigid military bearing that once defined his every movement has softened into something more balanced—still powerful and commanding, but tempered with newfound capacity for relaxation and even occasional playfulness.
"We've been discussing something of significance," Zephyr adds, scholarly precision colored by uncharacteristic emotional undertone.
His slate-blue hands cradle an ancient text I recognize as one recovered from the temple sanctuary months ago—not the Codex, which remains securely hidden, but something almost as rare.
"The Bonding Codicum," I identify, recognition sparking as I settle beside Ravik while Thane takes position completing our informal circle. "You've been researching binding ceremonies?"
A slight flush darkens Zephyr's transformed features, scholarly composure momentarily disrupted by emotional vulnerability that still surprises me despite our months together.
"Research initially undertaken for academic purposes evolved toward practical application consideration," he admits, typical verbal complexity betraying nervous excitement.
"He means he started reading about ancient mating ceremonies and realized we should have one," Thane translates with characteristic bluntness, though his crimson eyes glimmer with affectionate amusement.
"Not precisely how I would phrase it," Zephyr protests mildly, "but essentially correct in principle."
Ravik leans forward, amber gaze intent as it meets mine.
"We four have forged connection transcending conventional definition.
Created family through choice rather than circumstance.
Built sanctuary that shelters not just our physical forms but our collective spirit.
" His words emerge with careful precision, each clearly chosen with deliberate intent.
"Yet we've established no formal recognition of this bond. "
Understanding blooms within me—warm, radiant, and slightly overwhelming. "You want us to marry," I translate, simplifying scholarly complexity and strategic formulation into emotional essence.
"Not marriage as human custom defines it," Zephyr clarifies, scholarly precision reasserting itself.
"Something more fundamental. The Bonding Codicum describes ceremony predating dark elf civilization—ritual that connects participants at essential level transcending conventional relationship structures. "
"Soul-binding," Thane contributes, surprising me with his knowledge of magical theory typically left to Zephyr's expertise. "Formal acknowledgment of connection already existing between us, but strengthened through ceremonial intent."
My heart beats faster as I absorb their proposal. My former life as slave in King Kres's household never permitted contemplation of formal bonding—marriage or otherwise—with anyone, let alone three extraordinary beings who together form perfect complement to my own nature.
"The ceremony requires unanimous consent," Ravik adds, careful to establish my agency in this decision. "Equal participation freely chosen, without coercion or obligation."
"And offers option for any participant to maintain partial rather than complete binding," Zephyr continues, ensuring I understand all possibilities. "Individual autonomy preserved within collective connection, if desired."
"Or complete integration, if chosen," Thane concludes, crimson eyes holding mine with characteristic directness. "Full commitment without reservation."
Their perfect cooperation in presenting this proposal—each contributing distinct perspective while maintaining unified purpose—exemplifies why this decision requires no deliberation on my part.
The connection between us transcended conventional boundaries long ago.
Formal ceremony merely acknowledges what already exists in essence.
"Yes," I answer simply, emotion making elaborate response impossible. "Complete integration. No reservations."
The joy that illuminates their transformed features Ravik's rare full smile, Zephyr's glowing turquoise eyes, Thane's wings mantling with pleasure—fills my chest with answering radiance that threatens to overwhelm.
"When?" I ask, practical considerations emerging through emotional haze.
"Tonight," Ravik suggests, uncharacteristic impetuousness replacing strategic calculation. "The celestial alignment favors binding magic—twin moons in harmony phase, constellation of union ascending eastern sky."
"Tonight," I agree, matching his unexpected spontaneity with my own. "What preparations are required?"
Zephyr consults the ancient text briefly.
"Minimal physical components—sacred herbs for purification, water from our crystalline pool for cleansing, personal tokens symbolizing individual essence freely exchanged.
" His scholarly detachment falters slightly as emotion resurfaces.
"The ceremony emphasizes intention over elaborate ritual—genuine commitment matters more than procedural complexity. "