Page 8 of Finding Embers and Stars (Twin Flames Duet #1)
Chapter eight
I open my eyes to witness Sage shift into her raven. “Hello ást Mín, I'm happy to officially meet you.”
Sage tilts her head to the side and looks at me. “How can I hear and speak to you in this form?”
Roux walks over and sits down in front of me. “I think I have the answer to that. With my butterfly dragon powers, I can hear you both. Sage, could you come closer please? I want to make sure I'm right before I say anything.”
Once she's standing next to me, I lean down and gently nuzzle her neck. I love the feeling of having my mate near to me.
“Piper, Sage, may I touch you?” Roux holds out his hand, waiting patiently.
“My name is not Piper, but we can get to that in a moment. Yes, you may touch me. I will not become upset if you touch Sage as I can sense your mate bonds. However, it’s her decision if she will allow your touch.”
I watch Sage nod her head at Roux. He reaches for my chest and smooths down the hair and then reaches over to Sage and does the same to her feathers.
“You’re mates, and you’ve completed the bond somehow. Sage, you have a Norse wolf on your feathers.” His gaze moves between us, and he continues. “You have a Norse raven on your fur. Both images are surrounded by the Fear Palm symbol with Yggdrasil right below it. One of my mates is a Viking who could interpret these better than I can. Do either of you have Norse ancestry?”
Roux shoves that question to the side as he looks at me with a raised eyebrow. “You clearly aren't Piper; can you explain to me who you are?”
“My name is Atlas. I’ve been tasked by Mother Universe to be Piper and Sage’s guide, advisor, and protector for the journey they will one day embark on. I’m the wolf of Piper’s twin brother. Sage is my fated mate.”
Sage’s caw of surprise has everyone looking over at her. “Mates! That explains why Piper has always felt like my soul mate. How will that work, Atlas? I can’t live as my raven for the rest of my life, nor can Piper live as you for the rest of hers. She has a mate out there somewhere too!”
Sage is clearly upset by this, but not because we’re mates, she's upset because we can’t be together. That settles something deep inside me. I didn’t realize that I was already preparing myself for her rejection.
She waddles over to nuzzle into my chest while Roux explains our situation to the rest of the room.
We all turn when the door opens and a tall, white-haired demon walks in. The power radiating off him is insane, but I don’t sense that he’s a threat.
He nods in greeting but freezes when his eyes land on Sage. He quickly looks at Rhoda, then back to Sage.
“Hera has her hand on you, little raven.”
Gasps of surprise come from around the room, but I keep my focus on Roux. He’s the only one I can speak to.
“What is he talking about, and who is he? All I can sense is that he’s a powerful demon.”
Roux relays what I've asked as Rhoda gets up and comes over to sit down next to Roux.
“Felix can see who has been touched by the other realms. It’s one of his gifts. You, Piper, and Sage are on a hard path, but Mother Universe only chooses those she knows can handle what fate has in store.” She takes a deep breath before exchanging a look with Roux. “May I touch you both? I would like to see if I can get any visions that may help you on your path.”
After we give consent, she reaches her hand out to me and then one to Sage who is still nuzzled up against me. “ ást Mín, are you alright? You’ve been quiet during all of this.”
I can hear her soft laughter float through my mind. “I'm okay. This is just a lot to take in, especially with everything that’s happened since we ran.”
I look back up at Rhoda and realize her eyes have gone white and both Shasta and the demon are now holding her up. After a moment, she closes her eyes and inhales deeply as if waking from a trance. “Can you both change back please? We have a lot to discuss. Atlas, are you able to communicate with Piper? I want to make sure all of you can discuss this.”
“Yes, I can but I haven't yet. I was giving her time to deal with everything that has happened the last few days. During this conversation, she hasn't been able to hear what we've been talking about. I knew she would need Sage when she found out. You will need to explain everything I've told you as well. I am going to tell her we’re shifting back and that you guys will fill her in.”
I take a deep breath. I know Piper won’t be pleased with me for blocking her out, but it had to happen. Piper is strong, far stronger than she realizes. She’s been conditioned to think that asking for help is a weakness. Until she can ask herself, I will ask for her.
“Piper, we need to shift back. Sage and the others have things to tell you. I blocked you from hearing what we were discussing because I wanted you to have Sage there for support. I’m sorry, I just wanted to protect you.”