Page 31 of The Survivors (The Children of the Sun God #4)
Colin
“After today, the evil that tried to mold me no longer has a say in who I am.”
When Helios banished me from my labyrinth, I thought I would never again see my mother’s face or feel the warmth of her embrace. In the exile, I felt like a part of me had been ripped away and left behind in that ancient maze. However, when Circe handed me her phone, and I realized I could still reach out, I clung to the hope that I might hear my mother’s voice one last time. Words I never imagined hearing: she might not survive. In that moment, I shattered. Every fragile piece threatened to carry me deeper into the darkness.
Only Circe’s love held me together. Her presence preserved me like a lifeline. Without her, if anything happened to Momma, I would have nothing to live for. Circe was all that anchored me.
But now, I’m holding Momma in my arms. She clings to me as if to reassure herself that I’m real. The familiar scent of her fills me, comforting me. I could stay like this forever.
I silently praise Helios for the gifts he’s granted me—the return of my mother, the love of Circe, the kinship of Serafim and Isaak, and the life growing within my mate. Helios, who cast me from my home, in his mercy, has brought me full circle.
Isaak’s gentle voice interrupts our reunion. “We’ve traveled far. We’re all tired. I know the owner inside. After you two have showered and changed, we’ll borrow a room for the ceremony. If you both are truly mates, we’ll go home.”
My Circe sighs softly. “A shower sounds nice. Thank you.”
There’s exhaustion in her eyes, and it pains me that I haven’t been able to provide for her. She deserves so much more.
Two showers later, Circe and I join my family. Both of us are dressed in mismatched t-shirts and sweatpants from the gift shop. All that matters is the clothes are clean, and for the first time in weeks, we feel refreshed.
Isaak leads us to a meeting room, and we step inside. I’m taken by surprise. The room is packed with dozens of people. All eyes turn to us as we enter. The scent in the air reveals their Minotaur heritage. Bulls and heifers stand waiting for us. The ancient strength of our lineage radiates from them, filling the room with a charged energy .
The men and women are striking, each with dark features. They have hair as black as coal, some woven into braids, others loose and cascading over their shoulders. Their eyes, dark as night, seem to hold the history of generations.
Amidst them, one man stands out whose hair is the same color red as Isaak’s. He steps forward. His eyes study me with quiet intensity.
“I’m Isaak’s patér . My name is Ermis,” he says. His voice as solid as stone. He holds my gaze before adding, “You must be Colin.”
“Yes, I am,” I reply, placing a hand on Circe’s shoulder. “And this is Circe, my mate.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Circe says respectfully. I know she understands the gravity of this moment. To be welcomed, even tentatively, by those of Isaak’s herd means more to us than words can express.
Ermis’ gaze softens, and a knowing smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. “We’ve heard a lot about you both,” he says. “You, Colin, are very young.”
I swallow a lump rising in my throat, wondering how much they truly know. But there’s no malice in his expression, only understanding.
He turns to Circe, and his smile fades into something with deeper meaning. “You are not so young,” he pauses for a moment. “No one makes poor decisions for the sake of making poor decisions. There’s always a reason—a trauma, a hurt that drives one to do the things you’ve done. I know your journey has not been easy.” Ermis’ empathy is something I hadn’t expected.
My grip on Circe’s shoulder tightens, and she straightens under his gaze. Her shoulders lifting as if her burdens have fallen away.
Ermis continues, “My son has told us of your journey. Of his time in the mountains. Of Helios’ sadness that we’ve drifted from the sacred ways. We have gathered here to witness and take part in the blessing of our creator.”
I bow my head. “You honor us.”
“Let us begin.” Ermis raises his face toward the heavens. “Helios, our maker, our benefactor. Forgive us for abandoning your ways. Bless each mated pair this day. Thank you for your gift. May we never again forget.”
After his prayer, the same presence I sensed at the last ceremony fills the room—a warmth that touches my soul and a comfort that reassures me of Helios’ forgiveness. I close my eyes, basking in the peace that washes over me, knowing my maker is here and sees us.
“Colin,” Ermis calls out, “look at your mate and speak to her with your bull.”
I don’t hesitate. I turn toward Circe, the mother of my child, the woman who has carried me these last few weeks. I allow my bull to surface, shifting my gaze to let her see the beast within. “ Circe—mine ,” I say. My voice deepens, carrying the primal claim of my nature.
Circe falls to her knees, trembling. My heart drops , and I kneel beside her. But before I can speak, a searing heat brands our shoulders, and we both cry out. It is Helios’ kiss, marking us as one and sealing our bond.
The pain fades—replaced by a warmth that settles into my skin. I pull Circe into my lap, holding her close. Gentle hands rest upon our shoulders. I glance around, but I see no one. And yet, I feel him. Helios, our maker, our guide.
“Colin, Circe,” his voice fills our minds, resonant and kind. “There is nothing I won’t forgive. The past is no more. Today, you are made new.”
A wave of emotions crashes over us, more powerful than anything I’ve ever felt. The burdens of the past—the pain, the regrets, the mistakes—all fall away with each tear that slips down our cheeks.
I feel truly free. And as I look into Circe’s eyes, I know she feels the same.
This moment, this blessing, is our rebirth.