Page 32 of The Survivors (The Children of the Sun God #4)
Lena
“Here with my mate and my sons, I feel free. There’s no more doubt.”
We meet with Ermis while Colin and Circe shower. Isaak had called his herd days before to prepare them for our arrival. Stergios and his family own the glistening casino that stands as an anchor for the herd’s financial stability. Minotaurs have to make money too.
The walls of the meeting room are adorned with paintings of mythology and the old stories of the Minotaurs. Images of strength and reverence.
Isaak’s and Ermis’ appearances are both strikingly different from the rest of the herd.
We have some time before the ceremony, so I ask Isaak about it. “Why do you and your father look so different from the rest of the herd?”
When I ask him about it, he tells me, “Ermis is from Ireland, a country in Europe. He came to this country when his mate’s clock called to him .
He explains it as if that should have answered my question. It didn’t. “Oh, I…okay.” I can’t bring myself to admit that I need a more in-depth explanation, not wishing to be a burden. Does everyone in Ireland have red hair? Where is Europe? All I know is that he looks most like his father, but has his mother’s eyes.
After Colin and Circe arrive, Ermis says the prayer to Helios to start the ceremony. An almost tangible presence seems to wrap itself around each of us in a blanket of warm air. Isaak tightens his grip on my hand.
I can’t see or hear Helios kiss Colin and Circe, but no one witnessing their reactions will doubt his blessing.
Ermis acknowledges it might take hours if we rotate turns during the ceremony. The only couple whose mating needed witnessing has passed the test. He suggests the bulls speak to their mates at the same time, so that we might all go home and celebrate.
Isaak grabs my shaking hand. “We can do this another day if you’re not ready.”
I smile. “I’m ready.”
I try not to think of the things I’ve been forced to do over the years. That’s always been my practice. If I allow memories to linger for even a second, I find myself spiraling into despair. A despair I feared I might never find my way out of.
Poor Niki. I can only hope that Michail’s love will bring her out of the abyss she hid her mind in all those years ago.
I shake my thoughts back to Isaak, who is giving me a look that says I need you to tell me one more time that you’re ready . I squeeze his hand, smile deeper, and nod.
I’ve yet to see his Minotaur side. Maybe he needs reassuring that his bull doesn’t frighten me. The only thing that frightens me is my lack of understanding regarding the tingles I feel when he touches me.
His eyes shift, and the quiet flame within him blazes brighter, deeper. His bull has surfaced. In these moments, it’s as if we are the only two in the room. His voice fills my mind. “Lena, you can always trust me.”
As soon as the words touch my ears, a sudden warmth blooms over my shoulder, and Isaak winces. His hand tightening in mine as Helios’ kiss brands us both. It stings briefly—a minor pain compared to the scars that lined my past. A momentary burn that gives way to the glow of acceptance.
A deep yet gentle voice brushes over me. “Lena, trust Isaak with the feelings in your body. He will explain them to you.”
Heat rises to my cheeks. With wide eyes, I turn, hoping to see the speaker, but find no one.
“I believe that was Helios ,” Isaak’s bull responds with a calm assurance.
My cheeks flame hotter, and I cover my face, mortified. Isaak’s fingers, warm and gentle, pull my hands away from my face. A smile tugs at his lips.
“Lena,” he says, his gaze tender, reassuring. “What you feel is natural. We will talk about it at home.” His eyes darken with a playful glint. “Helios wants us to experience everything good. I promise.”
The assurance in his words settles in my heart. A vow of safety, of understanding, of something new and beautiful blossoms from the ashes of the past. I stare at Isaak with his tender smile, his bull still visible in his gaze, and I feel a spark of hope—an awakening of something I never dreamed I’d find.