Chapter 98: Eveleen's POV
I woke the next morning sandwiched between Raven and Corey. Despite the aftercare, I was still sore from the day before, but I was thankful for the safety I felt with them. Things seemed to be moving so quickly. I tried to replay the scene with Orak in my mind. How had I missed it? Was the stone really dimming all my intuitions? I needed to find Mistress Thrain, or Loki to see what they had learned.
Loki.
That's another mess altogether. Each time I am near him, the pull becomes stronger. Why would the Fates do this if it was forbidden? Is this some stupid test for me, for him? When Jace questioned his presence, I became defensive. He has done nothing but help us, how dare anyone question him? Okay, enough of that thinking for now. I need to find some answers. I slipped out of the bedroom, borrowing a shirt from Raven and boxers from Corey, I headed down the hall, hoping to run across someone.
"Interesting clothing choices," Quin smirked as I walked past the galley. "How are you feeling today, Your Highness?"
"Please, call me Eveleen," I said, blushing. "I haven't even been to Fairie since I was a toddler, I doubt the land would even recognize me as a princess."
He motioned to a chair and placed a cuppa in front of me. "I think you'd be surprised, Eveleen. Fairie knows its own. As you well know, it is not just a place, it is alive in its own right. So long as you live, you are the rightful heir, the land will accept no other." His face was set and determined as he spoke. I noticed he stayed a few chairs away from me. "Do you have any plans?"
I shook my head as I sipped, enjoying the soft mint flavor. "I had hoped to find Mistress Thrain or even Loki to discuss what happened yesterday," I said, running my fingers over my chest absentmindedly.
"Hmm, Mistress Thrain may be in the library, but I believe Loki has left already."
"Left? Did he say when he would return?" Why would he leave without saying anything?
Quin shrugged, "I have no idea, sorry." He seemed uneasy.
"Are you alright, Quin?" I asked.
He coughed, "I should leave. The um, the essence is stronger today." He gave me a slight bow and vanished. I frowned to myself and then headed towards the library.
"Ahhh, Eveleen, just who I was hoping to see," Mistress Thrain said in a forced cheery tone. "Come, I think we may have some ideas." She reached for my hand, tugging me behind her. When we entered the main area, I saw Owen, Sean, Alpha Doran, Zura, and Kota sitting around a large table with several books strewn across the top of it.
"Hey Luna, how are you this morning," Kota asked, pulling me in for a kiss, then setting me next to him.
I blushed, not wanting to break our kiss. "I'm good. I managed to sleep through the night, mostly," I said with another blush. My response was met with some chuckling. "So Quin mentioned that Loki left, did he find something that would help?" Maybe one of them would have an answer.
Owen had a cautious look as he answered, "He was quite distraught over yesterday's events, and after setting wards with Helios, he left abruptly." He looked directly in my eyes, saying so much more than his audible words. "I do not know if he plans to return, Tesoro." I felt a tightening around my heart and gripped Kota's hand. He didn't say a word but began to rub circles across the top of my hand with his thumb.
I'm here, Luna - he said softly in my mind. I gave him a small smile and leaned against his shoulder as I listened to the discussion. "The wards have been reset, but there is still concern that residual magic could still reach you. Jace is reaching out to Nyx to see if she can help strengthen the wards as well," Kota said, pulling me tighter against him.
"Have we figured out any way to get rid of this thing that won't kill me," I scoffed, pointing to my chest.
"We're still looking, Star," Sean said, reaching across Kota's lap and patting my cheek.
I started to respond when Gabriel came striding into the room. "Little wolf, there you fucking are!" Kota moved his arm and gave me a nudge as I stood up and let Gabriel wrap me in his arms. "Unless you all need her, I'm kidnapping her ass for a while." He waited for a moment and when no one protested, he began to usher me towards the door. "I need some time with you, little wolf," he said softly against my ear, "Yesterday scared the hell out of me." I leaned into his embrace and let him lead me down the hall towards the gardens.
When we stepped through the doors, I felt my shoulders relax. He let me go and stood watching me as I wandered closer to the pond and ran my hands along the tops of the flowers and reeds. "Nature soothes you," he commented.
I smiled, looking up at him, "Whenever I needed to center myself, I'd always go to Cailleach's grove and meditate. It would help me focus and clear my thoughts." I frowned, looking down at the water, then said softly, "I haven't been able to go since just after I arrived in Charleston."
He wrapped his arms around me from behind, placing his head on my shoulder. "How did you get there," he asked, placing a kiss on my cheek.
"An invocation spell and my teleportation powers."
"Then use mine. I mean, unless, uh fuck, um, I can't or you don't want me to go," he stumbled over his words, second-guessing himself.
I turned to look into those beautiful blue eyes. Those same eyes that had led me to him and his family. The eyes that promised me love and every dream I could imagine. "Gabriel, I would be honored to take you to Cailleach's grove with me. I've wanted to take you to Fairie since the first time I kissed you." Standing on my tippy toes, I pressed my lips to his. "If I give you the memory, can you reach the grove?"
"Say your invocation, little wolf. I'll take care of the rest," he chuckled.
I closed my eyes and focused on the grove as I spoke. "A Chailleach, tabhair go dtí do ghleann mé. Athlíon mo dhraíocht agus m'anam. (Cailleach, bring me to your valley. Refill my magic and my soul.)"
Author's Notes: Gabriel is her safe space :) Comment and vote please!