Page 101 of Secrets of Avalon

CHAPTER 37

Breakfast Meeting

Hawke Stormblood

I escort Melinda straight toward the table, helping her into a chair, and then embrace my mother. "Mother.” I bury my face in her shoulder, inhaling the familiar scent of jasmine she always wears. "I'm so glad you're both safe."

She returns the embrace fiercely, her composure cracking for a moment to reveal the depth of her own relief. "And you, son. We were so worried. The eight worlds are not escaping a war over this, Hawke."

I glance between my parents, concern twisting in my gut. "How is Camelot? Did you have trouble with the darkness and the golems the Council sent our way?"

Father shakes his head, his expression grim. "Once we were clear of the tower, we cut a path straight of the castle. We were much further behind you, but we saw the second wave hit Vandimoor. The magick that obliterated it… I've never seen anything like it in my lifetime." His gaze shifts to Melinda, and pride flashes in his eyes mixed with protectiveness.

I step back, taking my mate’s hand again.

"The Council was only after you both, and anyone they think is on the rebellion's side. We were not targeted this time," Mother says, gesturing for us to sit. "Please, let's take a moment. All of you. Sit and eat with us." She motions to Kellan and the other Knights.

Father signals, and servants immediately carry out platters of steaming food, laying them along the length of the table. The familiar scents of home comfort me, even as tension coils in my stomach.

"Where is Ares?" Father asks once we're all settled. "You're missing your fifth."

"He went back to Olympus, we needed–" I cut myself off, realizing too late I've said too much. Father's sharp gaze locks onto me, and I know there's no avoiding this conversation now.

"Needed what?"

I glance furtively between my brothers. No words are spoken, but an agreement passes between us. We've kept this secret for too long. We need help.

"Well?" Father presses. "Have you decided to share?"

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "Father, the knights and I have been… There have been ramifications for the spell that was cast to secure Aena."

Fen leans forward, his eyes intense. "Your Majesty, what the prince means is?—"

"We've been incomplete," Wraith interrupts, his usual stoic demeanor cracking slightly. I can see the toll this confession is taking on him. "The spell lasted longer than we anticipated."

Boaz nods solemnly. "We never recovered the pieces of our souls used to imbue Excalibur with enough power to lock Aena’s cell."

"Going this many years with a piece of your soul missing..." Mother's voice quavers, and my heart clenches. She swallows hard before continuing. "It would shatter anyone, son. We've seen your struggle." She takes time to look each of my brothers in the eyes. "All of your struggles. Please, let us help."

I suck in a sharp breath, shock rippling through me. My pulse races.

“We appreciate the support, your majesties,” Fen says, his voice rough.

Melinda's fingers tighten around mine, her touch grounding me. Parents have a tendency to always know what's going on with their children, Melinda's gentle voice murmurs through our bond.

They never said anything. Never acted like it, I reply.

She squeezes my hand again, her thumb tracing soothing circles on my skin. They're on your side.

Suddenly, Mother's eyes widen. She leans forward, her gaze darting between Melinda and me. "You're bonded already!" Her piercing gaze locks onto Melinda. "Aren't you?"

Melinda's heart rate spikes. She manages a nod, and I can see the heat creeping up her neck.

Mother's attention snaps to me. "Son?" The single word carries the weight of a thousand questions.

I straighten my shoulders. "Yes, mother. We are bonded. I?—"

"Melinda." Mother cuts me off, her voice sharp with worry. Her eyes search Melinda's. "Are you alright? Did he push you into this?"

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