Page 56 of Surrendered to Mate

Cassius grins, a rare sight that makes my heart skip. "Don't push your luck, sweetheart. But yes, your input will be valuable. We're in this together now."

I can't help but smile back, feeling truly safe and accepted for the first time in years. "Together," I repeat, liking the sound of it. "I think I can get used to that."

I buzz with excitement as we prepare for our move to the above-ground base. Cassius helps me pack a few essentials, mostly clothing and some weapons he's able to scrounge up for us. He says there will be more supplies up there but just in case.

My fingers trace the intricate designs on a beautifully crafted dagger he hands me.

"You'll need to learn how to use these properly now," he says, his dark eyes twinkling. "Your new strength means you could accidentally snap a regular blade in half."

I can't help but grin at the thought. "Sounds like fun."

Cassius chuckles, the sound warming me from the inside out. It's still a novelty to hear him laugh so freely. "You say that now, sweetheart. But you'll learn there's quite an adjustment to these things."

As we move through the underground corridors, I notice other vrakken watching us curiously. Their eyes widen as they take in Cassius's relaxed demeanor and the easy way he interacts with me. One older vrakken nearly drops the stack of books he's carrying when Cassius cracks a joke, his laughter echoing off the stone walls.

"What's got them so shocked?" I whisper to Cassius as we pass a group of wide-eyed vrakken.

He leans in close, his breath tickling my ear. "Let's just say I wasn't known for my sparkling personality before."

I snort, nudging him playfully. "You mean you weren't always this charming?"

"Hardly," he replies with a wry smile. "I think you might be the first person to ever call me charming, sweetheart."

As we continue our preparations, I can't help but feel a swell of pride. I might be new to this world of vrakken and magic, but somehow, I've managed to bring out a side of Cassius that no one else has seen before. It's a heady feeling, knowing I've had such an impact on this powerful, centuries-old being.

27

CASSIUS

Iguide Faye through the lush forest surrounding our new base, watching her face light up with each discovery. Her excitement is infectious, and I find myself smiling more than I have in centuries.

"Look at this, Cassius!" Faye exclaims, her hand hovering over a vibrant blue flower. The petals unfurl at her touch, releasing a soft, glowing pollen. "It's responding to me!"

"That's the magic of this place," I explain, stepping closer. "The forest is alive, reacting to other magic, and that includes you now."

Faye's golden-brown eyes sparkle with wonder. "It's incredible. I never imagined anything like this existed."

As we approach the base, a massive treehouse structure seamlessly integrated into the canopy, I notice Faye's steps falter slightly.

"Nervous, sweetheart?"

She takes a deep breath. "A little. It's just... so different from everything I've known."

I take her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We're in this together. You've got nothing to worry about."

We're greeted at the entrance by Soren, one of the base leaders. His tall, lean frame towers over us, his face set in its usual scowl.

"Cassius," he nods curtly. We knew each other from the tunnels. His eyes turn to Faye, not looking as disinterested as I anticipated. "And you are..."

"Faye," she introduces herself, meeting his gaze steadily.

Soren's expression softens slightly. "Welcome to our little sanctuary. Evelyn will be here shortly to show you around."

As if on cue, a petite woman with curly caramel hair bounds up to us, her smile dazzling.

"You must be new!" she exclaims, pulling my mate into an unexpected hug. "I'm Evelyn. It's so great to have another human-turned-vrakken here!"

Faye stiffens for a moment, then relaxes into the embrace. "It's nice to meet you, Evelyn. I'm Faye."

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