Page 55 of Surrendered to Mate

I lean into Cassius's embrace, savoring the warmth of his body against mine. His scent envelops me, a heady mix of magic and something uniquely him that sets my new senses ablaze.

"So, what did the Council say?" I ask, tilting my head to meet his dark eyes.

Cassius's lips quirk into a small smile. "We've been assigned to an above-ground base. It'll give us time to recover and for you to adjust to your new... situation."

My heart sinks a little at the news. "We're leaving? But I've barely had a chance to explore all this." I gesture around us at the pulsing, magical caverns. "It's so incredible down here."

Cassius chuckles, the sound reverberating through his chest. "I know it seems overwhelming now, but trust me, you'll be glad for some peace and quiet soon enough."

I frown, unconvinced. "But the magic here... it's everywhere. I can feel it in the air, in the walls. How can anywhere above ground compare to this?"

"Ah, sweetheart," Cassius says, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You underestimate the vrakken. Our above-ground bases aren't just ordinary buildings, you know."

My curiosity piques. "What do you mean?"

Cassius leans in close, his breath tickling my ear as he whispers, "They're built in wildsponts of their own."

I pull back, eyes wide with excitement. "Really? You mean we'll still be surrounded by magic?"

He nods, grinning at my enthusiasm. "The magic might not be as concentrated as it is down here, but it'll be just as potent. Maybe even more so in some ways. Wildsponts above ground have their own unique... flavor."

I can hardly contain my excitement at the prospect. "What are they like? The above-ground wildsponts?"

"They're... alive," Cassius says, his eyes growing distant as if recalling a memory. "The trees, the grass, even the air itself seems to breathe with magic. With the plants reacting to you, it feels even more magical than here."

"So the base will be good." I bite my lip, a flicker of anxiety cutting through my excitement. "But what did the Council say about me? If I'm going with you to a base, does that mean they forgive me being Changed?"

Cassius's expression softens, his hand coming up to cup my cheek. "Sweetheart, you don't need to worry about that. I've handled everything."

I lean into his touch, but uncertainty still gnaws at me. "Are you sure? I mean, I know Changing someone withoutpermission is a big deal. I don't want to cause trouble for you or-"

"Faye," Cassius interrupts gently, his dark eyes holding mine. "Trust me. The Council understands the situation. They know you're valuable to us, to me. Your knowledge of Liiandor and the dark elves alone makes you an asset."

I nod slowly, processing his words. "So they're not... angry?"

Cassius chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Oh, they were plenty angry at first. But I managed to convince them. You've already proven yourself by helping with the tablet and the gate. Plus, you've essentially passed a trial by fire with everything we've been through."

Relief washes over me, but a small part of me still worries. "What about the other vrakken? Will they accept me?"

"It's more common than you think," Cassius assures me, his thumb tracing my cheekbone.

I feel a wave of relief wash over me at Cassius's reassurance, but a new curiosity takes its place. "So, what exactly are these above-ground bases like? Will it just be us there?"

Cassius shakes his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Not quite, sweetheart. These bases were actually set up for humans."

My eyes widen in surprise. "Humans? But I thought..."

"We've been recruiting them," Cassius explains, his voice low and serious. "Rescuing humans from the dark elves and offering them shelter in exchange for their help in the war."

I lean back, processing this information. "So there will be humans at the base? What kind of help do they provide?"

Cassius nods, his dark eyes meeting mine. "Some are learning to fight. Others help keep the base in order. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement." A smile pulls at his lips as he grins at me. "And if needed, some are Made, so you won't be the only one. There are others like you, humans who have beenChanged. You'll have people who understand exactly what you're going through."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. The idea of not being alone in this new existence is comforting. "That's... that's good to know. I guess I have a lot to learn about vrakken society."

"Don't you worry." He pulls me close. "Anyone who doesn't will answer to me. You're under my protection now, Faye. More than that, you're my partner in this."

His words send a thrill through me, both comforting and exhilarating. "Partner, huh?" I tease, trying to lighten the mood. "Does that mean I get a say in our missions now?"

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