Page 16 of Heatbound Hearts

"And what are dark elves?" Zyx asks.

She shudders. "These terrible creatures. Beautiful and deadly with magic." She gives him a look. "Not too unlike the noctari in appearance."

"Apparently they pushed the orcs to Earth," Kairos adds. "That's what I've heard."

"Bastards," I mutter, making Naira giggle. "So you had Thirteen gods," I say, looking at her. "You both know the Seven," I look from Zyx to Kairos. "And the orcs had five gods that they followed."

"It's fascinating," Kairos says.

"Especially since all the worlds seem so connected," Zyx adds.

Kairos and Naia keep talking, though they start to turn to each other as they say something about portals and Protheka and Aerasak that I can't make sense of.

As they drift back, I find myself drawn to Zyx, my eyes tracing the elegant lines of his wings as we walk. I can't seem to keep myself pulled back from him, wanting more in every way.

"Have you always lived on Terramyst?" I ask, genuinely curious about his life.

Zyx's silver eyes meet mine, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yes, actually. No noctari ever truly leaves their god's realm. We can visit others, but..." He pauses, searching for the right words. "We're born with our god's blessings, you see. It manifests in different variations that can tip others off."

"What do you mean by variations?" I prompt, intrigued.

He flexes his wings slightly. "Well, take me for example. I'm what's called an Oltyxian noctari - earthborn. I can manipulate the earth to some degree, and I have a deep connection to the land. It's part of why I'm such a good hunter and tracker."

"That's incredible," I breathe, marveling at the casual way he speaks of such power.

Zyx nods, a hint of pride in his voice. "It is. But it also means I'm unmistakably of Terramyst. My build, the tall thin shape of my wings, it's little things like that that other noctari could tell. But while I've never left this realm, I've explored every inch of it with my father."

"Your father?" I ask, eager to learn more about his life.

His expression softens. "Yes. He was a great hunter and guard. Taught me everything I know about tracking and survival." A shadow passes over his face. "He passed a few years ago from a…rare illness."

I reach out instinctively, placing a hand on his arm. "I'm so sorry, Zyx."

He covers my hand with his, the touch sending a jolt through me. "Thank you. It was... difficult. But he lived a good, long life."

"And your mother?" I ask gently.

Zyx's gaze turns distant. "She died when I was born. It's not uncommon for noctari mothers to... not survive childbirth. Especially with twins."

"Twins?" I can't hide my surprise.

He nods. "My sister didn't survive either. It's just been my father and me. Well, until..."

"Until it was just you," I finish softly.

Zyx's eyes lock with mine, and I see a vulnerability there that catches me off guard. "Yes. Until it was just me."

I swallow hard, my heart aching for Zyx's loss. Without thinking, I slide my hand down and squeeze his hand. "It's not just you now," I say softly, hoping to offer some comfort.

Zyx's silver eyes meet mine, a slow smile spreading across his face. My stomach does a flip at the sight. "You know, I quite like that," he says, his voice dropping so low I feel it through my body.

Encouraged by this connection, I take a deep breath. "But I know how you feel. I've been alone for a long time too," Iadmit. "The orcs... they tore me away from my family, like they did to so many human women." I see Zyx's jaw clench, and he looks..protective. "I escaped four years ago. Since then, I've been on the run, helping hide other humans in bunkers and drawing the orcs away when I can."

Zyx's expression darkens, a fierce look of anger and protectiveness crossing his features. His wings twitch, as if he wants to wrap them around me. "Bronwyn, I..." he starts, his voice tight with emotion.

I shake my head, offering a small smile. "It's okay. It's actually nice to slow down a little now."

As we continue walking, I notice we've gradually moved closer together. Our hands are still connected, and I don't want to let go. It feels so right. I wonder if Zyx feels it too, but I'm too nervous to ask.

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