Page 52 of Heatbound Hearts

"What the fuck was that?" he growls, running a hand through his white hair. "They didn't even... it was like I wasn't even there."

I gently guide Bronwyn out of our alcove, keeping her close to my side. "The gods," I begin, trying to keep my voice steady, "they operate on a different level. Their priorities, their perceptions – they're beyond our understanding."

Kairos scoffs, his frustration palpable. "I've dealt with gods before, but this... this was something else entirely."

Naia reaches for his hand, intertwining their fingers. The gesture seems to ground him somewhat, but the tension in his shoulders remains.

"They claimed us," Bronwyn says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Oltyx... he said we belonged to him now."

Naia's eyes widen further, if that's even possible. "What does that mean?" she asks, her gaze darting between Bronwyn and me.

"Zyx thinks it just means that Oltyx is welcoming us into his realm," Bronwyn says.

Naia looks to me, and my wings rustle with unease. "I'm not entirely sure. This isn't... it's not something that happens. Ever."

"I don't think I feel much like celebrating now," Naia says.

"Maybe we should all head back," I offer.

I don't think we are in danger. But it is clear we have drawn the gods' attention, and that alone is dangerous. Kairos is still angry at the way he was ignored and the girls are shaken.

Perhaps six days was enough celebration. Especially if it's cost us something more.

I lead our group back to the inn, my mind still reeling from the events at the ceremony. The narrow streets of Caelus are quieter now, the initial frenzy of the celebration giving way to amore subdued atmosphere. As we enter our shared room, I can feel the weight of uncertainty hanging over us all.

"So," I begin, breaking the tense silence. "What's next for everyone?"

Kairos runs a hand through his white hair, his silver eyes clouded with thought. Naia leans against him, her expression equally uncertain. Bronwyn stands close to me, her warmth a comforting presence at my side.

"I... I'm not sure," Bronwyn admits, her voice soft. "Everything's changed so quickly."

I nod, understanding her hesitation. "Well, I need to head back to Terramyst soon," I say, my wings rustling slightly. "You're all welcome to come with me, if you'd like. Maybe we can figure things out together there."

The offer hangs in the air for a moment before Kairos nods. "That sounds like a good idea. We could use some time to process... all of this."

Agreement ripples through the group, and we decide to leave in the morning. As night falls, we settle into our respective spaces. Bronwyn and I retreat to our room, seeking solace in each other's presence.

I draw her close, my wings forming a cocoon around us. Bronwyn leans into my touch. Our lips meet in a tender kiss, filled with unspoken emotions. As we part, I can't shake the nagging fear that this might be the beginning of goodbye. The thought of losing her, of watching her walk away, sends a sharp pain through my chest.

"I can't let you go," I murmur, pulling her closer. "Bronwyn, I..."

She silences me with another kiss, this one deeper, more urgent. Her hands tangle in my hair as my wings tighten around us, creating a world of our own. We lose ourselves in gentlecaresses and whispered affirmations, each touch a promise, each kiss a declaration.

As we lie together, limbs entwined, I trace the curve of her cheek with my fingertips. The moonlight filtering through the window casts a soft glow on her skin, and I'm struck once again by how beautiful she is.

We hold each other close as the night deepens, finding comfort in our shared warmth and the steady rhythm of our heartbeats. Tomorrow will bring new challenges, but for now, we have this moment, this connection that feels stronger than any divine claim.

28

BRONWYN

Ilean against the ship's railing, watching the lavender waves crash against the hull. The salty breeze whips through my hair, carrying the scent of an alien sea. As Caelus fades into the distance behind us, I can't shake the weight of what transpired during Nati. Oltyx's claim on me, the other gods' envy - it's all too much to process.

Zyx approaches, his midnight blue wings folded neatly behind him. He wraps an arm around my waist, and I lean into his solid warmth. "How are you holding up?" he asks, his deep voice rumbling through his chest.

I turn to face him, taking in his sharp features and those mesmerizing silver eyes. "I've been thinking," I start, my heart racing. "About my future."

Zyx's brow furrows slightly, concern etching across his face. "What's on your mind?"

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