Page 8 of Heatbound Hearts

"It's solstice," the blue winged man calls out. "Tonight, we celebrate, with strangers and loved ones alike." His tone is deep and soothing, charming. It's no surprise that the others start to move back.

"He's right," I hear someone murmur.

"Yeah, who cares?" Another voice.

"Turn the music back on!" Someone shouts.

And suddenly, the place is back alive with music and dancing. People return to eating and drinking and even though glances dash our way, no one is staring.

I stare at the blue-winged man as he turns to face me, his silver eyes softening as they meet mine. The chaos around us seems to fade away, leaving just the two of us in this bizarre moment.

"Are you alright?" he asks, his deep voice gentle and filled with concern.

A strange flutter ripples through my chest, catching me off guard. I've never felt anything like it before. It's... warm, comforting. I find myself nodding, unable to look away from his gaze.

"I'm Zyxander," he says, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "But you can call me Zyx."

I open my mouth to respond, but the question that tumbles out isn't my name. "Where am I?"

His smile grows wider, revealing sharp canines that should terrify me but somehow don't. "You're safe. We're in Terramyst," he says.

My mind reels, struggling to reconcile this information with everything I've ever known. But as I look into Zyx's eyes, I find myself wanting to believe him. There's something about him, something that makes me feel... safe. It's a foreign sensation, one I'd almost forgotten existed.

The flutter in my chest grows stronger, spreading warmth throughout my body. I should be terrified, lost in this strange world with its winged people and talk of gods. But standing here, with Zyx's gentle gaze upon me, I feel something I haven't felt in a very long time.

Hope.

He must take my silence for confusion because he adds, "Oltyx's realm."

"Oltyx?" I repeat, the unfamiliar name feeling strange on my tongue.

Zyx's expression shifts, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he gives me a smile that steals my breath away. It's warm and inviting, filled with a kindness I haven't seen in years. The tension in my body begins to melt away, replaced by an inexplicable sense of relief.

But that is shaken when he answers…

"The god of earth."

5

ZYX

Ican't take my eyes off her. The moment she appeared, something inside me shifted, like the world tilted on its axis. Her presence draws me in, a magnetic pull I can't resist. My wings twitch, aching to wrap around her protectively.

"The god of earth," she whispers, and gods, even her voice is making feel weak. "I can't believe I was actually saved."

I would save her. I'd do anything to save her. But I don't say that out loud. Even though those forest-green eyes wide with wonder and a hint of fear, and I want nothing more than to erase that fear, to make her feel safe.

"What's your name?" The words tumble out before I can stop them, having noticed she didn't tell me hers when I introduced myself.

"Bronwyn," she answers, her voice like a melody I've waited my whole life to hear.

Bronwyn. The name echoes in my mind, fitting her perfectly. I open my mouth to speak again, but the small human woman - Naia - beats me to it.

"I'm Naia," she pipes up, gesturing to herself and then to the demon beside her. "And this is Kairos. We just got to this planet, too."

My attention stays on Bronwyn as she takes them in. She looks lost, overwhelmed by the festivities around us and our presence, clearly confused. An idea strikes me.

"Would you like a tour of the city?" I offer, including all three of them in my gaze but lingering on Bronwyn. "The winter solstice celebration is in full swing, and the more the noctari drink, the less they'll stare. I could show you around."

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