Page 40 of Heatbound Hearts

As we disembark, I can see the questions forming in Bronwyn's eyes. Her thirst for knowledge, her eagerness to understand this new world, it's fucking intoxicating. I pull her close, planting a kiss on her forehead.

"Come on," I say, grinning. "Let's go explore. There's so much more to see."

As we step off the ship, the energy of Caelus hits us like a tidal wave. The air thrums with excitement, and the scent of exotic flowers and spices fills my nostrils. I can't help but grin as I watch Bronwyn's eyes widen, taking in the vibrant scene before us.

"Welcome to Nati," I say, squeezing her hand. "It's a week-long celebration that'll blow your fucking mind."

Bronwyn turns to me, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Tell me everything."

"A week long?" Naia whispers. "This is going to be great."

I chuckle, pulling her close as we navigate through the growing crowd. "There's a lot, but I'll just go over the basics. Nati is when we honor all seven gods at once. There's celebrations all across the realms, in every city and home, but the biggest one of all is here on Caelus."

"Because the gods come here?" Kairos interjects.

"Precisely."

As we walk, I point out the various preparations underway. Noctari of all types bustle about, hanging shimmering decorations on shops and inns that seem to change color with each passing breeze.

"Each day focuses on a different god," I explain. "We start with Axarus and end with Bizruer. There are rituals, feasts, and some seriously wild parties."

Bronwyn's eyebrows shoot up. "Parties? I thought this was a religious thing."

"Oh, it is," I smirk. "But who says worship can't be fun? You should see the Netian day celebrations. Pure chaos."

We pass a group of noctari setting up what looks like an obstacle course. "That's for the Axarian trials," I explain. "Tests of strength and strategy. Gets pretty intense."

As we continue, I notice Bronwyn's eyes darting around, trying to take in everything at once. "I know it's a lot." I wrap an arm around her shoulder and tuck her into my side. "But we've got time to explore it all."

She nods, leaning into my touch. "It's just... overwhelming. In a good way."

I press a kiss to her forehead. "I get it." Then I look up to meet Kairos and Naia's eyes, too. "Last rule of Nati. Some noctari canbe tricky bastards, especially during this time. And this place is gonna be packed. So stay close, at least in pairs, alright?"

Kairos pulls Naia into his side, and she smiles up at him. I don't have much worry for those two since many noctari are giving the demon a wide berth, though in the large crowd he's not so noticeable.

Bronwyn's eyes meet mine, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling in their depths. "I will," she promises.

I pull her closer, my wing instinctively curling around her. "Good. Now, let's go find a good spot for the opening ceremony. You're not gonna want to miss this."

I keep my arm firmly around Bronwyn's waist as we navigate the pulsing heart of Caelus. The streets are a maze of color and sound, packed so tight it's hard to get through. Noctari of every variation swarm around us, their wings creating a dizzying kaleidoscope above our heads.

"Watch your step," I murmur, guiding Bronwyn around a group of Oltyxian noctari engaged in an impromptu earth-shaping contest. Their laughter booms as miniature mountains rise from the ground, only to crumble seconds later.

Bronwyn presses closer to me, her warmth a stark contrast to the cool twilight air. I can feel her heart racing, matching the frenetic energy of the crowd. Her eyes dart from one spectacle to another, trying to absorb it all.

"You doing okay?" I ask, my lips brushing her ear.

She nods, but I catch the slight tremble in her voice. "It's just... so much."

I tighten my grip, my wing instinctively curling around her like a shield. "I got you," I reassure her, steering us towards a less crowded alley.

As we move, the scents of Nati assault us – sweet incense, sizzling meats, and the sharp tang of magic in the air. A groupof Xydran noctari rush past, their skin crackling with barely contained energy. Bronwyn flinches, and I pull her closer.

"Shatterborn," I explain. "They get a bit... explosive during celebrations."

Kairos, on the other hand, looks positively thrilled as he watches the group run past. I wonder If he's seen things like that on his island.

We emerge onto a wider street, where a troupe of Nosaean dreamweavers are putting on a show. Their illusions dance in the air, shimmering stories of creation and destruction. Bronwyn gasps, her grip on my arm tightening.

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