Page 34 of Gift from the Wing

Fuck, what is this?

Exhaling sharply, I blink rapidly, then focus on the center of the room. There’s what looks like a pallet of pillows and blankets on a circular platform. The largest crystals I’ve ever seen surround it. They rise from the floor, and I have no doubt they’d come up to at least my hips.

I can’t see the ceiling from out here, but I know there’re no windows or skylights in there. The room is shrouded in darkness, with only the faint glows of the crystals and stones in the floor.

Not willing to risk any damage to my mind since it’s finally starting to settle, I back up even more, nodding to the guys to let them know I’m done.

We’re all a concoction of confusion and wonder about that room and its different magic. I know I’ll have to ask Gaster for that information sooner rather than later to give myself some peace, but right now, I have a single-minded focus on my room as the door grows closer. A ball of nerves creeps up and gets stuck in my throat, but I swallow it down.

“This is where I leave you for now, filia mea,”CC says, and I jerk my hand away from the handle.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“It just means my presence is not needed in this room. I, nor Gaster, have stepped foot in here since it was designed. You will never need to worry about me coming to you while you are in the comfort of your room. This is your space. Your peace. And no one shall interrupt that without your say so.”

“I mean, you won’t be gone long, right? I don’t have to go in there right this minute.”My panic rises like a tide and the guys close in around me as it pulses to them. I just got him back. I don’t want him to go yet. Ever.

“This is not forever, Willow. Go. See your space and enjoy your Nexus. This is for all of you. I’ll always be here. Just not in there.”

I suck in a harsh sob that wants to escape me because unlike any other time he’s gone silent, this time, I actually feel his presence leave me. I didn’t notice before that I was physically feeling him, but now that he’s dismissed himself, the slight heat I was unaware of in my Memoria stone cools, and a thin veil lifts from my mind.

“What’s wrong?” Corentin asks, tilting my chin up, forcing my eyes to collide with his.

“He’s gone. Again.”

“What does that mean, princess?”

I tell him exactly what just happened as a few stray tears slide down my cheeks. He’s quick to wipe them away and dry their streaks before smiling at me softly.

“He’s respecting your privacy and space, princess. If he says he’s not gone for long or that he’ll be back, he means it. I, for one, am thankful he won’t be invading this space and bringing forth any unwanted secrets here. This is supposed to be your hideaway, your peace. Not somewhere where worry follows you.”

I release a tense breath as his words settle my pounding heart. He’s right. Of course he is. When he puts it like that, it makes more sense. No, I don’t want my room tainted with anything negative. I want this to be a place of carefree nature and comfort with my men.

They all exhale when they feel me release the emotions that were just plaguing me. It’s something I’ve seen occur a couple times now, and I’m pretty sure our bonding last night has caused an increase in everything between us, not just our elements and gifts. We obviously either can’t block each other out now as we once could or none of us are putting enough strength behind it to truly enforce it.

Keeping that in mind, I send out a burst of love to each of them, and my body feels warm giddiness when they each send it back.

Gathering my courage, I put my hand on the doorknob and turn before I chicken out. My first few steps draw a blinding smile to my face and a mixture of laughter and a sob pours out of me.

In front of me is the exact replica of my bedroom at the mansion. There’re only a few different details that I can spot and my heart swells with its flawlessness.

A crunch under my foot startles me, and I freeze, peering down. The folded cream parchment causes my eyes to widen, and I lurch for it, flipping over the envelope to find my name scribbled across. The guys close in as I tear it open, my breath unsteady as I begin to read aloud.

Willow, boys,

If you’re reading this, then that means I’ve already told Willow I wouldn’t be joining you all in this room’s exploration.

I made a few tweaks that fit the wing, but for the most part, boys, this design was the four of you. You all crafted it to perfection just for her and I didn’t want to disturb that.

I hope you all enjoy your new home, whether it becomes your permanent residence, temporary, or just somewhere you stay when you pass through in your years before ruling. I just wanted you all to have a space that was completely your own.

Untouched and untainted by the realm we live in.

I know the days seem long and dark, but I have more faith in the five of you than any other beings to ever cross this realm.

I love you, all five of you, so very much and I am so proud.

I will always be with you.

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