Page 11 of A Story of Mates and Temptation

“He’s looking for you,” I warn her. “The king.”

Calix tenses, but Avaluna doesn’t seem bothered at all. “I know. I knew he would. It’s been so many years since anyone has betrayed him. He’s as delusional as his son.”

“It must run in the family,” I joke, and she smiles softly. “I won’t let him have you back. I won’t go either. We are no longer blood slaves, we are free fae.”

“Now and until our deaths.” She nods in agreement. She sighs, then adds, “We need to talk. At some point. About the books. Okay?”

I nod. I know I’m not strong enough to talk about the books right now. “Okay, but what I know won’t…well, it isn’t nice.” I catch the first flicker of concern in her eyes, and I don’t have it in me to reassure her. These books, this journey, all of it—it’s led to this. They’ve been manipulating us from the start. “For now,” I say softly, “I think I need to rest. I don’t think I can even get out of this bed.”

“Good.” Calix is still as tense as before. “The healer said you shouldn’t be getting out of bed for at least twenty-four hours. Hettie and I are going to buy you some food. Fair warning, the food’s not great here, but it’ll keep you alive. That’s about all I can say for it.” He looks at Avaluna and whispers something I can’t hear.

Hettie wrinkles her nose at me, sticking a finger in her mouth and making a gagging noise. “The food is awful. No wonder they don’t smile here. If I could find chocolate frosting, I bet I could make everyone happy.”

Oh, the innocence of her mind. “Hettie,” Calix scolds, but she grins. “I warned you not to insult their food. They are hosting us.”

“What?” She blinks innocently at him. “I’m only repeating what you said.” Calix groans.

I look at her, my chest tightening with gratitude. “I’m really, really glad to be back here with you all.”

She grins even wider. I grab her hand and hold it tight for a moment.

“Do you need anything else?” Calix questions, stepping closer.

“Maybe another blanket?” I mutter. “It’s cold here.”

He nods, finding a blanket for me as Avaluna and Hettie talk at the door. “Thank you. What’s with the green clothes?” I ask, noticing their outfits.

“No idea, but I think it’s a dye they found. They have seaweed-like food here. They use it for food and also weave it into clothing. It’s smart how they’ve managed to do that over theyears, but…” He pauses, glancing at me. “It does smell bad in the farms. Hettie isn’t wrong about the quality of things here.”

I chuckle, and he winks. My smile drops. “How many of the Moon Dynasty do you have here?” Who survived? I don’t dare ask.

“A few. Fifteen, I think. We lost some. They could still be out there, but it’s unlikely.” He admits. “Or they might be with Ziven. Ruelle included.”

My heart freezes. “Let’s pray.”

Calix leads Hettie out, and Avaluna comes to sit on the edge of the bed, smiling at me. “Daegan seems…different. I wouldn’t believe in this rapid change if I hadn’t seen the way he fought to save us and then how he got you back.”

“What do you think about that?” I ask. She has experience with the books too.

She crosses her arms. “I should be asking you that.”

“I don’t know,” I admit. “I trusted him once, and he literally shot a beam of light through me and nearly killed me. But he says he was being manipulated by the books. He saved Hettie, made sure she was safe. He came after me, knowing full well it could’ve ended badly. He must’ve been out there all night, waiting for the sunrise just to give me enough time to get back here. If anyone had found him, they could’ve killed him. So, knowing the risk he took, I’m inclined to believe this place is safe. At least for now.” I touch my ribs. “But trusting him? I honestly don’t think I ever can.”

“Do you know where Ziven is?”

I shake my head as her question makes me want to panic. I need to get out of this bed and find him. “No. But I have this.” I hold up a note. “Calix said Ziven gave it to him. It was from Kyrell.” My voice falters. “He killed him. Ziven…he killed him.”

“What?” Luna’s confused eyes meet mine. “Why would he do that? Ziven isn’t evil…”

“I think…the way it seemed, it was like Kyrell wanted a mercy killing. I think Ziven did it because he was asked. I don’t…” My voice shakes. “I don’t know what’s real or what’s not when it comes to that situation now. But he was my best friend, and he’s gone.”

She squeezes my hand. “I think he was always gone,” she says gently. “That life of his…You know his story. He was gone long before this death. I think it was probably a blessing for him. If I were like that, I’d want someone to kill me and to make it quick, too.”

I nod, though the weight in my chest remains.

“Get some rest,” Luna gently coaxes. “I’m sure they’ll be back with food and non-stop chatter soon enough. Sorry about the seaweed wrap you’re about to try to ingest.” She flashes me a faint smile. “I’m heading off to training. They do that a lot here. It’s actually really good and you must come when you’ve recovered.”

“I will,” I promise. “About Calix…are you and him?”

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