Page 127 of Poseidon's Island Flower

Lani had learned to balance her time outside the palace walls, tending to her garden. None of her newest creations had left the grounds yet because she was taking care to make sure she wouldn’t disrupt the balance of nature too much.

Lani noticed my gaze toward the large bay window in the kitchen’s quarters, and her head suddenly shot up in my direction. Her tail flicked outward, and she waved toward the window with enthusiasm. As she approached, she swam parallel to me, her hand reaching forward to touch the glass, that wasn’t glass at all. Her hand pushed through the barrier and as she stepped through, her tail turned back into legs, and her bare feet touched the floor. Her body was now wrapped in silk, the same golden yellow that matched her tail.

I pulled her arm to my shoulder, giving her a chaste kiss and wrapped my arms around her waist. “You left me cold in bed,” I grasped, my hand reaching down to her backside.

I had become quite confident at pleasing my mate, and even more confident in showing my affections. Back in my home, these palace walls were where I was most confident, and knowing she was safe gave me great ease.

“Sorry.” She nuzzled into my neck. “I could feel distress in the garden, I had to check.”

Lani’s intuitiveness with her creations was the latest power she found within herself. I dared not tell her how strong it would grow as the years went by. Because now my heart was breaking for what was to happen today.

To be a god wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.

“They are asking for you,” I murmured. “All of them are ready.”

“Really?” Lani pouted. “I just got to know them and now they want to leave?”

I nodded, solemnly. “They want to seek their mates, too, just as I have found you.” I led her down the hallway, passing Silas in the kitchen, who was bringing a cart full of meat.

He walked behind us, along with other servants bringing food, and we traveled lower down the winding hall to the basement and my lab.

Uriel, Lucifer, and Loki had stopped by yesterday, bidding them all a farewell. They were all overjoyed to see Uriel and yet sad my creatures would be released so they could find mates of their own.

Their minds would be erased of their memories here. They would know they had a creator and a mother that cared for them as they grew until they were ready to leave this world. But they would not remember our names, their friends, and family.

With Lani’s nurturing, they were given instincts to help them in their next life. Ways to build nests and homes, and that would hopefully aid them in finding their mates—what they truly wanted. I couldn’t believe I almost sent them off so soon after they requested to find mates.

Lani made sure they would survive, even if it hurt me to let them go.

“How are you, Galen?” Lani approached the massive arachne.

Lani’s heart pounded as she neared him. Galen bent his legs, lowering himself closer to eye level. Being able to see just his humanoid upper half gave her some comfort. She said she could barely look at the bottom half without getting thewillies. His giant spider-like lower half was tucked in close to make him appear smaller. Many had trouble with this creature, and Ember would have a time placing him with the right female.

Galen smiled, the fangs that protruded from his jaw widened as Lani handed him a pig carcass.

Yes, I was able to get my soldiers to bring in these pigs. They had their own pasture beneath the surface, happy and healthy, and I got my pork fix in at least once a week.

“Thank you, Mother.” Galen retrieved the pig, holding it in his arms. “I am ready for my travels, as are the rest of my kind.” The arachnes behind him all nodded in agreement.

I frowned but knew this was needed. We’d already sent the nagas to Bergarian a month ago, and they were flourishing. They had yet to find their mates, but they thrived in their new land. They were more barbaric than the shifters, fae, and elves, but that was their animalistic nature that had yet to evolve.

Silas assisted in wheeling the last of the carts in, the sound of the metal rims grinding against the hard floor echoed through the lab. “Just as a reminder, some of you were made for swamps, forests, deserts, and the newest of you, the mountains.”

The white and blue, the winter spider arachne stepped forward. The mountain spider was covered in thick hair along his backside and legs. His upper torso he would have to create a coat for. He bowed and began eating.

“As a reminder, you will remember nothing. Just that you were loved and cared for, and now you will hunt for your mates. For the other half of your soul, and only then will you feel complete, like I do.” I pulled Lani closer to me, kissing her forehead.

As they finished, we took them to the throne room. Lani continued to look behind her, watching the creatures tap their long, spindly legs on the floor. They were all happily chatting, excited to be placed in their new homes.

Little did they know how hard it would be those first few months of being alone, not knowing who they were. The names they were given here would differ from the ones they made for themselves in their new world.

I turned, sitting on the throne, and had Lani sit on my lap. With a heavy heart, she watched the last of the arachne enter the room, and tears formed in her eyes.

“Go find your mates.” I squeezed my mate tighter. “Find joy in what I have found.”

As they bowed, the throne room was illuminated by a brilliant, blinding light that shone from the ceiling. It blinded the entire room until it was so bright no one could see the arachne. When the light faded, the room was filled with darkness, and Silas was the only one left in the shadows.

I gripped the arm of my chair with my free hand. My heart nearly exploded to see them gone. The palace would soon be empty. My children, creations, will all soon be gone in a matter of months.

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