Page 79 of Taken By The Dark Three
I shrug. “He sees the city’s battered state. Better to ally with me than risk another conflict. I suspect he’s still scheming, but as of now, we have what we want.” My voice softens. “Now we can build a quiet refuge for purna, a place that ensures we never see forced captivity or extermination again.”
Eryx flashes a grin. “Then let’s celebrate this new dawn, dear queen. Or do you plan to bury yourself in council documents?”
Warmth spreads across my cheeks. “I’ll ensure the refuge takes shape. But yes, a bit of celebration might be in order.” A swirl of desire stirs—these men are mine, and I can show my gratitude in more ways than speeches.
Zareth dips his head, murmuring, “We can gather at your new seat, watch Orthani’s reaction, then find time for ourselves.” His gaze flicks over me with that subtle yearning. “I think you deserve a reward for forging peace from chaos.”
I arch a brow, letting a flicker of mischief show. “Oh, is that so? Perhaps I’ll claim my reward in private.” The memory of last night’s stolen time with them tugs at my senses. But the city remains in a precarious state, so I focus on practical steps. “First, let’s announce the covenant to my purna. We’ve several scattered from the siege, uncertain how to proceed. They need reassurance we’re not forcing them to flee.”
Vaelith steps forward, offering a subtle bow. “Lead on. We’ll gather them in the main courtyard. Then you can address them under official sanction.”
We make our way through the halls, encountering various guards and low-ranking nobles. Some draw back as we pass, others bow awkwardly. Word travels fast: Selene negotiated with the King. I see a handful of purna, battered but hopeful, trailing after us. Curiosity brightens their faces as they sense we’re forging a sanctuary.
We reach the courtyard outside the keep. It’s less war-torn than others, lined with cracked pillars and a half-intact fountain. A small group of purna stands near the fountain, some bandaged, others supporting each other. They straighten as we approach, eyes reflecting nervous anticipation. Eryx slips away to gather more, calling softly to purna who linger at the courtyard edges.
With me at the center, Vaelith, Zareth, and Eryx flank me once the group swells. A hush settles over them. I study each face—a mixture of young and old, exiles who once hid in Orthani’s slums or infiltration squads that surrendered after the Red Purna’s fiasco. I push aside that forbidden word fiasco. They watch me with uncertainty. They know I turned on the extremist Red Purna faction. Now I stand allied with dark elves. Are they safe with me?
Clearing my throat, I speak in a carrying tone, letting my psionic resonance shape the clarity of my voice. “Purna ofOrthani, I’ve secured a new beginning for us. King Rython grants us a recognized place within these walls and a seat on his council. We won’t be hunted or forced to run. We can build a refuge—a quiet coven, if you will—where purna can dwell without fear.”
A wave of astonished murmurs ripples through them. An older purna woman steps forward, tears in her eyes. “Can it be true? We need not hide in alleys or disguise ourselves as humans?”
I hold her gaze. “True. The days of Orthani branding us as abominations must end. We’ll remain vigilant, but the King’s decree stands. If any noble tries to enslave you, they defy me and the council.”
She sinks to her knees, overwhelmed. A younger purna man helps her stand, also blinking in disbelief. I see hope flicker across exhausted faces. One hesitates, whispering, “And if the Red Purna come back?”
My jaw sets. “They might. But I vow to defend this city if they resume violent extremism. We harness our magic for survival, not oppression. If they attack again, we stand with Orthani against them. Let them learn we choose unity.”
Quiet applause rises, cautious but real. Eryx glances over with a smirk, as if to say “Told you so.” Zareth dips his head in approval, and Vaelith’s posture radiates pride. My heart clenches with gratitude for them. We overcame so much to reach this moment.
One by one, purna approach me, asking about practicalities: lodging, resources, fears of retaliation. I answer as best I can, referencing that I’ll have a council seat to ensure supplies, protection, and official recognition. It’s a chaotic swirl of questions, but I sense their relief overshadowing old dread.
Eventually, the crowd disperses, needing time to process. My men remain, each reflecting a measure of satisfaction. Eryxstretches, stifling a yawn. “Well done, beloved. You’re quite the politician now.”
I roll my eyes. “Let’s hope I don’t regret it. Bureaucracy is rarely as thrilling as battle.”
Zareth steps close, voice low. “But less deadly. This city needs your cunning. And we… we want you safe.” He hesitates, a faint vulnerability glinting in his dark eyes.
I rest a hand on his arm, acknowledging the sentiment. “I appreciate your concern, Zareth.” Then I cast a look to Vaelith. “We have a seat at the council, but we also have to ensure purna truly feel safe. That means continuing to dismantle the older prejudices. Some might still hate me for upending their world.”
Vaelith inclines his head. “Agreed. I’ll station loyal guards near the purna refuge. Any harassment and we respond.”
I exhale, letting relief seep in. Finally, a moment of genuine calm. My gaze sweeps the battered courtyard, the columns reminiscent of the old Orthani splendor. We stand at the threshold of new beginnings. The heavy tension dissolves, replaced by a subtle, rising sense of possibility.
A hush falls among the four of us. Eryx, Zareth, Vaelith, me. My men, my lovers, my partners in forging this future. I sense the swirl of desire hovering at the edges—after all these tense negotiations, a raw craving for closeness emerges. But the courtyard is still bustling with watchers. Instead, I let a sly smile cross my lips, leaning in to murmur, “I owe you each a private moment once we’re finished here. We’ve accomplished something monumental. Let me show my appreciation.”
Eryx chuckles softly, a wicked glint dancing in his eyes. Zareth’s lips curl in a half-smile, while Vaelith’s stoic features soften. “Name the time,” he says quietly.
Before we can indulge in that allure, Ai appears at the courtyard’s entrance, slipping past a group of purna. She hurries over, bright eyes scanning for me. I kneel, welcoming her. Shelinks her small fingers around my arm. “Selene,” she says softly, “the King wants to see me too?”
I shake my head. “He’s recognized you’re under my guardianship. You won’t be forced to talk to him unless you want to. For now, I’d like you to rest, or explore the city with some older purna who can guide you.”
She nods, a timid grin crossing her features. “I’ll do that.” Then her voice drops. “Is it truly over? The city won’t attack me anymore?”
I brush a gentle hand through her silver hair. “No one attacks you, not with me in the council. If any do, we’ll stop them. You’re free to remain in Orthani or travel if you wish.”
Her eyes mist with relief, and she hugs me quickly before scampering off, trailing behind a pair of older purna who beckon her. My chest tightens, a swirl of maternal protectiveness blending with pride. Another step forward—Ai can live without constant fear.
A subtle cough draws my attention back to Eryx and the others. He motions to the keep’s side entrance. “Seems the King’s men have left. Our business is done here, for now. Shall we return to Vaelith’s estate or your new refuge?”
