Sui Writes

Tag: Gay Fiction

  • Blades of Ashes – Ch 10

    Arc 3: The Case of the Commandery Princess and the Prime Minister’s Narrow Escape

    Chapter 10

    Five years was a lifetime that passed by in a wave of burning ambition. For the Basileus, his young Basilinna, and Gesi Ajai, who worked at collecting money using the acquired Sura Clan workshops like a sandstorm devouring the landscape. His daughter, Naeri, now a Commandery Princess, turned into a desperate wife in the Maenaer residence that belonged to her husband. Faced with a cold husband and a nagging father who demanded rights and power, she reached for dirty old wives’ ways that almost broke her unwilling husband. Sending Raithion into a deep rebellion of wives and the so-called “warmth of a home.”

    It was a month before spring. Raithion stood on a high walkway watching legion officers train in the early morning at the barracks in Ninid State on the northwest border of the Lyria Kingdom.

    Haedor helped one of the training soldiers adjust his stance and his grip on a long spear as he made his practice movements. Raithion took in a deep breath, appreciating the loud calls the men gave as they trained.

    Kailu stepped up on the walkway from the main general’s office.

    “Commander, the border is finally peaceful. The information we have received from our spies in the Lavos Nation is that they are busy managing floods in the west of their kingdom. They will be too preoccupied to think about our border for the next while.”

    “That is good news for us,” Raithion said. “It also means I can return to the capital without worry.”

    “Not that you’ve been in a hurry,” Kailu noted with a sly smile. “You’ve lingered here longer than in the other states. I suspect it is because it is as far as you can get from the capital. Will you ever forgive your wife?”

    Raithion could not help the recoil of anger that filled him at the mention of Naeri.

    “No.” Raithion shook his head, bile rising. There were crimes committed against a person’s conscience that could not be forgiven, no matter the amount of time that passed. “I don’t want to talk about it. Let’s prepare to depart. It’s been a year and a half of travel. I’m eager to discover how the commandery office is doing.”

    “Commander,” Kailu started, then stopped. “Never mind, you’re right. I’ll get the Draeya legion officers to start getting ready for the trip home.”

    “Kailu,” Raithion said, glancing at his best friend.

    “Yes, Raith,” Kailu said.

    “It’s-it’s easier for me not to think about what she’s done,” Raithion said. “Somehow it gives me back control not having to dwell on it.”

    “But for how long?” Kailu asked.

    Raithion held his best friend’s gaze for a long moment, then shrugged. “As long as I need not to think about it.”

    “As long as it helps you sleep at night,” Kailu said. “I’ll pack the cotton you collected. Your mom has great weavers. They can make use of the raw cotton and make you a warm blanket to hide your head under.”

    Raithion chuckled. “I’ll leave the planning to you.”

    Kailu headed down the steps going to the warehouse where he would sort out supplies for their trip back to Genad City. Raithion watched his best friend leave for a few minutes, then glanced at the ring on his left ring finger. It was a Maenaer ring that also symbolized his marriage to Naeri. It sat calmly on his left ring finger and the urge to fling it across the practice yard was great. The rage that burned with a bright fire lingered in his gut. He reached for the blades he always wore in the scabbards at his waist and touched the intricate handles.

    “What are you up to now, Azula?” Raithion wondered.

    ****

    In the capital, the scent of mint toffee filled the afternoon air in the Maenaer compound. The sun was high, the peach trees were showing signs of blooming, though the weather had not let up yet. The courtyard was filled with activity, the groundskeepers trimmed decorative bushes, and the roses that Silveren had grown for the last five years.

    A young lady swept the path leading to Raithion’s residence. At the entrance, two children sat on a clean mat playing with toys. A maid watched over them with careful dedication.

    Beyond the open doors of Raithion’s residence was a great hall arranged for comfort and gathering. In the evening, Lady Naeri Maenaer and her children would always be found sitting on the comfortable couches, playing games, sometimes Naeri would read stories to the eldest son. Other times, she would hum songs to the children. A large armchair was placed in the living room at the most honorable and prominent spot, but it was rarely used by its owner.

    Naeri often sighed when looking at the large empty armchair.

    It was the end of the month, a day before the weekend. Usually, Raithion returned to the residence on Fridays when he was working in the capital city. He came to deal with pressing issues in the household during the weekend. However, his shadow had not crossed the gate for a year and a half. Naeri’s sighs had not stopped since he left, and they were likely never to stop until Raithion arrived. Everyone in the manor knew the reasons why but tried not to mention the reasons why.

    ***

    On Sura Island, in a cave Azula regarded as his second home, a grinding, metallic, noise filled the cavernous space, followed by a curse and the sound of falling tools.

    “Godfather dropped the gears.” A young boy’s voice reached Azula. “Here.”

    “Thank you, Ruri,” Azula said, taking the small gears from cute little fingers. He shifted on the platform he lay on to look at his little nephew.

    Ruri’s name was given to him by Lasma. She wrote it as “Ruairidh,” but she was the only one who did; the rest of the clan wrote it as Ruri. Ruri was a cute little copy of his father, Yemin, with a dash of Alise. The kid had the same pointed chin as Alise, but his expressive wide eyes were similar to Yemin, or so Alise and Lasma said. Ruri was a beautiful boy. He was four years and some months old. His baby strawberry hair was held in a ponytail with tight braids made by his mother. He wore a bright green tunic with gold embroidery on the collar and a dark pair of trousers, his small feet in small, cute black boots made by Senin. Azula smiled as he stared at the curious little boy. Ruri followed Azula everywhere, which usually got them in trouble often.

    Azula grinned because Ruri’s face was currently covered with smudges of the dark grease they usually obtained from Nerasa. He reached out to make a perfect dot on Ruri’s forehead with his index finger.

    “I can see you’re going to be a gear expert like your godfather in the future,” Azula said.

    “Gear expert,” Ruri clapped when Azula took the gears from him.

    “That’s right,” Azula said, then adjusted the gears he held and concentrated on making them fit into their designated spots. He fit the gears in and nodded when they settled in perfectly.

    “Ruri, my little ancestor, go sit on the long stick on the carriage for godfather,” Azula said, pointing to a long handle near where Ruri was standing. The carriage base was not complete, so Ruri climbed on the carriage floor with ease, his short legs pumping hard to climb up. Ruri then skipped to the handle, and, with some maneuvering, he sat on the long handle and held on to the sides of the handle with a pleased grin.

    “Now what, Godfather?” Ruri asked.

    “Now,” Azula watched the lever come down slowly with Ruri’s weight.

    The gears he had worked on for days started moving, each one doing its share of work to keep the cogs moving. Azula grinned as the gears picked up speed. Azula slid out from where he was lying and wiped a hand over his face to get rid of sweat. He noticed he still had dark grease on his hands too late.

    Ruri giggled as he looked up at him.

    “Godfather has dirt on his face too,” Ruri said between childish giggles.

    Azula stepped away from the rough prototype he had created. It wasn’t complete, but at least his idea was coming together. His thoughts had been on the efficiency of transporting the ore to the clan’s workshops in the village center for a while. The men who oversaw the ore transportation were getting on in age, and carrying large bundles of ore out to cargo carriages was backbreaking work and time-consuming.

    Azula wanted to create a cart that could carry a sizeable bundle and then move it with a simple lever. The lever Ruri was sitting on only needed to be shifted, and the cart would move down the rails Azula had been having the men lay down from the mine exit to the village center.

    Ruri clapped with excitement as the gears kept moving, and he lost his balance, almost falling off the lever.

    Azula lifted the boy off the lever and turned off the mechanism.

    “Ruri, we did it,” Azula said, lifting Ruri up and placing him on his shoulders.

    “We did it!” Ruri echoed, his hands clinging to the thick black hair clip that held Azula’s long strawberry hair. Hair that held no braid to this day. He was still considered a mourning chief in the clan.

    Azula ran around the open space of the workshop, making Ruri clap with glee.

    “What are we celebrating? Ruri is so happy,” Lasma said, as she entered the workshop.

    “Godfather made gears move,” Ruri said, clapping with joy. “He made me sit on the lever, and it was like magic. They went up and down, click, click, click.”

    “Like magic,” Lasma grinned. “Your godfather knows how to give you a great time. Goodness, your faces are full of dark grease. You both need a bath.”

    “We need a bath!” Ruri said.

    “Only knows how to repeat things,” Lasma chuckled. “Come, we need to head back home now. Azula, I came to find you because the council has requested a meeting this evening.”

    “Why?” Azula asked with a groan. “All they do is talk and impose regulations on me. I’m exhausted and would rather be laying tracks on a cliff on the mountain. Have Juya stand in for me.”

    Lasma bit back a chuckle at Azula’s unwillingness for politics.

    “Will you have Juya attend all your council meetings then?” Lasma asked.

    “He’s great at explaining what those people want after they ramble on for hours,” Azula said as they left his workshop. The path outside was well-paved and led from the relative quiet of the foot of the mountain to the back gardens of the Doriel family home.

    “Mom, how long do you think it will take Alise to notice that Juya is in love with her?” Azula asked.

    Lasma clasped her hands behind her back as they walked.

    “I don’t know,” Lasma said, looking up at Ruri, who was enjoying his ride on Azula’s shoulders. “Perhaps, you should be asked the same question, Azu. When will you notice the golden-haired general, Trevan of Nerasa, is in love with you. Everyone has noticed that he is the only reason you’ve managed to keep our island from an annexation battle with Nerasa Kingdom. He is protecting Sura Island.”

    “He is protecting us politically,” Azula said. “But that’s not the reason we are still free of the Nerasa Kingdom’s pressure. We technically still belong to the Lyria Kingdom. Trevan is wary of the Lyria Kingdom’s legions. He knows a war between them would devastate trade and this island. So, Nerasa is hesitating. It is to our advantage that they keep hesitating, but it won’t last. This must be what the council wants to discuss.”

    “Yes,” Lasma confirmed as they approached the back courtyard of the Doriel home.

    The scent of cooking filled the air, the women in charge of the kitchen were busy making the midday meal. The Doriel Manor fed almost fifty people daily; workers in the workshop where Azula liked to manufacture his blueprints. His master had long left the crafting to him and moved to the yard controlled by the Sura in the Nerasa Kingdom. Azula visited him when he could extricate himself from the yoke of governing the thriving Sura Island.

    “Azula,” Lasma said, her tone somber as they slowed their walk. “Our island has grown under your guidance. Our people have stable livelihoods, the farms are filled with harvest, the children are going to school and have hope for their futures and careers. The eldest of our people are well taken care of.” Lasma smiled. “Perhaps this is what your father dreamed of creating when he tried to have the clan thrive in Genad City. You have made it happen on our island despite being a chief appointed in a time of great tragedy.”

    “There are cracks in the barrel,” Azula reminded his mother, pausing by a stone outdoor table. He lifted Ruri from his shoulders, kissed the boy’s cheeks as he set him on the table.

    “Be careful,” Lasma said as Ruri jumped off the table and ran into the house with great enthusiasm. “Look at him, running wilder than you when you were a toddler.”

    Lasma sighed, then turned to look at Azula.

    “What cracks are you talking about?”

    “Our people are comfortable, no longer worried about surviving,” Azula said, then met Lasma’s gaze. “They have time to think about what happened five years ago. The questions have been whispered often around me.”

    “You think our people wonder about their loved ones who died in Lyria,” Lasma said.

    “I don’t wonder, I know,” Azula said, crossing his arms against his chest. He tried not to think about the Lyria Kingdom. If he tried to spend a minute thinking about it, he might abandon his promises to his mother and set out on a revenge spree. He still wanted to know why his clan, his father, had to endure such betrayal in the capital. Closing his eyes, he forced the negative feelings under control and focused on the present.

    “Mom, Sura Island is doing well now,” Azula said. “While we don’t need the mainland, we still need to navigate a path into full independence. We need to find a way to escape if Nerasa Kingdom brings up annexation.”

    “It’s good that you know that you can’t string along the golden-haired general for another five years,” Lasma said with a chuckle. “You’re also right, while our people wonder about the past, I pray that the Lyria Kingdom does not remember us and our ability to pay taxes. I can only imagine what kind of demands they will make on us should they land on our shores.”

    Azula dropped his arms to his sides and shook his head. “Okay, I’m getting a headache discussing this situation. Can we continue later and deal with it when it is absolutely necessary?”

    “You’ve said that for a year,” Lasma said as Azula started walking to the door. “We’re already at the absolutely necessary juncture. We need to find a solution soon. I’m telling you that is what the council will push for.”

    Azula sighed. “Ask Juya and Alise to think on it and figure out what to do next.”

    “Don’t think I don’t see what you’re doing when you say that,” Lasma said in exasperation.

    “Mom, sometimes, I’m just letting you know that I’m a very lazy demon and would rather be smearing grease on my face in my workshop than figure out political games.”

    Azula entered the kitchen and grinned when the women all greeted him with enthusiasm. They forced him to wash his hands and face in a large basin filled with hot water, before offering him a plate of food. Now this was the right kind of problem to manage, he thought as he received a plate filled with roasted sweet and sour chicken.

    ***

    In the grand palace in the imperial capital, Genad City, two boys sat on a clean, colorful mat playing with toys in the bright sun-filled greeting room of Rose Hall.

    Basilinna Soriel was hosting the noble and notable ladies of Genad City to celebrate the warmer weather. They were having afternoon tea and pastries made by the skilled palace baker and an exciting reading by a popular romance writer.

    Soriel moved around the room talking to the women and building bonds. She provided help and support on any reasonable requests. It was her small way of winning support for her husband in the imperial court. She was winning the wives’ hearts to soften the husbands’ goals, wielding soft power to win the hard hearts of the power-mongering courtiers.

    Soriel finished a conversation with the prime minister’s wife, who wanted her to attend her daughter’s birthday. She went to join her mother and Noriel who sat on a couch by the windows showing off the rose garden at Rose Hall.

    Soriel sat next to Noriel and let out a soft, tired sigh. Meira, Soriel’s silent guard, moved a few of the attendants to block the view of the three women from the rest of the room. Soriel accepted the cup of orange juice Noriel gave her and drank it in one go. Placing the cup on the table, she sighed when she met her mother’s amused gaze.

    “Your gift of gab has only grown these five years. It surely should tire you,” Silveren said. “All these ladies have received a kind word this afternoon. Your husband may not be happy with your burgeoning social calendar.”

    “He will have to appreciate it. The relationships I’ve been cultivating have grown strong enough to rival Olneth’s authority,” Soriel said, her gaze shifting to the two boys playing on a mat a few feet away. “Our son depends on my husband gaining more strength. So does Raith’s son. Speaking of which, why didn’t Naeri come with you today?”

    ***

    Silveren sighed. She looked at the rest of the hall and was glad to notice the visiting ladies had tacitly moved to the other end of the large room and were busy tasting pastries and talking about the story the writer had read earlier. The weather had stopped snowing and the ground was thawing, the flowers beginning to bloom, while the farmers prepared for planting.

    It was a time of renewal.

    Silveren hoped her son, Raithion, would find it in his heart to forgive his wife soon.

    “Word came from the Commandery Office this morning,” Silveren said, her gaze on the four-year-old boy sitting a few feet away.

    His name was Yulin Maenaer. He was Raithion’s heir, a child born by Naeri after she drugged Raithion using an unknown aphrodisiac at a party in her parents’ home. Naeri’s apothecary was skilled. She got pregnant with the first try and to a boy no less. While Raithion could not forgive her first betrayal, Silveren could not fault Naeri for helping to stabilize their family’s future. With an heir, both Thanir and Raithion’s titles were secure. Still, Silveren had no idea how to heal the planet-sized rift that had grown between Naeri and Raithion.

    “Raith is supposedly heading to the capital. He should be arriving today or tomorrow,” Silveren said, looking away from the children to meet Soriel’s knowing gaze.

    “It’s good that he is coming back,” Noriel said, her gaze shifting to Yulin. “His son should spend more time with him. At this rate, Yulin will start thinking our father is his father.”

    Soriel sighed. “Naeri stayed home to prepare for him, I guess.”

    “Mm,” Silveren said. “She’s cooking and cleaning and arranging for new clothes for the children and Raith.”

    “He will end up here in the palace,” Soriel predicted with disturbing accuracy.

    Silveren smiled because her youngest daughter knew her eldest son best.

    “Raith stays in the commandery prince quarters or at the barracks with his soldiers when he is in the capital. He has done that since Naeri drugged him the second time to get Skye.”

    “The girl is a year and a half, so cute and cuddly,” Noriel said. “How does brother stay so angry at his wife?”

    “Your marriage is loving, sister,” Soriel said, sipping a second cup of orange juice. “Your husband has not done anything to betray your trust since you married. Your son, Leisha, is happy and running around in a loving family. What has Naeri done all this time in our Maenaer home but fill it with aphrodisiac poison plots,” Soriel scoffed. “Which of us has dealt with such frightening things?”

    Noriel sighed and reached for her teacup and took a slow sip.

    “Mom, you’ll have to take care of Yulin and Skye,” Noriel said after a period of silence. “Don’t let them learn bad things from their mother. Naeri’s methods are too cunning for our straightforward home.”

    “I know,” Silveren said with a nod. “In any case, the children are our blood, regardless of how they came into existence. I’ll have Jaguar start teaching Yulin when he turns five years old.”

    “That’s good,” Soriel and Noriel both agreed.

    Jaguar was a scholar who the Maenaer family had sponsored in Draeya County. He had taught all the Maenaer children, and his school was based in the family home in Draeya County.

    “Isn’t five years old too soon to take a child from his mother?” Noriel asked after a moment.

    “When your mother is as scary as Naeri, who is advised and hounded by Gesi Ajai,” Soriel said, shaking her head. “I think this child should leave the kingdom and go to a foreign land until we can subdue his father. Since that is not an option, and he is of our blood, we must get him to choose our Maenaer values.”

    “Little bird is right,” Silveren nodded in approval, her gaze shifting back to Raithion’s son.

    Yulin got up on the mat, followed closely by his cousin, Rane, the Basileus’s heir, and the boys raced to Silveren’s side.

    “Grandma, a gift,” Rane said, holding a bright green feather that had probably escaped a flower pin worn by one of the ladies and had fallen on their mat.

    Silveren chuckled and took the bright green feather. “Rane and Yulin are so cute. They brought me a feather. What should I give you in return?”

    “A peach,” Yulin said, his eyes so green and bright just like his father’s, sparkled with hope at this age.

    “A jade,” Rane said, also looking at her with Soriel’s brown eyes.

    Silveren sighed. Her children had given birth to replicas of themselves. Yulin, the four-year-old boy, only ever wanted to eat good things, play to his heart’s content, and sleep, just like his father when he was young.

    Rane, on the other hand, was truly a prince. He played with expensive jade and gold, but his heart was pure, and he loved his cousin.

    Silveren reached for a peach slice on the table and gave it to Rane. Rane turned and gave it to Yulin without hesitation, making sure his cousin held it well before he smiled wide. Yulin took a bite of the fruit and Rane clapped.

    Silveren wished life was just as easy as Rane and Yulin’s cute relationship. She wished there was an easy way to heal Raithion’s heart. She stroked Rane’s dark hair and reached out to caress Yulin’s cheek before she looked at Soriel.

    “If Raithion comes to the commandery office, tell him I’m looking for him. There is a repair list for the manor’s defenses that needs his attention.”

    “I’ll tell him,” Soriel said.

    “Tell him he doesn’t need to sleep in his residence. Our main house has many rooms,” Silveren said with a sigh. “I’ll let him use as many as he wants.”

    Noriel grinned. “It’s almost the Spring Festival. I’ll visit to make him the mint toffee he likes to eat.”

    Soriel chuckled. “Everyone in this city remembers how much he loves your mint toffee.”

    Silveren smiled as her daughters laughed at the happy memory.

    ****

    Naeri arranged a blanket over her daughter in the rocking bassinet. They were in the great room, sitting on the long couches near sunny windows. Her gaze shifted to the large armchair that she always hoped Raithion could use but never did, and her heart ached.

    She pricked her finger with the needle she held and brought her left index finger to her mouth to suck the welling blood. The dark cloak she held had an intricate white-lion embroidery she was trying to finish on the hem. She wanted to gift it to Raithion when he came home, that is, if he would even accept it.

    Sitting on a stool opposite her was Rassa, her closest attendant. Rassa was finishing up the work on one side of the cloak with the help of a young lady.

    Raithion’s housekeepers, two sisters named Aryn and Sira, had gone with Silveren to the palace. The butler was busy managing the daily needs of the manor, and the last of Raithion’s trusted attendants, a young man named Sharian, had gone with Raithion on his expedition to the border.

    The rest of the attendants who ran the residence were loyal to Thanir and Silveren and often left with them when the couple was not around. Which meant the manor was quite peaceful for the moment, with only Rassa and the young girl from Naeri’s household.

    Naeri had declined Basilinna Soriel’s invitation as she wanted to make sure their residence was neat in case Raithion arrived home. She had not seen him for a year and a half. In truth, she had not seen him since she gave birth to their daughter, Skye. The girl was already born, but her husband could not forgive her misdeeds.

    Naeri let out a soft sigh and reached over to hold the handle of the rocking bassinet. She moved it from side to side, her gaze on the cute little girl who had dark hair like her father and brown eyes to match Naeri’s.

    Raithion gave beautiful children. It was a pity she would only get two from him. He now treated her worse than a leper. She was not to be touched, like a terrible illness.

    “What do you think can change Raithion’s attitude toward me?” Naeri asked Rassa. “He is so set against me. I don’t have a place to start with him. Surely, five years have passed. Others look at us like we are an old married couple. If they knew that he can’t stand to drink a glass of water near me, let alone look at our children, wouldn’t it be a joke.”

    Shaking her head, Naeri lamented her strange fate.

    “Give him another year,” Rassa said. “Perhaps when the children are running around and voicing their opinions, there will be a way to soften his heart.”

    “But,” Naeri started, then stopped, staring at the orange jade ring she wore on her left ring finger. She had clearly stood in the large Maenaer hall, watched as the Basileus officiated their marriage in person, only to face a cold husband in the side residence. Draeya Commandery Prince Raithion Maenaer did not try even once to give her a chance. He had been cold and unyielding from the start.

    Faced with her father’s constant nagging to get an heir, she had no choice but to seek help from the apothecary who had taken care of her since childhood. She had thought that once their first child was born, Raithion would soften toward her, but he’d only grown more distant. Then, two and a half years ago, in a fit of desperation and selfishness, she used the apothecary’s drug in Raithion’s bathwater. It resulted in Skye, but a clear break emerged in her marriage.

    Raithion moved out of their residence and went to live in the Commandery Office full time. No amount of pleading, threats, or requests would change his mind. A year ago, he had left the capital to patrol the state’s armies and the kingdom’s borders on behalf of the Basileus.

    The heartache of loneliness was something Naeri could not describe to Raithion’s happily married sisters and mother. Not even the powerful Basilinna, who had all of Raithion’s support, could understand.

    Naeri was well aware that she was quite pitiful as a wife. She could only rely on Silveren and Thanir’s parental power to control Raithion. His parents were the only people who could summon their son home. She had no power over Raithion, and it was the saddest thing in the world.

    Naeri sighed again.

    “Well, let’s get the cloak done,” she said, picking up her needle. “Lady Silveren got a list from Butler Daron asking my husband to help fix the back wall of our residence. The defenses have deteriorated. He is now powerful in the capital, and his enemies grow every day. I know he will come to help fortify the walls. At the very least, he will finally put eyes on Skye, poor girl has never seen her father.”

    “Don’t worry, My Lady,” Rassa said, smiling as they both looked at Skye, who was sleeping peacefully in her bassinet.

    ****

    It was raining hard when Raithion finally arrived at the Maenaer Manor in the capital. It was almost midnight. Daron got the guards to open the gates and light the lamps.

    “Lord Raith, welcome home,” Daron said as Raithion dismounted his horse and handed the reins to the waiting stable steward.

    “How is everyone in the house?” Raithion asked Daron as he entered the main house.

    “His Grace, your father, is in Draeya County inspecting the planting season at the estate,” Daron said. “Lady Silveren visited the palace today. She returned an hour ago and has gone to sleep. The Commandery Princess has retired to the side residence.”

    “Don’t wake them,” Raithion said, then nodded to the three cargo carriages waiting. “The legion officers will offload the supplies we need for the repair lists. There are packages put together by Kailu and Sharian. Sharian collected gifts for everyone in the house. Distribute them as you wish.”

    “I’ll make sure everything is arranged,” Daron said with a pleased smile. “I had Aryn and Sira arrange your quarters on the first floor of the main house. No one has had access to them other than me, Aryn, and Sira. We have not told the side residence where you will sleep.”

    “Thank you,” Raithion said, entering his parents’ house. He greeted Aryn and Sira, who were waiting for him at the stairs. His clothes were soaking wet after his hectic ride in the rain. The girls first led him to a hot bath, then upstairs to his rooms, where he changed into comfortable clothes and fell on his bed into a deep sleep.

    The next morning, Raithion dressed for a day spent working at home in a soft white tunic, dark trousers, and boots. He had no need for weapons at home, but he did keep daggers in his boot. It was Saturday, and his mother’s list weighed on his mind.

    He went downstairs to the dining room and was eating grilled chicken slices, tomatoes, and slices of bread spread with soft cheese when his mother came down.

    “The birds must be flying upside down this morning,” Silveren said as she sat at the round dining table. She accepted a cup of warm water from Aryn and drank it with a small smile.

    “Daron,” Silveren said when the butler came in, carrying a kettle filled with hot water for tea. “Can you look out the windows to make sure the birds are up the right way? My son is sitting at my dining table. I must be dreaming.”

    “You’re not dreaming, Lady Maenaer,” Daron said, amused. “Lord Raith came home late last night. He did not want to wake you after a tiresome day.”

    “Mm, how good he is to his mother,” Silveren said, then glanced at Raithion, who was watching her quietly. “Are you injured?”

    “No,” Raithion said.

    “Would you tell me if you were?” Silveren asked.

    “No,” Raithion said.

    Silveren scowled at him.

    “I don’t want to worry you unnecessarily,” Raithion said.

    “Then, aren’t you concerned that I would miss you if you were gone for a year?” Silveren asked. “What good things are at the border that you stayed so long?”

    “The border is secure. I’m not worried about war breaking out soon after the work we’ve completed,” Raithion said.

    “I’m so happy for you,” Silveren said. “Meanwhile, I’m worried the cold front that is raging in your house will turn my flowers frigid.”

    “Then, Daron, start the fireplace in the great room and warm up my mother’s flowers so that they don’t freeze,” Raithion said.

    “Do you think we’re discussing peonies?” Silveren asked, sipping the steaming tea Aryn served her.

    “Then what would we be discussing?” Raithion asked as he finished his food. He pushed his plate aside and poured himself a second cup of hot tea, sipping it with a contented smile.

    “How long will you keep up a cold front with your wife?” Silveren asked.

    “I can’t trust her with my clothes, food, bedding, bathing water, hell, the first time she drugged me with wine at someone else’s home during an event. You tell me, Mother, where should I start?”

    Silveren stared at him for a long moment, then nodded. “Then, Yulin and Skye, where should you, their father, start with them? They are yours.”

    “She takes care of them—”

    “I’m not done,” Silveren cut in. “Those children are innocent. They are Maenaer, born in these halls. They are part of the future you’re working so hard to protect. As their father, where should you start? Holding such a long grudge, you will end up hurting them.”

    “My grudges shall be resolved by me when I’m good and ready to do so,” Raithion said. “As for the innocent, Mom, I can only entrust them to you. If you leave them to me, I will poison them with anger and hate.”

    “Raith,” Silveren said, her eyes suddenly filled with tears.

    “This is the most I can do at the moment,” Raithion said honestly. He had had a year to think about his current predicament with Naeri. His heart was not resolved to the betrayals she had placed on him. If she wanted children, she should have agreed to discuss it with him. Perhaps they would have found a way, but to force him… he shook his head and met his mother’s gaze.

    “Give me time,” Raithion said. “Let me work at finding peace to deal with this in my own way. Call Jaguar and have him start training the boy early. Let the child leave this place and go run in the wilds of our Draeya County. He will be able to stay open and carefree for a while longer before he learns the truth of his father and mother.”

    Raithion got up then, pushing his chair back.

    “Today, I’ll fix the walls and the defenses as you’ve asked. I’ve tasked Kailu with rotating the guards in the manor,” Raithion said. “I’ll head back to the Commandery Office tomorrow morning.”

    “Raith,” Silveren cried out in protest.

    “Dad has everything he wanted in place,” Raithion said, his voice hard. “The power, the titles, a future heir, a powerful Basilinna, and his alliance with the Basileus is assured. How I’m living now is the best way for me to survive all this joy he has worked for. Don’t judge me for it. I’ll be outside if you need me.”

    ****

    Saturday morning, Naeri left the Maenaer Manor early without telling Silveren. She wanted to get butter from her mother’s workshop. She had discovered that their house made very good butter. Raithion was partial to mint toffee, and while she could not make it the way he liked it, Silveren appreciated fresh butter. So Naeri tried to get a fresh batch from her family when Raithion was around.

    Her mother was excited to see her when she arrived. She got a scolding for having left the children at home, but she was in a hurry to get back. Naeri had only brought Rassa with her. Benira Ajai was still adamant about feeding her a cup of tea, so they sat on the patio at the back of the house and ate pineapple pastries.

    Naeri found herself relaxing as she listened to her mother discuss their neighborhood’s gossip: who had a new baby, which daughter was caught seeing a man she shouldn’t, which family had gained or lost wealth. It felt nice to sit around and listen to gossip.

    Suddenly, Naeri realized the Maenaer women did not gossip like Benira. No, Silveren, Noriel, and Soriel discussed the harvest, planned parties with dignitaries to achieve specific goals, and managed war supplies for their brother and Thanir Maenaer.

    Here in her mother’s courtyard, the conversation was simple, down-to-earth, and easy. Naeri smiled as her mother reached up to help her fix a flower pin that was askew.

    “I heard that Raithion is back in the capital,” Benira said. “The girls went out to fetch fresh milk from the dairy, and they saw his right-hand man riding into town. He must have arrived very late last night.”

    “Mm,” Naeri said, though it was news to her. No one in the manor had alerted her that Raithion was already home. She had left the house early, thinking he would be arriving later. Her heart skipped a beat. She needed to get back home fast. Raithion was like a fast wind. He came and went in the blink of an eye.

    “I should take the butter home. My husband is always so busy,” Naeri said, placing her cup down. “I want them to use the butter from our workshop for the mint toffee he likes.”

    “Okay, I’ll go hurry the steward. You should say hello to your father before you go. He’s in the greenhouse,” Benira said as she got up. “I’ll have the butter ready by the time you get back.”

    “Thanks, Mom,” Naeri said, getting up and tidying her skirts. She hurried to a path that would lead her to the back of the mansion. She was in a hurry as she walked down the path to her father’s greenhouse. She only realized her father had guests when she was close to the door, and it was almost too late. There were three bushy mulberries near the greenhouse entrance, so Naeri ducked behind one of them to avoid disturbing her father. He got very angry if he was interrupted. Patting her chest for thinking fast, she let out a relieved breath and settled down to wait for her father to finish.

    Then her father’s voice drifted to her. He was angry, raging…

    “…the Prime Minister has gained support these last two years. Basilinna Soriel has made quite an effort in helping her husband gain the support of Libert ministers. She holds soft power, which she understands how to use, thanks to her brother’s backing. These siblings have made it nearly impossible to go against her and her support for the Prime Minister. We are at an impasse. Our Populi party cannot shake the Prime Minister’s position,” Gesi Ajai kicked something and let out a growl. “I need something to shift this deadlock. Otherwise, we’ll never win more leverage at court.”

    “What about the plan Rosner gave up?” Sazama asked. “It’s still viable. Rassa is here too.”

    Naeri clamped a hand over her mouth, wondering what her closest attendant was doing with her father.

    “I’m here, but what does that have to do with Rosner?” Rassa’s voice drifted to Naeri.

    Naeri’s eyes widened as she realized her closest attendant worked for her father. No wonder, she thought, as fear bloomed in her heart. No wonder it was so easy to get the apothecary’s aphrodisiac when she needed it.

    Of course, Rassa would have been the one to tell Gesi that Raithion was cold toward her. Then he would have pushed for the apothecary to make the formula that she had given Raithion. It had happened so easily, so fast.

    “The Draeya Prince is around,” Rassa said with confidence. “I can keep an ear out and see if he will host the Prime Minister at the manor. Sazama can handle it if the Prime Minister doesn’t visit. I would prefer it, as it reduces the risk for me. The Draeya Prince is very strict with security.”

    “Do you have it?” Gesi asked. “Sazama?”

    “I have it,” Sazama said. “I’ll give a portion to Rassa. She will know how to brew it in tea. One big sip and we will not have to worry about the Prime Minister.”

    “That is if Rassa is able to act when he visits the Maenaer,” Gesi said.

    Naeri gasped and could not hold back the sound in time. Fear propelled her into a run, and she took off at a fast sprint, heading back to the patio where her mother had served tea. She did not look back as she ran to see whether her father’s accomplices had seen her. Her heart pounded so hard in her ears she could not think.

    ****

    “Damn it, it’s Lady Naeri,” Sazama said, coming back to the greenhouse after going out to investigate the foreign sound. “I just saw her running back to the main house.”

    Gesi cursed under his breath. “This girl is going to drive me crazy. Rassa, I need you to manage her. Find a way to convince her about our plan. If you can get her help, it will be even better. The faster she realizes her husband is a liability, the better.”

    Rassa nodded. “I will convince her. Besides, I can also get her to believe she misheard you. Don’t worry about it.”

    “I’ll trust you with this,” Gesi said. “It’s hard enough with everything that’s going on.”

    “I’ll handle it,” Rassa promised.

    ***

    Naeri forgot the butter she was collecting from her mother. She ran out of her parents’ home and into her carriage and urged the driver to go back to the Maenaer residence. Her heart raced with cold fear as she tried to decipher what Rassa, Sazama, and her father were discussing.

    It sounded like an assassination attempt on the Prime Minister, sickening to imagine. She worried about her husband. Despite their endless cold war, Raithion was the father of her children. Her future and the children’s future depended on his well-being. So, a Prime Minister dead or poisoned in their home would utterly make their world end.

    Shaking her head, she was glad when the carriage came to a stop outside the main gate. She exited too fast and hurried up the steps to the front door, only to be met by a smiling Silveren.

    “Naeri, where did you go? I was looking for you. It’s already afternoon, Child. Your husband is in the main hall of your residence,” Silveren said, taking Naeri’s hand and guiding her into the house. “Why do you look so pale? Are you ill?”

    Naeri felt tears prick the backs of her eyes as Silveren stopped and pressed the back of her hand over Naeri’s forehead.

    “Mm, your temperature feels okay,” Silveren continued. “Come on, I think you should rest for a while, then find your husband. Try to mend what is broken. Slowly, okay? Don’t lose hope.”

    “Thank you, Mother,” Naeri said, her voice soft, her heart still pounding in her chest. It was a wonder that Silveren could not hear it. Silveren led her to the back exit of the main house. The door opened to a short path that led into the courtyard and the house Naeri lived in.

    Silveren let her proceed alone. Naeri took in the men hard at work on the perimeter walls in the distance. There were also two men on the roof, mending leaks she had not gotten to amid the multitude of tasks she had to perform.

    It felt nice to have someone else take up the repairs. Removing her overcoat, she stepped into the great room and paused when she saw Raithion sitting in the large armchair arranged for him, just as she had dreamed when she placed it there.

    How many times had she watched and waited, hoping he would come home and occupy the armchair? Now, seeing him sift through invoices and talk to Daron, paying invoices and signing household expense requests felt so right.

    Naeri could not stop the tears that filled her eyes. She had to tell Raithion what she had heard. Maybe it would bring them closer, perhaps… it would make up for all the wrongs she had done to her husband.

    ****

    After a marathon of repair work, Raithion sat in the armchair in his great room to authorize monthly repairs. It was his fault he had neglected the care of the residence, as the funds came from his personal accounts.

    “Daron, if there is any urgent problem with the house, send Sharian to the barracks or the Commandery Office. Don’t let it get to the point of disrepair,” Raithion said.

    “I understand,” Daron said as he watched Raithion set aside money for the invoice that would help the manor guards replenish arrows used on mounted bows on the perimeter walls from the imperial warehouse.

    “These are invoices from the tailor. The Commandery Princess had clothes made for the children,” Daron said.

    “Mm.” Raithion signed the invoice and set aside money for the expense. The amount was usual for clothes tailored for the people in the house. He just had never needed to make such a payment before.

    “I’ll excuse myself,” Daron said after a moment. “I’ll leave these invoices with you.” He placed the stack of five invoices on the stool next to Raithion’s chair.

    Raithion glanced up, wanting to ask why Daron was leaving, only to see Naeri coming to sit on the couch to the left of Raithion’s armchair. She looked nervous. She wore a beautiful pale blue dress with a fitted bodice and long silk skirts. Her blonde hair was tied in an intricate style, held together in a convoluted manner by pins.

    Naeri looked at him with worried brown eyes, and Raithion felt a punch in his gut, the kind he hated, as he wondered what plot she was spinning. It annoyed him that she could not be trusted.

    “My Lord,” Naeri started. “It’s good to see you home. It’s been a long time.”

    “It has been,” Raithion said, thinking it was not long enough.

    Every time he looked at Naeri, he could not help remembering the endless burning sensation of the poison she put in his drink at that party, or in the bathwater. He had endured an excruciating burning that could only be relieved by bedding her endlessly, caught in an inescapable lust that made him feel both pleasure and disgust. He closed his eyes and let out a small breath.

    “Is there something you need to tell me?” Raithion asked, as he forced his focus on the remaining invoices on the table in front of him.

    “I—” Naeri started, then paused when one of her attendants brought a kettle and two cups.

    The young lady was followed by Yulin, who glanced at Raithion with a shy, hopeful innocent smile before he leaned on his mother’s lap.

    The attendant left. Naeri, knowing Raithion would not drink tea she had poured, made herself a cup and kept the teapot closest to her.

    “Mom,” Yulin said. “I want tea.”

    Naeri gave Raithion a nervous glance, but she took the second cup and poured Yulin half a cup of the tea, then blew on it to make sure it was not too hot. Naeri placed it on the side for their son, then picked up her cup and took a few sips, as though to fortify herself.

    “My Lord, there is something I must tell you. I went to see my mother this morning and—” Naeri broke off, pressing her right hand to her stomach with a small frown. She shrugged and continued. “I know you don’t like to hear much about my family, but—”

    Yulin took his cup and sipped it, but then Naeri gasped and hit the cup their son held, spilling the tea on the floor.

    Raithion frowned as Naeri turned to him with wide eyes.

    “I—” Naeri started as she stood up, her hands pressed to her stomach, her expression twisting with pain. “I’m sorry.”

    Raithion got up as Naeri started to fall to the floor, as Yulin broke into painful cries.

    “Daron!” Raithion called out as he caught Naeri. He lifted her and carried her to one of the long couches in the great room, arranging a pillow under her head. He started to move away to get Yulin, but she gripped his right wrist.

    “Wait,” Naeri said, coughing, and Raithion frowned as he noticed the blood coloring her teeth. “I—I’m sorry for everything. I—I didn’t know. M-my father—”

    Naeri broke into a coughing fit just as Daron, Sharian, Aryn, and Sira entered the great room.

    “Lock down the manor,” Raithion ordered, but his voice sounded distant, as if it belonged to someone else. “Get a healer here, and, Daron, guard that tea kettle and the teacup with your life. Sharian, ride to the palace and get Volker to send the imperial coroner, Dain. He will know what to look for in the tea. Send for an imperial healer.”

    “Yes, Your Grace.” Sharian, Aryn, and Sira ran out of the room to make sure Raithion’s orders were followed. The healer who lived in the manor came running in, and Raithion moved away to give her space to check on Naeri.

    “Lord Raith,” Daron said, and Raithion turned to find him holding an unconscious Yulin.

    Raithion crossed the distance in three numb strides and gathered the boy from Daron’s arms. He frowned when he saw Yulin had blood on his lips too.

    Yulin’s weight was too light. His small hands were cool. A cold rush went through Raithion’s chest like water, shocking and blinding, filling him with helplessness. He laid Yulin on the couch next to the one with his mother and arranged him carefully. He smoothed his palm over the child’s dark hair, felt the slight dampness of sweat, the too-still breath. Something tore in him, low and unfamiliar, raw as ripped cloth.

    Raithion sighed and turned to see what the healer was doing by Naeri’s side.

    “Raithion,” Naeri’s whisper had him getting up. Raithion moved to the other side of the long couch and found Naeri watching for him with wide, bloodshot eyes.

    “Don’t panic, I’ve called for a healer from the palace. They will have an antidote,” Raithion said.

    Naeri let out a soft chuckle and shook her head, then motioned for him to lean closer. She took in a deep breath when Raithion bent down close to hear what she was saying.

    “I-it’s too late. S-save Yulin. Fi-ind R-Rassa,” Naeri’s voice faded.

    When he straightened, her gaze did not follow. The healer checked her, and Raithion frowned when, after a moment, she shook her head, indicating that his wife had passed. The room went suddenly quiet, except for Yulin’s unsteady breath.

    ****

    The gates of the Maenaer Manor were locked and sealed. No one inside the manor grounds could leave. The imperial healer arrived first and rechecked Naeri, confirming that she was already dead. She had been killed by the poison in the tea she had drunk.

    Silveren ran into Raithion’s house in a panic and stared at Naeri, who was still lying on the long couch. The healers were now focused on Yulin, who lay near his mother, alive but unconscious. The two healers were trying to identify the poison used in order to give the right antidote. Sharian had yet to arrive with Dain.

    “Who could have done this?” Silveren asked in shock. “She was fine when she walked in earlier. How could this happen? Raith?”

    “The manor is locked down. We’ll find out soon,” Raithion said, his voice low. Inside he felt hollowed out, as if something had scooped him clean. “She wanted to tell me something, something about her father. Then she drank the tea and fell to the ground. It was too fast. She asked me to find someone named Rassa. Who is that?”

    “Her closest attendant,” Silveren said.

    “Why did she leave this morning?” Raithion asked.

    Silveren shook her head. “I give her freedom to live her life. She’s free to visit her maternal home as she wills.” Silveren sighed. “She heard you were coming home and probably wanted to get butter. Naeri claims… claimed the butter from her family brought out the mint toffee best.”

    “Did she bring any butter?” Raithion asked.

    Silveren shook her head. “I don’t know. We’ll have to check with the main kitchen.”

    Raithion nodded and turned to face the front door, where there was a commotion. Sharian had returned with Dain, the imperial coroner. Kailu and Haedor followed them in. They all wore the same shocked expressions when they saw Naeri lying on the long couch.

    Dain did not hesitate. Taking the kettle from Daron, he got to work immediately. Aryn and Sira brought him any utensils he asked for, and within minutes he poured the tea into a large bowl and began investigating the dregs.

    “There are seeds here,” Dain said, lifting one with a small pin. “They look like they are from the devil’s trumpet. Use activated charcoal on the boy.”

    The imperial healer mixed a vial of activated charcoal into a bowl, and with Aryn’s help they got Yulin to swallow most of it. The child coughed and swallowed, limp and obedient.

    “The rest will need time,” Dain said. “Whoever made this poison has layered different herbs.”

    “Is Yulin safe?” Silveren asked, moving to perch on the edge of the long couch where Yulin was.

    “We’ll have to watch over him and treat his symptoms as they come, for now,” the imperial healer said.

    Silveren let out a soft cry and reached for Yulin’s hand, holding it tight.

    Raithion stepped to Naeri’s couch and looked down. Her eyes were closed. Blood had dried at the corner of her mouth. The cage of pins held her hair perfectly. He placed her hands over her stomach and touched the orange jade ring on her left hand. He straightened her skirts, then stepped back, helpless, at a loss for what else a man should do for the wife he had not learned how to forgive and now would never see again.

    A knot formed in his chest. He did not know whether it was grief or guilt. Perhaps both. He had stayed away. He told himself he was protecting what remained of his self-respect. Now, what did that self-respect stand for?

    Raithion turned to Yulin. The boy’s lashes trembled against his cheeks. Raithion felt the pain sharpen, clean and unbearable. Suddenly the four-year-old boy was not an heir described on paper, not the consequence of a crime, but a breathing child who carried his blood.

    “Raith,” Silveren said softly. “We should begin to plan a funeral.”

    Raithion nodded and looked to Daron. “Treat her funeral as befits the lady of the manor. Give her all the rights of the Commandery Princess. Report it to the palace.”

    Daron bowed and hurried away.

    Raithion lifted Yulin. The boy’s weight settled against his chest. Too light. Too warm at the forehead, too-cold tiny hands.

    “I will take him to his room,” Raithion said. “Imperial Healer, I hope you can find a cure soon. Aryn and Sira will make sure you have everything you need.”

    “Thank you, Your Highness,” the imperial healer said.

    Raithion glanced at Kailu and Haedor. “Find the assassin. Naeri mentioned Rassa. Find her and discover what’s going on.”

    He held his son closer, feeling the small thud of Yulin’s heart against his own, and carried him upstairs.

    ****

    <<Previous | Blades of Ashes TOC | Next>>

  • A Thousand Years of Hope Ch 25

    Dante lay on the bed where Tani had left him. Kinon stood on the right side of the bed, while Amu stood on the left. Sahdrina stood at the foot of the bed. Together, they held up a barrier to keep the fire magik from leaking from Dante, flooding the room, and spilling into the rest of the house. Cale sat in an armchair by the door, his gaze fixed on Dante.

    “When do you think he’ll wake up?” Cale asked.

    “When nature is done with him,” Kinon said softly. “His fire magik has grown stronger. Unless he wakes up and consciously controls his power, we’re stuck here. Holding this barrier long enough will protect his family, this house, and the vineyard.”

    “Is he that dangerous?” Cale asked.

    “His fire magik is born from an immortal lord’s blood,” Kinon said with a faint chuckle. “It’s burning blue. If you want to test it, step inside this barrier we’re making. Haven’t you noticed it’s taking three ekhos to keep it in check?”

    “Better you than me,” Cale said. “How do you even know how to create this barrier? Have you dealt with this before?”

    He was the only one who didn’t have a barrier of his own in place. His destructive power would only make a worst-case scenario even worse.

    “We’ve all raised young ekhos,” Sahdrina said with a grin. “Amu had Tani, who needed an entire island to hide his affinity with wild animals. His ability to make everything grow was challenging to manage in a mortal world.”

    “I have young ekhos with fire magik working in my vineyards,” Kinon said. “They’ve burned down acres of vines when they lose control.”

    “Tani is something else,” Cale said with a sigh. “He created a fledgling fire ekho, then left us to clean up.”

    “He didn’t leave of his own accord,” Sahdrina said, weaving a thicker barrier by the door as a fresh surge of fire magik rolled off Dante in a heated tide. “The Palladium Gates pulled him back to assess his decision to bond with the fire warlock.”

    “Is there any way to know if Tani is okay?” Amu asked, concern etched in his features.

    “The mortal would have died if the Gates had rejected Lord Tani’s choice,” Sahdrina said. “Since Dante’s fire is causing us so much trouble, forcing us to control his excess power, we can assume Lord Tani is well in the ekho realm.”

    “Just how well depends on the Palladium Gates’ assessment,” Cale guessed.

    “Yes,” Sahdrina said.

    Kinon sighed and studied Dante, who was shifting his hands across the bed as though searching for someone.

    “Heads up,” Kinon warned. “That first moment out of a deep sleep will flood this room with his power. Cale, take Dante’s family out of the house.”

    Cale rose, casting one last glance at Dante’s restless movements, then left the room. He truly hoped Dante would be worth everything Tani had sacrificed for so long. In the living area, he moved over to Nora.

    “Dante is about to wake,” Cale told her. “I need you all to get out of the house.”

    “Why?” Christophe asked. “Why won’t you tell us what’s going on with him?”

    “What’s going on,” Cale said as Nora stood, and he began guiding her to the door—Landi and Christophe trailing closely because he had Nora with him, “is that Tani saved his life and tripled his power. That little maniac really put everything on the line for your son.”

    “Where is Tani?” Nora asked as they headed downstairs toward the front door. They were just stepping out when a suffocating heat blasted down from Dante’s room. Cale scooped Nora up and teleported to the driveway, while Landi and Christophe sprinted after them.

    “What is that?” Christophe demanded when they caught up, turning to look at Artri House. It was now enclosed in a shimmering shield.

    “Your son’s power at work,” Cale said. “We should be grateful the house isn’t on fire. Looks like Dante is awake.”

    ****

    Dante sat upright in his bed, scanning the room for Tani. Panic set in when he realized Tani was nowhere to be found. Instead, Kinon, Amu, and a woman he didn’t recognize stood around his bed.

    “What’s going on?” Dante asked. “Where’s Tani?”

    “Before we answer, can you control your magik?” Kinon asked, gesturing to the shimmering barrier each of them wore for protection against the blue fire aura radiating throughout the house.

    Dante’s eyes widened. He hadn’t lost control like this since childhood, when he’d accidentally burned his mother’s vines. Closing his eyes, he recognized the magnitude of the fire magik coursing through his veins. It felt as though the well of his power had deepened a thousandfold, an endless chasm inside him. Drawing in a steadying breath, he concentrated on the wards he typically used to rein in his power. To his astonishment, the roaring fire responded with surprising ease. In a matter of moments, he forced the explosive force back under control.

    A collective sigh of relief filled the bedroom as he opened his eyes.

    “Very good,” Kinon said, clearly impressed. “I was worried we’d need more time to teach you restraint.”

    “I had tough instructors,” Dante replied, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He tried to stand but moved faster than expected, then frowned as he sank back onto the edge of the mattress. “What happened? Where is Tani? There’s something I need to do…”

    Kinon pulled a chair closer, meeting Dante’s gaze. “Tani did everything to save you,” he said. “The result of his efforts is more complicated than any of us expected.”

    “Why complicated? Is he all right? Where is he?” Dante demanded.

    “Stay calm,” Kinon said, resting a hand on Dante’s right arm. A golden pattern of lines wove up from Dante’s wrist to the center of his chest. “Tani saved you through your bond. He made you a hybrid fire ekho. Then, when the transformation finished, the Palladium Gates pulled him back to our realm.”

    “So,” Dante said, rising to his feet, “Tani isn’t here?”

    “He’s in the Ekho Realm,” Amu confirmed.

    “I’ll go to him,” Dante said without hesitation. He stepped around Kinon’s chair, entered his closet for a T-shirt and a light jacket, then ran a hand through his hair in frustration. Emerging, he found the three ekhos watching him. “What?”

    “You don’t think you need time to adjust to your new—” Amu began.

    “I need to find Tani,” Dante cut in, zipping up his jacket. He turned to Kinon and the woman—Sahdrina—his expression resolute. “How do I get to him?”

    “Um—” Kinon started.

    “You have to go through the Palladium Gates,” Sahdrina said. “If you don’t have enough power to reach the other side, the Gates will lock you out. Are you sure you want to try?”

    “I won’t try,” Dante said, voice firm. “I’ll succeed. Take me to him.”

    “Dante—” Amu began, hoping to calm him, but the memory of Tani risking everything for him ignited Dante’s determination.

    “Take. Me. To. Him,” Dante repeated, his aura pressing in on those around him.

    Kinon and Amu exchanged weary looks, while Sahdrina stepped forward and took Dante’s right hand.

    “Let’s go,” she said, then teleported them to the Palladium Gates. Kinon and Amu arrived moments later, and Dante found himself staring at a pair of towering silver-white Gates.

    “Lord Tani is beyond these Gates,” Sahdrina explained. “Once you enter, you will face three similar gates. Each one opens once you’ve crossed the stretch leading up to it. The power inside whittles you down to your essence, your intentions, your true self. Don’t present ambiguous intentions. The gates will transport you to the Ekho Realm if you can withstand the raw power inside. Otherwise, you’ll end up back here—locked out. Do you understand?”

    Dante nodded. He felt the endless well of fire in his chest surge at the challenge. He understood the stakes. His entire being bristled with resolve.

    “Good luck,” Sahdrina said quietly, stepping aside so he could face the colossal Gates head-on.

    Dante glanced at Amu, then at Kinon, before fixing his attention on the Gates that barred him from Tani. Determination fueled every breath he took.

    He drew in a steadying breath and entered the silver-white Palladium Gates. They brimmed with immense power designed to keep mortals out. Only those with Ekho blood could hope to cross, and even then, only with colossal strength. Dante clenched his fists and stepped forward, feeling the swirling currents of energy threaten to tear him apart. Each step felt heavy, the power pressing against his very being, as though to strip him down—skin, flesh, to bone.

    Still, he kept going, step by step, each footfall heavier than the last. He reached for the bottomless well of fire magik inside him to bolster his strength, and gradually the steps grew easier. He filled his mind with Tani’s sweet confession.

    “I’ve never regretted loving you. Every second I’ve spent with you has been the brightest adventure of my life,” Tani had said. “You’ve been my favorite person for a thousand years, and you always will be. I love you, Dante Arturo.”

    Dante inhaled a calming breath and pressed on toward the second gate. The moment he stepped through, it slid closed behind him, revealing another stretching path filled with a crushing force of power. He intensified his fire magik, meeting that force with his own, refusing to be bullied. He pushed forward, step by step, every fiber of his being focused on reaching Tani.

    The suffocating power slammed against him, forcing Dante to draw on the fire magik reserves Tani’s immortal blood had awakened. Though the Gates fought him, he refused to yield, clinging to his love for Tani—his desire for a life together, his need to have Tani with him every day, every hour. When he reached the midpoint, the third gate slid open, and he stepped into a stifling pocket of potent power. This must be where the divide between realms began. It was so difficult to step forward that he fell on the ground twice, unable to get up. When he finally got on his feet, it took everything to resist collapsing again.

    Dante breathed in and out, centering himself. He took a single step, and for a moment, he felt weightless before the crushing power surged again, whittling him down to his essence. Suddenly, breathing got easier, and Dante was left with a burning resolve to reach the other side—to see Tani, to hold him, to kiss him. He reached the fourth door in an instant, his magik propelling him with a mere thought, and as the doors opened, he was startled to find himself stark naked. His mortal clothes were gone. But he had done it. He had entered the Ekho Realm.

    Dante smiled widely, alive with excitement and joy.

    “You’ll need these,” Sahdrina said from behind him as she handed him a white tunic with gold embroidery at the hems, a pair of trousers, and sandals. “You have nothing from the Ekho Realm, which is why you appear with nothing. Bare, in your true essence.”

    Dante pulled on the tunic and trousers swiftly and took the sandals from her.

    “Congratulations,” Sahdrina said. “You’re the first of your kind to enter this realm.”

    Dante’s eyes widened, and she smiled. “Others are born with Ekho blood. You’re the first to be made. Lord Tani has broken barriers in the realm. It’s a historic first.”

    Tani. Dante’s heart stuttered. “How do I get to him now?”

    Sahdrina took his arm and guided him down steep steps to a grassy patch. Beyond the grass stretched an endless expanse of water; Dante could not tell whether it was a lake or an ocean. It felt too vast. When they reached the grass, the Gates opened, and Amu and Kinon stepped out—looking drastically different from how Dante remembered them in the mortal realm. Amu’s irises had turned into slits, reminiscent of a fox’s eyes, and his red hair was longer. He wore a green tunic, black trousers tucked into black boots, and a dark green overcoat with gold chevrons on the sleeves. He looked majestic. Kinon, beside him, wore dark trousers and a red sleeveless tunic, his feet clad in sandals. Heavy gold cuffs decorated his arms. Dante supposed they were purely ornamental, unlike the ones Tani had worn before.

    “He’s impatient about meeting Lord Tani,” Sahdrina said with a small smile. “Lord Kinon, will you reach out to Immortal Lord Sunu?”

    “No need,” came a voice from behind Dante. He turned to find Tani’s father. Sunu looked stronger somehow. He wore a long white tunic open at the chest, with subtle gold edging around the sleeves, hem, and neck. His loose-fitting trousers were trimmed with gold embroidery near the ankles. The broad, ornate gold sash around his waist matched the thick gold armbands on his forearms, and his white open-toed sandals were strapped with gold accents. Each step he took turned the grass greener, and Dante imagined flowers springing up behind him.

    “You’ve come,” Sunu said upon reaching Dante. He extended his right hand in greeting, and Dante moved to shake it—but Sunu gripped his forearm instead. Dante did the same, recognizing it as a warrior’s handshake. He met Sunu’s gaze and smiled when Sunu grinned.

    “I welcome you to the Ekho Realm and bless your bond with my son, Tani. May you share many beautiful experiences.”

    “Thank you,” Dante said, looking over Sunu’s shoulder. “May I see Tani now?”

    “Certainly,” Sunu said, still holding Dante’s arm as he turned to Kinon, Amu, and Sahdrina. “Call the Septum to a gathering. There are changes to be made.”

    “I’ll arrange it, Lord Sunu,” Kinon said.

    “I’ll be in the Zona Forest residence,” Sunu said. “Let the gathering happen there.”

    “Right away,” Kinon said, and departed, followed by Sahdrina.

    “Amu,” Sunu said, offering his left hand. “I’ll take you to your sister. She’s been taking care of Tani.”

    “All right,” Amu replied, taking Sunu’s left hand. In a breathtaking moment, Sunu transported them to a house deep in a forest.

    So much light streamed into the house that at first Dante mistook the wide windows for empty openings. It felt like a jungle paradise, and Dante let go of Sunu’s arm, taking in the main hall with awe.

    “Tani is in the master room on the second floor,” Sunu said, pointing to a set of stone stairs. Dante didn’t wait for more prompting. He took the steps two at a time and, upon reaching the second floor, raced toward an open door where he heard a woman humming a beautiful, lilting tune.

    He burst into the room at top speed, startling the red-haired woman perched on the right side of a large bed. She stopped humming and glanced over, still holding Tani’s right hand. A slight frown appeared on her forehead before it vanished, replaced by a radiant grin.

    “Dante!” she said, breathless with excitement. “You made it!”

    “Yes,” Dante said, deciding this must be Anit—Tani’s mother. Her red hair gave her away.

    “Come, hurry,” she beckoned, standing as he reached the bed. “Sit, touch him. It will wake him from the endless sleep.”

    “What’s wrong with him?” Dante asked, his gaze roaming over Tani lying quietly on the bed. He looked so handsome that Dante scooted closer and leaned over him, pressing a kiss to his forehead. Heart thundering, he rained soft kisses across Tani’s face, ending with a tender brush against his lips.

    “Baby?” Dante murmured against Tani’s mouth.

    Dante, Tani’s defeated voice filled his mind, and Dante buried his face into Tani’s shoulder. I left you in the mortal realm. I’m sorry.

    Open your eyes, Dante responded in kind, thrilled to discover he could speak with Tani this way. Wake up! I crossed the Palladium Gates to find you. What are you doing sleeping here?

    The wave of happiness that flooded Tani was immediate, flowing into Dante so vividly that tears gathered in his eyes. Tani’s joy at the thought of seeing him again was overwhelming. Dante sat up, smiling wide when Tani’s eyelids fluttered open.

    “Wake up,” Dante said, cupping Tani’s cheek. “Don’t you miss—?”

    Tani sat up and wrapped his arms around Dante, a shocked, delighted gasp escaping him.

    Anit laughed and clapped her hands, practically bouncing on her feet.

    Dante held Tani close, burying his face in Tani’s hair, relief coursing through him in waves. No words were necessary. They had survived an ordeal beyond description.

    Tani trembled with joy, and Anit patted his shoulder, then squeezed Dante’s arm, nodding in quiet approval.

    “I love you,” Dante whispered in Tani’s ear, unwilling to let him go.

    “I love you, too,” Tani replied.

    ****

    Dante held Tani for a moment longer before he leaned back to take him in. He smiled when he noticed Tani’s hair—it had grown quite a bit, no longer trimmed to the style Hera had once insisted on. The red-brown locks, now at shoulder length, were tipped in white. Dante frowned slightly as he reached out to touch those pale edges.

    “Your hair,” he began.

    Tani blushed and lifted a hand to his hair with a small shrug. “Yeah, the gates put everything back the way they remember from my first crossing. I had shoulder-length hair when I left after the trial, so now it’s like this.”

    “I love it.” Dante kissed his cheek, still touching the white ends. He smiled. “Will you turn into a white-haired fox?”

    Tani grinned and shifted on the bed, folding his legs beneath him. Dante moved behind Tani so he could lean against him.

    “In our realm, white hair is envied,” Tani said. “White hair means power—like, destroy-a-planet kind of power. Ekhos strive to gain white hair.”

    Dante chuckled. “Are you trying to tell me I should be proud that my boyfriend is powerful now?”

    Tani turned to look at him. “I feel your love warming my heart. Our bond pulses with your fire magik. Your breath on my skin sets me aflame. At this point, can you really call me your boyfriend?”

    “What should I call you?” Dante asked softly.

    “You are my bondmate,” Tani said. “We are bonded for the rest of our lives. Our fates are tied together for an endless eternity. You are my beloved.”

    “Then…” Dante leaned in to whisper in Tani’s right ear. “In my world, you are my husband. Will you marry me, Tani Ryuzo?”

    Tani kissed Dante’s left cheek, then his right, before claiming his lips with a soft press. “Yes.”

    Dante smiled and pulled Tani into his arms, holding him close. He noticed Anit and Amu standing by the windows, talking quietly, and giving them space. Dante was simply grateful to hold Tani, knowing they now had many days ahead of them, free from the threat of separation.

    He eased back onto the plush pillows with Tani resting against his chest, Tani’s face buried in his shoulder, and Dante’s arms wrapped tight around him.

    “I was so scared I wouldn’t be able to cross the Palladium Gates,” Dante said. “I got about halfway in, and the pressure was overwhelming. I—” He stopped himself and traced Tani’s jaw with his index finger. “I thought about you while I was crossing, and suddenly it got easier. Will it always be like that?”

    “No,” Tani said, closing his eyes as he clasped Dante’s wrist. “The first time is the hardest. From now on, the gates will recognize that you belong in the Ekho Realm. Crossing will get easier.”

    “That’s good news,” Dante said. “I want to take you back to Artri House and have a wedding there. I want everyone to know you’re mine, too. I want to see Hera and Deniz visiting the vineyard, and I want us to travel here so I can learn more about this realm. Mostly, I want to spend time with you.”

    Tani chuckled and leaned back to see Dante’s face. “I love all these wants.”

    “So,” Dante said after a moment, “what does it mean to be a hybrid fire ekho?”

    “It means whatever you want it to mean,” Tani replied. “You are part of Kinon’s bloodline, so you still have your fire magik. You can cross the Palladium Gates whenever you like. Best of all,”—Tani’s voice softened— “we’ll be together, and time is no longer my greatest enemy. I have only one thing to say in reply to your many fascinating wants.”

    “What’s that?” Dante asked, shifting so he could look into Tani’s eyes.

    “I want to be with you,” Tani said simply.

    Dante grinned and leaned down to kiss him, relief vibrating through his entire being.

    ***

    “The Fox Clan must face change,” Amu said after listening to Anit’s account of Zal and Tara’s manipulations. “I knew Zal existed, but I never imagined our big brother would go to such lengths to disrupt governance.”

    “He thinks we’re squandering the power our bloodline has gathered,” Anit said with a small smile. “I suppose peaceful times do breed improbable villains. Nela Bao is busy cleaning up the Anael Sentinel Branch. Aero, the hybrid child with a sister in the mortal realm, is being taken to the Dark Fort by Bao Sentinels. He claims our court mistreated his family.”

    “It isn’t our fault the Dragon Clan dislikes mixed blood,” Amu said. “They’re the ones who treat their hybrid children worse than all the other clans. I heard a rumor that Aero and his sister were born in the mortal realm. Their mother chose to enter the afterlife when their father returned to the Dragon Clan’s lands. Aero followed him, but Selene couldn’t cross the Palladium Gates. None of that is the Fox Clan’s doing.”

    “Perhaps,” Anit said with a sigh. “Either way, Aero inflicted terrible pain on my son to avenge his own suffering, which is why he’s going to the Dark Fort.”

    Anit glanced at Dante and Tani, who were whispering to each other on the bed. She smiled.

    “At least there’s happiness at the end of this trial,” Anit said. “Tani has accomplished what he set out to prove, and his reward is here. My son stood by his convictions. He inspires me to do the same.”

    “What happens now?” Amu asked.

    “We live, Amu,” Anit said softly. “We do all the things we dreamed of before the calamity began.”

    “Does that include returning to Lord Sunu?” Amu asked. “You’ve been angry with him for so long. Can you forgive him for letting you leave?”

    Anit studied Tani and Dante for a silent moment, then turned to the scenery beyond the windows. Sunu and Kinon had spared no effort in restoring and nurturing the Zona Forest. The trees shimmered with healthy leaves, and the water was clear and sweet-scented. It was a truly peaceful place.

    “I’ll let it run its course,” Anit said finally. She glanced at her brother. “Amu, thank you for looking after my son all this time.”

    “He’s my son, too,” Amu said.

    “Then I hope you’ll bring me a son to look after one of these days,” Anit teased with a grin.

    Amu chuckled and clasped his hands behind his back, turning to admire the view as well.

    Anit looked back at Tani, noticing the way Dante kept touching the white tips of his hair. Without thinking, she reached out to Sunu across a bond she had ignored for decades.

    Our son’s power has manifested, she said silently. The relief flooding from Sunu at the sound of her voice was overwhelming. It warmed her from within.

    How has it manifested? he asked.

    His hair is turning silver at the ends, Anit replied.

    Then the amulet will seek a new owner.

    Will you fight it? Anit pictured the round, heavy amulet Sunu wore on a chain.

    No. It’s time to change this realm’s perspective. We must evolve.

    All right, Anit said, her heart pounding.

    It’s good to hear you like this, Sunu said, sending a surge of warmth through their neglected bond. I’ve missed you, Anit.

    Heat rose in Anit’s cheeks. Before she could respond, Sunu’s voice resumed.

    I’ll relinquish the amulet now. Guide him to accept it.

    She had no time to ask what he meant. A soft gasp came from Tani, and she turned to see him and Dante on the bed. Dante sat behind Tani, arms wrapped around his waist, while Tani stared at a glowing circle of light hovering above them.

    “What is it?” Dante asked, eyeing the shimmering amulet.

    “Your father’s amulet,” Amu said, taking Anit’s hand as they moved closer. “He must have relinquished it so it could seek a more powerful owner.”

    “What?” Tani breathed as a beam of light from the amulet pierced into his heart. His right hand shot out to grasp it, his back arching. Dante’s grip around his torso held him steady.

    Power surged around them as the amulet pulled Tani’s energy inward, almost as if it were remaking itself. A minute later, the light faded. The amulet, now dull and motionless, lay in Tani’s palm with a long gold chain hanging from it.

    Tani looked at it for a breath before turning to his mother. “What does this mean?”

    “It means the Ekho Realm acknowledges the most powerful ekho in each generation,” Anit said. “You’re Sunu’s heir.”

    “I’m not ready for this.” Tani lifted the chain and let the amulet dangle. “I barely escaped one trial—I’m not jumping into another.”

    “I don’t blame you for seeing leadership as another cage,” Anit said gently. “But consider that your trial prepared you for what’s ahead. In any case, you don’t have to take on any responsibilities right now. You’re young, and there’s so much to look forward to. I’ll share a secret.”

    “What secret?” Tani asked, eyeing the amulet.

    “Tell your father you want him to keep his position,” Anit said. “Say you’re not ready to assume responsibilities yet. He’ll support you. I know because we’re doing the same thing for the Fox Clan. I’ll clean up the Inter Clan Court, make sure it’s running smoothly, and leave everything prepared for when you’re ready.”

    “Isn’t this just a ploy to pull me back here to do your jobs?” Tani asked, sounding a bit resentful.

    “What can I say? You’re our only child,” Anit said with a laugh.

    Tani sighed just as the amulet vibrated on his palm. He frowned and looked at Amu and Anit. “Something’s happening downstairs. I feel a surge of power filling the house.”

    “Your father has called the Septum,” Anit explained.

    “Your trial is officially over,” Amu added with a smile. “Your beloved’s determination in crossing the Palladium Gates was inspiring. He helped resolve any concerns the Septum had. You’re lucky, Tani, to have someone so devoted to you.”

    Tani smiled and started to turn to Dante, but Dante’s head sank onto Tani’s right shoulder, and he released a quiet snore—fast asleep.

    Tani grinned. “I guess crossing wore him out.”

    “I suppose,” Anit said with a nod. “Let him rest. You have time now. Let’s get you dressed. You might need to meet the Septum for a few minutes.”

    “Mm.” Tani shifted, carefully settling Dante on the bed so he could sleep comfortably. He leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss to Dante’s lips, smiling when Dante murmured his name and kept hold of his hand.

    Tani brushed back Dante’s hair, pausing when he saw the gold Elderwood leaves on Dante’s right ear—four shining studs, half Elderwood, half flame. As he touched those studs, relief and gratitude swept through him. He was thankful, above all, that Dante was here with him.

    ***

    Sunu stood in the living area of Tani’s house in the Zona Forest, gazing outside with a pensive look. He could feel the stares of his fellow Septum members behind him. Most of all, the wave of happiness emanating from the master bedroom upstairs was hard to ignore. Dante and Tani were reunited, clinging to each other, while Amu and Anit reveled in their joy. Sunu smiled.

    “Lord Sunu,” Mizian said, “why did you call the council?”

    “My son’s trial has ended,” Sunu said, clasping his hands behind his back. “The cuffs on his wrists are gone, and he has resolved the question the Septum gave him. We should have given him time back then.”

    “Are you regretting a decision?” Eren asked, surprise in her voice.

    “Perhaps,” Sunu said. “I wouldn’t call it regret, but a painful lesson. Tani’s trial was mine, too. Watching him go through this has been very difficult.”

    Silence filled the room until Kinon spoke.

    “I would like to update the Septum on recent events in the Inter Clan Court,” Kinon said, then began a detailed account of Zal’s incident and Anit’s decision. “Anit’s sentinels are compiling the details of Zal’s case. There are accomplices to contend with, such as Aero of the Dragon Clan, who has been sentenced to the Dark Fort. Meanwhile, Lua Wadi will serve his sentence with Sahdrina.”

    “Will Lady Izuna seek compensation from the Septum?” Mizian asked. “None of us could have imagined that this would happen to her son—or her—when we decided to send Lord Tani to that trial.”

    “I wouldn’t blame her if she wanted to,” Eren said, her tone full of sorrow.

    “The Fox Goddess is not irrational,” Rianon said. “She won’t retaliate over a genuine decision the Septum made under the initial circumstances of our judgment. By the Ekho Realm’s rules, we asked Lord Tani to prove his reasoning. He went to the mortal realm of his own volition. The Septum agreed to meet all his terms. The judgment was sound.”

    “There is no argument on this truth, Rianon,” said Helia, the fertility goddess. “However, we, as a governing council, must consider that the Septum’s rigid rules and doctrines regarding inter-clan relationships—specifically between the Immortal Clan and the Fox Clan—have negatively impacted Lady Izuna and Lord Sunu’s relationship. Our initial judgment also disregarded Lord Tani’s feelings and his right to choose whom he loves.”

    “I decided during Tani’s trial to interfere because of Lady Helia’s theory,” Kinon said. “Lord Tani’s calamity had gone on far too long, and outside forces were meddling. I manipulated Dante into the Arturo bloodline to even the odds. The fact that I had to do so proved there was something wrong. Yet, aside from that single intervention, I made no further effort because of our strict rules. I just…didn’t think to.”

    They all paused in thought before Cale pushed away from the wall.

    “Having just left Dante’s family in distress over their missing son and accompanied Lord Tani through his calamity, I dare say I understand Lady Anit’s hostility toward the Septum,” Cale said. “Our rules may be set in stone, but I believe they deserve addendums. Not every situation is black and white, and none of us could have accurately judged Lord Tani’s intentions toward Dante.”

    “I would defend the Septum,” Sunu said. “The decision at the time was made based on what we understood as a governing body.”

    “Fair enough,” Cale said with a nod. “But what happens now that he’s proved his love? I’d say Lord Tani has transcended that love. What happens next?”

    “Perhaps we need to review our rigid stance,” Mizian said after a long pause.

    “Having matchmade souls from different clans who face endless trials, I back this thought,” Helia said with an approving nod.

    “I would suggest we keep the rules as they are,” Eren said, drawing a frown from Cale. She smiled. “However, we should write an addendum to manage any deviations from our rigid stance. After all, a clear break from our current rules may lead to the abuse of an ekho’s gifts. Lord Cale, your Dark Fort could become overrun with those who choose to cause harm in the name of love.”

    “Perhaps,” Cale said with a hesitant nod.

    “Then,” Rianon said, eyeing the hallway where Anit stood, “it looks like the Septum’s rule will be evolving.”

    “What a grand gesture,” Anit said as she walked slowly to join them. “I’m not here to place blame. There have been mistakes all around—mine more than others. However, as head of the Inter Clan Court, I believe it is my duty to note the following. The Septum’s errors are rooted in the council’s rigid adherence to tradition, the failure to consider individual circumstances and emotions, and an inability to foresee or address the broader consequences of your judgments. I don’t claim to be any better at those things, but there should be due diligence in special cases.”

    “Does your offered opinion mean you will consider returning to the council?” Kinon asked.

    Anit looked around the room, meeting each person’s gaze, then smiled when her eyes settled on Sunu. “I’ll leave the Fox Clan’s decisions to the new Immortal Lord. He is of the blood and powerful enough to suppress my own. I will adhere to his wishes. The Fox Clan is now under his purview.”

    Sunu chuckled and stepped into the informal circle his council members had formed.

    “I also leave the Immortal Clan’s decisions to the new Immortal Lord. He is of the blood and powerful enough to use my power to create a hybrid ekho. I will adhere to his wishes. The Immortal Clan is now under his purview.”

    “Lord Sunu,” Mizian said, his eyes widening in surprise.

    A small movement behind Anit caught Sunu’s attention. Anit shifted to her right, revealing Tani standing by the staircase. His hair was longer now, thanks to his growing power. The red-brown strands fell to his shoulders and were slowly turning white, as though erasing the last remnant of his childhood hair color. The longer his hair grew, the faster his power manifested its traits. In time, Sunu knew Tani’s hair would turn completely white, and he would be at full power, stronger than him.

    Tani wore a deep blue tunic with vivid gold embroidery on the short sleeves and around the collar’s opening, wide dark trousers, and no shoes. A broad gold belt circled his waist, and an amulet hung from it—an amulet they all recognized, because Sunu had worn it for ages.

    The amulet always shifted to the most powerful being in the Ekho Realm whenever there was a significant change in power. Seeing it on Tani’s belt confirmed that Sunu Ryuzo had acknowledged this change and allowed it without challenge.

    The Septum, as one, turned to Tani. They raised their right palms, manifesting their powers, then directed those energies into the amulet to affirm the shift in allegiance. It was telling that Sunu, Cale, and Anit followed suit, sending their own power into the amulet on Tani’s belt.

    As the mingled rays of power met and were absorbed by the amulet, a golden light filled the room, revealing the Ekho Realm’s creator. She appeared in the form of a woman with white hair, dressed in pristine emerald robes.

    “The age of a hybrid born of the Immortal Lord and the Fox Goddess begins. Tani Ryuzo, you shall be the Realm’s Emperor—born of two powerful beings, raised by the mortal realm. I await seeing how vibrantly your era will bloom. Be blessed.”

    When the light faded, the room fell into silence until Tani cleared his throat, drawing his father’s attention.

    “Dad, I’m not keen on doing your job for the time being,” Tani said. “Can you fill in? I still have things to do in the mortal realm. I want to spend time with Dante’s family—and mine. I’m not ready.”

    Sunu smiled and drew Tani into a tight hug. “Your mortal family is beautiful, and I’m glad you get to be with them now. But don’t forget, Anit and I are your family, too. Make sure to visit us often.”

    Tani exhaled and wrapped his arms around Sunu before burying his face in his father’s shoulder. They held each other for a moment, then Sunu stepped back. Anit moved in front of Tani, and they regarded each other cautiously. She reached out to touch Tani’s white hair, her fingers moving over the pale strands in a mix of awe and concern.

    Tani started to speak, but Anit spoke first.

    “I’ll clean up the Inter Clan Court for you,” Anit said. “It’s the least I can do, after all that has happened. I’ll discuss major decisions regarding the clan with you. Nela Bao will seek your counsel in the mortal realm whenever she needs it.”

    Tani swallowed hard and met her gaze. “Mom,” he said after a moment. “Don’t punish Dad any longer. I’m sure he misses you. He hasn’t stopped staring at you since you walked in.”

    Sunu coughed while the rest of the Septum chuckled. Anit blushed and gave Tani’s hair a playful tug, making him frown. She stopped at once, then leaned in to kiss his cheek.

    “Go with your Dante,” Anit said. “We’ll look after the realm.”

    “Hm,” Tani said, grinning as Anit let go of him. He stepped back and winked at Cale before addressing Anit and Sunu. “Dad, Mom, you owe me a sibling after all this. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you blessed this realm with another descendant? He can share in the governance. I can’t wait to be a brother.”

    He vanished from the living area, and Sunu tried to hide his wide smile when Anit turned to glare at him.

    “Who’s interested in having children with you?” she demanded, scowling. Then she pointed at Helia. “Don’t get any ideas from Tani’s comment. We’ve already done a perfect job of screwing up parenting our only son. We don’t need more trouble.”

    “Oh,” Helia said. She gave Sunu a brief nod and disappeared in a glittering shimmer, accompanied by a delighted chuckle.

    “Lord Tani is so entertaining,” Mizian said. “I’m sure I’ll love his era as the Elderwood master. Call me if you need anything, Lord Sunu. Lady Eren, we’ll leave writing the addendums to you.”

    He departed in a wide circle of wind.

    “He’s always like that,” Rianon said, shaking her head. “I’ll help with anything you need—just don’t ask me to do the legwork on the exceptions.”

    “Mm,” Eren said. “I know. I’ll find you when I’m ready to present a semblance of the new rules.”

    Rianon glanced at Cale, then at Sunu and Anit. “It’s been an entertaining time. Your house never disappoints with interesting episodes. I look forward to the next one.”

    She waved and shimmered away in a cloud of water droplets.

    “Well,” Kinon said, clapping his hands. “I’ve had enough fun to last me a few years. Lord Sunu, do call if you need anything. I’m off to tend my vines—I’ve neglected them too long. I’ll send a package of my best wine to the new emperor.”

    “I’m sure he’ll love it,” Sunu said as Kinon disappeared in a cloud of yellow fire.

    Suddenly, only Cale, Anit, and Sunu remained in the room.

    Cale settled into an armchair, studying Anit and Sunu. Noting their hopeful looks, he chuckled softly and lifted his hands in surrender.

    “Right, I don’t want to be the third wheel, brother. I just wanted to say I’m on Tani’s side. A new life might mellow Anit’s temper.” He quickly raised his hands again when a thorny vine rustled in his direction. “I gotta go manage Aero and his misdeeds. See you, Sunu. Anit.”

    He vanished with a dark shimmer, leaving Sunu to sigh.

    “Forgive him. He’s always like this,” Sunu said.

    “I know,” Anit said, clasping her hands. “I-uh—you—”

    “Would you like to explore Tani’s hidden apple orchard?” Sunu asked. “I’ve wanted to see it for a long time. Cale gave me the coordinates.”

    “I’d love to,” Anit said, breaking into a wide smile.

    “Great,” Sunu said, then held out his right hand. “We can spend a day in Tani’s world for a while.”

    Anit took his hand, letting him pull her closer into a firm embrace, and she returned it in full. Their bond filled the spaces left by their long separation. Sunu’s heart soared when he felt Anit’s breath catch with excitement as he leaned in to kiss her.

    ****

    A year later, in the mortal realm, Nora Arturo set a vase of white tulips on a stand in the garden. She gently adjusted one of the blooms, then stepped back to admire the once-ordinary backyard now transformed into a picturesque wedding venue. Rows of chairs draped in soft linens faced a white gazebo, and lace-covered tables were arranged around it. Elderflowers from Hera and Deniz adorned each centerpiece, their sweet fragrance mingling with the June summer air. The buffet was prepared, and the musicians were tuning their instruments, filling the atmosphere with cheerful anticipation.

    Clapping her hands in satisfaction, Nora turned at the sound of Christophe calling her name. He stepped out of the kitchen looking handsome in a cream suit with a crisp white shirt. He wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her cheek.

    “Dante is getting married for love,” Christophe said, gazing at the floral arrangements. “I almost can’t believe it. I worried he’d remain distant forever.”

    “Quite a change from the young man who was always so cold with everyone,” Nora agreed with a soft laugh. “But Tani has him smiling more. Yesterday, he was running around the vineyard with Deniz, laughing like a carefree boy. It was a delight to see, especially after that awful period he went missing last summer.”

    “Well,” Christophe said, drawing her closer, “he’ll live here with Tani. You won’t need to worry so much about him being alone anymore.”

    “Mm.” Nora nodded. “I’m thrilled about it. And now Tani’s introduced me to Selene, the dragon ekho who took over the auction. She made me a partner in the business. It’ll mean some traveling.”

    “That’s wonderful,” Christophe said. “You’ve always dreamed of having a thriving venture of your own.”

    “Yes,” Nora murmured, her eyes bright with excitement. “And it helps to have Tani around, especially if anyone tries to cause trouble like Aero did.”

    “Aero’s actions were unfortunate, but at least everything was resolved,” Christophe replied. “Grandfather Landi is in Kirtland checking on our grandchildren. Viola and her boyfriend moved in together, and April and Zach are doing well. Maybe we should invite them all here this summer.”

    “Let’s talk to Dante and Tani about it,” Nora said with a sigh. “We’d need plenty of planning to hide the house’s magik.”

    Christophe nodded, then smiled when Tom King and his girlfriend, Haziran, emerged from the house. Haziran’s brunette hair framed a face glowing with excitement, and her flowing blue dress complemented Tom’s white slacks, matching loafers, and blue shirt.

    “Everyone’s arriving,” Tom said as they exchanged greetings.

    “You look gorgeous, Haziran,” Nora said warmly. She turned to Tom. “So, when are you proposing?”

    Haziran lifted her right hand with a smile, revealing an emerald ring on her middle finger. “He proposed yesterday. We’re keeping it quiet until after Dante and Tani’s wedding—this is their day.”

    “Oh, congratulations!” Nora exclaimed, pulling Haziran into a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you.”

    Tom beamed when Christophe shook his hand. “Just keep it under wraps for now,” Tom whispered, looking over his shoulder as the door opened again.

    Deniz bounded out, her mother, Hera, right behind her. The little girl held two lilies in her hand.

    “What’s this, Deniz?” Nora asked.

    “Mom says you’re my new grandmother,” Deniz explained. “Lilies mean pure love. I know we won’t live in the same house, but I’ll love you always.”

    Tears threatened to spill from Nora’s eyes as she hugged Deniz. “I’ll love you too, Deniz. Always,” she said, then touched the child’s pretty blue dress. “Your dress is beautiful. I love the ribbons.”

    “Aunt Haziran had it made for me,” Deniz said proudly, spinning in a graceful circle. Her neatly brushed ponytail swung with each turn.

    Nora straightened and kissed Deniz’s forehead. Deniz handed the other flower to Christophe and declared him her grandfather. He lifted her high, making her giggle.

    “You’re spoiling her,” Hera teased as Nora hugged her in greeting.

    “Let her enjoy this,” Christophe said, setting Deniz on her feet. “Today is a celebration—two families becoming one.”

    “It’s certainly a happy occasion,” Hera agreed, smoothing the skirt of her elegant, deep-blue dress. A slit revealed a flash of her legs, and gold pins secured her intricate braids. “Babu’s wedding is the perfect excuse to dress up. We all have to show out.”

    “I’m glad you’re here,” Nora said, hugging Hera again. After they spoke for a few moments, Hera went to find her seat as Amu, Cale, Anit, and Sunu arrived, each looking stylish. Anit wore a vibrant blue gown threaded with delicate gold embroidery; her hair was pinned at her temple with matching gold barrettes, and she held Sunu’s arm.

    Nora drew a steadying breath. “It’s not every day you meet such powerful beings,” she murmured to Christophe.

    “Don’t be nervous,” he whispered, squeezing her hand.

    Anit released Sunu’s arm and approached Nora with open arms. Surprised and touched, Nora returned the hug.

    “We’re family now,” Anit said, patting Nora’s back. “My son is yours, as yours is mine. Let’s protect their happiness together.”

    Nora’s worries melted at Anit’s warmth, and she introduced Anit and Sunu to Christophe. The pair were just as gracious to him. Once greetings were exchanged, they all took their places at the front of the garden.

    More guests soon arrived—Dante’s colleagues, friends from the island, the Elderwood conservancy staff, and Tani’s acquaintances from around the globe. Nora delighted in introducing Tani’s parents to everyone, buoyed by Anit’s supportive presence at her side.

    By two o’clock, it was time for the ceremony to begin. Anit and Sunu settled in seats of honor, while Nora and Christophe took their own reserved spots. Rianon stood at the head of the gazebo to officiate, alongside a local judge. Tani’s lawyer, Vidar Badem, was present to oversee the paperwork.

    Nora checked her watch, its display clicking to 2:00 p.m., then glanced up as Dante and Tani stepped out of the house hand in hand. They paused for a moment, gazing at each other, framed by the golden afternoon light. Tani wore an ivory tuxedo with a red rose pinned to his lapel; Dante wore a black tuxedo, accented with a sprig of elderflowers. Soft music began to play, and they walked down the aisle toward the gazebo.

    The judge opened the ceremony with the legal vows. Dante and Tani signed the marriage license with Vidar and Rianon as witnesses. When the judge stamped the document and handed it over, cheers broke out. Tani raised the license for the crowd to see, then tucked it into the inner pocket of Dante’s jacket, smoothing his hand over the fabric. Dante patted his pocket, drawing laughter from all around.

    Next, Rianon presented two rings, forged with a golden metal shot through with a faint red gleam in the depths of the volcanic mountains in Kinon’s territory.

    Rianon gave Dante’s ring to Tani, and handed Tani Dante’s ring. She smiled and said, “Make your vows.”

    Dante turned to Tani and, with a solemn look, he took Tani’s left hand and slid the ring he held on Tani’s ring finger. “I will love you now and forever,” he promised. “I’ll stand by you through calamity and joy, always.”

    Tani took a deep breath when he felt the warmth of his ring on his finger. He took Dante’s left hand and slid a ring on his ring finger. Meeting Dante’s gaze, he said, “I’ve loved you and will continue loving you. I will walk beside you, through calamity and joy, forevermore.”

    Unseen by most mortals, a soft red glow appeared, stretching from Tani’s left wrist to Dante’s, binding them briefly before fading away.

    Rianon raised her hands in blessing. “May you find joy and love forevermore. Tani Ryuzo Arturo and Dante Arturo Ryuzo—forever one. You may kiss to seal your bond.”

    Dante drew Tani into his arms, their kiss sparking rousing applause. Tom whistled as the Elderwood staff and other guests joined in exuberant cheers.

    Arm in arm, Tani and Dante turned to greet everyone as a married couple. The celebration that followed was filled with laughter, music, and heartfelt toasts. Tom and Hera performed a spirited song, children from the neighborhood danced in a whirlwind of color and enthusiasm, and guests delivered impromptu speeches brimming with best wishes. The lively reception lasted well into the night, uniting two families in a garden wedding that glowed with love, hope, and the promise of a bright future.

    ****

    “Look,” Dante whispered to Tani late that evening, as they both sat at a small table sipping wine. Music drifted through the air, and guests circled the dance floor or chatted in lively clusters under fairy lights.

    Tani followed Dante’s gaze and spotted Vidar inviting Hera to dance. At first, Hera hesitated, but Deniz placed her mother’s hand in Vidar’s, urging her with an eager smile. Vidar’s face lit up as he led Hera to the dance floor, and the music shifted to a gentle melody. They began to sway in time, looking radiant together.

    “There’s always hope for love,” Tani murmured, turning to Dante. “Are you tired? Do you want to slip away?”

    Dante kissed his left cheek. “I’d love that. Where to, my love?”

    “Not far,” Tani said, a mischievous grin lighting his features. “You owe me some time on the couch in your room.”

    Dante chuckled, stood, and took Tani’s left hand. Their departure didn’t go unnoticed. Shouts of congratulations and teasing cheers followed them until they reached the kitchen. Then, Tani wrapped his arms around Dante, ready to teleport—only Dante moved first, surrounding them in a swirl of blue fire that whisked them straight to his suite.

    “You’re getting so good at that,” Tani said, releasing Dante as he wandered to the wide windows overlooking the vineyard. “I’ve missed this place. We’ve been so busy these past months—helping Hera and Tom settle the conservancy’s guardianship, assisting Selene at the apple orchard, meeting all of my parents’ aides. It feels good to finally be home.”

    “Welcome back,” Dante said, coming up behind Tani and sliding an arm around his waist. “You know, Tani—”

    “Mm?”

    “Tani Ryuzo Arturo,” Dante said, his voice brimming with tenderness.

    Tani chuckled, leaning his head back against Dante’s shoulder and clasping Dante’s arms. “Yes, Dante?”

    “You really are my beloved,” Dante said softly, holding Tani as though he never wanted to let go.

    “And you are mine, Dante Arturo Ryuzo,” Tani said with equal reverence.

    Their reflections glimmered in the window, silhouetted by moonlight pouring over the vineyard. Beyond the glass, crickets serenaded the blossoming vines, the stars above shimmering with promise.

    In that quiet room, safe in each other’s arms, their hearts pulsed with the surety of an everlasting love—one they had fought for and won. And in that moment of peace and joy, the future seemed brighter than ever, their bond a promise of many more tomorrows.

    ***

    The End.

    <<Previous | Table of Contents

  • A Thousand Years of Hope Ch 24

    Seeing Dante in pain made Tani forget he could have used a simple teleport to get him onto the living room couch. He only realized it once Nora, Kinon, and he had laid Dante there and made sure he was comfortable.

    Nora brought a pair of scissors and cut away the sleeve of Dante’s T-shirt. Tani gasped at the sight of the kara ot crystals squirming beneath Dante’s skin, forming a disturbing black scar—like ink poured under his flesh—that snaked along his right arm.

    “What is this?” Nora asked, carefully touching Dante’s arm as Tani settled on the couch and rested Dante’s head in his lap.

    “Black weed,” Kinon said, bending close to examine it. “Tani’s mother dealt with a version of this, but I’ve never seen it move so fast. These are fine black crystals fusing with Dante’s blood. I’ll try to burn them off.”

    Tani met Dante’s worried gaze and tried to force a comforting smile, though fear coiled deep inside him—the same fear he’d felt each time he watched his beloved buried, nine times over. He dreaded a tenth. He would fight tooth and nail to stop it, but a whisper of terror told him he might fail. Holding Dante, he turned a pleading look on Kinon, who had closed his eyes and gripped Dante’s right wrist.

    Kinon sent potent fire magik rushing into Dante. Dante jolted and started trembling, sweat sheening his forehead. He clenched his teeth, and Tani dug shaking fingers into Dante’s hair, desperate to take away his pain. Kinon pushed his fire magik deeper, and Dante let out a ragged shout, the walls of Artri House trembling with the force of it. Tears leaked from the corners of Dante’s eyes, and Tani knew it was too much. The black crystals spread, doubling, and racing upward, consuming more of Dante’s right arm and creeping to his shoulder.

    Kinon released Dante’s arm and sat back on his heels, meeting Tani’s panicked stare.

    “What?” Tani asked, gripping Dante’s left hand.

    “I can’t burn it off,” Kinon admitted. “It’s binding to his magik too quickly, as though my fire is feeding it. You know why.”

    Tani’s gaze shifted to the horrendous dark scarring along Dante’s arm. He had hoped the pure energy from a Septum member could combat a kara ot infection.

    “This is my fault,” Tani whispered, catching Dante’s bloodshot eyes. “If I hadn’t brought us too close to that table, if we hadn’t bumped into it—”

    “Stop,” Dante rasped, his voice hoarse. “This isn’t your fault. It’s no one’s fault.”

    Tani shut his eyes, grabbing the front of Dante’s T-shirt in a tight fist, shaking his head. “There has to be a way. Dante, open Artri House. I’ll call Cale and my father.”

    “Okay,” Dante murmured, closing his eyes.

    Tani reached out for Cale through their mental bond, unable to hide the panic in his heart. Cale, find me at Artri House. Something happened to Dante.

    On my way, Cale answered at once.

    B-bring my father with you, Tani urged.

    When Tani opened his eyes again, Nora rested her head on Dante’s chest. Normally, wild kara ot would have latched on to her too, but it stayed inert, as if Dante alone was its target.

    “This is Zal,” Kinon confirmed, seeing Tani’s questioning look. “We were here when his lackey, Aero, gave Nora that vase. I thought it was a harmless gift and never examined it. I’m sorry.”

    Tani swallowed back a surge of dread. Then the doorbell rang, and he guessed Sunu had insisted on politeness. Nora sprinted off to answer it. Moments later, she led Sunu, Cale, and Amu back in. Dante tried to smile at Tani, but it came off as a strained grimace. Tani felt tears burn his eyes.

    “Immortal Lord,” Kinon greeted Sunu, stepping aside so Sunu could reach Dante. Tani watched as Sunu crouched and studied the black crystals crawling in Dante’s right arm.

    “He’s ekho-blessed,” Kinon explained. “The kara ot can’t be burned away. It’s bonded with his magik and is draining his vitality. When I tried to burn it out, my magik targeted his mortal genes.”

    Sunu pressed his hand to Dante’s right arm, and Dante jerked violently, swallowing a cry. Sunu withdrew, meeting Tani’s gaze with the same grim certainty Kinon wore.

    “I’m sorry,” Sunu said softly. “We keep the ekho-blessed away from this parasite for a reason. Pure ekho fire is dangerous to their mortal genes. Any attempt to purge it—”

    “But you helped Lua,” Tani interrupted, disbelief and desperation in his eyes. “You freed that madman from a worse infection.”

    “He’s fully ekho,” Sunu replied gently. “Of the fox clan.”

    Tani cursed under his breath and turned to Cale, who stood by the door as though afraid to come closer.

    “I’m sorry,” Cale murmured, guilt shimmering in his eyes when Tani gave him a pleading look.

    Tani felt tears threaten. Then he looked down at Dante, who offered him a fragile smile, despite the agony carved into every line of his face. This man—whose soul Tani had loved for a thousand years—was trying to comfort him despite the torment he endured. A burning sense of injustice flared in Tani’s chest.

    “If you won’t help me, I’ll find a way on my own,” Tani said, turning a sneer on Sunu and Kinon. Before anyone could protest, he teleported Dante away, taking him upstairs to Dante’s bed.

    “Don’t be angry with them,” Dante managed once Tani settled him against soft pillows. His voice was strained with pain. “The first time we met, you did your best to protect me, Hera, and Tom from this stuff. I was careless this time. It’s not their fault.”

    “No,” Tani breathed, staring at the black crystals crawling beneath Dante’s skin. Each movement inched them farther over his shoulder, weaving a suffocating pattern toward his heart.

    “Tani,” Dante whispered, but Tani shook his head. “You need to—”

    “I don’t want to hear any goodbyes,” Tani warned, gripping the hem of Dante’s T-shirt and helping him pull it off. His stomach twisted when he saw the parasite inching across Dante’s collarbone, turning his golden skin into a grotesque, inky scar. Dante trembled, sweat beading at his temples, and Tani worked fast, piling pillows behind him so he could sit up.

    “Baby, talk to me,” Dante urged softly, reaching for Tani with his left hand, their fingers tangling.

    “We’re going to find a way,” Tani said, taking off his sweatshirt. “I want my time on your couch, dinner with your family—nothing will steal that from us.”

    “What are you planning?”

    Tani coaxed Dante to cross his legs so they faced each other. He took Dante’s hands, clasping the injured one with his left while holding Dante’s left in his right. He looked into Dante’s eyes.

    “For so long, I’ve cowered under the weight of this calamity,” Tani confessed, tears rolling down his cheeks. “So many people saying we shouldn’t be together—others doing their best to make it true. I’m done. I’ll fix this myself.”

    “Baby,” Dante whispered, trying to pull Tani into a hug, but Tani refused to let go.

    “I want you to know,” Tani continued, “I’ve never regretted loving you. Every second I’ve spent with you has been the brightest adventure of my life. You’ve been my favorite person for a thousand years and always will be. I love you, Dante Arturo.”

    Dante leaned in and kissed him. “I love you, Tani. Always.”

    Tani broke their kiss, squeezing Dante’s hands. “Then trust me, Baby.”

    “I do,” Dante said, voice trembling, “with everything that I am.”

    Tani nodded. “You once burned away my pain with a spell. There’s no reason I can’t try the same for you. I’ve been a deviant my whole life. Might as well prove it.”

    “Tani—” Dante started to object, but Tani had already begun whispering the incantation he recalled from Dante’s attempt. Thin lines of light appeared on both their arms, running along their wrists and fingertips, binding them. Dante let out a low sigh at the impact of the bond; it felt heavier than before, forging a stronger link between them.

    They were matched, souls balancing on a golden scale. Dante met Tani’s eyes, and Tani spoke, “Acını paylaş. Yakacağım.” Share your pain. I will burn it.

    Tani expected to feel Dante’s pain, but instead, a wave of Dante’s fire magik surged into him, pouring through the conduits. Tani’s golden magik raced to meet it, flooding Dante with a brilliant light. For Tani, it felt like a thousand needles scraping through his skin. He gasped, trying to slow the flow, fixated on the black scar streaking Dante’s chest. The crystals slithered away from Tani’s magik, fleeing Dante’s arm and shoulder, converging on his chest—and Tani’s heart hammered in pure horror when they neared Dante’s heart.

    Panicked, Tani directed his magik to Dante’s heart, creating a barrier around it. Then he channeled all his strength to trap and purify the black parasite in one place. Dante screamed, the sound torn from his throat. Tani’s power seared away the kara ot, but the strain was colossal. Dante’s eyes rolled back as he fainted, his breathing turning shallow.

    “No.” Tani caught him before he slumped over. “No, no, Dante! Please!”

    He shook him gently, but Dante was fading.

    “I’m sorry,” Dante whispered at some point, his voice barely audible.

    A raw cry tore from Tani’s lips. He pulled Dante against him, cradling him fiercely. “I’m not losing you,” he vowed. “I’ve waited a thousand years for us. I won’t lose you now.”

    Tani closed his eyes and recited a spell from his homeland, one he’d learned from Amu when he was five hundred years old. The conduits along both their arms expanded over Dante’s body and Tani’s, pulsing with power. Tani felt his senses tap into the well of energy he’d always felt just beyond reach, and the force of his full potential flooded him.

    ***

    Downstairs, Cale felt the sudden shift first, then Sunu.

    “Something’s wrong,” Sunu said, racing for the stairs. Amu, Cale, Nora, and Kinon hurried behind him. Dante’s bedroom door was easy to find—the clash of magik blazed like a beacon. Sunu pushed it open, only to stop short at the threshold of Dante’s bedroom.

    On the large bed, Tani and Dante were interlaced in dense golden bands that resembled conduits. Magik poured from Tani into Dante, intense and white-hot, first soothing, then violent. Tani’s eyes snapped open, glowing white, arms locked around Dante.

    “They’re bonding using the ancient ekho rules,” Amu gasped, rushing forward, ready to yank Tani back.

    “Don’t touch him!” Sunu warned. “It’s too late to stop. We can only wait.”

    “They’ll die if Tani can’t stop the parasite or complete the process,” Amu said, horrified.

    “I know.” Sunu’s voice was low. “But interrupting this now would kill them both.”

    “What a troublesome pair,” Cale muttered from behind Sunu. Kinon lingered by the doorway, worry etched on his face.

    ****

    Tani felt himself standing in a white-hot river of energy, the essence of his power. A woman stood at the gate to that wellspring, watching him.

    “I’ll use it all,” Tani said, his voice echoing in the roar of the current.

    “It was always meant for you,” the woman replied.

    “Will it heal him?” he asked.

    “If fate wills it.”

    “Then I’ll assist fate,” Tani said, smiling widely before diving into the river without fear. The magik was in him, and he was in the magik. He opened his eyes in the real world to see the last spark of Dante’s life flickering. Seizing the full brunt of that energy, Tani sent everything he had into Dante.

    ****

    Sunu and the others were abruptly caught in a web of white light, each link winding from Tani to them, then back again, siphoning their collective power into Tani’s determined effort to heal Dante. No one could move, bound by Tani’s will to save his beloved.

    Tani drew on the ekho’s ageless reservoir, using the Septum as a bridge to navigate the roaring magik: Sunu, Kinon, Helia, Eren, Mizian, Rianon, Cale—even Sahdrina’s power flickered to life—united through Tani’s heartbreak and unwavering resolve. He purged every crystal in Dante’s body, driving out the kara ot. The bonding they had all tried to prevent was now complete, transforming an ekho-blessed mortal into a new kind of being—a hybrid fire ekho, born of Tani’s love and desperation.

    ****

    The spell finally released, leaving Sunu free to move. Tani let go of Dante and collapsed onto the bed. Before Sunu could reach him, the laws of the ekho realm snatched Tani’s spirit back to the Palladium gates, his unconscious body dissolving into raw essence.

    For the first time in a thousand years, Tani stood in the heart of the palladium gates between realms, whittled down to his truest form. The ekho realm recognized his act of sacrifice, reshaping him into something greater. When he emerged into the ekho realm, he hung in the air, arms wide, as though assimilating into his new environment. The cuffs on his wrists were gone, and power throbbed through him, bright enough to challenge the immortal lord.

    Anit, drawn by her son’s trial, arrived at the palladium gates in time to catch him when he dropped. She eased him to the ground, brushing back his red-brown hair and arranging his clothes. He was clad in the rough white robes of Sahdrina’s people.

    “Oh, Tani,” Anit breathed, sensing the boundless force rolling off him. “What happened?”

    She settled on the grass near the Palladium gates, cradling her son until Sunu emerged from the palladium gates alone. He rushed over and knelt beside them.

    “He bonded with his beloved and turned him into a hybrid fire ekho,” Sunu explained, checking Tani’s vitals. “The rules of the ekho realm must have weighed his decisions and found them justified. He has become stronger. Or maybe he was always this strong, and we didn’t know.”

    “I don’t know where we can take him,” Anit said, cradling Tani.

    “I do,” Sunu replied. He saw the flicker of alarm in her eyes and offered a reassuring look. “I won’t take him to the Citadel. Kinon helped me cleanse the Zona Forest, and we built him a home there, a place of peace, until he’s ready to face the realm.”

    Anit’s worry softened into relief.

    “What about his beloved?” Anit asked.

    “I have left him to Kinon, Cale, Amu, and Sahdrina. Kinon will guide Dante as he gets used to his new reality. And then, Dante must face the palladium gates to test his resolve; otherwise, he will not be able to enter the Ekho realm,” Sunu said. “I worried the realm’s rules would punish Tani, so I came to check on him first.”

    “I suppose the weight of the energy flowing through him is punishment enough,” Anit said, holding back a soft gasp when Tani shifted. She glanced at her son, who stirred faintly, his aura testing the air around them. “He’s so powerful now,” she whispered.

    “He’s the next immortal lord,” Sunu said, smiling fondly. Then he placed a hand on them both, transporting them.

    ****

    They arrived at a secluded, multi-tiered house hidden deep in the reborn Zona Forest. Each level was wrapped in lush greenery—climbing vines, thick ferns, and potted shrubs that lent the structure a vibrant, breathing quality. Floor-to-ceiling windows on every tier welcomed the surrounding forest and glittering sunlight, offering expansive woodland views. Strong horizontal lines, softened by flowing moss and other foliage, gave the building its distinctive silhouette, punctuated by balconies and terraces. Brimming with plant life, these outdoor spaces seemed to hover just above a tranquil pond, evoking a sense of perfect harmony with nature.

    Sunu took Tani from Anit and carried him into a room framed by tall, graceful windows overlooking a sparkling waterfall. The floors were polished stone, etched with faint runes that shimmered in the shifting light. A gentle breeze drifted through open archways, stirring the sheer drapes on the bed.

    Living vines coiled around polished wooden posts, and vibrant flowers blossomed on every windowsill. Outside, the ancient trees swayed, their leaves whispering a soft lullaby. The pond near the entrance mirrored not only the house’s curved roof and ethereal spires but also the quiet tide of magik emanating from every corner of the Zona Forest.

    Here, embraced by nature’s gentle hum, Anit and Sunu laid Tani on a bed layered with warm blankets. In this sanctuary—built with care and infused with the forest’s rejuvenating energy—Tani could find the solace he so desperately needed. As they settled him to rest, the echo of his determination lingered in the air.

    Anit and Sunu stood quietly on opposite sides of the bed, awed that Tani’s resolve had not wavered. Even a thousand years of hardship had failed to corrupt Tani’s will to protect Dante, no matter the cost.

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  • A Thousand Years of Hope Ch 23

    Zal charged forward, every muscle burning with the relentless determination forged from years of pain, sacrifice, and desperation. He had poured his heart, soul, and sanity into transcending the cruel limits of his bloodline, molding power from the merciless dark. He gripped his black crystal sword until his knuckles whitened, the blade humming fiercely with the corrosive fury he had so painstakingly harnessed.

    Anit stood unarmed, save for deceptively fragile vines coiled around her arm. Her serene composure only fueled the inferno in Zal’s veins. She deflected each brutal strike of his sword with grace—every parry whispering of his inadequacy, every deflection mocking his futile struggle.

    His breath came in ragged bursts as he braced himself, every inch of his body aflame. Cuts laced his arms, stinging like a thousand sparks. Yet beneath the torrent of pain, a deeper ache gnawed at his heart—the dawning realization that all his hard-won strength, years of research, and every forbidden experiment lay in shambles before Anit Izuna’s unyielding might.

    He refused to accept defeat. Not after enduring the corrosive injections of kara ot that scorched his veins black. Not after forging this very sword to channel the toxic magik he had devoted centuries to taming. He needed to prove that his lineage did not define him, that he could seize a destiny beyond his blood.

    Yet Anit stood unscathed, her single vine draped languidly around her arm. The sentinels around the room gawked at Zal with pity instead of the awe he craved. He wanted their terror, their reverence, their acknowledgment that he could claim the Fox Clan’s throne. Instead, they watched him as though he were a frenzied beast, battered by Anit’s calm, immeasurable power.

    “Don’t hold back,” she said softly, her voice laced with unsettling gentleness.

    Humiliation and fury twisted in Zal’s chest. With a ferocious cry, he lunged again, the black crystal sword crackling with dark lightning. He slashed hard, severing the vine that coiled out of her hand to meet his attacks. Chunks of dripping greenery fell, hissing against his blade’s corrosive edge. For one fraught moment, triumph flared—tangible proof that he could wound her.

    But that spark died the instant Anit unleashed her sealed aura. A tidal wave of pure, radiant magik burst from her, shaking the very walls. The severed vine pieces sprang to life at her call, morphing into even thicker, more lethal branches. Leaves unfurled like countless tiny blades, each keening for blood.

    Zal’s breath hitched in horror as the fragments at his feet disintegrated under the brilliance of her power, then re-formed into cruel, living branches. They lashed around him, absorbing the corrosive energy of his sword, their razor leaves shredding his arms and soaking his tunic with blood. It felt like a swarm of wasps was stinging every inch of his flesh, yet he pressed on, determined to complete his attack. He had sacrificed too much to falter now.

    Her power choked the air, crushing the breath from his lungs. With every step forward he managed, the vines tightened, tearing at his body and forcing him back. He staggered, consumed by desperation.

    Reality itself seemed to conspire against him, every movement a tortured struggle. He wrested one final step from the madness, sword raised—only to be slammed away by a surge of branches that hurled him over a shattered bench. Splintered wood gouged his skin, and his own body betrayed him, nerves screaming in revolt.

    He rose again, propelled by the urge to mount an all-out attack. But when he managed to get within striking distance of Anit, those vines whipped around him with merciless speed, binding him in a suffocating prison. His furious cry echoed through the domed court as they threw him back, shattering another bench beneath his weight. He collapsed again.

    Dazed and gasping, Zal tried in vain to stand. The onlookers’ murmurs brushed his ears like distant thunder. He still believed, dimly, that he could fight, but the branches coiled around his legs and torso with inexorable force, pinning his arms. His black crystal sword flickered and dimmed, its corrosive magik eclipsed by Anit’s superior power.

    Exhausted, Zal hung in the unyielding embrace of those vines. Every agonizing sacrifice, every sleepless night spent honing his body and mind, now felt pitifully small—crushed beneath the sheer magnitude of her might. Anit’s gaze, more piercing than any blade, stripped him of his last shreds of pride. His heart pounded with the choking despair of absolute defeat.

    The living wood lifted him upright before the clan’s goddess.

    Anit stepped closer, her nine tails fanned behind her in silent command, each glimmering with ancient, boundless power. In that moment, Zal realized how utterly insurmountable she was. Every wound on his body, every ounce of his will, mocked him with the truth: He would never surpass her.

    With a gentle touch, she stroked the writhing vines. They tightened around Zal’s chest, wringing out a strangled gasp. Her voice rang in the hush: “You have put up an admirable fight, Zal. I truly appreciate your efforts. But it is not your place to move me from my throne. That task”—her eyes flickered with quiet sorrow— “belongs to one far more powerful than I.”

    Her words wounded his soul and tore at every dark dream and aspiration he ever harbored. Overwhelmed by heartbreak, Zal surrendered to the unbreakable weight of Anit’s power. All he had ever sacrificed for this moment was lost, and the cold ache of futility crushed him in its iron grip. He had lost—and nothing could ever change that.

    ***

    The Inter Clan Court was in disarray: benches lay broken, and the windows’ glass had cracked beneath Anit’s power. The sentinels unable to withstand the weight of her overwhelming aura had stepped out of the court, but others continued struggling to maintain the barrier. At last, Anit drew back the intensity of her aura and sealed it, allowing her fellow clan members to breathe more easily. Closing her eyes, she let out a soft, calming breath, then motioned for the sentinels holding the barrier to drop it.

    Nela entered the court, followed by her uncle, Moon Bao, the wisest of the Bao Sentinel Branch. She stepped aside, letting him precede her into the room.

    Moon inclined his head slightly once he stood before Anit.

    “Thank you for intervening,” he said, his gaze lingering on Zal, who now knelt, held in place by Anit’s vines.

    “No need for thanks. It was my oversight, and this was long overdue,” Anit said. “Assist Anael with a new election cycle and clean up the ranks in this court. Vet everyone who worked under him. Use Lua Wadi for those who may be connected to the mortal realm. I want the Sentinel Branches to set up a checks-and-balances system, so we never face this situation again.”

    “I’ll arrange it with the other sentinel heads,” Moon said.

    Anit met his gaze. “Thank you for broaching the subject, Moon Bao. I would never have thought to look into this without your comments on Anael.”

    Meanwhile, Nela organized the Bao officers, restoring the court, casting spells over the broken benches to repair them, and healing the windows’ shattered glass. Sentinel officers from the other branches filed back into the room while the Bao officers managed the chaos.

    The lead judge cleared his throat, catching Anit’s attention. Five judges had returned to the bench.

    “Zal Izuna, Tara of the Anael Sentinel, stand and hear your sentence. By unanimous decision, you are found guilty of violating clan laws, unlawfully maintaining leadership, harming an heir apparent, and sowing strife in the mortal realm. You shall be stripped of your positions and confined, pending further inquiry into your associates—including Lua Wadi and any who aided your crimes.”

    At the lead judge’s sharp gesture, the Bao Sentinels stepped forward to arrest Tara. Glow-woven restraints looped around her wrists, neutralizing her powers. Tara let out a choked sob. Zal did not look up as the sentinels lifted him to his feet and paused before Anit.

    Anit’s stare raked over Zal. “You will answer for every year Tani spent in pain, for every life shattered in the ekho realm because of your schemes. The Sentinel Branches shall share your misdeeds throughout the clan, ensuring no one repeats your mistakes.” She lifted her chin. “Lady Nela, I place their confinement in your Bao Sentinels’ care.”

    Nela inclined her head. “Yes, Lady Izuna. We will see that justice is served.”

    Zal was led away by Moon Bao and his troop of sentinels, forced to pass clusters of ekho who refused to meet his eyes. Tara followed, her composure in tatters.

    As the two conspirators disappeared behind the court doors, tension ebbed in a wave of chatter. Nela Bao thanked the judges as they left the room, gathering her scrolls and evidence with the help of her assistants. Many approached her with questions, but she deftly answered only what protocol allowed.

    Anit flexed her left arm, relieved that the numbness from her wound had faded. She surveyed the bustling hall, the swirl of relief and condemnation chafing at her. Justice, she knew, was only the first step. Zal’s sentencing could not erase centuries of wrongs. Nor could it restore Tani’s lost innocence. She thought of Tani in the mortal realm, torn between love and immortality, burdened by the Septum’s trial and those cursed cuffs on his wrists.

    Guilt twisted inside her: she should have been at his side.

    With one last lingering glance at the spot where Zal had knelt, Anit sighed. No one else will separate me from my son.

    Her eyes burned with tears she refused to shed in public. She would visit Tani in the mortal realm soon to see whether he had won his beloved’s heart. But for now, at least, Zal’s hidden manipulations lay exposed before the entire Inter Clan Court. And that, she told herself, was a beginning.

    She blinked, realizing she now owed Cale a debt. How strange it was to be in the god of calamity’s debt. Shaking her head, she left the court with a shimmer, making her way to the log house.

    ****

    On Saturday, two days after Sunu arrived at Elderwood, Tani woke up early to make breakfast for the household. He took care not to disturb Dante, wanting him to sleep in. It felt good having his beloved in his bed; Tani had spent more than a few minutes just watching Dante sleep. He smiled at the memory of scratching Dante’s beard before leaving their bed.

    In the kitchen, Tani retrieved Turkish sausages from the fridge, along with storage containers with feta cheese and cottage cheese, plus a jar of the sour cherry jam Hera loved canning for Deniz. He placed his loot on the counter and moved to the vegetable rack to gather cucumbers, tomatoes, and a large watermelon. He was rinsing the vegetables at the sink when Hera shuffled into the kitchen, her braids loose around her shoulders. She wore a long white T-shirt and bunny slippers.

    “Morning, sleepyhead,” Tani greeted when she detoured to hug him. He kissed her forehead and smiled as she perched on a chair at the island table.

    “Why are you up so early?” Hera asked. “I was sure with Dante here you’d sleep in.”

    “I wanted to make him a good breakfast spread,” Tani said. “It’s Saturday. Let’s have a wonderful one.”

    “Let’s,” Hera said with a nod, then propped her chin on her right hand. “Babu, you look so happy. It’s amazing to witness. I don’t think I’ve seen you smile as much as you do when Dante is around.”

    Tani smiled and turned off the water. He placed the cucumbers and tomatoes in a bowl. Taking a knife from the rack, he brought the bowl to Hera.

    “He makes me happy,” Tani said. “Slice these. Don’t forget to make the cucumber slices thin. Deniz hates it when they’re too thick.”

    Hera got up to rinse her hands and patted them dry with a paper towel, tossing it into the trash bin before returning to her seat. “Will he move in?” she asked as she accepted the cutting board Tani handed her.

    Tani frowned, remembering Dante’s invitation for him to call Artri House his home.

    “What would you say if I told you I might move in with him?” Tani asked, moving the watermelon aside on the sink counter. He would cut it last. He retrieved oranges from the fruit rack and brought them to the sink, glancing at Hera, who kept quiet.

    “Would that mean we wouldn’t see you often?” Hera asked. “Would you disappear the way you do when none of us can reach you for months?”

    “No,” Tani said, shaking his head. “If I move out, it’ll be to Dante’s family home at the Arturo Vineyard. You know where that is. You can bring Deniz to visit. She can explore the vineyard and play in the olive grove. Dante wouldn’t object. We’d still visit here often. The conservancy continues—even with you and Tom running it, I’d help whenever you needed me. I wouldn’t just vanish.”

    “It sounds like a wonderful plan,” Dante said as he entered the kitchen, making Hera and Tani turn to look at him.

    He looked delicious in white lounge pants and a matching long-sleeved T-shirt. His figure was perfection—hard in all the right places. Remembering how it felt to be wrapped around him, Tani exhaled softly and met Dante’s knowing brown gaze. His heart skipped violently with joy. Dante’s hair was loose around his shoulders. How could a man look so good first thing in the morning?

    Hera cleared her throat, and Tani turned back to the sink.

    “Morning, Hera,” Dante said, giving her a one-armed hug. “Are we having cucumbers and tomatoes for breakfast?”

    “Morning,” Hera said. “Breakfast is Babu’s show today. I’m just following instructions. But I see sausages and cheese on the counter, so there’ll be a nice spread.”

    “Good, because I’m starving,” Dante said, coming around the table to where Tani stood by the sink. He put an arm around Tani and kissed his cheek. “Morning, baby. You left me in bed. I woke up looking for you.”

    Tani smiled as Dante leaned in to kiss his lips. “I wanted to let you sleep in. It’s Saturday, after all. Hera and I decided today should be laid-back.”

    “Laid-back sounds good,” Dante said. “Should I start the tea?”

    “Mm.” Tani smiled when Dante squeezed in beside him to wash his hands, stealing another kiss before moving to the cooking range to set up the tea.

    Tani placed the wet oranges in a bowl, then turned to Hera at the island. He paused, noticing she was staring at him with a wide smile.

    “What?” Tani asked, retrieving another cutting board and knife after placing the oranges on the table.

    “Nothing. I support your choice to move in with him,” Hera said, concentrating on slicing cucumbers. “Do I get free wine, Dante? Deniz and I will be visiting you often at the vineyard.”

    Tani glanced at Dante, who winked at him.

    “I’ll even show you how to decant wine,” Dante said.

    “Wow, that sounds interesting,” Hera said. “I’ve always wondered how wine goes from barrel to bottle. I’d love to learn more.”

    “Mom will be excited to have someone interested in the process,” Dante said. “I spent too much time chasing digs in ancient places and only half-listened when she taught me. She’ll be happy to have someone truly interested in the art.”

    Tani worked in comfortable silence, listening to Hera and Dante discuss winemaking, the vineyard, and Nora’s exploits in the business. He sliced oranges and arranged them on a platter, then got a second platter ready for Hera’s sliced cucumbers and tomatoes. Dante tended to the tea, and when the first batch was ready, he poured three glasses for Hera, Tani, and himself. They paused to sip between tasks.

    Hera sliced the feta cheese while Tani divided the cottage cheese into separate containers to place around the dining table.

    “Nora has an appointment on Monday with the conservancy,” Hera said at one point. “Artri House is now included in the roster of the ekho-blessed, and she’s willing to share her knowledge with anyone struggling. I invited her to discuss possible outreach projects. Do you think she’d be open to joining them?”

    “Oh, she’d love it,” Dante said. “Mom likes feeling included, and she’s happiest when she’s helping.”

    “Fantastic,” Hera said. “I love the book she gave me. It’s helped guide Deniz’s gifts. I can’t wait to learn more.”

    “Learn more of what?” Tom asked as he entered the kitchen. He wore shorts, a T-shirt, and sandals, clearly ready for a relaxed day. “Morning, everyone.”

    “Morning,” Dante and Hera chorused.

    “Babu, you’re making breakfast?” Tom asked, accepting a glass of tea from Dante.

    “Hm,” Tani answered.

    Tom sipped his tea and nodded to the sausages. “I can help with those.”

    “Okay,” Tani said with a smile, watching Tom gather the grilling pan, tongs, and a platter for the sausages.

    “Hera, what are you learning?” Tom asked as he turned on the burner.

    “How to guide ekho-blessed children from Nora Arturo,” Hera said, finishing with the feta cheese. She arranged the feta cheese cubes in three different bowls and got up. Taking eight plates from the cupboard, she started setting the dining table. “Tom, when are you bringing your girlfriend to meet the family? You can’t keep putting it off. I thought you promised Babu you’d have ten children with her.”

    “Ten!” Dante gaped, moving to help Tani rinse grapes and olives in the sink. “Tom King, won’t she run away if she hears you want ten kids?”

    “She doesn’t know I want ten,” Tom said with a smirk, sipping his tea. “Babu, I’d like to bring her when you’re around, so give me a day, and I’ll make it happen.”

    “I think we should have Uncle Amu here, too,” Tani said. “Let’s ask him for a good day during breakfast.”

    “Okay,” Tom said, then winked. “Babu, one of your lawyers is sweet on Hera. What do you think?”

    “What?” Tani glanced at Hera, who shook her head in exasperation.

    “Don’t listen to him,” Hera said. “My heel broke in the courtyard when I was talking to the restoration crew. He helped me back to my office and wrapped my ankle when it felt sprained. Tom’s convinced that means he’s smitten.”

    “Which one?” Tani asked, abandoning the grapes for a moment.

    “Vidar Badem,” Tom said as he opened the sausage package.

    “Ah.” Tani smiled and leaned against the sink counter with a satisfied nod.

    “Wipe that smile off your face, Babu,” Hera said, grabbing cutlery from a drawer.

    “He’s a good man,” Tani said. “Hardworking. He built his firm in an honest way. He’s loyal to his friends and kind to his colleagues. He lost his mother two years ago, but he took excellent care of her. He’s a great catch.”

    “I don’t see it happening,” Hera said. “You’re all forgetting my darling Deniz.”

    “How could we?” Tom asked, giving her a mock-horrified look. “Vidar would treat her right, unlike Hakan.”

    Hera sighed. “Dante, stop them.”

    Dante chuckled and leaned over to kiss Tani’s right cheek. “Baby, you can’t decide for Vidar and Hera. They’ll have to meet more often and choose for themselves.”

    “See? Even Dante agrees,” Tom said with satisfaction.

    “I’m not listening,” Hera laughed, placing cutlery around the table. “This mom is focusing on raising her daughter for now. Romance can wait.”

    “I support you, Hera,” Dante said, smiling when Tani looked at him with a raised brow. “Hera’s your ward. I’ll help you beat up this guy if he does her wrong. I’m just trying to save him early.”

    Tani chuckled. “Maybe I should bring you along to deal with Hakan.” He turned back to rinse olives while Dante finished with the grapes. “Hera, I support all your choices. It’s also okay to try finding love again. You deserve it.”

    “Okay,” Hera said softly.

    A comfortable quiet settled until Deniz’s excited squeal rang from the corridor. They all turned to see Sunu entering with Deniz in his arms and Amu walking in behind them.

    “Good morning,” Deniz said in a singsong voice.

    “Morning,” everyone replied.

    “I can take her,” Hera said, hurrying to Sunu’s side.

    “Don’t worry. I don’t mind,” Sunu said with a gentle smile. He looked especially relaxed, dressed in a white tunic shirt and comfortable trousers, his feet in sandals. Deniz was still in her pink Barbie pajamas and socks, her left arm hooked over Sunu’s shoulder as she played with the medallion on his chest.

    Hera glanced at Tani for guidance, and Tani gave her an encouraging nod.

    “We’re doing fine together,” Sunu continued. “Deniz was just telling me she loves riding horses and swinging as high as possible on the playground. Right, Deniz?”

    “Very high,” Deniz said seriously. “I have a secret for you.” She leaned in to whisper in his ear. “Uncle Cale makes sure I don’t fall. He’s very careful.”

    “What a marvel,” Sunu said, moving to sit at the dining table, where Hera pulled out a chair for him. He settled Deniz on his knee and listened attentively to all her morning secrets.

    “He’s very good with children,” Amu said, catching Tani’s attention. “At the citadel, they run to him, offering him flower crowns that he wears all day.”

    Tani found himself wondering if he had ever sat on Sunu’s knee. He couldn’t remember. Somehow, the memories of his time at the citadel had faded.

    “Let’s have breakfast,” Amu said, snapping Tani out of his thoughts. “What can I help with?”

    “Could you put the sour cherry jam into smaller bowls, and the honey too?” Hera said. “I’ll get the Turkish bagels. I picked up the ones with extra sesame seeds yesterday because Dante seems to love those.”

    “Thank you, Hera,” Dante said, placing the grapes on a large platter.

    “Babu, call Cale. It’s almost time to eat,” Hera said.

    Tani nodded. ‘Cale,’ he called in his mind as he started scrambling eggs at the cooking range next to Tom.

    Cale arrived just as the kitchen buzzed with activity. Impeccably dressed in a neat gray suit, he slipped off his jacket and laid it on the chair nearest Sunu and Deniz, then helped serve the many platters of food.

    They all worked in a flurry to set the dining table with a hearty spread. Soon, everyone was seated, and tea glasses were passed down to everyone, and chocolate milk in a cup for Deniz, who sat between Sunu and Cale.

    Tani settled back in his chair, watching his family enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Beyond a moment of awkwardness when Sunu first arrived, Deniz’s animated conversation swept all barriers aside. The table buzzed with talk of Dante’s digs across Europe, Tom’s research on conservation, Cale’s love of bespoke suits, Hera’s curiosity about winemaking, and Amu’s fascination with obscure crystals. Tani loved every minute, every second. His eyes shone with warmth as he looked up to find Sunu watching him.

    ‘Your chosen family is beautiful,’ Sunu’s voice whispered in Tani’s mind, the words soothing. ‘I’m glad I came to be here with you.’

    Tani held his father’s gaze for a moment, then nodded in acknowledgment. A small part of him was happy to show off his family to his father. He had not known he needed to. To have Sunu sit among these people who Tani loved was perfect.

    Tani held his father’s gaze for a moment, then nodded. A small part of him felt proud to share this family with his father. He hadn’t realized how much he wanted Sunu’s presence here until now.

    Sunu lifted his tea glass in a silent toast and sipped, smiling happily. Then he turned to Deniz, who was offering him a grape on a fork, and took a playful bite with a chuckle.

    “Your dad looks happy to be here,” Dante murmured into Tani’s right ear.

    “Mm,” Tani said, accepting a slice of feta cheese Dante fed him. “What do you want to do today?”

    “Nothing. Just be with you,” Dante said, his gaze thoughtful. “We could swing by Artri House and have another date on my favorite couch. I want to make memories with you there.”

    “It’s a date,” Tani said, grinning. “We could even have dinner with your parents.”

    “I’ll call Mom and tell her,” Dante said, feeding Tani a piece of sausage. “Eat more.”

    “Don’t just feed me,” Tani teased, pointing to Dante’s plate. “You need to eat too.”

    “Ugh, all this sweetness between at your end of the table is giving me a toothache,” Cale said, making Tani scowl at him while Dante laughed.

    Tani kissed Dante’s cheek, then shot Cale a mock-serious look. “So, how are those teeth? Any cavities?”

    They all burst out laughing. Tani squeezed Dante’s arm, exhilarated to be so happy.

    ****

    Nora was busy trimming the damaged vines where Cale and Kinon had apprehended Aero. It was midmorning, and the sun was coming up fast. She adjusted the brim of her wide sisal hat and crouched to study the soil.

    “It’s not as damaged as you think,” a gentle voice said, making her look up in surprise. She blinked when she saw Kinon standing a few feet away. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. I was with Cale in the ekho realm, but he left me abruptly, so I decided to visit the mortal realm. I brought your charmed pens. I took them back from Aero. I placed them in your workroom near the grimoire. On my way out, I decided to check on the vines.”

    “Oh,” Nora said, straightening up, holding her clippers tight. She tried to find the right words to respond to Kinon but found none. “Um.”

    “I grow grapes too,” Kinon said, moving closer. He took the clippers from her and examined the vines she had been working on. “You’ve done a good job removing the worst damaged branches. Here, let me help encourage new shoots.”

    Nora fought back her nerves and concentrated on learning from the ekho god of fire. Kinon was generous with his knowledge, patiently answering her questions about the soil and her concerns about parasites. They worked side by side for two hours, methodically tending to the rows of grapevines.

    “The kara ot Aero tried to root into your soil never took,” Kinon said after a time, touching the loose earth. He sank his fingers into the soil, and Nora sensed a surge of power radiating through the roots. “The soil is very healthy, likely because Lord Tani blessed your vineyard. I’ll restore what was disturbed so it all looks the same.”

    “That’s a relief,” Nora said with a soft sigh. She had chosen to handle the damage alone, giving her staff two days off. Only the vintner had stayed behind, absorbed in his duties.

    “All done,” Kinon said a few minutes later. He stood to his full height, his hands perfectly clean despite plunging them into the dirt. “Fire purifies.”

    “Oh,” Nora said again, and, satisfied with the state of the vines, she motioned toward Artri House. “Would you like a glass of tea?”

    “Yes, please,” Kinon said.

    Nora studied him a moment longer, then turned to lead the way out of the row. She glanced at him often as they walked along the path leading to the house.

    “It feels like you have a lot of questions for me,” Kinon said, his tone as calm as ever. “You can ask anything.”

    “Will you answer?”

    “All that I can,” Kinon said. “Now that you know about Lord Tani, and after one of our own plotted against your kin, there’s nothing left to hide from you.”

    “Why does Lord Cale follow Tani?” Nora asked. “The god of calamities doesn’t sound very…auspicious.”

    “He isn’t, but neither is he cruel,” Kinon replied. “Cale is the Immortal Lord Sunu’s blood brother—darkness to the Immortal Lord’s light. He carries the burden of calamities. He doesn’t corrupt souls; they corrupt themselves, and he revels in what they become.”

    “No matter how you explain it, it still sounds ominous,” Nora said, sighing.

    Kinon chuckled. “I suppose it does. But Cale will be the one to keep Aero in check.”

    “That’s some consolation,” Nora said, nodding as they approached the house. “Lord Kinon, something is weighing on me. It’s about my son, and I’m afraid to ask him directly. Will you listen?”

    “I’ll do my best,” Kinon said.

    “Well, Dante is my only child,” Nora began. “He’s in love with an ekho, someone who belongs to a realm beyond human limits, while my son is…well, he’s human. Even with his powers as a warlock, Dante will still age and die. What happens to Tani then? I want to support their union, but the thought of Tani being left behind haunts me. Isn’t their love doomed to end in sadness?”

    Kinon took a deep breath. “You are indeed the Arturo matriarch, diving straight to the heart of matters,” he said quietly.

    They walked in silence for a while before Kinon stopped and turned to face her.

    “Your question is precisely why the Septum punished Tani,” Kinon said. “He insisted that the love between him and Dante would be equal, that it would endure every trial. However, their limitations are rooted in their very existence. Tani refuses to see beyond his passion, and his devotion to Dante has become both inspiring and worrying. In truth, only fate holds the answer. Perhaps Tani is destined to mourn Dante for the rest of his life, and perhaps Dante was always meant to give Tani a fleeting taste of mortal love.”

    Tears filled Nora’s eyes, and she turned away. “So, who should I pity?” she whispered. “My son, who will condemn an ekho to mourn him for all eternity, or Tani, who is so blinded by love that he dares bind himself to my son, a human?”

    Kinon’s eyes brimmed with tears as he listened to her grief. When she glanced at him, her tears spilled over.

    “It would be a mercy to the entire Septum if we had a sure answer,” Kinon said, his voice thick with emotion. “We’ve all wondered what should be done.”

    Nora wiped her tears with trembling fingers. In her mind’s eye, she pictured Tani living on, remembering his and Dante’s passionate but short-lived love, while watching over Dante’s children and grandchildren long after Dante was gone.

    The thought felt unbearably cruel. Sorrow filled her heart at the fleeting existence of a human life. Compared to an ekho, well, weren’t mortals too cruel to these creatures who lived on watching them in the shadows?

    Shaking her head, Nora grasped Kinon’s left arm and led him toward the house. “I suppose it’s already decided,” she said. “I could hardly believe how excited Dante sounded when he called me this morning, wanting to invite the family to dinner. He sounded so happy, and I’m so glad he feels the warmth of love. You’re Dante’s grand ancestor. I ask you to look after Tani—treat him like an Arturo in the future. Please, accompany him when Dante leaves him behind. Promise me.”

    Kinon hesitated, then gave a solemn nod. “I promise.”

    “Thank you,” Nora said, exhaling. “We look after our own. You know that, right?”

    “I do,” Kinon said softly.

    Nora nodded again. “I feel better knowing that. I made baklava yesterday. Let’s have some with tea, just until I can prepare a proper lunch. I hope you’ll like it.”

    “I’m sure I will,” Kinon said, following Nora up the front steps to Artri House. The door opened for them, and Nora laughed at her home’s eagerness to welcome Kinon.

    “What do you think Tani likes to eat?” she asked as she led him into the kitchen.

    “We’ll have to ask Cale,” Kinon replied. When Nora shuddered at the thought, he amended, “Don’t worry, I’ll do it.”

    “Thank you,” Nora said, gesturing for him to sit at the kitchen table. “It’ll take me time to accept Lord Cale. Will that offend Tani?”

    “No,” Kinon said, pulling in his chair. “Cale scares most people who don’t know him.”

    It was nearly half past noon.

    Before they could speak further, a sharp crash echoed from the front hall, and the entire house shuddered as though seized by an earthquake.

    “What now?” Nora demanded, hurrying out of the kitchen. Kinon followed close behind, and they both stopped short at the front hall in horror.

    Dante stood by the table near the front door, arms flung out to hold the sizeable ornamental vase that had toppled off its perch. He had managed to grab it, but the vase had begun to crumble in his hands. Splinter-like cracks spread across its surface, and in a terrifying instant, black crystal fragments erupted from within, latching onto Dante’s right arm.

    A low, resonant groan seemed to ripple through the house as the shards crept up his sleeve and sank into his flesh with alarming speed.

    Dante gasped, eyes wide with pain. Tani desperately tried to wrench Dante’s hand from the collapsing vase, but the dark fragments clung to Dante’s skin, burrowing deeper.

    Nora screamed when Dante staggered, his knees buckling as a violent tremor shook the house. Tani clutched at him, tears of panic on his face, one arm thrown around Dante’s shoulders in a desperate bid to keep him upright.

    “Dante,” Tani sobbed, his voice trembling.

    Dante’s strength gave out, and he collapsed to the floor, the vase disintegrating into glittering black dust around him. Tani followed him down, resting Dante’s head on his lap as he gripped Dante’s right arm tight, determined to stop the black crystals from doing more damage. The house rumbled in sympathy, the walls rattling as though shuddering at Dante’s agony.

    Nora stood frozen for an instant before she darted to Dante’s side. Tani pushed the sleeves of Dante’s t-shirt up, ripping at the fabric to get a better look. The sight of the inky shards creeping beneath her son’s skin stole the air from her lungs. She could only call his name in a voice filled with dread while Tani fought to hold back the dark fragments spreading along Dante’s right arm. Kinon rushed over, helping Tani when Dante started shaking as hard as the house.

    Nora’s heart pounded with crippling fear, terrified for her son’s life.

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  • List of Characters – A Thousand Years of Hope

    – Dante: One of the main characters, father of Zach and April. He is the son of Nora and Christophe Arturo, and Landi is his great-grandfather and grandmaster. Dante is a blood-born fire warlock and the master of Artri House. He has a history of past lives with Tani Ryuzo.

    •Nora Arturo: Dante’s mother, grandmother of Zach and April. She is married to Christophe Arturo and is the matriarch of Artri House. Nora is knowledgeable about fire magik and runs a side hustle where she sells artifacts she has charmed to Aero for auction.

    •Zach: Dante’s son with Viola. He is mortal and does not have the gifts of Dante’s bloodline.

    •April: Dante’s daughter with Viola. She is also mortal.

    •Viola: The mother of Dante’s children, Zach, and April. Dante was in a relationship with her when he was in college and right after. Their relationship was not one of mutual love, and Viola leaves him out of frustration. She is mortal and not welcome at Artri House.

    •Landi Arturo: Dante’s grandmaster, grandfather of Christophe and his wife, Nora. He has firepower in his bloodline and was helped by Tani in his youth. He keeps journals of the family history. Landi’s true father was Onnik Kinno, the ekho fire god Kinon.

    •Tom King: He is Amu Izuna | Ryuzo’s ward. He works at Elderwood Conservancy. He is close to Hera and Tani, they are family to him. Tani relies on him to do a lot of administration work and manage legal matters in the family. He has Earth magik.

    •Hera Ryuzo: She is Tani’s ward and has a daughter named Deniz. She works with Tom at the conservancy and lives with Tani, Amu, and Deniz. She has been part of his life since she was a baby. She has water magik.

    •Amu Izuna|Ryuzo: He is Tani’s uncle, also known as Amu Ryuzo in the mortal realm. He is the brother of the fox goddess and was born of the Fox Lord Nua Izuna. He is a diplomat and considers Tani his son. He does his best to protect Tani’s interests, no matter what they are, including anyone in Dante’s bloodline.

    •Tani Ryuzo: The Main Character. He is a deviant ekho forced to live in the mortal realm. He has been in a relationship with Dante in nine past lives. His parents are the Immortal Clan’s Immortal Lord Sunu and the Fox Clan’s Goddess Anit. He is serving a sentence in the mortal realm for daring to love a mortal and bond with him.

    •Cale Ryuzo: He is the ekho realm’s god of calamity. He is Tani’s uncle and his warden, tasked with making sure Tani stays in the mortal realm without breaking his promise to the Septum. He is Sunu’s blood brother. His home is called the Dark Fort.

    •Durante: A Past Life of Dante. He was the first of Dante’s souls to break Tani’s heart.

    •Hakan: Hakan is Deniz’s father, who has been able to commit to a life with Hera and Deniz. Tani considers him an outsider and a bringer of trouble. Tani spends most of his time hoping Hera can move on from Hakan. Hakan is the reason why Hera was disowned by her family.

    •Eren: She is the ekho Goddess of Earth. She is from the Immortal Clan and one of the Septum. She was involved in placing cuffs on Tani for his thousand-year calamity. She believes the charge was right, as she would not like to see more ekhos making the same choice.

    •Kinon: The Ekho god of fire. He founded the Artri lineage by pretending to be a mortal named Onnik Kinno. Later, he interferes with Dante’s bloodline to make sure Dante is born as an ekho-blessed warlock. Strong enough to face Tani’s true character.

    •Justina: Works with Dante at the university.

    •Thomas: Works with Justina and Dante at the university.

    •Christophe Arturo: Nora’s husband and Dante’s father. He is a warlock who spends most of his time away from Artri House. He is said to be managing the school where Dante learned how to control his magik.

    •Artri House: The name of the Arturo Family’s house. Artri is also the name of the first of their family’s bloodline. The house itself has sentience and is partial to Dante’s preferences.

    •Aero: An Ekho from the Dragon Clan who visits Artri House. He deals in sourcing items and running a magik auction. He has cultivated a relationship with Nora Arturo.

    •Sunu: Lord of the Immortal Clan and emperor of the Ekho. He is Tani’s father and Anit’s beloved.

    •Deniz: She is Hera and Hakan’s daughter.

    •Selene: She is Tani’s neighbor at the apple orchard. She is an Ekho with two different parents and knows about Tani’s heritage. Her brother is Aero.

    •Anit Izuna: She is the Fox Goddess and Tani’s mother. She is Nua Izuna’s daughter and rules Gralia, the fox clan lands.

    •Zoe: Dante’s neighbor at his apartment in Istanbul.

    •Lua Wadi: A fox working for the Anael Sentinel Branch in Gralia. He is related to Fox God Nua. He caused trouble for Tani and Dante throughout Tani’s thousand-year-old calamity.

    •Sahdrina: Guardian of the Palladium Gates. She is a daughter of The Namib. She is as old and secretive as Cale and governs the border into the Ekho with great authority. She also serves as the guardian of lost souls who wander to the gates.

    •Delphina, Gaia, Baltazar, Kreon, Matlan, Shugo: Members of the Anael Sentinel Branch who were imprisoned by Zal. Shugo was a candidate in the latest leadership election. He triggered suspicions for the Bao Sentinels when he disappeared.

    •Zal Izuna: Head of the Anael Sentinel Branch. He orchestrated a plot hoping to be named as the future heir of the fox clan. He is Anit and Amu’s older brother.

    •Tara: Vice head of the Anael Sentinel Branch and Zal’s assistant.

    •Nua Izuna: Fox Lord and father of Zal with Dran, a woman from a lesser fox clan who lives at Waterside Cross, near the beach in the lower lands of Gralia. Nua is the father of Anit and Amu with his bonded mate Meljean, who is a powerful fox goddess in her own right.

    •Meljean: Nua’s mate.

    •Dran: Zal’s mother.

    •Nela Bao: Works for the Bao Sentinel Branch and is Anit’s most trusted aide.

    •Moon Bao: Nela’s uncle and a wise member of the Bao Sentinel Branch. He heads the Bao Sentinel Branch.

    •Reima Sentinel Branch, Amyritas, and Sandu: Sentinel branches in the Ekho Realm.

    •Anael Sentinel Branch, Bao Sentinel Branch: Sentinel branches of the Fox Clan.

    •Inter Clan Court: A governing body in the Ekho Realm, based in the Fox Clan’s territory.

    •Septum: A governing body in the Ekho Realm, based in the Immortal Clan’s territory.

    •Gralia: The land where the foxes (Ekho) live.

    •Taesi: The capital city of Gralia, where the Inter Clan Court is based.

    •Zona Forest: A forest bordering the Fox Clan and Immortal Clan territories.

    •Immortal Clan: One of the main Ekho clans, ruled by Lord Sunu.

    •Fox Clan: Another main Ekho clan, currently led by the Fox Goddess Anit.

    •Ekho Realm: The realm where the Ekho live. Mortals cannot enter it easily.

    •Elderwood Conservancy: An organization that protects beings like Dante’s family.

    •Artri House Lineage: A book detailing the Artri family history

    •Kur Auction: Owned by Aero. It is taken over by Selene when Aero is apprehended for his misdeeds. Selene and Nora form an ownership partnership.

    •Palladium Gates: They are the border and connection between the mortal realm and the Ekho Realm. They are in the vast sandy dunes of the oldest desert in the world, the Namib. They are guarded by Sahdrina, the daughter of The Namib. She is as old and secretive as Cale and governs the border into the Ekho with great authority. She also serves as the guardian of lost souls who wander to the gates

    •Dark Fort: This is Cale’s domain. He prefers it to any other place.

    •Ekho-blessed: Individuals with a connection to the Ekho, like Dante’s family, Hera, and Tom King. The level of connection to a strong ekho defines how strong personal magik will be.

    •Kara ot: Kara ot is a highly dangerous parasitic weed from the Ekho Realm with devastating effects on both living beings with Ekho blood and the mortal environment. Its appearance in the mortal realm is typically a result of intentional, often malicious, actions by Ekho individuals. The creator of Kara ot is mentioned as living in the Dark Fort and was a purist who sought to harm those of mixed Ekho and mortal heritage.

    •Artri grimoire: A family book that contains hereditary magik spells and any warnings the family’s ancestors might have for their future generations.

    •Ekho: Beings from the Ekho Realm, sometimes referred to as “immortals” in the context of their lifespan compared to mortals.

    •Bloodborne warlock: A warlock with inherent magical power in their bloodline. In Dante’s case, he is born from a line with ekho fire magik, and his mother is also a powerful witch with fire magik.

    •Warlock: A mortal who practices magic.

    •Hybrid: Tani is a hybrid due to his parentage from two different Ekho clans. Selene is a hybrid because she is half-fox and half-dragon. Dante becomes a hybrid as he is an ekho-blessed mortal who bonds with the most powerful being in the ekho realm, becoming a fire ekho.

    The Ekho Realm Map

    The Ekho Realm, A Thousand Years of Hope

    Time – So, people’s ages are quite scary in this novel. I had to engage in some math for it all to work out, so here is a breakdown of the time between the realms. Please note: Dante is already 35 years of age in the mortal realm. He is a very consenting adult when he is with Tani, even though he might as well be a young adult in the Ekho Realm. Okay, here is some math for you. Remember, this is fiction, and well, just go with it; these are all made-up rules of the Thousand Years of Hope world.

    •Time moves more slowly in the Ekho Realm.

    •One month in the Ekho Realm is equal to a whole year (twelve months) in the mortal realm.

    •Time in the mortal realm moves faster relative to the Ekho Realm.

    30 days in the Ekho Realm = 365 days in the mortal realm.

    Now, let’s convert this to hours:

    •30 days * 24 hours/day = 720 hours in the Ekho Realm.

    •365 days * 24 hours/day = 8760 hours in the mortal realm.

    So, 720 hours in the Ekho Realm = 8760 hours in the mortal realm.

    To find the equivalent of one hour in the Ekho Realm in mortal hours, we divide the total mortal hours by the total Ekho hours:

    1 hour (Ekho Realm) = [8760 hours (Mortal Realm) / 720 hours (Ekho Realm)]

    = 1 hour (Ekho Realm) ≈ 12.17 hours (Mortal Realm)

    One hour in the Ekho Realm is approximately equivalent to 12.17 hours in the mortal realm.

    And so, Tani’s 1000 years in the mortal realm is approximately equivalent to 83.33 years in the Ekho Realm.

    ****

    <<Previous | Table of Contents

    I hope I got everyone on the list of characters. If not, share it in the comments. It was my privilege to share this story with you.

    As always,

    Thank you,

    Sui.

  • A Thousand Years of Hope Ch 22

    Chapter Twenty-Two

    Nora Arturo was at a loss for words. She had arrived home at five in the evening, returning from a visit with her best friend in town, only to find Artri House trembling. Upon stepping inside, the house seemed to guide her straight to the kitchen and out through the open back door. In the backyard, she discovered three visitors lounging on her garden benches. The trio stood as soon as they saw her, and she could scarcely fathom the shock that seized her.

    She never would have believed that the Ekho she trusted with her trade would also be the one intent on harming her precious son. She cast a wary glance at Cale, the god of calamities, but his presence in her garden was hardly her biggest concern.

    Standing beside Cale was Kinon, the ekho god of fire and her family’s patriarch. Awe and trepidation warred inside her at the sight of him. He wore a sleeveless black tunic with a loose, open collar edged in thin gold embroidery, dark trousers tucked into black boots studded with gold. A wide gold cuff on his left bicep bore ekho realm symbols. His dark hair fell across his shoulders, and his eyes glowed crimson in the twilight. Nora never imagined she would meet him, let alone under such circumstances.

    He stood near a flower pot filled with snowy blooms that glowed faintly against the deepening night. The delicate blossoms seemed to lean away from him, as though repelled by his searing power. She had seen these flowers recoil like that only once—when her son, Dante, attempted to help her with the gardening. The fire in his blood was just as dangerous.

    “Don’t worry too much, child,” Kinon said. “We’re here to protect your kin. We must catch Aero in the act. Will you help us?”

    Nora nodded. “Yes. But let me be sure I understand: you’re saying Lua”—she pointed at the tall, skinny man between Cale and Kinon— “knows Aero? And that Aero instructed him to harm Dante? So, was it you who hurt our vineyard?”

    “No,” Lua answered, shaking his head. “That was Aero.”

    Nora scoffed, crossing her arms. “All right. I’ll help. Let’s see where Aero gets the nerve to threaten my child on my land.”

    “You cannot act directly against him,” Cale cautioned, shaking his head. “He’s an ekho with dragon fire. That’s why Lord Kinon is here. You must let him handle Aero.”

    Nora sighed, then offered Kinon a graceful curtsey, placing a hand over her heart. “Thank you for protecting my son. What do you need me to do?”

    Kinon grinned, and Cale gave an approving nod.

    ****

    A balmy night sky stretched over the Arturo Vineyard. Rows of grapevines cut dark silhouettes against a hazy half-moon. In the late-hour quiet, every sound felt unnervingly sharp: an owl’s distant hoot, the whisper of leaves stirring in a light breeze.

    Nora Arturo stood on a narrow path between the vines, a small lantern in hand. Her expression remained composed, but her heart pounded with worry—and fierce love for her Dante, and the man who now held his heart, Tani.

    She had agreed to meet Aero at Cale and Kinon’s request. Earlier that evening, they arrived with Lua Wadi, explaining that Aero—a dragon-clan ekho—had been scattering black weed and sowing ruin in her vineyard. Nora’s role was simple: lure Aero with an offer of charmed pens—said to bring perpetual good luck to their owners. The perfect bait for someone who valued precious and powerful objects above all else.

    Standing amid the vines, she clutched a sealed wooden box, thinking of Tani’s kindness toward her and Dante’s abiding trust. She still could not believe Tani had agreed to link her house to the Elderwood Conservancy network. Hera had already called her to set up a meeting at the conservancy offices, and Nora was eager to finalize those plans.

    I can do this, she told herself. She would protect Dante and Tani.

    At precisely midnight, Aero emerged from the far end of the row, gliding forward with predatory grace. Silvery-blond hair caught the moonlight, and his pale blue eyes gleamed. He wore dark clothing that clung to his lean frame, feet hardly stirring the soil as he approached.

    “You have the pens?” he asked without greeting, his voice low and edged with anticipation.

    Nora held up the ornate box. “Yes. I charmed them last week, but I need them gone before my husband finds out. They can attract both business success and academic excellence if used properly.”

    Aero’s thin smile betrayed his eagerness. In response, he produced a glimmering blue vase, its glossy surface traced with faint, rune-like markings that shone under the moon. “A vase that allows your flowers to bloom for a month without dying. A token of gratitude for our many years of cooperation,” he said.

    An involuntary shiver ran through Nora; she knew Aero’s so-called gifts came with strings attached. He bribed her to make sure she called him for more charmed products. Yet she managed a polite smile. “Thank you.” She handed him the box of pens.

    “I’ll send your payment to the usual account,” Aero said, opening the box to touch the pens. Satisfied with the magic he sensed, he nodded.

    “Thank you,” Nora said. “I look forward to it.”

    Hidden deeper in the vineyard, Kinon and Cale observed the transaction from behind trellises, cloaked by illusions. They had orchestrated everything to catch Aero in the act of planting more black crystals on Arturo land. Now that Lua was out of reach, the possibility of Aero acting on Zal’s orders was very high.

    Nora played her role to perfection, and as she turned toward the house with the vase in hand, Aero tucked the box of pens under his arm and slipped farther into the vines.

    Kinon’s fiery gaze tracked Aero’s every step. “He’s headed toward the southern row—near those older vines,” he murmured to Cale.

    Cale, dark energy rippling around him, gave a terse nod. “Nora did well. Lua, stay back until we’ve contained him.”

    Lua Wadi, barely visible in the moon’s dim glow, swallowed and nodded. He still bore the weight of his past betrayals, but tonight was his chance to repay some of that debt.

    ***

    Aero paused once to ensure Nora had gone inside before lowering himself between two vines. Setting the box of pens aside, he produced a small black crystal shard from his robes. Its oily gleam and flickering edges emitted a sinister aura, like tiny black flames dancing along its surface. With practiced ease, Aero dug into the soil, preparing to bury the crystal among the vineyard’s roots.

    Cale and Kinon moved in.

    “That’s enough, Aero,” Cale said, his voice slicing through the stillness. Kinon conjured a flash of flame, casting a harsh glow on Aero’s crouched figure. “We know what you’re doing.”

    Aero froze, glaring at them over his shoulder. His eyes briefly blazed gold, a testament to his dragon clan heritage. A contemptuous sneer crossed his lips.

    “You’re too late,” he said with a derisive laugh. “The vineyard is already tainted. The minute Dante Arturo steps among these vines, he’ll be infected.”

    Kinon advanced, fire spiraling around his right hand. “Not if I can help it. You nearly ruined this family’s livelihood before. You won’t do it again.”

    Aero let out a brittle, mocking laugh. “You call that ‘ruined’? It was only a minor outbreak to inconvenience Tani’s beloved. But you ekho gods swarmed around in panic over a mortal vineyard. It’s pathetic. Why protect a mortal from us?”

    “Because this realm isn’t ours to destroy,” Cale answered. “If you crave dark magic, come to the Dark Fort—I’ll let you toy with it all you like. But the dragon clan was never so petty. How did you sink to this?”

    Aero scoffed. “Why not? What’s so special about this mortal realm? Why would the Immortal Lord’s son choose it over our home? Tani’s wasting his inheritance for a mere mortal, while my sister—my twin—can’t even cross the Palladium Gates because she lacks power. Do you not see the unfairness?”

    Lua ventured a step forward, trembling slightly. “Selene can’t face the Palladium Gates because of her personal limitations. Why do you think causing chaos will magically open them for her?”

    Aero’s jaw set hard. “Selene and I were exiled to this mortal realm for things beyond our control. When travel to the ekho realm was allowed again, I managed to pass the gates, but she couldn’t. She’s stuck here, forced to pretend she’s human, living some quaint life. And Tani Ryuzo dares to normalize it—coddling a mortal lover, acting as though turning his back on his birthright is noble. It sickens me. Tani inherited an empire and chose to abandon it for a fleeting human relationship.”

    Cale’s voice grew cold. “So, you sabotage his life—and ruin innocent mortals—for your twisted revenge?” Tendrils of shadow flared at his fingertips. “You resent Tani’s choice so deeply that you’re willing to poison people who never wronged you.”

    “What do mortals matter?” Aero snarled, eyes flashing. “All I care about is ekho blood. Immortal, Fox, or Dragon, all ekhos, we’re the superior race—and Tani is too blind to his true heritage. If pushing him into crisis makes the Fox Clan come to claim him, then so be it.”

    Flames flared along Kinon’s arm, releasing a wave of heat that scorched a few vines. “Talk of lines we can’t cross—this is one you won’t cross again. The moment you endanger Tani’s beloved or this family, you endanger all of us. Kara ot is not meant for this realm, and it never will be. If you truly valued your sister, you’d find a better way than sowing destruction, you’d help her another way.”

    “You have no idea,” Aero snapped, frustration etched across his features. “Selene’s half-fox, half-dragon. This place will never be home for her, and yet she’s stuck. Meanwhile, Tani, with all the power in the world, wastes it on mortal attachments. It’s obscene!”

    Cale gave a short, humorless laugh. “Selene isn’t the first ekho to live here. She has built a life for herself without regret. But you, Aero—your actions have made you an enemy of the Fox Clan. You’ll face the Inter Clan Court with Zal, who also believes he can toy with Tani’s future.”

    Sensing defeat, Aero tried to teleport away, but Kinon’s flames erupted, circling Aero tight, holding him in place. Cale’s shadows twined like living chains, digging into the soil, yanking the newly buried kara ot out of the soil, and turning it to ash. The dragon ekho bared his teeth, a faint gleam of scaled armor appearing over his collarbones, but Kinon’s fire proved impenetrable.

    “You’ll regret this,” Aero spat, fury laced with panic. “I will see to it Dante shares the same fate in this cycle—”

    “You’ve already lost,” Cale snapped. With a flick of Kinon’s wrist, the fire solidified into a broad gold chain that whipped around Aero’s wrists and ankles. Kinon clenched his fist, and a scorching brand of fire sealed Aero’s power. Forced to his knees, Aero glared with scorching hatred.

    “No matter what you do,” he hissed, “Dante Arturo will suffer. I’ll make sure of it.”

    Cale eased back his shadows, mindful not to scorch more vines. Tani would never forgive him for devastating Nora’s land. “I doubt it,” Cale replied, meeting Aero’s livid gaze. “Your game ends here.”

    Lua Wadi slipped forward, collecting the broken shards of black crystal with trembling hands. He held up a handkerchief-bound bundle. “We’ll keep this as evidence, my lords.”

    “Good,” Kinon said curtly. His voice rang with authority. “Aero of the dragon clan, by order of the Bao Sentinel offices and the Fox Goddess, you are under arrest. You’ll face charges of conspiracy and spreading Kara ot. Resist again, and you’ll have your trial of fire immediately.”

    Aero spat at the ground, moonlight glinting off his defiant stare. Yet he was trapped by Kinon’s burning chains, as helpless as any mortal prey.

    They marched him from the vineyard into an open clearing, the scent of pressed grapes and disturbed earth drifting around them. Overhead, thick clouds rolled in, momentarily swallowing the moon. The air felt charged with the threat of a gathering storm—a storm that would soon break over Aero’s head in the inter-clan halls.

    Nora Arturo quietly stood by the entrance of Artri House. The vase Aero had given stood on a table in the front hall. She watched as Cale, Kinon, and Lua led Aero away, her thoughts torn between relief and apprehension.

    She felt relief that Aero was caught, and yet, dread lingered that the vineyard had suffered too much this night. She would need to find explanations to give her crew about the damage. Most of all, she prayed this danger would pass, that the warning from the ancestors in the grimoire would unravel in Dante’s favor. She wanted nothing more than to see Dante, and by extension Tani, safe at last—and happy in a home where they belonged.

    ******

    The hour the Inter Clan Court had requested had passed, and it was time to reconvene the Sentinel Council. A hush fell over the grand circular hall, where rows of curved benches faced a wide, tiered dais at the front. Sentinel members and their leaders filed in quietly, tension coiling in the air. Towering pearlescent columns soared up to a domed ceiling, shafts of sunlight beaming down onto the raised platform.

    Seated behind a carved wooden bench were the five judges, each wearing a half-mask of intricate gold filigree. Elevated behind them stood a single, ornate chair meant for Anit Izuna—the Fox Goddess—who swept into the hall in a rustle of emerald skirts shimmering with jewels. Her vibrant red hair framed green eyes that burned with tightly contained ire.

    Near the tall double doors at the hall’s main entrance, a stir announced the arrival of Nela Bao, dressed in formal black-and-gold Bao Sentinel attire. She proceeded with composed dignity to a tall lectern at the left side of the dais, where scrolls and slender, rune-marked tablets waited. At the foot of the dais stood Zal Izuna, accompanied by Tara—both wearing the Anael Sentinel Branch insignia. The stiffness in their shoulders betrayed deep unease even as they stood with forced pride. Tara arranged the chairs at their table while Zal took in the sentinel members in the room.

    All around the circular chamber, members of various sentinel branches—Bao, Anael, Reima, Amyritas, and Sandu—filled the benches. The atmosphere thrummed with whispers of rumor, the most prevalent being Shugo Hosa’s disappearance and the impending Anael election. A current of anticipation coursed through everyone present.

    The head judge, a dignified ekho with silver-white hair, tapped his wooden staff on the polished floor three times. The soft echo magnified the sense of solemnity. He inclined his head toward Nela Bao. “Lady Nela, you requested this session. You may proceed.”

    Nela bowed respectfully before speaking. “Honored judges, fellow Sentinels, and venerable Fox Goddess. Today, I present evidence of a plot orchestrated by Zal Izuna to subvert our clan’s established laws, to sabotage Tani Ryuzo’s life in the mortal realm, and to undermine Lady Anit’s authority as Fox Goddess. His actions span centuries—perhaps tracing back to the day our goddess nearly perished in the Zona Forest.”

    A restless murmur swept the assembled crowd at this bold accusation. Anit’s expression remained carefully neutral, though her nails bit into the arms of her ornate chair.

    Lifting a thin, glowing tablet etched with runes, Nela continued. “Let us begin at the start. More than three thousand years ago, Lady Anit fell victim to a hidden black crystal in the Zona Forest. Malicious vines laced with ill intent nearly squeezed the life out of her. She was rescued by Lord Sunu Ryuzo of the immortal clan, and from that moment, their legendary bond began—resulting in the birth of Tani Ryuzo.”

    She paused, letting her words settle over the hushed crowd. “What we have discovered is that this black crystal was deliberately placed in the Zona Forest. Through joint efforts by Lord Kinon and Lord Sunu, we recovered this very crystal and have brought it here for all to witness. I request the judges’ permission to present this evidence.”

    “Allowed,” the lead judge said.

    A side door opened, and Kinon entered, dressed in black. At his heels was an assistant carrying a large clear box containing the black crystal retrieved from the Zona Forest. Startled gasps rose from the benches, and a few Sentinels stood to get a better view. Kinon paused long enough to incline his head in Anit’s direction, then continued to the lectern beside Nela.

    “This black crystal was nurtured specifically to harm an ekho with fox blood,” Kinon explained, signaling his assistant. The clear box opened, and the black crystal multiplied into fast-growing shards that speared toward the judges, Anit and Nela. Kinon swiftly stepped in the way, neutralizing the shards so they shrank back into the box. His assistant clamped the box shut.

    “This crystal carries a special kind of kara ot. We extracted it from a deep ravine in the Zona Forest,” Kinon said, raising his hand. A soft, white cloud rose over the dais, revealing a shifting image of Sunu using his magik to pull the crystal out of the forest floor, followed by the conjured vines that had once entrapped Anit. At Sunu’s urging, the vines formed a likeness of the figure responsible for cultivating the black crystal in the Zona Forest. The crowd gasped upon seeing Tara’s face.

    “That is not sufficient proof,” Zal objected, stepping forward protectively.

    Kinon gave a brief nod and turned back to Nela.

    “True,” Nela said, “but there is another way to confirm the vines’ testimony. The crystal harms anyone in this chamber except for its cultivator.” She motioned for Kinon’s assistant to bring the box closer to Tara, who sat at the front table next to Zal.

    The assistant acted quickly, opening the box before Tara could react. The crystal began to shift toward Zal, but then its color changed, turning white and swirling into a smooth, prismatic orb.

    The assistant placed the box on the table and stepped back. The crystal remained inert—providing all the proof necessary.

    “Do you deny it now?” Nela asked.

    Tara sighed and reached out to shut the box. The crystal did not attack her.

    “I do not deny it,” Tara said, just as Kinon’s assistant removed the sealed crystal. She shot Nela a defiant look, but her eyes widened when Kinon suddenly appeared before her, his aura folding around her like an unyielding vise. Her breath came in ragged gasps.

    “What were your intentions?” Kinon demanded, his voice laced with power that allowed no refusal.

    Tara groaned under the punishing power of Kinon’s power, she met his crimson stare with bloodshot eyes. “I was told to leave the crystal in the Zona Forest. It would fulfill its purpose when the time was right.”

    “By whom?” Kinon pressed, his voice booming in the room.

    “This is coercion,” Zal snapped in protest.

    “By whom?” Kinon repeated, his power wrapping around Tara in a tight, suffocating whirlwind until she whimpered.

    “Lord Zal,” she choked out.

    Kinon released her, then cast a smug look at Zal before moving to the dais. Another tall chair materialized beside Anit’s; he took his seat there and signaled his assistant to remove the box of kara ot from the courtroom.

    “The black crystal was placed in the Zona Forest by Zal and Tara of the Anael Sentinel Branch,” Nela declared firmly. “It was introduced days before Lady Anit’s misfortune occurred. The crystal’s properties—and the effect it had on vines now blessed by Lord Sunu—prove that this sinister scheme took root the moment it was hidden in the forest.”

    Zal’s jaw set in a grim line; he remained silent. Tara stole a quick, pleading glance at him, but he shook his head ever so slightly, warning her not to speak further. Tears slid down her cheeks, a testament to her encounter with Kinon’s raw power.

    “For many years,” Nela continued, “none connected the tragedy in the Zona Forest to any elaborate conspiracy. We now believe that the initial act—planting that black crystal—was the start of a grand plan to claim uncontested leadership in the Fox Clan, and perhaps over the entire sentinel structure.”

    Nela held up a second scroll for the judges to see. “Next, I accuse Lord Zal of instigating the great unrest in Taesi, the Fox Clan’s capital. Through bribes and covert sabotage, he stoked fears that Gralia would collapse unless Lady Anit governed it directly. The resulting conflict nearly sparked war with the Dragon Clan, prompting the Septum and the Citadel to insist that Lady Anit leave the immortal lands and retake her throne. We all remember her fury at being forced to leave Lord Sunu.”

    Nela’s tone sharpened. “In her grief, Lady Anit withdrew from associating with the immortal clan’s leadership.”

    Anit’s face tightened, a flicker of anguish shining in her eyes—unspoken regret for lost time with her son.

    “When Lady Anit returned to Gralia,” Nela went on, “she believed it best to send Lord Tani away from the log house. Amu Izuna, Tani’s uncle, took him to the mortal realm while she stayed behind to stabilize the Fox Clan lands. There, Tani fell in love with a mortal—one of the many reincarnations of the soul we now know as Dante.”

    A ripple of restlessness moved through the chamber; Tani’s mortal love story was infamous.

    “As was his right, Lord Tani bound his soul to that fleeting life,” Nela said, “earning the Septum’s wrath. Accusations flew, accusing Tani of breaking realm rules by potentially prolonging his mortal lover’s life. When the Septum convened a hearing, Lady Anit refused to attend. Zal, as head of the Anael Sentinel Branch, volunteered to represent the Fox Clan, but we now know his true motive was to tighten his grip on power.”

    She cast a severe look at Zal. “By fueling Lord Tani’s heartbreak—making certain his mortal bonds ended in tragedy—Lord Tani remained trapped in the mortal realm, grief-stricken and broken, and Lady Anit would be too distraught over her son’s fate to notice any changes in the Anael Sentinel branch. Zal’s reign in Anael stayed secure.”

    Zal scowled openly. “These accusations lack proof. Fox Goddess, you know as well as I do that Lord Tani acted on his own accord. I did not compel Lord Tani to love a mortal.”

    Anit’s gaze flicked to Zal, offering no reply, her face carefully blank.

    “There is proof,” Nela said. “I now call Lua Wadi.”

    Zal visibly stiffened as the heavy doors opened, and two Bao Sentinels led Lua Wadi forward. Lua’s appearance was neat—white trousers, white tunic, his dark hair combed smoothly down his back. Behind him was a woman in a trailing sand-colored dress, her silver hair pinned with Elderwood vines—Sahdrina, guardian of the Palladium Gates. A shocked hush descended; it was rare to see the Palladium Gates’ guardian in this court.

    Anit stood and inclined her head to Sahdrina, who touched her right hand to her chest and bowed in return. With a short wave of her hand, Anit conjured a second chair beside Kinon’s. Sahdrina ascended the dais and settled gracefully. Once she was seated, Anit addressed the hall.

    “Continue,” she said, before taking her seat.

    Nela inclined her head and guided Lua Wadi to a tall lectern opposite hers. He clung to the polished wood, glancing nervously from Zal to Tara.

    “Lua Wadi,” Nela began, “repeat what you confessed to Lord Cale and the Immortal Lord in the mortal realm.”

    “My name is Lua Wadi,” he said, swallowing hard. “I served in the Anael Sentinel Branch, assigned to Lord Zal’s office. When he rose to lead the branch, there were… opportunities to earn extra money. I wanted to give my family a better life.”

    Nela nodded. “What happened after Zal returned from the council meeting called by the Septum regarding Lord Tani?”

    Lua shifted uncomfortably. “Lord Zal told me he had found an opportunity.”

    “What did he ask you to do?” Nela pressed.

    “He instructed me to carry a black crystal through the Palladium Gates and deliver it to a dragon merchant named Aero in the mortal realm,” Lua said. “Lady Tara arranged the payments to my accounts.”

    “How many times did you do this?” Nela asked.

    “Ten times,” Lua admitted.

    “And how did you smuggle this crystal into the mortal realm?”

    His gaze flicked anxiously to Sahdrina, then down to his hands. “I embedded it in my own body. That way, it passed through the Palladium Gates without Lady Sahdrina’s guardians detecting it.”

    A chorus of shocked whispers flared; one of the judges pounded his gavel for silence.

    “And once in the mortal realm, what did Aero do?” Nela asked.

    “Aero slipped the crystal to Lord Tani’s beloved,” Lua said quietly. “It contained kara ot meant to kill the mortal if he decided to bind souls with Lord Tani. Every time the mortal died, Lord Tani’s calamity would continue, keeping him in the mortal realm longer.”

    “So you ferried that crystal to the mortal realm for centuries, prolonging Lord Tani’s heartbreak,” Nela said.

    Lua exhaled, his shoulders sagging. “I was only following orders—for the sake of my family.”

    “Whose orders?” Nela asked.

    “Lord Zal’s,” Lua answered, voice trembling. “He delivered the crystal to me each time, even if he knew what it did to me, how it corrupted my soul. I realized too late that the crystal was grown and brimming with kara ot.”

    Nela’s eyes narrowed. “Were you aware that your actions interfered with the Septum’s agreement with Lord Tani? That by meddling, you inflicted needless suffering on him? That you forced him to endure centuries in the mortal realm—far longer than the original arrangement required?”

    A flicker of anguish shadowed Anit’s face. Lua shut his eyes for a moment.

    “Yes, I knew,” he said. “I eventually apologized to the Young Fox Lord. I confessed everything to the God of Calamity and to the Immortal Lord. Lord Sunu purged the kara ot from my soul and asked Sahdrina to oversee my punishment. I’ll serve out the rest of my days under her guardianship at the Palladium Gates.”

    Nela nodded. “Can you identify the individuals who handed you the black crystal each time?”

    Lua turned, pointing at Zal and Tara where they sat at the front table, both looking furious and cornered.

    “I submit this scroll,” Nela said, lifting a parchment stamped with the Immortal Clan’s seal, “documenting Lua Wadi’s confession—recorded in the mortal realm by Lord Cale and Immortal Lord Sunu. It details how Lua, at Zal’s behest, sabotaged Tani’s mortal relationship by leaking kara ot into Dante’s environment. Zal used Anael Sentinel funds to fund Lua, forging documents to cover his tracks.”

    A tense hush followed, and then the chamber erupted in murmurs.

    “For a thousand years,” Nela said, “Tani has endured endless heartbreak. Each time, the mortal he loved met a tragic end, prolonging Tani’s ordeal. While Tani was ensnared in his sorrow, sufficiently distracting the Fox Goddess Anit, Zal gathered influence within the Anael Sentinel Branch and the Inter Clan Court, eliminating rivals like Shugo Hosa.”

    Zal rose abruptly, fists clenched. “You cannot accuse me of Shugo Hosa’s disappearance. I had nothing to do with him vanishing before our election.”

    “I’d like to believe you,” Nela replied. At that moment, the side doors opened again, and several Bao Sentinel officers entered, supporting a frail man. Nela’s voice shook with tightly harnessed anger. “We uncovered hidden cells in the Anael stronghold where Shugo was held under Zal’s direct command—along with Tara’s. Shugo’s absence ensured Zal’s uncontested leadership in Anael this time. He has followed this familiar routine too long, managing to retain his seat far beyond the usual three-year term. Zal has been the head of Anael for one thousand years. And in those cells beneath the Anael stronghold, we found six other members of Anael who dared challenge him for the leadership position.”

    The Bao Sentinel officers led the weakened prisoners into the hall, stopping near the front of the dais where all could see them.

    “Please state your names,” Nela instructed.

    The group spoke in turn:

    “Delphina.”

    “Gaia.”

    “Baltazar.”

    “Kreon.”

    “Matlan.”

    “Foster.”

    “Shugo. I was the last to be detained beneath the Anael Sentinel Branch headquarters.”

    Nela lifted her hand, letting the judges, along with the entire chamber, take in the sight of the survivors. Stepping aside from her lectern, she addressed everyone in a measured but fervent tone. “All the evidence we’ve laid out points to one conclusion: Zal Izuna orchestrated a cunning plan to secure perpetual leadership over Anael, limiting the Fox Clan’s democratic rule among the Sentinel branches. Amid larger elaborate plans to possibly usurp authority. From planting the black crystal in the Zona Forest, to Tani Ryuzo’s endless calamity, to Shugo Hosa and his peers’ wrongful imprisonment—Zal has betrayed our trust.”

    She turned to Anit, her voice thick with empathy. “Lady Izuna, you have every right to demand justice for the centuries of agony your family has endured under these deceptions.”

    Anit rose from her seat. The emerald hairpins in her fiery locks chimed softly as she descended the dais’s steps with measured grace. A palpable aura of power emanated from her, causing those on the nearest benches to shrink in their seats. She halted in front of Zal and Tara, her gaze smoldering with an ancient pain that could no longer be contained.

    “You,” she said in a resonant voice that seemed to reverberate through the columns. “The child my father never claimed for the log house in Yesserin Mountain, but entrusted to the people of Gralia, have turned your ambition into poison. You attempted to take my life in the Zona Forest. You forced me to abandon Lord Sunu and my son, plunging our homeland into turmoil—all so you could remain unchallenged as head of the Anael Branch.”

    Her green eyes filled with rage and sorrow. “Tani’s heartbreak is a stain I, as his mother, cannot erase. I missed his early centuries, unable to comfort him, to guide him—consumed by my anger and pain, never imagining the true source of my woes. All while you thrived in my absence.”

    Holding out her hand, she let green sparks dance over her fingertips. “I was blind then, but not now.”

    Zal bowed his head only slightly, refusing to disguise the defiance in his posture. Tara trembled beside him, torn between throwing herself at Anit’s feet or standing firm with Zal.

    “You have twisted the fates of too many,” Anit declared, her voice echoing beneath the dome. “This is treason against the Fox Clan—and an insult to the sentinel system itself. I have only one question for you. Why?”

    Zal’s eyes narrowed. With a swift jerk of his right hand, he produced a black crystal weapon, raising it like a blade. In one fierce motion, he struck at Anit’s left arm. She hissed in pain, reeling back.

    He gave a humorless laugh. “Because if you fall,” he said coldly, “you’ll have no choice but to name me—your older brother—as heir. Amu won’t take your seat, and Tani’s too preoccupied with his mortal entanglements.”

    Anit winced, staring at the slow, dark stain spreading across her arm where the crystal’s venom had infiltrated her veins.

    “That is the most potent kara ot I’ve cultivated,” Zal continued. “Your powers will ebb. Gralia will be mine soon enough.”

    “There is still Tani,” Anit said through clenched teeth, her gaze on the creeping corruption. She cursed under her breath and hissed when Sahdrina and Kinon hurried to her side.

    Zal’s laughter carried a cruel edge. “That boy is so blinded by love that he doesn’t see danger until it devours him. Dante is doomed again, and Tani’s sorrow will consume him—he’ll be useless for decades. Eventually, he might go sulk in the Dark Fort with Lord Cale. He won’t be returning to Gralia any time soon.”

    A flicker of panic touched Anit’s eyes. She turned to Kinon. “Go.”

    Kinon hesitated. “What about—”

    “I have Sahdrina here,” Anit said. “Get to Tani. Do what you must. Consider it your payment for forcing him to stay in the mortal realm.”

    With a sharp nod, Kinon vanished from the Inter Clan Court.

    Sahdrina pressed a glowing palm over Anit’s wound. Her magic tore the black crystals from Anit’s flesh, causing her to bite back a scream. When Sahdrina lifted her hand, the extracted shards dissolved into a harmless heap of inert dirt.

    “Don’t let him strike you again,” Sahdrina warned quietly. “I’ll seek Immortal Lord Sunu’s aid. Stall him.”

    Anit inhaled, then turned to Zal. He had shoved Tara behind him and stood, sword raised, glaring with undisguised hatred. Around the perimeter, the assembled Sentinels chanted spells, raising a protective clear barrier from floor to dome so any ensuing fight stayed contained.

    “Nela,” Anit commanded, “take the judges and your witnesses out of the room. What follows will not be pleasant.”

    “At once, my lady.” Nela quickly guided the Bao officers and the newly freed captives through the side door, ensuring the judges and Lua Wadi followed.

    Exhaling, Anit rotated her left arm, grimacing at the lingering numbness. “So, Zal—you want to fight me for clan leadership?”

    “Yes,” he answered, brandishing his black crystal sword. Its blade pulsed with blue-black light, thrumming with dark magik. “I know how to govern Gralia better than you ever did. All your trust in others has made you weak. I control them now.”

    Anit’s laugh held no mirth. “You misread my faith in people for incompetence. You think my reluctance to manage every detail means I cannot.”

    “There is nothing special about you,” Zal snapped.

    Anit only lifted her chin, defiance blazing in her eyes. “And how will you bring me down from my seat?”

    Zal shoved Tara aside and gripped his glowing sword with both hands. “Let’s see if you can even stand against me. I promise you—I have enough rage to claim this clan. I will become the next Fox Clan God, just like my father, Nua Izuna.”

    Anit smiled coolly, summoning emerald energy that sparked at the edges of her fingertips. “Then give it your best.”

    With that final invitation, the ancient Fox Goddess and her treacherous brother squared off, power crackling in the charged space between them, the entire court braced for the unprecedented battle.

    ****

    <<Previous | Table of Contents | Next>>

  • A Thousand Years of Hope Ch 21

    Chapter Twenty-One

    Tani frowned at his elder bushes. He was beginning to realize the futility of trying to keep them trimmed, given the numerous ekho creatures that visited his home. With a scoff, he turned around and found Sunu—his father—standing in the middle of the library, staring up at the mural on the ceiling.

    “Cale’s painting skills have improved,” Sunu said. “He has quite the memory; this mural is remarkably accurate.”

    “He restored it a few weeks ago,” Amu said, coming closer to admire the mural. “May I ask what brings the Immortal Lord to our humble home?”

    “Cale called me on an errand,” Sunu answered, clasping his hands behind his back. He offered Amu a polite smile. “When it was finished, I decided to follow Tani home. I’ve never been here, although Anit has visited so often. I thought I should see it, too.”

    Amu glanced at Tani, who still stood by the windows. Nearby, Dante glared at Sunu as though he wanted to challenge him outright. Amu tried to catch Dante’s eye, but Dante was too focused on Sunu.

    “Looks like I’ve attracted someone’s ire,” Sunu noted with a small smile as he met Dante’s hostile stare. “Child, your fire is barely contained. Fortunately, I’m one of the few people on whom you can unleash it without consequence.”

    “Don’t think he can’t burn you,” Tani said, scowling at Sunu. “If you’re feeling energetic, do something about the elder bushes.”

    Sighing, Sunu let out a gentle pulse of power. The unruly elder bushes stopped overgrowing and settled.

    “No one will remember,” Sunu murmured.

    Tani gave a resigned sigh at his father’s effortless display of power. The distance between them felt even more painful now that they were face to face. He watched Sunu and felt a hollow ache in his chest. Even though Dante was angry on his behalf, Tani couldn’t ignore the yearning to have a closer relationship with his father. It pulsed under his skin, accompanied by a thousand questions about his lineage, his powers, and what it meant to be part of the fox clan—and the son of the Immortal Lord.

    “May I have a moment to speak with Tani?” Sunu asked Amu and Dante.

    Tani wanted to protest, but when he looked at Dante, he saw only encouragement. Crossing the room, Tani allowed Dante to pull him into a brief hug.

    “You’ve had a difficult few hours,” Tani murmured, kissing Dante’s cheek. “Go rest.”

    Dante shifted and pressed his lips to Tani’s in a lingering kiss.

    “I’ll be upstairs if you need me,” he said. “Just call, and I’ll come.”

    “Mm,” Tani replied with a nod.

    Amu left first, followed by Dante, who shot Sunu an unfriendly glance on his way out.

    With a soft chuckle, Sunu walked to an armchair and sat down.

    “Your beloved seems to have a low opinion of me,” he remarked. “What have you told him, Sweet Tani?”

    “Nothing,” Tani said, taking a seat opposite his father. “There isn’t much to tell. I barely know you.”

    Sunu’s smile wavered for a moment. “That’s my fault, though it doesn’t mean I don’t care for you. You are my son—my flesh and blood. Everything about you matters to me.”

    Tani thought of how Dante struggled to be present for his children, no matter the secrets or distance between them. He knew Dante felt burdened by the distance he needed to keep between him and his children. After their run-in with Lua Wadi, Tani could understand Dante’s struggles. He suddenly wondered what burdens Sunu faced.

    After all these centuries, Tani still found it unsettling that he knew so little about Sunu.

    “Are you the reason Uncle Cale always answers when I call?” Tani asked. “Is that why you made him my warden—so he could track me because we share your blood?”

    Sunu gave a small nod. “You’re a clever ekho. The Septum exists to balance power in the immortal lands. Without laws and guidelines, Siorai would collapse under the pressure of so many powerful beings. Our traditions have sometimes helped us and sometimes hindered us. History will likely remember my reign as the era when the Septum’s head imprisoned his successor simply for falling in love with a mortal. It’s humiliating.”

    Tani bit his bottom lip. “I feel no attachment to the ekho realm. I left it when I was too young. Maybe that was the grand design all along.”

    “Perhaps,” Sunu allowed. “Before you were born, Cale sensed you would experience a period of calamity. Anit and I tried to protect you, but we never imagined your calamity would revolve around forbidden love. Even with all my resources, I couldn’t stop it. The best I could do was assign Cale as your guardian.”

    Tani’s eyes widened. “Are you saying the God of Calamity predicted a thousand-year misfortune for me?”

    “Exactly,” Sunu said. “When you were born, I clung to hope that he might be mistaken and kept you with me for your first five hundred years. But then the fox clan began a disruptive movement, claiming the clan would collapse without its goddess—your mother—at the helm. Tensions rose so high that the dragon clan threatened to invade Gralia. Anit had no choice but to return home and stabilize her realm. She took you with her.”

    Sunu leaned his head back, gazing at the mural overhead. “The day I watched her leave our citadel, I realized I couldn’t avert your calamity through sheer willpower. I had to let your life unfold and hope that, at the end of all your trials, you’d still grant your parents a chance.”

    Tani stared at his father, his heart pounding with indescribable emotion. He barely understood his parents, and the chasm between them felt impossible to bridge.

    “Our family was broken from the start,” Tani said with a short, bitter laugh. “If you foresaw all this pain, why did you have me at all? Why allow me to exist if you knew I’d suffer so much?”

    Sunu’s amber eyes shone with quiet sincerity. “Because you are a precious gift given to us by fate. I’ll never regret your existence, Tani Ryuzo. You are Anit’s son, and you are my son. We love you—albeit imperfectly. I’m sorry I had to step away when you needed me most. I’m sorry I couldn’t for not being able to take away the pain you have endured. I love you, son. I only hope you can forgive us one day and give us a chance to be your family.”

    Tears filled Tani’s eyes at the regret in Sunu’s voice. He turned away, hastily swiping at his tears with the back of his hand. His throat felt tight, and it took him a moment to speak.

    “What do I have to do to get these cuffs off my wrists?” Tani asked softly. “Dante made his choice, and the cuffs remain in place. They won’t come off, even though my powers are unsealed.”

    Sunu glanced at Tani’s wrists, at the thin gold elder leaf bracelets he wore, and gave a thoughtful nod. “Dante is mortal. The weight of your past affects the weight of his promise.”

    “But—” Tani began.

    “I’m not saying the cuffs will never come off,” Sunu said with a gentle smile. “I’m only saying it may take longer than a few days. Soul matters aren’t like water pouring from a bucket in one rush. You and Dante share a long, perilous fate. You have to survive what’s coming before you can reach the other side.”

    Tani gripped the arms of his chair. “What does that even mean?”

    “You’re bonded to a mortal,” Sunu said. “Your life is long; his is not. Kinon has intervened to give Dante a fighting chance, so I can’t predict how things will turn out for him. But I do know that eventually, he’ll have to face the Palladium Gates to weigh his choice. The cuffs might be waiting for that.”

    Tani’s heart clenched. The Palladium Gates never allowed mortal souls through; only those with partial ekho blood could attempt it, and even then, it required colossal power. It was why Selene remained in the mortal realm—she couldn’t pass the test of the gates, while her brother had made it through.

    “Do you think Dante can make it?” Tani whispered.

    “He has Kinon’s lineage, so his fire is strong,” Sunu said. “In the end, his resolve will decide.”

    Tani exhaled. “Then if he can’t, I’ll stay here.”

    “For how long?” Sunu asked, meeting Tani’s gaze. “Mortals don’t live under the same measure of time we do. Unless Dante passes through those gates, he can’t cross the tides of time with you. You’ll have to face that truth.”

    Tani looked down at his hands, resting on the chair’s arms. Time was indeed the true master of the mortal realm—and a formidable enemy for an immortal being. An enemy as old as all the realms.

    “Tani.”

    He glanced up.

    “Whatever comes,” Sunu said quietly, “I’ll stand by your side, as will Cale, your mother Anit, and your uncle Amu. No matter what trials await, we’ll face them with you.”

    A surge of conflicting emotions brought tears to Tani’s eyes again, and all he could do was nod. He hoped he’d be strong enough to endure whatever lay ahead.

    After a moment, Tani stood. Sunu reached out a hand as though to stop him.

    “May I stay a few days?” Sunu asked. His voice was gentle, as though he feared rejection. “I’d like some time in your world.”

    Tani hesitated, conscious of the awkwardness between them. This was the first time he’d truly spoken to Sunu as a father, not just as the Immortal Lord. At last, he shrugged.

    “Everyone here is equal. You’ll eat the same food we make and treat Tom, Hera, and Deniz with respect. No one will accommodate you just because you’re from the Septum.”

    Sunu offered him a genuine smile. “I understand.”

    “Good,” Tani said. “There’s a free suite next to Uncle Amu’s. You can stay there. I’m going to find Dante.”

    Turning to leave, Tani paused at the door. He caught a glimpse of Sunu’s delighted expression before he shut it behind him. Despite his conflicted heart, Tani couldn’t deny that for the first time in centuries, the distance between them felt just a bit smaller.

    ****

    Anit watched Zal and his minions prepare for the next case, Cale’s warning still lingering in her mind. It left a bitter taste on her tongue. She wanted to follow Cale to discover why Tani had summoned him to the mortal realm, but she could not leave the court until it was formally adjourned. Suddenly, the demands of civility felt stifling.

    Her gaze shifted to the five judges listening to a dispute between two neighbors. One neighbor’s young daughter had activated a vine spell in their backyard, causing the vines to grow wildly and spill into the other yard, nearly suffocating a woman who happened to be there at the time. The girl was eight and contrite. Anit knew the judges would likely order training for the child since she showed a great affinity for magik.

    “Nela,” Anit called to the strongest of the Bao. She used a concealment spell before Nela shimmered into the court and stood by the chair Cale would have occupied.

    “Lady Izuna,” Nela said.

    “Nela, can you tell me what case the Anael branch is presenting?” Anit asked.

    “The Bao Sentinels mentioned Shugo Hosa’s disappearance in our last all-sentinel meeting,” Nela said. “He’s a candidate in the Anael leadership election, and we keep track of all such elections to ensure fairness. His disappearance has everyone on edge. As my grandfather mentioned, the Bao have been concerned about Zal’s continued leadership in Anael. Zal and his assistant, Tara, have held their positions for too long. It’s safe to assume they’re here to present evidence related to Shugo’s absence.”

    “Has Bao searched for Shugo?” Anit asked.

    “We have,” Nela replied. “There’s no trace of him in Gralia. Most of our elite teams have searched, but we haven’t found anything.”

    Anit exhaled and straightened in her chair.

    “Summon all the Sentinel houses,” she said. “I want an audit of the Anael Sentinel Branch. Any cases they’re working on are now on hold, and any plans made with the Anael Sentinel Branch are canceled. By the end of this session, we’ll convene a council.”

    “I’ll arrange it,” Nela said, leaving the court to prepare.

    Anit gripped the arms of her chair as the presiding judge read the decision for the girl who had unleashed the vines.

    “Raven Verda shall report to the Gralia Academy of Acolytes in three days. The court will monitor her attendance. We hope her time at the academy helps her better understand her abilities.”

    Raven’s parents thanked the court and apologized to their neighbors. They left with mixed emotions. Anit hoped the girl would learn to balance her power as she continued her training.

    “Next case,” the court manager announced. “The Anael Sentinel Branch will present evidence to prove one of their members is missing. Shugo Hosa has not been seen for two moon cycles. The Anael Sentinel will provide more information on his whereabouts.”

    “Sentinel business,” Anit said with a smirk, catching Zal’s eye. “I invoke the council.”

    “The Fox Goddess has invoked the council,” the court manager intoned. “The court shall empty of citizens. All Sentinel heads and members shall appear in court within the hour. May I ask, Lady Izuna, what the topic is?”

    “The Anael Sentinel Branch elections and whatever else Nela Bao decides,” Anit declared, smiling when she saw Zal’s supporters grow anxious. “I can’t wait to hear what has been happening.”

    ****

    Dante followed Amu into the living room after leaving Tani, but he couldn’t stop frowning at the thought of Tani facing a father he hadn’t seen in so long.

    “Don’t worry,” Amu said, as though reading his mind. “For all his faults, Sunu loves Tani very much. He won’t do anything to upset him.”

    “How do you know?” Dante asked, moving to the window to stare into the afternoon sunlight. He could hardly believe that he and Tani had just been in Kirtland. At least he’d managed to see Zach and April, however briefly—it was enough to ease some lingering concerns.

    “What happened with your son, Zach?” Amu asked, gently changing the subject.

    Dante turned to face him. Amu was like a father to Tani, so Dante supposed he might think of him now as a father-in-law. That idea brought a flicker of cheer to his expression.

    Amu sank into an armchair, and Dante took the seat across from him.

    “Tani took us to Kirtland,” Dante explained. “It was nighttime there, and when we found the camp where the kids had gone, we found the search-and-rescue team already at work. Tani tracked Zach using a protective spell I’d placed on him. We found Zach asleep in an old gazebo under a green blanket. He was with a man named Lua Wadi, who wanted to use Zach and me to force Tani to call Cale—the god of calamity.”

    Dante shook his head. “Does every ekho know about Tani’s calamity and Cale’s involvement?”

    “It’s hard to hide,” Amu said with a rueful smile. “Tani is Anit and Sunu’s son. Ideally, he’d live in Gralia’s log house in Yesserin Mountain or at the Citadel with his father, completing rites of passage like anyone else. Instead, he’s here in the mortal realm.”

    Dante nodded. “I think his parents miss him,” he said quietly.

    “I’m sure they do,” Amu replied. “That’s why Anit visits and leaves all those strange gifts.”

    Dante’s gaze settled on the fox carving in the middle of the room. When Tani was here, the statue had been upright and alert. Now it lay curled up as if sleeping. He smiled at the peculiarity, then looked back at Amu.

    “Did Lua get what he wanted?” Amu asked.

    “I’m not sure,” Dante said. “Tani summoned Cale. After Cale arrived, I got Zach out of the gazebo. Then Tani teleported me to a path near the administrative buildings. I used my magik to compel one of the rescue workers so she would believe she’d found Zach by the river.”

    “Did anyone see you?” Amu asked, curious.

    “April,” Dante answered with a smile. “She rushed to hug me before I could hide. I hugged her back and told her everything was fine—that Zach was safe—then I sealed her memory of the night.”

    “She’ll remember if it becomes important,” Amu said.

    “Probably,” Dante agreed. “For the first time, I felt a deep concern for my children, a need to protect them. And I knew that feeling came from Tani.”

    “And what do you think of Tani?” Amu asked. “You’ve come back here together. I sense his power is more at ease, no longer so restrained. You’ve made commitments.”

    Dante held Amu’s bright green eyes. They were nothing like Tani’s amber, though they shared the same fiery hair: Tani’s red-brown, Amu’s the color of ripe pomegranate seeds.

    “Tani is my soul,” Dante said without hesitation. “I can’t live without him.”

    Amu studied him, then exhaled a soft sigh. “Finally. It’s good to see you offer him the same devotion he’s always given.”

    Dante almost agreed but hesitated, recalling the records he had read at the library before their trip to Kirtland.

    “Uncle Amu,” Dante said, smiling when Amu blinked at the address. “Tani calls you Uncle, so I should too.”

    Amu nodded in acknowledgment.

    “What makes you think the others didn’t choose him?” Dante asked. “I’ve been dreaming about my past reincarnations. That’s how I recognized Tani when we met. At first, I remembered the awful moments of leaving him. Lately, though, I’ve seen how those past lives tried to return to Tani—but Tani was gone, or they died before reaching him. Don’t you think they tried their best too?”

    Amu let out a weary breath. “So, do you plan to change what happens this time? Do you think it can be changed?”

    “Yes. I’ll make sure no one interferes with my choice,” Dante said. “I’ll fight for him and keep what’s mine. I can be very possessive.”

    Amu chuckled. “A wonderful trait when it comes to loving an ekho fox. We’re quite possessive, and it’s been painful to watch my nephew suffer disappointment.”

    Dante met Amu’s gaze again, his heart racing at the quiet warning in those green eyes.

    “Whatever happens,” Dante said, “I’ll give everything I have. I won’t hold back. I don’t want regrets, and I’ll do everything I can to keep us together.”

    Amu looked toward the living room door. Dante followed his gaze and found Tani standing there, smiling.

    “Are you happy?” Amu asked, getting up to stand beside Dante’s chair. He patted Dante’s shoulder with a small smile.

    “Yes,” Tani said.

    “Good,” Amu answered as Tani walked over to them. “So, your father—are we accommodating him?”

    “Yes,” Tani said with a nod. “I told him to stay in the suite next to yours.”

    “I’ll go check on him,” Amu said, then left the room with brisk steps.

    Dante stood, and Tani launched himself into his arms.

    “I love you,” Tani murmured, pressing his face into Dante’s shoulder.

    “And I love you,” Dante said, kissing Tani’s hair. “With everything I have.”

    Tani clung to him, then lifted his head. “I’ll take you somewhere.”

    “Where?” Dante asked, cradling Tani’s waist.

    “A quick tour, then we’ll visit the first place we ever said ‘I love you’ to each other,” Tani replied. “Close your eyes.”

    Dante did as he was told, trusting Tani’s teleportation. He’d grown used to the sudden shifts in location and had even come to appreciate them.

    Tani took Dante on a tour through the forest surrounding the conservancy. Tani showed Dante the marshlands, a thick forest with ancient endangered trees. They ate oranges in a hidden grove and fought with territorial monkeys over the ripe oranges. Finally, they stopped by a hollow tree, and Dante crouched with a broad smile as Tani petted two small foxes.

    “Why are they living here?” Dante asked.

    “The river flooded,” Tani explained, “and I helped them find this hollow. Aren’t they adorable? Want to try?”

    He picked up one of the foxes and turned to Dante.

    Dante approached cautiously, hand trembling as he reached out. The little fox let him pet it for a moment before shrinking away.

    “What’s wrong?” Tani asked, lifting the fox to eye level.

    ‘He’s too hot,’ said the fox. ‘His fire stings.’

    Tani patted the fox’s head and returned it to the hollow, where it disappeared inside the tree with its companion.

    He glanced at Dante. “They’re wary of the fire in your blood. You’re still running hot from our fight with Lua.”

    “I was triggered when Zach was in danger,” Dante said, inspecting his palms. A faint orange-red glow pulsed beneath the skin. “It’ll take time to cool.”

    Tani took Dante’s hands and pressed them against his cheeks. “I think it’s perfectly nice.”

    “You’re biased,” Dante teased with a helpless grin.

    “I need to tell you something,” Tani said softly, still holding Dante’s hands.

    “Something your father told you?” Dante guessed.

    “No,” Tani answered. “Lua confessed he brought kara ot from the ekho realm—specifically designed to harm a mortal. He helped a villain use it against you. Every time you tried to return to me, they interfered, and you died. I don’t know what to do with this revelation. Thankfully, Cale and Sunu learned the truth, and they’ll make sure Lua and his accomplices are punished.”

    Swift relief swept through Dante. He exhaled and met Tani’s gaze. “I’m glad. They never entirely tore us apart. I’m happy to know the others never let our love down. Let your love down. That although broken and twisted, they still knew to find you again. Even if it took so many tries, I still found you.”

    Tani leaned up and kissed him. “I should have stayed so you could find me more easily,” he murmured. “Maybe none of this would have happened if—”

    “No regrets,” Dante whispered, pulling him close. “Maybe everything led us to where we are now. I’m finally strong enough to face your true existence head-on. And I’m grateful we discovered the truth together.”

    Dante pressed his forehead against Tani’s shoulder.

    “I’m glad it was with me,” Dante repeated, unable to hide the jealousy at the thought of Tani finding his happiness with the others, especially the janissary.

    Tani chuckled. “Stop drinking your vinegar. How can you be jealous of your past self?”

    “Can’t help it,” Dante admitted, hugging Tani tighter. “You and the janissary built a castle that is still standing today. All I’ve done is help with some apple trees at your hidden cottage.”

    Tani laughed. “Then let’s build something too.”

    “What?” Dante asked, voice muffled by Tani’s shoulder.

    “I’m not sure. We’ll figure it out. But first, another special place.” Tani pulled him close, teleporting them away from the fox hole. “We’re here.”

    Dante opened his eyes, arms still wrapped around Tani. He drew in a sharp breath at the sight of a waterfall plunging from a tall cliff into a clear blue lake, evergreen trees towering on either side. A cool mist clung to the air, and the cascading water sparkled in the late afternoon sun.

    “Where are we?” Dante asked, looking at Tani. “I’ve seen this in my dreams. You brought Durante here. There’s a cave behind the falls.”

    “It’s deep within the conservancy,” Tani said, taking his hand. “Want to swim?”

    “I didn’t bring a swimsuit.”

    “Who needs one?” Tani teased, shrugging off his suit jacket and dropping it on a nearby rock. He peeled off his shirt and trousers, beaming when he stood there naked.

    Dante grinned back at his carefree lover, who dashed into the lake with an elated laugh, disappearing beneath the surface. Dante tore off his clothes and dove in after him. The cold water shocked his overheated skin, making him laugh as he swam. The roar of the waterfall echoed around them, and Tani’s playful splashes drew him close.

    They chased each other like spirited children, the afternoon light dancing through the trees. Tani flung water at Dante, and Dante dunked him in return until both were breathless and laughing.

    Tani drifted in close, kissing Dante’s shoulder before darting toward the waterfall. Dante followed, spellbound by the copper glints in Tani’s hair. Sunshine and water mingled in a scene that felt full of promise—like a world where happiness could last.

    Catching up, Dante seized Tani’s arm, pulling him into an embrace. He found Tani’s amber gaze and kissed him, warmth sparking through every nerve. Tani sighed contentedly, winding his arms around Dante’s neck. In that moment, time faded away, leaving only the two of them.

    The waterfall’s thunder mixed with their murmurs. Their kisses and tender touches grew urgent and passionate, stoking desire. Tani broke their kiss, and suddenly Dante was resting against a warm comfortable surface with Tani leaning over him. With a quiet gasp, Dante realized they were no longer out in the open; Tani had whisked them into the cave behind the falls. Blue crystals on the walls cast a soft glow, and a thick wool blanket lay on a natural ledge. It felt intimate and secret—a space belonging only to them.

    “You’re full of surprises,” Dante murmured against Tani’s lips.

    “The good kind?” Tani asked, threading his fingers through Dante’s hair.

    “The best kind,” Dante replied, deepening the kiss. Sparks of magic danced along Tani’s skin, and Dante shivered at the electric thrill when Tani returned his caresses with equal eagerness.

    “Dante,” Tani breathed, voice trembling with want. He held Dante tighter, urging him on.

    A gentle, pulsing glow lit the cave as their magic mingled and twined. Each caress sent a jolt of electricity racing along Dante’s senses. He shivered when Tani’s hands explored him with matching eagerness, their bodies moving in a harmony older than time. Minutes or hours might have passed; it felt endless. Dante marveled at how perfectly they fit together, as though they had been made for this dance since the dawn of creation. Tani’s breath came hot against Dante’s neck, and soon neither could tell whose heart was pounding louder, their mingling voices blended with the waterfall’s steady drum.

    They savored every moment, lovemaking unhurried and comforting as if time itself had paused for them. Finally, they lay entwined on the blanket, enveloped by the glow of the crystals and their shared afterglow.

    Tani nuzzled Dante’s shoulder and sighed. “What if I asked you to stay here forever with me?” he said, half-teasing.

    Dante smiled, tracing slow circles on Tani’s back. “I’d say yes in a heartbeat. Think we can manage that?”

    Tani lifted his head, his grin playful. “You’d make a handsome forest king, but you might miss Artri House.”

    “We can always visit Artri House—but we don’t have to stay,” Dante said, threading his fingers through Tani’s hair. Tani’s eyes slid shut, enjoying the touch.

    “I think it would be lovely to stare in your family home,” Tani said after a while. “It feels like somewhere I can always find you.”

    “Then we’ll live there when we’re ready,” Dante replied warmly. “It’ll be our home.”

    They fell silent, cradled in each other’s embrace, safe in the cave’s secret sanctuary. For that perfect period, nothing else mattered—only Dante, Tani, and the soft hush of the waterfall, promising a future as bright and steadfast as the love they shared.

    <<Previous | Table of Contents | Next>>

  • A Thousand Years of Hope Ch 20

    Tani signed the documents his lawyers needed after listing his assets and deciding who got what. Now that his calamity was coming to an end, as Dante had said, he had to start thinking about the future. He would leave the residence to Hera and her descendants, while Tom would look after the fortress with Uncle Amu’s help.

    Tani was rereading the last page after signing when a wave of distress from Dante hit him—fear, really, which was strange, because Dante was exceptionally safe in his residence. Tani capped his pen and handed the documents to the man in charge, while his partner arranged the provided documents in a briefcase.

    “Discuss any issues with Tom King,” Tani said. “You can also rely on Amu Ryuzo if I fail to attend any of your requested meetings. Talking to him is like talking to me.”

    “Yes, sir.”

    Tani thanked them both for their time and left the office as fast as he could. Dante’s distress was rising. The moment Tani reached the corridor, he teleported. Following the waves of worry, he found Dante in the library. As he materialized, Tani sensed Amu in the room, but he was too focused on Dante to greet his uncle.

    He hurried over to Dante, placing a hand on Dante’s shoulder just as Dante stood up and insisted on going to see his children in Ohio. A pulse of panic arched through Tani’s heart—an old fear he felt every time his beloved went back to his family.

    He closed his eyes and opened his arms when Dante turned to him. A soft sigh escaped Tani as Dante stepped into his embrace, begging for his children’s safety.

    Yes, it was almost the same feeling as before.

    “Tani,” Amu said, drawing Tani’s attention. “Go.”

    “Mm.” Tani held Dante tight and teleported them out of the library. He brought them to the backyard of Violet’s house in Kirtland. It was dark, and the house looked empty. Dante let go of Tani and hurried to the kitchen door, murmuring a spell to unlock it.

    Once inside, he turned on the lights and went straight to the calendar pinned to the fridge. As he read the dates, Tani focused on the photographs on the fridge: Zach and April with their mom, their friends, and a man Tani assumed was Violet’s boyfriend. They clearly led a life full of adventures. Tani’s gaze shifted to Dante. In another life, the pictures on the fridge would have included him too.

    “They went to Clear Brook Forest Campsite,” Dante said.

    “I need a visual,” Tani said, watching Dante hurry to the kitchen table. He moved with ease in Violet’s space. On the table sat a Surface Pro tablet. Dante touched the screen to wake it, then spent a few minutes finding camping photos. Tani assumed it wasn’t the children’s first time at Clear Brook.

    “Will this work?” Dante asked, holding the tablet so Tani could see a photo of Zach and April standing beneath a large sign for Clear Brook. The name was painted in white on a tall pillar.

    Tani memorized every detail of the entrance in the photo. “Alright. Let’s go.”

    “Let me lock the door,” Dante said, moving to close the kitchen door. “I don’t want them feeling insecure if they come home and find it open.”

    “Hm.” Tani watched Dante flick off the lights and return the tablet to its original position on the table, smiling at his meticulous nature.

    “Come, Dante.” Tani beckoned. “We should hurry.”

    Dante returned to him and pulled Tani into a tight hug.

    “I’m worried about Zach, lost and alone,” Dante whispered in Tani’s ear. “I’m his dad. This is what I should do. But it doesn’t mean I’ll leave you, Tani. So, stop giving me that helpless look.”

    Tani felt the ache in his chest ease when Dante kissed his cheek. He teleported them to the campgrounds with a small smile, relieved to see the entrance pole that read Clear Brook.

    “I’m glad you found that picture,” Tani said, letting go of Dante. Dante clasped Tani’s right hand and started leading him toward the administrative buildings of the camp.

    “Wait,” Tani said, his aura picking up lingering power in the forest. “We should go straight in. We’ll find him faster than the search party.”

    Dante nodded. “I placed a protection spell on Zach. If he were truly in danger, it should’ve alerted me.”

    “Unless he’s not in danger,” Tani said, teleporting them to the forest’s center. A shallow, clear river ran through the middle, the wide bed lined with smooth stones. Thick clusters of tall evergreens flanked the water.

    The forest was quiet. From somewhere to the north, Tani heard the search and rescue team calling Zach’s name. Tani inhaled deeply and dropped the glamour concealing his features. His eyes sharpened as he scanned the forest floor. He knew Dante’s scent by heart, so any magik linked to Dante would share a trace of it. Closing his eyes, Tani turned slowly. He first faced the direction of the search team, then pivoted east. When he did, he caught a whiff of that familiar power.

    He grabbed Dante’s hand and teleported them to the spot where the scent was strongest.

    They appeared in a grassy clearing with a weathered gazebo at its center—likely abandoned, given the broken stairs and overgrown grass. A lone lounge chair stood in the middle, and Zach lay on it, covered with a blanket.

    Tani grabbed Dante’s left arm, using considerable strength to keep him from rushing over.

    “He’s in there,” Tani said, “but there’s something else too. Zach is bait.”

    “Bait?” Dante cursed under his breath. He wanted nothing more than to sprint to his son, but he fought the urge.

    Tani extended his right hand. Dante saw the thin gold-leaf bracelets on Tani’s wrists and briefly wondered why Tani still wore them now that Kinon’s cuffs were neutralized. This wasn’t the time to ask, though.

    Bright sparks flickered from Tani’s fingertips, transforming into small golden lights that floated into the clearing like glowing fireflies. They drove back the darkness, illuminating the gazebo.

    Dante sucked in a breath when the lights revealed Zach lying peacefully on the lounge chair, wrapped in a green blanket.

    “You came,” said a soft, pleased voice. Dante’s fury ignited at once.

    Flames engulfed his left arm, and he flung a burst of fire toward the voice. The flames struck a nearby shrub, turning it to ash.

    “Whew,” came the voice again, echoing around the clearing. “It’s a good thing I bounced my voice around. Otherwise, I’d be nothing but ashes. You’re strong, Fire Warlock. Very frightening.”

    “Come out,” Tani said. “Or I’ll let him burn down the entire clearing.”

    “That might harm the child,” the voice warned.

    “It won’t,” Tani said coolly. “He’s under my watch. You won’t lay a finger on him.”

    “You’re always so confident,” the voice changed, deepening to a masculine tone. “You really have changed, Tani Ryuzo. Perhaps a thousand years of pain refined that sharp temper.”

    “You know my pain,” Tani said, narrowing his eyes. “You know too much.”

    He increased the glow behind the gazebo, and a tall figure emerged, draped in a dark cloak. His long, unkempt hair—typical of an ekho struggling in the mortal realm—hung around his face, and mud streaked the edges of his cloak.

    “Step forward so we can see you,” Dante said, barely suppressing a growl.

    “So angry,” the man said, walking slowly. “I can’t imagine what he sees in you. Sorry if I’m slow. I’m in rough shape.”

    Tani frowned. His gaze shifted to Zach, who still looked as though he were napping on a camping trip. Tani worried about waking him, in case there was a hidden trap. Clearly, there had to be one. No one would use Dante’s child as bait without a plan.

    “Aww, just look at you two,” the man said as he limped closer, the cloak hindering his movement. “You make quite the pair. I’m sad I never met you together. I only ever saw Dante from the shadows.”

    “You know us together?” Tani asked.

    “Who in our ekho realm doesn’t?”

    “Who are you?” Dante demanded. “What do you want with Zach?”

    “With Zach, nothing. He’s mortal; I can’t truly harm him. I only needed his help so you’d come find me and listen. He’s asleep—won’t wake till morning. If you hadn’t come, I would’ve slipped him back into his bed.”

    “His mother is frantic,” Dante said. “Release him and we’ll talk.”

    “That would be foolish. Your rage is literally burning down your left arm, Dante Arturo. The moment the boy’s out of this clearing, you’ll incinerate me.”

    “What’s your name?” Tani asked.

    “My name is Lua Wadi, a fox working for the Anael Sentinel Branch in Gralia, Immortal Prince.”

    Tani sneered at the title. “I am not the Immortal Prince.”

    “You can deny it, but it’s still true,” Lua said. “Your power burns my skin. I can’t get close.”

    “And yet you dragged me here,” Tani mused.

    “I had no choice,” Lua said, resignation in his voice. “Only you can help me.”

    Tani let out a dry chuckle. “A strange way to ask for help—kidnapping Dante’s child.”

    “I tried every other option. For decades I’ve calculated all possible outcomes, even giving up returning home to my family to figure out a way. In the end, this was all I had left to survive.”

    “What exactly do you want,” Dante asked, “that you’d stoop to using an innocent child as hostage?”

    Lua glanced at Zach, then exhaled. “The Immortal Prince has no weakness other than you and your descendants. I can’t reach him in the ekho realm. Only in the mortal world could I get to you.”

    “How considerate,” Tani scoffed. “But let’s be clear: my beloved’s rage runs hotter than mine and living a calamity has been exhausting enough. I’ve grown jaded, Lua. So, the one who’ll exact revenge is Dante. He’ll decide your fate.”

    “Coming from one deviant to another, I accept that,” Lua said. “Immortal Prince, please—I need you to help me meet Cale, the God of Calamities.”

    ****

    In the Ekho Realm, Cale watched Anit settle into her seat in the grand, circular hall of the inter-clan court. The sun was high, and the Reima Sentinel Branch called the court to order, beginning the first of thirty days set aside to hear and resolve the year’s accumulated cases.

    So much work to manage a territory, Cale thought, letting out a sigh that caught Anit’s attention.

    She sat in the highest seat in the domed room. Most would think she was flaunting her authority, but Cale knew it was to protect people weaker than she, those who might buckle under her aura. She was like Sunu in that sense, though she would never admit it.

    Ten feet below Anit’s seat was a high bench with five chairs. The judges seated there wore gold masks covering half their faces. Each judge held a seven-inch card—black on one side with an X, white on the other with a V to signify approval. If any of them abstained on a case, they would put their card down, forcing Anit to intervene. That was exactly why the hardest cases were usually brought up on the first day when Anit was guaranteed to attend.

    Cale concealed his presence from everyone but Anit as he ascended the ornate steps to her extravagant seat. Her power teased his, but it wasn’t as harmful as Tani’s could be when unleashed.

    “Fox Goddess,” Cale said, “if I’d known the energy in your court could feed me, I would have volunteered to attend sessions on your behalf.”

    “You were too busy devouring my son’s calamity,” Anit replied with lazy amusement, her hands resting on her seat’s armrests. Her nails were a sparkling emerald green today.

    “Well, you do have my attention now,” Cale said, standing on her left. He glanced over the hundreds of people filling the benches below. So many burdens, he mused, letting out another sigh.

    “Sit quietly and behave,” Anit said, waving one hand so that a wooden chair appeared beside hers. Smaller, but enough to keep her company. “I want you to discover the foul plot that’s simmering. It’ll give me an excuse to expend my energy. All I do lately is tease Tani and grow apples.”

    Cale stifled a chuckle at Anit’s mock boredom. He knew she worked tirelessly to maintain Gralia’s peace. Thanks to her the Kara ot was not rampant in her lands. The forests thrived, and her foxes prospered. Prospered enough to need court days and thriving bureaucracies. She reminded him of Sunu’s quiet leadership in the immortal lands. A fascinating sister-in-law indeed.

    He was about to speak when he caught a dark whiff of deceit. Turning his attention to a group of men and women entering the court, he watched them close the doors behind them.

    “Who are they?” he asked.

    “Members of the Anael Sentinel Branch,” Anit answered. “They’re delivering evidence for a case to be heard today.”

    “They reek of deception,” Cale said, eyeing the three men and three women carrying boxes to a court attendant. They then seated themselves in the front row. Cale smirked, anticipating an entertaining reveal—until Tani’s voice echoed in his mind.

    Cale.

    “I must go,” he told Anit. “If you value justice, keep an eye on whatever those six are plotting. I sense nothing good will come of it.”

    “Where are you going, after insisting on joining me?” Anit asked.

    “Your son is calling,” Cale said, disappearing from the inter-clan court. He emerged at the palladium gates, nodding at the guardians who acknowledged him with silent bows. He closed his eyes and pushed through the overwhelming energy between worlds, reappearing in the mortal realm dressed in an impeccable blue suit.

    Where are you? Tani’s voice sounded in his mind, tinged with irritation—a rare note from him.

    Cale teleported again, following the thread of Tani’s call. He was surprised to find Tani in an American forest clearing under the veil of night, where small golden lights tried to fend off the darkness. Dante stood at Tani’s left, his entire left arm blazing with uncontrollable fury. Even from a distance, Cale felt the heat of Dante’s rage. The tension in the clearing was enough to stop a mortal’s breath.

    When Cale materialized by Tani’s right side, the very air seemed to shift in acknowledgment of his presence—like the forest itself held its breath.

    “Little Lordling,” Cale said softly. “I’m here. You always bring me the most thrilling scenes.”

    “A dark one has emerged,” Tani said, inclining his head toward a cloaked figure. “This is Lua. He’s holding Dante’s son in the gazebo. I’m sure there is a trap in there. I would have resolved it sooner, but he wants to speak with you before he’ll let Zach go.”

    Cale’s eyes narrowed as he assessed the figure. “So that’s why you needed me…” His voice was warm, but beneath it ran a current of lethal power that made the night air crackle. “And you dared to force Tani to call me?”

    Lua opened his mouth to respond, but he never got the chance. A suffocating black cloud of power exploded from Cale, roiling across the ground. The grass beneath him withered, and the dark tide surged forward to wrap around Lua. He choked, eyes widening in sheer terror.

    Reacting instantly, Tani flung up a shimmering golden wall, keeping the lethal wave from seeping toward Dante or Zach in the gazebo. Cale’s onslaught slammed into that barrier, scattering in a burst of black sparks.

    Tani gave Cale a small, wry smile. “Someone’s in a mood.”

    “I was about to watch a rather entertaining court session before you summoned me,” Cale said in a low growl. He dropped his hands, still brimming with power, and then locked his dark gaze on Lua. “Instead, I get called away to find a mindless dark one threatening you?”

    Stripped of his cloak by Cale’s force, Lua trembled on his knees. His hair clung to his sallow face, and dark lines trailed up his neck.

    “Don’t suffocate him,” Tani said gently. “He claims to have information. Let him speak.”

    “What information?” Cale demanded, though his aura still pressed down on Lua like a crushing weight. He studied Lua’s face with dark eyes. Lua looked too thin, his skin abnormally pale, and dark lines were climbing up his neck. “Your choices have already led you to a path straight to the Dark Fort.”

    “I have information about the Immortal Prince’s beloved,” Lua choked out.

    Tani gasped, and Dante moved closer to him, wrapping an arm around Tani’s shoulders.

    “Surely, you’ve noticed he died early in each reincarnation,” Lua said, looking at Tani with great difficulty. “It was by design. I have been in the mortal realm every century to make sure your beloved failed you.”

    The air in the clearing charged, a single heartbeat away from total devastation. Cale’s power filled the night like a thunderstorm about to break. Tani closed his eyes and fought down the urge to unleash the harsh power building inside him.

    “Release that child,” Tani said, his tone harsh. “What I want to say should not be in his presence.”

    Lua chuckled. “There is no trap. The boy is simply sleeping. I’ve told you, he will wake up in the morning.”

    Dante’s fire vanished, and he rushed to the gazebo. He gathered Zach into his arms with utmost care and hurried out. As soon as he cleared the gazebo, he set it ablaze with a whispered spell. Reaching Tani, Dante let Tani caress his cheek. Then, remembering the path the rescue team would take, Tani teleported Dante and his son away.

    “You won’t follow him?” Cale asked when Tani turned to face Lua with blazing amber eyes.

    “No.” Tani’s voice dropped, each word laced with lethal intent. “Lua Wadi, speak slowly and carefully. Don’t let any part of what you want to say be vague.” A sharp pulse of power crackled around him, driving home his threat. “Otherwise, the Dark Fort will be unattainable.”

    ***

    Lua let out a long sigh and sat back on his haunches as Cale eased his hold, though Lua still could not escape. Cale’s power was unrelenting; he truly lived up to his title as the Dark Prince. Unable to meet Cale’s dark gaze, Lua turned instead to the brighter prince beside him. Tani was shaking with anger.

    “The day you gave yourself to the mortal was phenomenal in Gralia,” Lua said with a chuckle, settling down comfortably. “The Fox Goddess howled and wept tears of blood in her domain, frightening all the sentinel branches. We thought the world was ending, especially when the Septum dragged you back by force.”

    “It was a beginning for me,” Tani said. “Durante was my whole world. I didn’t want to lose him to the test of time.” He scoffed. “Turns out others thought I needed to prove my words.”

    “Your choice was understood in Gralia,” Lua said. “But you are the son of the Immortal Lord Sunu. The Septum has lived by a purist doctrine forever. For the Immortal Lord’s son to transgress the law and bond with a mortal—well, the waters in the citadel were under threat.”

    Cale chuckled.

    “That is an accurate explanation of the Septum’s reaction,” he said.

    “A tribunal was called, but the Fox Goddess could not attend. She was still angry that the Septum’s purist culture had contributed to her leaving the citadel with the Immortal Prince,” Lua continued, shaking his head. “She was inconsolable. Not even the Grandmaster of Bao could reach her. We all knew she wouldn’t make it to the Septum’s tribunal.”

    “You saw an opportunity?” Cale guessed.

    “Not me,” Lua said with a shudder. “No, I wouldn’t care if the Immortal Prince chose to tie his soul to a common fox in the forest—let alone a mortal with no power.”

    Lua drew in a deep breath and glanced at Tani.

    “You don’t know, but your grandfather, Fox God Nua, has a messy lineage.”

    “Watch your words,” Cale said. “Fox God Nua is famous for holding deeper grudges than his daughter.”

    “I’ve long been punished for my sins against the clan,” Lua said. “One more person on the line won’t hurt me. Fox God Nua had a son with a woman from the Water Lands. This son is ambitious, but he can’t break free from the constraints of his bloodline. He can never reach the heights of the Fox Goddess or her son. Fox God Nua took a good look at him and knew the most he could do was serve the people. But the son had other ideas. He’s chosen to scheme his way to the top. As you faced the Septum and made a bold promise before your father, he stood in as a witness for the fox clan.”

    “When he left there, he found me—an ambitious man hoping to work hard and provide a good life for my mother. He promised my family would never lack for anything. All I had to do was carry out a task.”

    “What task?” Tani asked the anger in his amber eyes growing like a wild animal deep in the Zona Forest.

    “He asked me to ferry a crystal through the Palladium Gates. I had to be careful, as you know. The Gates break us down to our essence when we cross into the mortal realm. The crystal needed to be part of my essence to pass.”

    Cale sighed, and Tani looked at him, confusion plain on his face.

    “He corrupted his soul by storing the crystal in his body to help it cross to the mortal realm. Otherwise, Sahdrina would have stopped him to investigate the foreign object,” Cale said.

    “Yes,” Lua said. “Unfortunately, I didn’t realize the crystal was grown and filled with Kara ot until it started corrupting my body.”

    Lua unzipped his leather jacket and pulled his hair aside. He removed the jacket and turned, revealing his back. Black splotches covered his skin, deep and radiating from within, showing only after a long, corrosive process. His spine was lined with thick dark veins rushing into his skull.

    Tani closed his eyes and stepped back.

    “What did you do once the crystal was in the mortal realm?” Cale asked.

    “I gave it to Aero, the dragon merchant,” Lua said. “The first four times, I noticed nothing. I just passed over the crystal, and my mother received payment. My mother has been able to give our family a good life in Gralia, so I don’t regret helping her. But when the crystal started affecting my health, I realized it was more dangerous than I thought.”

    Tani scoffed. “What did Aero do with the crystal?”

    “He always needed my help finding chances to use it,” Lua said, shaking his head. “He asked me to watch your beloved. If Durante chose to return to your side, we’d find a way to introduce the crystal into his life. As it affects me, so it affects your beloved—like it was tailored to his existence. It doesn’t touch his family. Most times, Aero found a way for Violet to feed crystal dust to him—”

    “Stop,” Tani said, shaking his head. He trembled at the thought of Dante suffering because of this horrific crystal.

    “Who sent you to do this task?” Cale asked.

    Lua sighed. “Before I give you the name, please, Lord Cale, let me enter the Dark Fort. It’s the only way I can stay alive. The creator of Kara ot is there and can help me find a way to purify the worst damage. I’ve betrayed the Fox clan. I’ve belonged to the Dark Fort for a long time.”

    “I can purify you,” Tani said.

    “NO,” Lua said, scrambling to his feet. “I already tried that. When you cleansed the Arturo Vineyard, I was on the edge of the olive grove, and your power almost burned me to ashes.”

    Tani cursed under his breath. “Did you drop the Kara ot in Dante’s land?”

    “No,” Lua said, lifting his hands in surrender. “That was Aero. When he couldn’t find me, he met with the Arturo Matriarch for a trade and tried to ignite your beloved’s journey to the afterlife early.”

    “I hadn’t even met him yet!” Tani said, his eyes wide with shock. “Why harm him when we’ve been apart this entire lifetime?”

    “I guess we’ve all grown tired of a thousand years in the mortal realm without change,” Lua said, casting Cale a helpless look.

    “You have broken rules that concern the Septum,” Cale said. “Lord Tani’s oath with the Septum was a promise that no one would interfere with fate. So many have intervened that I can’t decide your fate alone, Lua.”

    “Please, Lord Cale, please take me in,” Lua begged. “I have nowhere else to turn. I’m willing to help the Immortal Prince bring the creator of this plot to answer for his crimes. Please.”

    “You’ll have to meet my brother,” Cale said, reaching for his right cuff.

    Tani started to protest, but Cale used the pin on his cuff links to prick his right palm. A drop of blood fell to the ground—dark and corrosive. Before it could touch the grass, a white drop engulfed it and sank into the soil. The grass around them turned green, neutralizing Cale’s destructive power, and beautiful flowers sprang up to fill the meadow.

    Tani looked up and froze when he saw the man standing behind Lua. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit and white shirt. His brown hair was cut short, and he had the same tall, lean build as Cale, though his expression was kinder. His presence in the meadow brightened the dark, his light enhancing Tani’s light beads. He regarded Tani with keen amber eyes and spoke to Cale without looking away.

    “Brother, you called?”

    “Stop staring at your son and focus,” Cale said.

    “Tani,” Sunu said with a broad smile. “Can we make good memories together?”

    Tani found himself speechless before the father he had not seen since turning five hundred. He looked to Cale for guidance, but Cale merely smirked.

    Tani closed his eyes for a moment.

    “Tani.” Dante’s voice rang in his head. Tani longed to run to him, but he couldn’t. The kneeling Lua before him knew the person who had made his beloved die at the age of thirty-six. He needed to find a solution soon. The tide of time was moving faster, and Dante’s birthday was too close.

    “Lua, if you won’t speak the name of your benefactor,” Tani said, sparks dancing on his fingertips, “I’ll burn that Kara ot inside you and feel no remorse.”

    “You don’t need to handle him,” Sunu said, hurrying around to Tani’s side. He took Tani’s right hand with his left, holding it tight as he faced Lua.

    Tani stood in shock at the warmth of his father’s hand. He was even more stunned when Sunu stepped forward, blocking Lua’s view of him.

    “Lua,” Sunu said, his voice gentle but pulsing with energy. “Look at me.”

    The command was soft but impossible to ignore. Lua stood and faced Sunu eye to eye.

    “Immortal Lord,” Lua said, meeting Sunu’s amber gaze.

    “Good,” Sunu said. “You’re using the corruption in your body to coerce my brother and my son. I’ll resolve that for you. Dissolve.”

    Lua stared at Sunu for a moment, then emitted a high-pitched scream, arms flung wide. Tani frowned as white light permeated Lua’s skin. The black splotches vanished, and he collapsed, trembling.

    “Now there’s no bargaining chip,” Sunu said. “You will answer for your decisions.”

    Lua nodded, sitting up with his arms wrapped around his chest.

    “His name is Zal. Zal Izuna,” Lua said. “He is the head of the Anael Sentinel Branch and has been for far too long.”

    “Do you still wish to enter the Dark Fort?” Cale asked, making Lua look up at him.

    Tani noted Lua’s visceral shudder at the idea. Sunu’s purification had left him abhorring the dark.

    “I apologize for my presumptuousness,” Lua said, bowing his head to Cale. “I hope you’ll forgive my earlier insistence. I do not wish to join the Dark Fort.”

    “Then,” Sunu said, studying Lua, “we can only send you to the Guardian of the Palladium Gates. You violated the terms of the Palladium Gates. So, Sahdrina will take you in and treat you as she sees fit. Is this acceptable?”

    “Yes,” Lua said with a vigorous nod. “Before you send me to her, there’s one last thing. The crystal I brought this time is with Aero. He asked me to find an opportunity to give it to Violet.”

    “What?” Tani stepped forward, ready to shake Lua, but Sunu still held his hand.

    “Can you get it away from Aero?” Sunu asked.

    “No,” Lua said. “But I can make him come find me.”

    “Good,” Cale said. “Sunu, I’ll plan this with Lua. Someone is eager to meet this pair.”

    “Then I’ll leave them to you,” Sunu said, turning to Tani. “Your beloved has been calling you. Will you answer?”

    Tani stared at his father, at a loss.

    “Baby,” Dante’s voice sounded in his mind again, “will you join me at the camp offices, or should I get a jeep and come find you? Because I will—”

    Tani closed his eyes, preparing to teleport away to Dante, but Sunu used his considerable power to bring Dante to them instead. One moment, Tani was ready to vanish; the next, Dante stood in the clearing. Dante spotted Sunu, then quickly wrapped an arm around Tani’s shoulders, glaring at Sunu’s hand, which still held Tani’s.

    “Who are you?” Dante demanded, hostility blazing in his eyes.

    Tani smiled and leaned into Dante’s embrace. “Don’t glare at him with fire in your eyes. He’s my father, Sunu Ryuzo.”

    “Oh.” Dante gave Sunu a dismissive glance, then pulled Tani closer, forcing Sunu to let go. “Zach is with his mom. The children are safe with Violet. I hugged and kissed them goodbye. Can we go home now? I don’t want Hera and Deniz to wonder what happened to us.”

    Tani nodded and kissed Dante’s cheek. “Yes, let’s go home.”

    He teleported them back to the library and sighed when Sunu materialized behind them. Amu, startled by the new arrival, dropped his book.

    Tani pulled free of Dante and glanced out the window. The Elderwood bushes, which had calmed after Eren’s visit, now exploded with unbridled joy. Branches shot upward as though they were on a mission, bushes bulged outward, and white flowers popped open by the dozens.

    “Why?!” Tani shouted, rushing to the windows with both hands extended, as though he could restrain the wild growth by sheer will. But, with Sunu the immortal lord here, he had no hope. “My elder bushes!”

    <<Previous | Table of Contents | Next>>

  • A Thousand Years of Hope Ch 19

    It was raining when Tani and Dante went to bed at the cottage on Thursday. Tani had spent most of the afternoon reinforcing the barrier around the orchard to keep mortals out. The apples growing on the trees were not easy to consume, which was why he gave them to Selene. She knew where to sell them, and there were those who needed them.

    Dante moved to cover them with the sheets, but Tani stopped him.
    “Close your eyes,” Tani said, moving Dante’s hand away from the covers.

    Dante smiled. “Are you going to surprise me with something?”

    “Yes.” Tani brushed Dante’s hair away from his face, lingering on the neat beard that had grown during their stay at the cottage. “I’ll help you trim your beard in the morning.”

    “Do you know how?” Dante asked, settling back on the pillows with his gaze fixed on Tani.

    “Teach me,” Tani said, kissing Dante’s forehead. “I’m a fast learner.”

    “This is a big one, though,” Dante said, looking reluctant. Tani smiled.

    “I love my beard, baby.”

    Tani grinned. “You don’t bat an eyelash freeing me from Kinon’s cuffs, but you’re hesitating about me trimming your beard.”

    Dante sighed. “It took a while to get it the way I like it. Besides, I’m a little vain. I want to look good when I stand next to you, Fox Lord.”

    “Don’t pick up Selene’s habits,” Tani said.

    “Why don’t you like it when she calls you Fox Lord?” Dante asked.

    “I don’t know,” Tani said, shaking his head. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

    “Hm.” Dante caressed Tani’s brow with his thumb. “At some point, you’ll have to face some truths about who you really are. So will I. We should talk about it so we know what to do. You know that, right?”

    “I do,” Tani said with a nod. He just didn’t want to deal with the future so soon. He had only just gotten Dante back in his life. He wanted to hold on to the present, to this smiling Dante gazing at him. Why discuss a future so uncertain?

    “You always look good to me,” Tani said, touching Dante’s beard. “Even if you shaved clean and decided to go bald, I’d still love you.”

    Dante sighed. “Now you’re flirting, and you know I can’t resist.”

    Tani covered Dante’s eyes with his right palm, then stretched out over him, kissing his lips. His heart filled with joy when Dante wrapped his arms around him. With a thought, Tani brought them to his bedroom at the red-brick residence behind the Elderwood fortress.

    Dante gasped at the feel of the cool sheets beneath him. Tani’s bed here was larger than the one in the cottage. Tani moaned when Dante deepened the kiss and rolled over him. They kissed for another moment before Dante broke away and looked around.

    “Baby, you sure do know how to surprise me. We go to bed in one place and wake up in another.”

    Tani chuckled and folded his hands under his head as Dante moved to get off the bed.
    “We’re in my suite of rooms at Elderwood,” Tani said, watching Dante begin a slow exploration of the room.

    “What about the food at the cottage?” Dante asked. “It’ll go bad.”

    “Selene will visit in the morning. She’ll take care of it. I sent her a note asking her to drop by.”

    “Okay,” Dante said, moving to the oak vanity table on the right side of the bed.

    Tani sat in the middle of the bed with his legs crossed, observing Dante’s curiosity. Hera and Deniz liked to keep various knickknacks on that table. Hera collected watches and combs for Tani, storing them in the drawers, and Deniz often brought ribbons, pins, and hair ties for herself, which she kept in a black basket there. Tom gifted Tani cuff links for his shirts. He had long since stopped trying to manage what they collected on his behalf.

    “What’s this?” Dante asked, picking up a half mask from a box on the vanity. It was shaped like a fox, complete with ears and pointed eye openings.

    Tani smiled. “Deniz wears it when we play hide-and-seek.”

    His smile widened when Dante put on the mask.

    “Deniz will love you,” Tani said. “She loves anyone willing to play make-believe with her.”

    “Do I look like a fox?” Dante asked.

    “All you need are nine tails, and you’d be at the height of mischief,” Tani said.

    “How many do you have?” Dante asked.

    “Nine,” Tani said, “though I haven’t let them out in centuries. I had no power to make them manifest.”

    “One of these days, maybe you’ll have the courage to show me,” Dante said, removing the mask, and putting it back in its box.

    “Hm,” Tani said with a nod.

    Dante wandered to the left side of the room, stopping at the floor-length windows. They had no curtains but were tinted for privacy. He made an appreciative sound at the view.

    “So, this is where you’ve hidden the forest you protect,” Dante said. “You get to see it the moment you wake up.”

    Tani left the bed and stood next to him. Far below, the thick canopy of trees stretched on for miles. The forest lay calm in the night, wild animals moving at their own pace, the river peaceful, and the little foxes Tani had rescued thriving.

    “Everything in that forest has been my companion for a long time,” Tani said.

    “It’s beautiful,” Dante said.

    “There’s a closet over there.” Tani pointed to a pair of doors in the corner of the room. “You can move your clothes in. What’s mine is yours, Dante.”

    Dante nodded and came to him. He pulled Tani into a warm embrace.

    “I’ll be meeting your family in the morning,” Dante said as Tani snuggled against him. “I’m nervous.”

    “Why?” Tani asked. “They already know you. Tom and Hera have met you.”

    “As a client. Hera wanted to stab me with ice, and Tom held me down with vines and soil. Your family members are terrifying. It’s different now that I’m your boyfriend.”

    “Says the Fire Warlock,” Tani said with a shake of his head. He tilted his face up to meet Dante’s gaze. “Boyfriend is a quaint word for what we are to each other.”

    “What word would you use?”

    “You are my lover,” Tani said, hiding his face against Dante’s shoulder, smiling. “You’re my beloved.”

    “Your old-world words are too romantic,” Dante said, holding Tani tighter. “I love you, too. I should say it often so you remember.”

    “Who would forget?” Tani asked. “Come on. Let’s sleep. You need rest.”

    “In a few minutes,” Dante said. “I want to take in your spectacular view a little longer. Will you show me your forest?”

    “You’re afraid of snakes.”

    “You can talk to them, ask them to stay away,” Dante said confidently. “Sweet-talk them so they don’t come near me.”

    Tani chuckled. “Whatever happened to looking brave?”

    “It went out of style,” Dante said. “I like it when you protect me.”

    “Silver tongue,” Tani teased, wrapping his arms around Dante’s waist. Still, he couldn’t help smiling at the thought of introducing Dante to the little hollow tree where two rescued foxes now lived. He wondered if Dante would enjoy meeting them.

    ****

    Amu led Cale and Eren down a narrow, winding path to the Bao Sentinel Branch. They left behind the bustling corridors of the inter-clan court hallways, stepping into a calmer, secluded space that felt almost like an enchanted garden. Tall, vibrant plants spilled from large pots in every corner, and smaller shrubs sprouted in neat clusters. Vines climbed wooden trellises against the courtyard’s high walls, lending the area an air of old-world mystique. The smooth stone floor, polished to a gentle sheen, reflected the lush greenery around them. Intricately decorated benches lined the perimeter, their metal accents forming swirling patterns of leaves and phoenixes.

    At the far end of the courtyard, they stopped before a pair of massive black doors, thick enough to withstand a siege. The word “Bao” was carved into the wood in an elaborate design that twisted into foxlike motifs. As Gralia’s intelligence hub, the Bao Sentinel Branch prided itself on high security. Anit relied on these offices to keep track of events in Gralia, and only a trusted few were granted entry.

    Amu slipped the token Anit had given him from his pocket. He pressed it against the round door handle, which glowed green for a moment before it clicked open.

    A tall, striking woman stood on the other side, her thick, dark hair falling well past her shoulders. She wore a black suit of ornate armor—a fitted, corset-like breastplate etched with swirling metalwork, over which large shoulder pauldrons gave her a regal, almost gothic silhouette. Long tassets draped over her leather-clad legs, blending structured metal plating with fluid fabric. Polished gloves completed the look. Her green eyes sparkled with keen intelligence as she regarded Amu and his companions.

    When she recognized Amu, she snapped to attention, dipping her head in a short nod. “Lord Izuna, welcome. I’m Nela Bao. We have been expecting you.”

    “Nela Bao,” Amu greeted her with a polite bow. “May I introduce Eren, the Earth Goddess, and Cale, Master of the Dark Fort.”

    “Of course,” Nela replied. She opened the heavy doors wider, revealing a more private section of the courtyard. If it had been tranquil outside, this inner portion was downright hushed. She showed no fear at the mention of Cale’s formidable title, though Amu did not miss her guarded curiosity.

    Once they had all stepped inside, Nela locked the doors with a soft click. Beyond them lay an ornate table inlaid with intricate metal strips along its edges and legs, echoing the decorative style of the courtyard benches. “You have arrived in time to meet another guest. I wonder if you share the same questions?”

    “Anit did not mention our purpose?” Amu asked, surprised.

    “No,” Nela said smoothly. “Lady Izuna merely asked me to facilitate your visit. Please, follow me.”

    Amu exchanged a brief glance with Eren—who remained quiet—and caught Cale’s dark gaze sweeping over Nela with evident interest. Something about her confidence and composure intrigued him, and it made Amu frown slightly, unsure of Cale’s intentions.

    Nela led them to a small meeting room just off the courtyard. Here, wooden chairs fashioned from apple-tree logs encircled the ornate table. Seated at one of these chairs, sipping tea, was Kinon, the God of Fire.

    Amu stopped in surprise. He had not expected to see Kinon here.

    “Kinon!” Eren said brightly. She hurried forward, kissing the Fire God’s cheek. “You didn’t tell me you were visiting the fox clan lands.”

    Kinon chuckled and stood to greet Cale with a solemn nod. Then he turned to Amu and smiled. “Long time no see, Lord Izuna.”

    “Call me Amu. It is good to see you, Lord Kinon.”

    “If I’m to call you Amu, then call me Kinon,” the Fire God insisted, gesturing to the teapot on the table. “I’m here at your home, enjoying an excellent cup of tea. Please, be at ease.”

    Amu inclined his head and took a seat, urging Eren and Cale to do the same. “What brings you to the inter-clan court?” he asked, genuinely curious.

    “Lord Sunu asked me to investigate why Lady Izuna was at a disadvantage when they first met,” Kinon explained, taking a measured sip of his tea. “At the same time, Lady Izuna asked Nela Bao to look into similar matters. As fate would have it, we crossed paths and found a black crystal harboring Kara ot in the Zona Forest. We left Lord Sunu setting a trap for the crystal’s owner, and we came here to determine who might dare cultivate such a sinister object. We were exchanging ideas about it when you arrived.”

    “How fascinating,” Eren said. “Amu and I met the family of Lord Tani’s beloved in the mortal realm. The black weed damaged their vineyard soil. Lord Tani persuaded his beloved’s mother to reveal the name of the ekho who sells her contraband supplies. He is called Aero.”

    “Aero,” Kinon murmured, frowning.

    Cale let out a quiet sigh. “The name could be an alias.”

    “Likely,” Amu agreed. “But Tani says Aero is from the dragon clan.”

    “That narrows it down,” Cale said. “Dragons prize unique, valuable things.”

    “Aero apparently runs an auction in the mortal realm,” Eren added.

    “And how does he shuttle back and forth to the mortal realm?” Kinon asked, his brows knitting.

    Eren’s gaze flicked to Nela Bao, who stood behind Kinon in silence. “He might be using an inter-clan travel pass. Perhaps from right here at the court.”

    Eren’s tone was accusatory, her gaze challenging as she looked at Nela Bao.

    “Would you like to see our records?” Nela asked calmly. Her voice carried authority that belied her youthful face—an authority Amu knew extended far beyond standard protocol. As the head of the Bao Sentinel Offices, she had the power to review, confirm, or rescind travel permissions with a mere thought. Sometimes, though, even she had to employ deeper security.

    She stepped closer to the table, which glinted under the soft lantern light. Drawing a slim dagger from her left sleeve, she cut a shallow line across her palm. “Passage permissions,” she intoned, letting a single drop of blood fall onto the center of the tabletop.

    At once, the table’s surface flared with white light, and shimmering gold symbols slid across it. Kinon moved his teacup away, and the others leaned in, watching as runes and marks darted over the gleaming surface. The air pulsed with energy—Amu could feel Nela’s aura of command intensify. He remembered Anit describing how the Bao records were so secure that only a ranking Bao Sentinel’s blood—or that of her direct ancestors—could unlock their full history.

    “This should match the record kept by the Palladium Gates guardian,” Nela said. “The fox clan has nothing to hide.”

    Her calm statement made Eren nod. “Fair enough.”

    “Now,” Nela continued, pressing her bloodied palm against the table as symbols rearranged themselves, “let us search for Aero.”

    Gold lines raced across the tabletop, halting abruptly.

    “No record for ‘Aero,’” Nela reported. “Do you know the dates of his rumored departures?”

    “I do,” Cale said. When everyone turned to look at him, he shrugged. “Sahdrina gave me the dates. She keeps exceptionally accurate logs.”

    He produced a small scroll, which Nela unrolled and studied. She manipulated the symbols on the table with an almost effortless grace—Amu noted how she barely needed to speak to command the system.

    A single name appeared multiple times, correlating to the dates on Cale’s list: “Lua Wadi.”

    “Who is Lua Wadi?” Kinon asked, leaning forward to read the shimmering lines of text.

    Nela lightly touched Lua’s name. It rippled, opening a wider window revealing a series of personal details. “He has a mother living in one of the rural towns, outside the capital. I can send a team to get her for questioning.”

    “No need,” Kinon said, lifting a hand. “She might not know much. According to these records, Lua has remained in the mortal realm for decades.”

    “I see,” Nela said, nodding thoughtfully. “You may be right. We will of course assist, if you see a need.”

    Cale tapped a finger on the record that showed Lua’s employment. “He works for the Anael Sentinel Offices. Still receives a stipend, even though he’s living in the mortal realm. Interesting.”

    Silence fell. Nela stood transfixed by the data. Amu glanced at her sharply—something about Lua Wadi was causing her unease.

    “Nela,” Amu said, drawing her attention. “Is there something of note about Lua?”

    She hesitated. “This is a matter best discussed with Lady Izuna. I trust you understand, Lord Amu.”

    “Of course,” Eren said, sparing Nela from further inquiry. “At least now we have a lead. Nela Bao, is there any Kara ot growing here in the fox clan lands? Have you had incidents of infection? There are so many hybrid children here. Could there be—?”

    Nela’s voice sharpened. “Absolutely not. We clean out black weed the moment it appears. Gralia’s lands are free of Kara ot infestation.”

    “Except for that crystal in the Zona Forest,” Kinon pointed out. “But that is on us too, as it seems to be harming those with fox clan blood.”

    Eren bowed her head, contrite. “Then I owe the Fox Goddess an apology for assuming otherwise.”

    “She’ll be happy to hear your apology,” Cale said with a slight grin, making Eren shudder.

    Amu hid a smile, recalling the time Anit wrapped Eren in vines with sharp-edged leaves that cut her skin. He doubted Eren wanted to be in the same room with Anit now.

    Nela broke in, her green eyes flicking between them. “What would you like to do next?”

    Cale slid a finger across the table’s glowing text. “I’ve found what I came for. Lua Wadi is evidently the key to Sahdrina’s request—that I track the being slipping through the Palladium Gates. I also suspect a betrayal at the Inter Clan Court, so I should speak with Lady Izuna. If you’ll all excuse me, I have my own inquiries to make.”

    He rose and left, striding back through the ornate courtyard. As he disappeared around the corner, Amu wondered at the intensity in Cale’s dark gaze. Something about the court itself was unsettling him—perhaps the same unease Nela Bao was experiencing.

    Once Cale was gone, Kinon and Amu turned their attention to Eren, who sat with her hands clasped in her lap. She looked momentarily adrift.

    “Would you like to return to Elderwood?” Amu asked gently.

    Eren shook her head. “No, thank you. I think Lord Tani would be displeased to see more of his Elderwood bursting into bloom for nothing. I hoped to provide you with answers about the poisoning at the Arturo Vineyard, but this plot runs deeper than I anticipated. It’s too devious for me. I’ll leave the investigation to you, Kinon, and Cale.”

    Amu nodded. “We appreciate all the help you’ve given us so far, Eren. I’ll keep you informed.”

    Eren offered a small smile and stood. “Thank you. I’ll report my findings to Lord Sunu in the citadel. Please keep me updated.”

    She hurried off, presumably bound for the immortal lands in Siorai.

    “That leaves just us,” Kinon remarked, leaning back in his chair. “Amu, how is the fox lord faring?”

    Amu let out a sigh. “He and Dante are off together. Tani is trying one last time to safeguard their bond. He senses a deadline approaching. He doesn’t fully understand why it exists, but he knows outside forces are at play.”

    Kinon paused, contemplating. “If I’ve noticed it, he naturally would too. That’s why I made some . . . changes to Dante’s bloodline. I figured if there was interference, I would give them a fighting chance.”

    A swirl of worry flitted through Amu. He thought of Tani’s unwavering devotion to Dante—and the heartbreak that loomed if they failed.

    “There has been more than enough interference all around,” Amu said. “I’m eager for it to end. I wish for the days when I didn’t have to worry if my nephew is going to explode because of sorrow.”

    Kinon gave a sympathetic nod. “We all would. I’ll be keeping an eye on the Arturo Vineyard. Whoever’s encroaching on my territory will regret it once I catch them. I’ll let you know when I find Aero.”

    “Thank you,” Amu said earnestly. “I should return to Elderwood. Tani might be looking for me.”

    “Hm,” Kinon mused, conjuring a small burst of fire in his right palm. When the flame receded, it left a palm-sized Elderwood branch behind. He extended his hand to Amu. “Lord Tani’s father has been thinking about him. Will you give this to Lord Tani?”

    “What is it?” Amu asked, reaching for the branch.

    “Call it a father’s grace. But don’t hold it with bare hands—it’ll burn you. Best keep it in a magic bag.”

    Amu slipped off the small pouch tied to his belt. Holding it open, he let Kinon drop the Elderwood branch inside.

    “Well, I’ll be on my way, too,” Amu said, standing. He paused to flash Nela Bao a polite nod. “Thank you for your assistance—and for handling Eren’s skepticism. She truly did not mean to sound so accusatory.”

    Nela managed a soft smile. “It rolled off my back, Lord Amu. It’s always a pleasure to see you here.”

    “Greet your grandfather for me,” Amu said by way of farewell.

    He left the Bao Sentinel Branch, feeling an unsettling churn in his stomach. Although Nela had revealed enough to point them toward Lua Wadi, she was clearly holding back. Amu suspected it was a matter of strict confidentiality—something that might challenge Anit Izuna’s authority.

    Stepping over the smooth stones of the courtyard and past the wild greenery, Amu found himself wondering who might be challenging his sister’s rule. If they were reckless enough to toy with Tani and Dante, or to cross Cale by manipulating the Palladium Gates, surely, they were playing with fate. Did they think they were strong enough to withstand Anit’s wrath when she caught up to them?

    Still, a question lingered in his mind: Would Tani and Dante be strong enough to survive the consequences of so much interference?

    With a shake of his head, Amu fastened his magic bag to his belt and left the serene enclave of the Bao Sentinel Branch—hoping, above all else, that no unknown power would push Tani and Dante to the brink before they could salvage what mattered most.

    ****

    Early the next morning, Dante shifted on the bed, pressing his hard length against Tani’s thigh who smiled at his arousal.

    “I can’t help it,” Dante murmured, brushing his hands along Tani’s face, and tilting his chin up. “You’ve been in my arms all night.”

    He leaned in and left a trail of soft kisses from Tani’s cheeks to his lips. Sliding his thigh between Tani’s legs, he drew a quiet moan from Tani when the pressure hit just the right spot.

    “I want you,” Dante whispered in his ear.

    Tani’s breath hitched. He slid his hand down Dante’s chest until he found the hem of Dante’s T-shirt, slipping his fingers underneath to caress bare skin. Dante arched into his touch with a low groan.

    “You have me,” Tani murmured, pressing a kiss to Dante’s shoulder.

    Dante gently rolled Tani onto his back and kissed him, sinking into the moment. He pressed his thigh against Tani’s erection, and Tani reached between them, tugging down Dante’s sweatpants to free him. Dante broke the kiss with a soft groan as Tani wrapped his fingers around his length.

    Their gazes locked when Dante’s arousal pulsed in Tani’s hand. He tried to bite back a moan but failed as Tani stroked him. It felt as though he might climax in seconds; his breathing deepened, and he suddenly felt sixteen again—ready to lose himself at a moment’s notice.

    Tani’s pace quickened, and Dante crushed their mouths together in a hungry, urgent kiss. A moment later, Dante reached between them, yanked down Tani’s sweats, and released his hardness.

    Meeting Tani’s heated stare, Dante licked his palm, then wrapped his slick fingers around Tani’s growing erection. Tani gasped, and Dante drank in every sound as he stroked them both to a swift ecstasy.

    They came almost simultaneously—Dante shuddering in Tani’s hand, his breath ragged as he buried his face against Tani’s shoulder. He sucked gently on the soft skin there, and Tani trembled under him, letting go with a cry.

    As Dante’s eyes drifted shut, a light caress on his cheek brought him back. He looked up to see a shower of gold dust falling from the ceiling.

    “We could bottle this stuff,” he whispered in Tani’s ear, making him shiver. “We’d make billions.”

    Tani drew him closer, returning the playful smile. “No need to sell it. I’ll give you all that’s mine.”

    Dante chuckled and nuzzled into Tani’s shoulder. “I want to keep you forever.”

    Tani held him tight. “Hera’s awake downstairs,” he said, voice tinged with regret. “Let’s get cleaned up, and I’ll give you a tour of the house before we meet her.”

    Dante groaned and inhaled Tani’s scent, reluctant to move away.

    “Come on, lazy bones,” Tani teased, sinking his fingers into Dante’s hair.

    ****

    Dante held Tani’s hand, their fingers intertwined as they made their way down the stairs. He was thrilled to finally see Tani’s home. Tani led him through the winding halls, explaining that Deniz’s room was on one side, while Hera’s and Uncle Amu’s suite was on another, and pointing out where Tom used to live before he moved to the fortress’s residence. The house felt full of life, and Dante’s excitement grew with every step.

    When they reached the ground floor, Tani guided him along the corridor that led to the front door. Tani paused at an arched doorway on the left.

    “This is the living room,” he said. “We spend time here when we’re all home. Deniz had us buy a television last year—she wanted to watch anime.”

    Dante followed Tani’s gesture to a cozy setup in the west corner, where a TV was surrounded by soft cushions on a plush carpet.

    “She likes to lie on the carpet,” Tani explained, “so we made that spot extra warm and comfortable.”

    “It’s a pretty spot,” Dante said. His eyes then shifted to the large windows on the east side, overlooking a yard filled with Elderwood bushes.

    The couches were arranged in sets of three or five, facing one another, leaving a circular space in the center of the room. As Dante stepped closer, his gaze fell on a striking engraving of a fox on the wood floor. The fox appeared so realistic, a vibrant red creature with nine majestic tails flaring behind it and cunning eyes that gleamed with mischief.

    “Amazing,” Dante murmured, drawing Tani’s attention to the design. “Did you craft this?”

    Tani sighed softly. “No.” He extended his right hand, and a gentle shimmer of gold light pooled in his palm as he tried to erase the engraving. When it refused to fade, Tani frowned, clearly surprised.

    Dante grinned.

    “A sly fox left it here to mark her territory,” Tani said.

    “A sly fox with more power than you,” Dante teased.

    “She’s showing off,” Tani replied, waving his index finger. He altered the fox’s fur to white, giving it large comical eyes and droopy whiskers that resembled a comical beard.

    Dante burst out laughing. “What did she do to annoy you?” he asked.

    “She made engravings on my nice wood floor,” Tani said, and led Dante out of the living room.

    As Dante turned back for one last look, he saw the fox revert to its original red fur, surrounded by a sudden flurry of apple flower petals. The petals formed two words “Seni seviyorum” lingering under the fox. They meant ‘love you’ in Turkish.

    Dante’s heart warmed at the playful display. He glanced at Tani, who dispelled the petals with a flick of his hand.

    “Your home is as interesting as Artri House,” Dante said, still chuckling.

    “I really hope you’ll keep thinking that,” Tani said leading Dante to the kitchen. “Especially once you meet everyone over breakfast.”

    It was early Friday morning, around six o’clock, and Deniz would be leaving for school at seven-thirty. Hera, already up to make breakfast, was at the sink washing grapes and pawpaw. Tom, anticipating Tani’s arrival, was at the island chopping tomatoes for a salad.

    Tani pushed the door open, grinning when Hera and Tom both turned.
    “It’s about time you came home, Babu,” Hera said in English. She noticed Dante and added, “And you brought a guest.”

    “‘Guest’ isn’t the right word,” Tani said, squeezing Dante’s hand.

    Tom smiled and gave Dante a friendly nod. “It’s good to see you again, Dante.”

    “Morning,” Dante said, waving slightly as he took in the comfortable, homey atmosphere. The warmth of the kitchen and the bustle of their preparations made Dante feel instantly welcome.

    Hera eyed him thoughtfully. “Are you Babu’s boyfriend?” she asked, her voice gentle but her intention clear.

    “Yes,” Dante answered without hesitation.

    Hera paused, setting aside the grapes. She studied him for a long moment, and Dante met her gaze calmly. Finally, she nodded and resumed washing the fruit.

    “Babu, your eyes are clearer than mine,” she said. “Where’d you find such a loyal one? And where can I get one?”

    Tani chuckled, leading Dante to the table. “You told me to let you vet my boyfriend. Here he is—and you’ve already called him loyal, so let’s just trust your judgment, Hera.”

    Tani glanced at her, then asked, “By the way, has Hakan been around?”

    “No,” Hera said, “but he visited Deniz at school. Gave her a doll, which she refused.”

    “Hm,” Tani said, considering the situation. He knew Deniz would remain loyal to her mother, especially if there was friction between Hera and Hakan. He made a note to address it soon.

    “Dante, help us with breakfast,” Hera said with a smile. Her tone was suddenly warm, as though she’d decided to accept Dante right then and there. “Would you like coffee or tea?”

    “I like tea,” Dante said.

    “You and Tom will get along,” Hera replied. “Tea glasses are over by the stove, and the electric dual teapot is plugged in on the cooker counter.”

    Dante stood and kissed Tani’s cheek before heading to the stove to set the kettle. The scent of fresh tomatoes from Tom’s chopping mingled with the sweetness of fruit and the gentle steam rising in the room.

    Dante felt at ease, comforted by their easy acceptance and the promise of a family-style breakfast.

    “How’s the conservancy?” Tani asked Tom, who had just finished slicing the tomatoes.

    “The Elderflowers died off, but not before the staff made elder liqueur. I brought a bottle if you want to try some.”

    Tani let out an amused huff. “They never miss a chance to make liquor. Who do they take after?”

    “Cale,” Hera answered with a laugh, then turned to Dante. “Speaking of which, did you see that fox on the living room floor? It’s huge, and no matter what we do, it won’t go away.”

    “You’ll have to ask my mother how to get it off,” Tani said, propping his elbows on the table.

    “I still can’t believe the house got marked by the ghost of the fortress,” Tom said.

    Curious, Dante glanced over his shoulder from the stove. “What’s the ghost of the fortress?”

    Hera handed a colander of grapes to Tani and threw a dramatic flair into her voice. “She haunts the fortress. She startles the staff with her red hair and bright green eyes, in dim hallways and the ladies’ bathroom. It gets worse when Tani’s around. We think she shows up because she misses him.”

    Dante turned a playful smile on Tani. Tani, chewing on a carrot stick, simply shook his head.

    “The more I hear about her, the more interesting she sounds,” Dante said.

    “Getting a reputation just from haunting the place,” Tani shook his head and reached for another carrot piece. To his surprise, the plate moved away, teleporting to the counter next to Dante.

    A small gust of apple flower petals danced around Dante before they disappeared.

    “Show-off,” Tani muttered, resting his hands in his lap. It was curious to him that his mother was putting on such a display in his own home. He locked eyes with Dante and pouted, watching him pop a carrot piece into his mouth.

    “I’ll go get Deniz,” Tani announced with a short laugh. “The school bus will be here soon, and she should eat before it arrives.”

    “Okay,” Hera said, returning to the fruit.

    Tani left the kitchen, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. As soon as he was gone, Tom and Hera both turned to Dante, their expressions eager and warm, and Dante couldn’t help but grin back. He felt at home in Tani’s world, in Tani’s territory—and that feeling only made his heart race more.

    ***

    Soft golden sunlight streamed into the dining room through tall windows framed by delicate lace curtains. The long rectangle table made of dark, polished wood gleamed under the morning light, set with plates of fresh fruit, vegetables, and thinly sliced meats. Tani and Tom sat opposite Dante, letting Dante sit next to Deniz and Hera.

    Tani cherished every moment of breakfast with his family—especially Dante’s interactions with little Deniz.

    Deniz perched on a booster seat at the table’s corner, brow furrowed in serious concentration as she sorted grapes, carrot slices, and pieces of sausage on her plate. Dante sat beside her, occasionally suggesting how to space them “just so.” Tani smiled at the fire warlock’s gentleness; it was fascinating to discover this playful, tender side that made a child light up with joy.

    “Mm, these are delicious,” Dante murmured, popping a grape into his mouth and closing his eyes in an exaggerated display of bliss. He nodded appreciatively, chewing as though it was the best thing he had ever tasted.

    Deniz giggled at his performance. “Uncle Dante,” she said once he had swallowed, “you got some grape juice on your beard.”

    Dante feigned horror, placing a hand dramatically over his chest. “Oh dear, do you have a napkin? Help me wipe it off.”

    Deniz reached for the napkin next to her plate and leaned in as Dante lowered his face. She dabbed at his lips and chin with solemn focus, as though it was the most important task in the world. When she finished, she tested a fingertip on his beard.

    “It’s softer than I thought,” Deniz said, then broke into a happy laugh.

    Hera, seated on Deniz’s other side, shook her head. “Confess, munchkin. You just wanted to touch Uncle Dante’s beard.”

    “There was grape juice,” Deniz insisted, her eyes dancing with mischief.

    Dante patted her hand gently and rearranged her spoon on her plate. “Thanks for helping me wipe it off.”

    Tani’s heart warmed at their interaction. He was glad he had chosen to bring Dante to his home.

    After breakfast, Deniz insisted on Dante walking her out to the bus, so Hera followed them, carrying Deniz’s school bag. Tani stayed behind to help Tom clear the table, then hurried upstairs to change into formal clothes. It always paid to look the part when meeting a cadre of lawyers. While Uncle Amu handled the broader Elderwood conservancy network, Tani had to ensure Hera and Deniz’s security.

    Hera’s freedom was important to him. Since her family had disowned her for loving someone outside her clan’s rules, she had been under his care. With Hakan proving unreliable, Tani needed to secure the girls’ future.

    “You look handsome,” Dante said from the doorway, his voice warm and confident. It was incredible how quietly he could approach when he wanted to.

    Dante wore simple clothes: dark slacks and a fitted sweater, sleeves pushed up to show his forearms. His hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and his beard was neatly trimmed. The sight of him sent a pleasant jolt through Tani’s stomach. Here was the reincarnated soul he had loved for centuries, yet every day Tani found something new to adore.

    “You clean up so well, I’m afraid to let anyone else look at you,” Dante teased as he stepped closer. He pressed a soft kiss to Tani’s mouth, a gentle brush of lips that made Tani hum with quiet delight.

    “You know, if I don’t look the part, those lawyers won’t take me seriously,” Tani said, smiling against Dante’s lips. “Hera says I have to dazzle them first.”

    Dante chuckled and reached for Tani’s shirt cuffs, helping him fasten a silver cufflink shaped like an intricate leaf.

    “I’ll finish with the lawyers by midmorning,” Tani said, a playful promise in his voice. “Then we can go play in the forest.”

    Dante’s eyes gleamed. “I look forward to it,” he replied, smoothing Tani’s collar. He took the gray suit jacket from a nearby hanger and held it out for Tani to slide into. The soft brush of his fingertips on Tani’s shoulders sent a thrill through him.

    Once Tani was properly dressed, he turned and cupped Dante’s face with both hands. Dante leaned down just enough for Tani to claim a lingering kiss—a tender intimacy that spoke volumes about their growing bond. He felt Dante’s strong arms wrap around his waist, drawing him closer.

    “I’ll be back before you miss me,” Tani whispered, reluctantly breaking the kiss. He stroked Dante’s beard in farewell, then, with a swift rush of magic, teleported away—leaving the faint scent of forest and morning air behind.

    ***

    Amu returned home in a whirlwind of power. He materialized in the living room where Anit had left her mark. He studied the red nine-tailed fox with a shake of his head before he left the living room and headed to the kitchen.

    He could feel Hera’s energy and another more powerful mortal in the house. Amu frowned as he realized this was Tani’s beloved. It looked like their relationship had grown deeper, though this was the first time that Tani’s beloved had ventured to live in Tani’s territory. Before, the ones before, always kept Tani in their domain, their lives, their houses, and cities. It was fascinating having one of them in Tani’s world. Perhaps, Kinon knew what he was doing.

    Amu pushed open the kitchen and paused when he found Dante and Hera sitting at the kitchen table enjoying tea. Milk tea for Hera, and very strong tea for Dante. Their conversation was low but it looked cordial. Tani must have introduced them.

    “Uncle Amu,” Hera said, getting up when she saw him. “Come, I’ll pour you a cup of tea.”

    Amu listened to Hera and moved to sit at the head of the table. Dante took Amu’s hand when he offered and they shook.

    “We met briefly,” Amu said as he settled in his chair. “It was too fast.”

    “Yes,” Dante said, twirling his glass of tea. “Tani tells me you’ve taken care of him a long time. I don’t know whether to thank you for your care of him. Or let you chastise me for not taking of him.”

    “Perhaps the best thing to do is enjoy a cup of tea together,” Amu said, accepting the glass Hera placed before him. “Dante Arturo, it is not your place to give thanks or seek forgiveness for a thousand-year calamity. Fate is the only thing that will give you an answer.”

    “Well said,” Hera said, sitting down, and sipping her tea. “Did you find what you were looking for, Uncle Amu? How come Cale and Eren did not return with you?”

    “They had other business,” Amu said. “Don’t think about them. How is Deniz?”

    “She was excited to meet Dante,” Hera said. “She would only let him lead her to the school bus today.”

    “I’m glad she was happy,” Amu said. “What about you, Hera? Aren’t you going to the office today?”

    “I am,” Hera said, then glanced at the time on her phone and jumped up. “Oh, look at that. It’s almost ten o’clock. I’m meeting a group of wildlife veterinarians at ten-thirty. Uncle Amu, can I leave Dante with you?”

    “He’s a grown up,” Amu said, and grinned when she paused to look at him. “But I’ll be happy to entertain him until Tani returns from his meeting.”

    Hera nodded and turned to Dante. “I hope you’ll be around later. I like seeing Babu smile and pout. I can’t wait to hear him laugh out loud without a care.”

    “Mm, have a good meeting, and we can all have dinner later,” Dante said.

    “Sounds good,” Hera said, taking her phone. “Uncle Amu, be kind to him.”

    She hurried out of the kitchen and Amu sat back in his chair.

    Amu glanced at Dante, noting how quickly he rose to clear away their tea glasses. There was a practiced ease in Dante’s movements, along with a sense of deep courtesy. Amu noticed, too, the faint strands of goldish magic around Dante’s aura—Tani’s energy, entwined with his own. It was subtle but unmistakable.

    “She takes care of all of us, that Hera,” Amu said in a quieter tone, once Dante had rinsed their glasses and set them aside to dry. “Tani included. She’s practically a daughter to him.” He paused, letting that sink in. “Dante, I’m sure you have many questions, and Tani…he’s not always quick to give answers. He’s spent centuries guarding his pain. I keep a library here—journals, genealogies, old accounts. You might find some truths there, about your family line.” Amu leveled Dante with a meaningful look. “Would you like to spend time there while you wait for Tani?”

    Dante dried his hands on a dish towel and turned, curiosity sparking in his expression. “I would love that.”

    Amu stood, leading Dante through the hallway that connected the kitchen to more private wings of the house. Tall windows let in streams of midday sun, revealing art on the walls: delicate watercolors of fox spirits, forest landscapes, half-hidden glades that seemed to shimmer with life. The faint echo of Tani’s magic pulsed in the wood and stone—a protective, living essence.

    Dante walked beside Amu with confidence, neither timid nor overbearing. Amu found himself comparing this mortal to all the incarnations that had come before. Those men had been equally drawn to Tani’s otherworldly grace, but few ventured so boldly into Tani’s private sanctuary. Certainly not with such ease.

    When they reached a pair of large double doors carved with intricate fox and vine motifs, Amu lifted a hand. With the slightest pulse of his power, the doors swung open. The breath of centuries-old parchment rushed out, filling the corridor with the unmistakable perfume of a well-loved library.

    “The only people allowed in here are Tom and Hera. It is rare to bring others in to our sanctuary. Our stories are not easy to take in for mortals,” Amu remarked, casting Dante a sidelong glance. “But now that you’re a warlock, it makes it easier to include you. Perhaps we owe Kinon some measure of gratitude that our secrets need no longer remain hidden.”

    Dante nodded, stepping into the library. “I appreciate you trusting me.”

    Amu smiled thinly. “It’s not just trust, Dante. It’s necessity.” He gestured to the tall shelves and the reading tables lit by warm lamps. “Within these pages, you’ll find the stories of your soul’s many journeys—and Tani’s heartbreak. I’ll be around if you need me.”

    Leaving Dante at the threshold, Amu took a seat at a desk in the far corner, allowing the younger man privacy to explore. Quietly, he could sense Dante’s excitement and trepidation. Amu allowed himself a small hope that this time—this lifetime—things would end differently.

    ****

    Dante wandered among the shelves of Amu’s library, his heart pounding with anticipation. The information here promised valuable knowledge about his magic, other warlocks, and the ekho world. He paused between two shelves and glanced upward, checking the lighting. He froze at the sight of the ceiling mural.

    It depicted a stunning landscape: a floating island with waterfalls pouring down into a tranquil lake, and a citadel of white sandstone rising from a forest at the island’s center. In the middle of the lake stood a massive arched gate made of silvery metal, adorned with intricate designs and lettering. For a brief moment, Dante thought he heard the rush of wind at that gate.

    Shaking off the sensation, he refocused on the books and noticed a section marked for lineage. Element divided the topics: water, earth, wind, and fire. Under “water” was the name Rianon; under “earth,” Eren; under “wind,” Mizian; and under “fire,” Kinon. Dante saw multiple books lined up under Rianon, Eren, and Mizian, but only one large book under Kinon.

    Curious, Dante reached for it. The cover read Artri. Opening the book, he found it was a box containing several smaller volumes. Forgetting propriety, he hurried to a nearby reading desk by the window, removed the books, and placed the box aside. The first nine volumes bore variations of his name: Durante, Dante, Duante, Dane, and so on.

    Dante was familiar with most of these stories. He had dreamed them—strange visions that plagued his sleep when Tani was not beside him. He sat and opened Dane the Janissary, skimming the parts where Dane met Tani, where they protected a fortress, and where Dane married his wife, Violet, prompting Tani to leave and shut down the fortress.

    Upon reading the final page, Dante had expected to find a happy continuation of Dane’s life with Violet and their children. Instead, he discovered that Dane had died after a skirmish—stabbed in the abdomen with a halberd during a palace invasion at age thirty-six. Although the wound should have healed, a mysterious black infection spread through his body, ultimately claiming his life. Violet’s account confirmed that Dane had returned to the palace after months away, and no one could explain why the infection had proven fatal.

    Frowning, Dante turned to the next volume, which recounted the life of Duante. He, too, died under suspicious circumstances—an illness after eating apples from a market. His wife believed he had been poisoned, but no cure or culprit was ever found. Like Dane, he succumbed to the same black infection at age thirty-six, after being gone from home for months.

    Dante grabbed his phone and jotted notes. Each predecessor had died of a strange infection or injury at thirty-six, following a prolonged absence from home. The pattern made his pulse spike. He felt he was on the verge of a revelation but remained unsure of its precise nature.

    At last, he reached for the final book, titled Artri House Lineage. Its pages detailed the family’s origins under a man named Christophe Artri. A careful lineage chart traced bloodlines from century to century. In an entry from the 1800s in Andalusia, Dante noticed that Landi’s true father was recorded as Onnik Kinno, with a small note identifying him as the ekho fire god, Kinon.

    He tapped the name thoughtfully. If Landi’s power had come from Kinon, then Landi had introduced Durante’s bloodline into the Artri House by marrying a descendant of Durante. That descendant was mortal, but she bore a son and three daughters. Her son would become Christophe’s father—and Dante’s grandfather. Ultimately, Dante himself was born after Nora of Fire married Christophe the Warlock, making Dante a blood-born fire warlock.

    It seemed Kinon had tampered with his bloodline, possibly to escape the poison claiming each incarnation at thirty-six. Would the ekho fire god really be so idle? Why interfere?

    Dante closed the book and exhaled. The dreams he’d had—waking terrified at the thought of failing to find Tani—suddenly made sense. Perhaps each of his reincarnations had returned to seek Tani and found him gone. Shaking his head, Dante wondered if there was any way to break the cycle.

    He was contemplating Kinon’s determination to strengthen their house’s magik when his cellphone buzzed, startling him. Glancing at the caller ID, he saw Violet’s number. She rarely called him, so he answered at once, dread tightening in his chest.

    “Dad?” came April’s tear-filled voice.

    Dante’s breath caught. His heart thumped hard enough that he pressed a hand to his sternum, trying to steady himself. “April? Hey, sweetheart,” he said gently, feeling a swirl of excitement and sudden concern. “Are you okay?”

    “I don’t know what to do,” April admitted, her voice quivering with fear. “We went to camp, and something happened. We… we can’t find Zach. He’s lost in the forest, and the rescue team still hasn’t found him. I’m scared, Dad.”

    A hot flare of anxiety knotted Dante’s stomach. He stood abruptly, pressing the phone tight to his ear. “What?” he asked, his voice tight.

    “Mom said not to call you, that we’d get it sorted, but…” April let out a shaky sob. “I’m scared, Dad. Zach went missing last night, and there’s been no news. They’re searching the forest, but he isn’t anywhere. What do we do?”

    “April, we’ll figure this out,” Dante said firmly, though his insides churned with dread. “Put your mom on the phone for me, okay? We’ll find Zach, but I need to talk to her.”

    “But—”

    “It’s going to be all right,” Dante insisted. “We’ll find your brother, but please let me talk to your mom.”

    There was a brief shuffle, and then Violet’s voice came on the line. “Hello?”

    “What the fuck is going on?” Dante demanded, tension lacing his words. “Why is April calling me in tears? Where is Zach?”

    Violet sighed. “Dante, I told her not to call. It’s three a.m. in the morning here. Listen, you’re too far away to fly out for every crisis—”

    “Don’t stonewall me,” Dante cut in. “Tell me exactly what happened.”

    Violet cleared her throat. “April and Zach are at camp. It’s usually safe, but the kids were playing in the forest yesterday, and when it was time for dinner, Zach was nowhere to be found. The organizers are certain he’s still on the grounds. We’re all out here searching. I’ll update you when we know more.”

    Dante clenched his jaw. “April’s terrified. She wouldn’t have called if it wasn’t serious.”

    “She’s worried about her brother,” Violet said, her tone measured. “Kids do that. She thinks you fix everything. So, she called you to fix this.”

    “Well, I’m coming,” Dante said, adrenaline pumping through him. “I won’t just sit here. I’ll fly out.”

    “If you can make it, great,” Violet replied. “The kids would be happy to see you.”

    After a few more details about the rescue efforts, Dante hung up. A warm hand touched his shoulder; he turned to find Tani standing behind him with concern in his dark eyes. When Tani opened his arms, Dante stepped into his embrace, letting out a shaky breath.

    “I’ll take you,” Tani said softly. “We’ll find him.”

    “Nothing can happen to them,” Dante murmured, closing his eyes as a wave of dread threatened to swallow him.

    “Nothing will,” Tani promised, and in the next moment he teleported them out of the library, heading straight for Violet’s residence in Kirtland, Ohio.

    <<Previous | Table of Contents | Next>>

  • A Thousand Years of Hope Ch 18

    Tani gasped, tears flooding his eyes when a well that had run empty for centuries filled with everything—everything. Dante’s fire flooded into the missing half of Tani’s soul, sealing the emptiness and restoring what Tani had once given away, making him whole again.

    The power locked away inside Tani broke the boundaries of the cuffs, and he tightened his arms around Dante as it flooded his veins with the force of a jet engine. Tani grunted softly, feeling like he might break apart from the pressure. But Dante’s arms wrapped around him, holding him tight and grounding him to their bed.

    Tani breathed easier as the invisible chains—his clan’s ancient restraints—shattered, energy restoring and healing the hurt and pain he had carried inside him for so long. The seal inside him loosened, and he closed his eyes, his entire world filling with nothing but Dante.

    Tani felt no restraints on his true self for the first time in centuries—only sweet freedom. The power in Kinon’s cuffs faded to a soft hum, and Tani smiled as he met Dante’s gaze.

    “It was always you,” Tani whispered. “Always you.”

    Dante kissed him, and Tani sank into that kiss, his heart lighter than ever.

    ***

    Morning came too soon for them both, but the outside world hardly mattered in the secluded cottage hidden away in the orchard. Tani and Dante lost themselves in the simple rhythms of each day: cooking, cleaning, tending the apple trees, reading together, and watching the sunset. They explored their magik playfully, testing what new boundaries Tani could cross now that his soul was fully restored.

    They had only one visitor: Selene. She stopped by every three days with baskets of vegetables and meats, and one morning, she brought a turkey that excited Dante.

    “I want three baskets of apples today,” Selene said, and Tani headed out to the workshop to pack the apples they had harvested the day before.

    Dante cleaned the turkey at the sink and started mixing a quick marinade for the quirky oven, which cooked meat fast with a cheerful whistle.

    “You’re a cute meat lover, Fire Warlock,” Selene said, sitting, and reaching for an apple from a platter on the table.

    Dante glanced at her and winked as he went back to work. Then, because Tani was out gathering apples, he turned to look at Selene again. She was peeling an apple with slow, measured motions. She glanced at him when she noticed he was still staring.

    “Fox Lord will be a minute or two,” Selene said. “Ask me what you want to know.”

    “It’s not anything I can’t ask him,” Dante said, turning back to the turkey. “I’m just curious and haven’t gotten a chance to bring it up.”

    “All right,” Selene said, taking a bite of her peeled apple with a soft, satisfied moan. “We can say you’re shy to ask when he’s around. So, ask.”

    Dante chuckled and focused on covering the turkey with marinade. “What is the Ekho Realm like?” he asked. “Tani has talked about it here and there, but…I’d love a new perspective.”

    “Oh,” Selene said. “Well, it’s paradise from a mortal’s point of view. Our environment remains abundant with flourishing nature, wild animals, and fish in the sea. The Septum gods cultivate worlds within jungles, mountains, oceans, and seas. Immortal Lord Sunu ensures prosperity grows. His citadel in the skies sends eternal waters flowing down into the waters around the palladium gates, filling our oceans. It’s breathtaking.”

    She let out a contented sigh and chewed her apple with a satisfied nod.

    Dante frowned at her.

    “What?” she asked when she noticed his expression. His hands were covered with olive oil, rosemary, and thyme.

    “For a moment there, I thought you were commissioned to write poetry,” Dante said, shaking his head.

    Selene chuckled.

    “With all that—abundant seas and oceans and whatnot—why are there so many ekhos visiting our polluted realm?” Dante asked.

    “Good question,” Selene said with a laugh. “There are quite a few crossing the palladium gates these days. It wasn’t always like this. The Fox Goddess was conservative when she lived with Immortal Lord Sunu. She tried to curb the Fox Clan’s movement into your realm those days. But that changed when she returned to the Fox Clan from the Citadel. I think she became rebellious, no longer caring what the Septum wanted, and allowing the Fox Clan to claim its freedom from the Immortal Clan.”

    “So, there’s a hierarchy in the Ekho Realm?” Dante asked.

    “Oh, yes,” Selene said, placing the apple peels on a plate, and leaning back to watch Dante slide the turkey pan into the oven. “In the same way you have presidents, kings, and queens, our realm has rules that govern it. To understand the hierarchy is to understand the laws of our very nature. Unlike your mortal realm, where you vote in your leaders, we are governed by the laws of our nature, bloodlines, and the pulse of the realm itself.”

    “Because of your magik?” Dante asked.

    “Yes,” Selene said with a nod. “We’re not secretive about our connection to nature’s forces the way you have to be in the mortal realm, Fire Warlock.”

    “The Ekho Realm sounds like fun,” Dante said, imagining a world where he wouldn’t have to hide his fire magik. He washed the dirty dishes and wiped down the counter.

    “I suppose it would sound fun to someone who has to deny his very nature,” Selene said.

    “So, who is at the top of the hierarchy?” Dante asked, glancing at her. “Immortal Lord or Fox Goddess?”

    “The Immortal Lord, Sunu,” Selene said. “But to bonded mates, their connection is too profound to separate them. So, the Fox Goddess can also be considered the empress of the realm.”

    “Which makes Tani their prince,” Dante said.

    “Yes,” Selene said. “Once he can prove he’s strong enough for what they stand for. There are three types of governing bodies in the Ekho Realm. The most flexible is the Inter Clan Court, managed by a Fox Clan sentinel branch called Reima. They look after the daily lives of ekhos, managing their day-to-day activities in the cities and communities they call home. They’re based in Gralia, the Fox Clan’s territory.”

    “Like a city?” Dante asked, as he washed his hands and wiped them with a paper towel.

    “No, I suppose you’d see it more like a continent,” Selene said. “Where the foxes live is called Gralia. Their capital city is Taesi, which is where the Inter Clan Court is based. The Fox Clan has five sentinel branches—one runs the Inter Clan Court, and the other four support the Fox Goddess in managing Gralia, from policing and investigating cases to training armies, managing border disputes, and dealing with environmental events, among other things. I think the Bao Sentinel branch polices the sentinel branches.”

    “I thought you said the Ekho Realm is peaceful—paradise,” Dante said, throwing the paper towel in the bin. He turned and leaned on the kitchen counter, his gaze on Selene.

    “It is,” Selene said with a chuckle. “Still, we’re all powerful beings with the freedom to play with our gifts. The Inter Clan Court is busy handling cases of misused magik—attempts to gain more power, disasters caused by those who have too much power, or even children making mistakes they didn’t mean to.”

    Dante remembered burning his mother’s vines as a child and shuddered. “The Inter Clan Court must be busy.”

    Selene smiled. “The Fox Goddess closed the borders of Gralia when she left the Citadel. She manages the Fox Clan territory on her own, even though she could work with the Septum if she wanted. She is a deviant member of the Septum.”

    “Oh,” Dante said, folding his arms against his chest. It seemed like Tani was not the only one in his family with a deviant label.

    “Yes, she and the Fox Lord have a lot in common. They really stick to their decisions once they make them,” Selene said with a solemn nod. “In any case, her power sometimes extends to Gralia’s immediate neighbor and my homeland, Dragona. Our dragon clan has a quiet leader, and most of my people like to live and work in Gralia to make money and build their fortunes.”

    “So, you said there are three types of governing bodies in the Ekho Realm. You’ve mentioned the Inter Clan Court, which is basically in the Fox Clan’s territory. What are the other two?” Dante asked.

    “The Septum comes in second,” Selene said with a shiver. “Powerful beings, the Septum. They’re based in the Immortal Clan’s territory, which is the size of two continents. It’s connected to Gralia by a wild forest called Zona. The Fox Clan owns half of that forest, while the Immortal Clan owns the other. It’s difficult to enter, so no one bothers. The Immortal Clan is territorial about its boundaries, so the foxes tend to avoid the Zona.”

    “What is the Immortal Clan’s territory called?” Dante asked, wondering if Tani ever thought of living there.

    “Siorai,” Selene said. “It’s an eternal world where four elemental gods and the fertility goddess have made their homes. Their territories are carved into the ground itself. Mizian’s territory is full of windy cliffs, while Rianon’s is full of water. Eren’s land flourishes with anything that can sink roots into the rich soil, and Kinon’s fires burn wild in active volcanoes. You would feel right at home in Kinon’s territories. The soil in the cooler regions grows the best grapes. Kinon is an avid wine maker, and every ekho wants to own a bottle of his wine.”

    “He is an interesting one,” Dante said. “Where does the Immortal Lord Sunu live?”

    “In a citadel on a floating island in the skies,” Selene said. “Waters flow from this island to a massive lake surrounding the palladium gates. I’m not old enough to know the full history of these waters. I just know they’re essential to all ekho. They’re the reason the Immortal Lord is so important to us.”

    “What about Cale, the calamities master? Where does he live?” Dante asked.

    Selene placed the apple core on the plate with the peels. Dante picked it up and took it to the organic waste container in the corner of the kitchen.

    “The Immortal Lord and Lord Cale make up the final level of governance,” Selene said, folding her arms across her chest. “They’re brothers—one light, the other dark. They police the stronger ekhos, which can be troublesome when some become deviant. The brothers step in when a decision made by a powerful ekho might break the realm’s balance. Lord Cale’s domain is called the Dark Fort, and it’s the only territory that stands on its own, not attached to the Immortal Clan lands.”

    “Why?” Dante asked.

    “Because,” Selene said with a small smile, “when an ekho chooses the dark, it can be devastating to anyone who doesn’t. Have you heard of Kara ot?”

    “Yes,” Dante said. “Tani cleansed it from our vineyard.”

    “The ekho who first created it now lives in the Dark Fort. He was a purist who wanted to destroy all children born to parents from different clans or with mortal backgrounds. I’m sure the Fox Lord told you that parasite attacks mortal hybrids.”

    “Yes,” Dante said. “I didn’t know someone created it.”

    “A purist deviant forged the original version of kara ot,” Selene said. “And that purist deviant isn’t the worst of the creatures living in the Dark Fort. Lord Cale controls their dark ideas in his territory.”

    “Cale is truly scary,” Dante said.

    Dante leaned on the counter, arms folded over his chest as he met Selene’s gaze. They stayed in silence for a moment before Selene smiled.

    “If I were you, I’d want to know whether the Fox Lord will return to the Ekho Realm and become the next Immortal Lord in his father’s place,” she said.

    Dante nodded. “Probably,” he said, then smiled. “I don’t want to know, though. The answer scares me.”

    “He’s stayed in the mortal realm for you,” Selene said with a soft sigh. “I doubt he’ll leave easily.”

    Dante meant to answer, but the door opened and Tani walked into the cottage, holding his cell phone with a frown. Dante remembered spelling that gadget so it could find Tani whenever it rang. He hadn’t seen it since they came to the cottage, so someone from Elderwood must have called.

    “Fox Lord,” Selene said, standing up with a slightly guilty look, as though she felt caught discussing Tani’s world.

    “I’ve sent the large baskets to your farm,” Tani said. “They’re too cumbersome to carry.”

    “Thank you,” Selene said, glancing at Dante. “I should get going.”

    “Don’t you want to stay for turkey?” Dante asked. “Tani’s magik oven will have it roasted soon.”

    Tani crossed the room and went straight into Dante’s arms, burying his face in Dante’s shoulder. Dante smiled and held him close.

    Selene watched them for a moment, then shook her head. “No, let me go,” she said, picking up her bag. “The cottage stinks of love. Single people will suffocate around you.”

    She left with a wave, and Tani laughed against Dante’s shoulder.

    “You’ve chased her away,” Dante said, smiling as he rocked Tani in his arms, enjoying the feel of him.

    “I gave her enough time with you,” Tani said. “Did you learn everything you wanted?”

    “Most of it,” Dante said, pressing his lips to Tani’s hair. “I’ll ask the rest when I think of what else I want to know.”

    “Okay,” Tani said.

    “Who called you?” Dante asked.

    “Tom,” Tani said. “I asked him to call the conservancy’s lawyers. He’s set up a meeting on Friday.”

    “Today is Wednesday,” Dante said. “That’s in two days. I can’t believe we’ve only been here two weeks. I don’t want it to end.”

    “We can always come back,” Tani said, shifting to kiss Dante’s chin. “I’ll finish things with Tom, find out what Uncle Amu discovered, and then we can return. Besides, you haven’t visited my residence in the conservancy. It’ll be nice having you in my home. You can meet Deniz, Hera’s daughter.”

    “I’d love that,” Dante said, smiling. He breathed in Tani’s scent just as the oven bell rang. “The turkey’s ready.”

    “Selene missed it,” Tani said with a small chuckle, letting go of Dante.

    They set the table, and Tani helped Dante carve the turkey. They both knew they wouldn’t finish all the meat, so the rest would have to go in the fridge for later.

    “Selene is a good woman,” Dante remarked, settling at the table with Tani. “Why is she alone?”

    “I’ve never asked,” Tani said, smiling when Dante shifted his chair closer—so close it felt like they were sitting in the same seat. “She used to linger here longer when I was alone. Now she leaves faster. Your many questions are chasing her away.” He teased, nudging Dante’s knee under the table.

    Dante chuckled and began preparing Tani’s plate, piling turkey slices, mashed potatoes, and lettuce salad. “I made these potatoes with the salted butter Selene brought. It’s my grandmother’s recipe. I hope you like them.”

    Tani watched, warmed by the care in every gesture. “You’ve been feeding me so often,” he said, reaching up to touch Dante’s soft beard, briefly imagining trimming it. “Are you trying to fatten me up and keep me in your lair?”

    “If I could, I would,” Dante admitted, leaning in to kiss Tani’s cheek. “I’d lock you up at Artri House and never let you go. I’m terrified I won’t be able to find you if you decide to leave.”

    Tani smiled wider. “Where would I go that isn’t right next to you?”

    Dante closed his eyes, pressed his hand over his heart, and leaned in to kiss Tani’s cheek again, as though the answer soothed an old wound. They lingered over lunch, neither in a hurry. Every moment together felt precious, unhurried, and deeply treasured.

    ****

    A little while later, Dante drifted off into an afternoon nap. Tani slipped outside, wanting to breathe in the orchard’s fresh air and test the scope of his renewed powers. The feeling of total freedom still startled him at times. He felt the hum of life in every root, every leaf, every stray breeze across his skin. He was afraid to trust the feeling, yet, it lingered, sinking deeper into his skin, his blood, his bones.

    Smiling, Tani walked along the orchard boundary, where a patch of cleared land awaited fresh planting. A handful of apple seeds sat in his right palm, and he closed his eyes to feel the pulse of the earth beneath his feet.

    Let’s see what we can do now, he thought.

    Tani scattered the seeds into the air and guided them into the soil with a gentle push of his power. He urged the earth to open and cradle each seed at the perfect depth, coaxed water from hidden pockets far below, and channeled bright energy from the sun overhead. In moments, new saplings poked their tiny green heads out of the soil, leaves unfurling to catch the fading daylight.

    He grinned, pride dancing in his chest. When he was restricted by the Septum’s binding, it would have taken him a week to prompt this kind of growth. Now, each sprout was a promise that he could do more—be more.

    A faint shiver ran through him. I hope Dante’s sleeping well. The memory of the uncertainty in Dante’s eyes flickered in his mind. He’d listened to Dante’s questions as he spoke to Selene. The mystery of the Ekho Realm was not easily solved for a mortal. The Palladium Gates kept mortals out of the realm with an iron fist.

    For all the solace they had found here, Tani couldn’t quite chase away the worry that something might tug them apart. Cale’s warning about Dante’s thirty-sixth birthday filled his thoughts.

    May was coming to an end. The summer would soon start in full earnest. Dante’s birthday was in August. Tani wondered if he would be able to discover what would make Dante ill enough to take his life. He wanted to find it early enough to prevent a tragedy. The thought of Dante gone…he shook his head, refusing to entertain the thought.

    Just then, he felt a spike of distress shoot through him, like an arrow to his chest.

    Tani!

    Dante’s panicked voice echoed in Tani’s head, and the connection between them sprang to life with urgent clarity. Without a second thought, Tani turned away from the flourishing saplings, teleporting back to the cottage.

    ****

    Dante found himself in a dark hallway of the Elderwood fortress, the ancient walls silent and cold around him. He couldn’t recall how he’d arrived here—only that an unshakable dread pressed against his chest. Torches on the stone walls flickered, casting long, wavering shadows that seemed to reach for him with claw-like fingers.

    He hurried down the corridor, calling Tani’s name, but only echoes answered. The fortress stretched on into endless empty rooms, dust swirling beneath Dante’s feet. A faint memory surfaced: He should be here. This place was supposed to be full of warmth and purpose—but now, it was silent as a grave.

    He turned a corner and stood in what should have been a grand courtyard. Where green grass once covered the ground between neat paths, wild weeds grew, and overgrown trees ruled the space. Wild branches and twisted tree trunks sunk into the fortress’s walls, compromising the structure. The fortress was neglected and abandoned.

    “Tani!” he shouted, desperation tearing through his throat. His voice vanished into the black sky overhead. Storm clouds rumbled, and lightning split the horizon. He ran deeper into the fortress, his heart pounding harder with every echoing step.

    At last, he saw a figure in the distance. Vibrant red-brown hair drifted around slender shoulders, and for a moment, relief shot through Dante. He rushed forward—yet as he neared, the figure faded into mist, revealing nothing but an empty corridor.

    An icy wave of grief strangled him. Tani was gone, and all that remained was the shell of what they had built together.

    “You left,” Dante whispered into the darkness, pressing his forehead to the cold stone wall. “You promised—”

    Lightning crashed, and the walls crumbled into black dust, leaving Dante in a timeless void. The heartbreak in his chest grew so immense he could barely breathe.

    Then, from some unseen place, Tani’s voice whispered: I’m right here.

    Dante jerked awake with a gasp, his lungs heaving for air as though he’d been drowning. His heart thudded against his ribs in a frantic staccato. For a long moment, he lay on their bed, still entangled in the nightmare’s hold, drenched in sweat and half expecting to see the overgrown courtyard and the dusty corridors.

    But the soft evening light streaming in through the cottage’s window reminded him where he truly was. He wasn’t in Elderwood’s fortress—he was in the apple orchard cottage, safe. Safe with Tani.

    Except—

    His breath hitched. The space beside him on the bed was empty, the sheets cold and vacant of Tani’s presence. Panic flared bright and instant, fueled by the fresh terror of his dream. He flung the sheets aside, calling Tani’s name as he stumbled through the cottage in search of the one person he could not lose.

    ***

    Dante rushed out of the bedroom, hair disheveled, eyes wide with terror. Relief washed over him the instant he saw Tani in the doorway. Tani opened his arms, and Dante crashed into them, holding Tani as if he might vanish at any moment.

    “You weren’t there when I woke up,” Dante choked out, hugging him too tightly. “I thought—I thought you’d gone. You were just…gone.”

    “I’m right here,” Tani soothed, pressing his face into Dante’s shoulder. “You were sleeping so peacefully; I only stepped out to tend the orchard.”

    Dante drew back slightly, his breath still ragged. “I—I had a nightmare about Elderwood. I was back in the fortress, but it was all empty. You’d left. No one was there, not even Tom. I looked for you everywhere, but it was like you had never existed. It was—” He swallowed, voice breaking on a fearful whisper. “I realized I don’t know how I could ever find you if you decided to go back to the Ekho Realm. I was so scared.”

    Tani’s heart ached at the raw vulnerability in Dante’s eyes. He cupped Dante’s face gently, letting his own calm flow through their bond.

    “Why would I leave, Dante? You’ve already given me everything—my freedom, my power, and this incredible love.”

    Dante closed his eyes, remembering Dane’s fear, his fear now. The visceral squeeze in his gut at the reality of not finding Tani again, he could barely breathe.

    “Is that a promise you can keep? That you won’t vanish on me? That you won’t return to Ekho and lock me out of your life?”

    Tani stroked his fingers through Dante’s hair, pulling him closer.

    “I’m not going anywhere without you. I promise.” He kissed Dante’s temple, letting the moment draw out until the tightness in Dante’s shoulders began to ease. “Besides,” Tani added, attempting a soft smile, “We haven’t done half the things you said you wanted to do together like traveling and spending all your time with me. Why would I leave?”

    A shaky laugh escaped Dante. He buried his face in Tani’s neck, relief mingling with the last echoes of dread. “Don’t joke, baby. For a moment, I was sure I’d lost you.”

    Tani soothed him with gentle strokes over his back. “You never will. I’m here with you, until you don’t want me.”

    “Not wanting you will never happen,” Dante said, making Tani’s breath hitch. He held on to Tani with possessive strength.

    ***

    Gradually, Dante’s breathing steadied. The two of them moved to the living room, settling side by side on the comfortable sofa near the hearth. Tani quietly summoned a small flame in the fireplace, warming the space with gentle heat. Dante reached for Tani’s hand, holding it firmly.

    “This dream…it’s made me realize something.” Dante’s voice was subdued but resolute. “We came here to find peace and I don’t regret it. But there’s still a lot we haven’t resolved. This is not the first time I’ve had this dream, Tani. I’m starting to think all the past versions of me returned to find you. I’m afraid of discovering what happened when they could not find you, Tani. But I still want to know why they lived the way they did. I want to do that because I want to protect our relationship. Will you help me?”

    Tani glanced out the window, to the fields of ripening apples. Yes, Dante’s wish was his too. Their past, as complicated and intertwined as it was, needed unraveling, for Dante, and him.

    “Yes,” Tani said, with a slow nod. “There is a library in my home that we can use to discover your history. I never dared to read your stories after you rejected me. However, Uncle Amu has insisted on everyone working for Elderwood to keep a meticulous record of Durante’s life after I left. They track his lineage.”

    “Will you read it with me?” Dante asked.

    Tani’s gaze returned to Dante. “If it is what you want.”

    “It is,” Dante said.

    “Then let’s go back and discover it,” Tani said with a nod. In any case, this was their last cycle. He should discover all their truths before they run out of time. “We’ll figure out whatever is happening. And whether you returned to Elderwood, and why I didn’t know.”

    A slow smile curved Dante’s lips, relief and hope shining in his eyes.

    “Let’s do it,” he said, as though testing the words. “Just promise me one thing: no matter what we face, we face it together.”

    Tani leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to Dante’s mouth—gentle, but laced with the promise of unwavering devotion. “Together. Always.”

    Dante pulled him into his arms and they stretched out on the couch watching the fire in the hearth. Tani savored the warmth of the moment, hoping for more days like these in the orchard. The pain that once lingered in the cottage had dissipated, replaced by memories of Dante in this place, cooking, cleaning, kissing him, reading, arguing, and having intense conversations about soil. Tani smiled at the memory and hoped for a million more such moments.

    He would stop whatever ‘it’ was that harmed Dante after his thirty-sixth birthday. He was not going to lose their love so easily this time. He would fight.

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