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.
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