The bed shifts behind me as Luke’s large hand comes up to rub my back in light circles and soft kisses are pressed to my exposed skin. "We'll get through this together."
My voice cracks as I croak out, "How? How are we supposed to just move on without Ash?"
Luke's hand on my back ceases its ministrations and Leo loosens his hold to pull back and look into my eyes. "We need to get you to speak with the other gods and goddesses now that you're awake. They have an idea of how to get Ash back, Lana."
Goosebumps pebble my skin as I sniffle and stare slack jawed at Leo. "W...What did you just say? I think my ears are broken."
Rubbing his hands up and down my arms, he offers me a soft smile, at the same time a knock sounds from the doorway. Peering around Leo, I see my brown-haired, hazel-eyed mate.
Zeddbaby.
His uncertainty of how to proceed with me is clear on his face, and from the way he fumbles with his hands in front of him. Leo steps to the side, and I launch myself off the bed and run straight to Zedd, needing to feel him.
Our breaths whoosh out of us as I slam into him and wrap my arms around his neck, twining my fingers through his hair.
Staring up into his swirling orange and green eyes, I whisper, "I missed—" but my words are cut off as he seals his mouth to mine, pouring all of his emotions into this welcome home kiss. I feel his longing and pain all wrapped up into this moment as our tongues clash.
Whoops and hollers sound behind us as the twins watch him devour my mouth.
He pulls back after a moment, now breathing heavily, and leans his forehead down to rest lightly against mine. "I've missed you, too."
Stepping back, I glance over at the twins, who are now both sitting on the edge of the bed. "Where is Hale, and what did you mean when you said there might be a way to get Ash back?"
Zedd drops a hand onto my shoulder and squeezes lightly. "Hale is with Ash and a few of the gods. One of us always stays with him."
Biting my lower lip gently to try to hold back the tears that prick at my eyes, I ask, "Is there really a way to get him back? This all feels so unreal." I can feel myself beginning to crumble again as our current situation threatens to overwhelm me once more.
Leo answers while standing and stretching, exposing a sliver of his toned stomach. "Well, wearein the realm of the gods and goddesses, so if there's a chance for a miracle, it'll happen here."
Glancing around in bewilderment, I ask, "Where exactly are we in the realm?" But deep down, I know the answer.
"We're in Gaia's home." Leo pauses for a moment, seeming to measure his next words before continuing, "Which has now been passed down to you."
Sorrow shoots through me at the mention of Gaia. Taking a shaky breath, I nod slowly in answer, looking around me. There is a calmness and tranquility to the air when I breathe in, and it instantly feels like home. And Gaia. Overflowing plants hang from corners of the room, long vines and leaves cascading against the stone floor. Gaia's essence is strong here, as if she's infused her energy into each petal and leaf, and that essence is a balm for my aching heart.
A part of me takes solace in knowing that I'll always have this piece of her with me now, to sit with and feel close to when I need it.
A sudden subtle breeze caresses my skin, blowing my hair around me lightly, and a gentle warmth spreads over my cheek as if a palm is resting against it.
A single tear rolls down my face, and I close my eyes to soak in this moment, trying to make peace with what has happened, knowing that's my only real option because I can’t change it.
I miss you. And I'm so angry we didn't spend more time together. I don't know how I'm going to do this—how I can ever fill your place here. It all feels so unfair!
The warmth returns to my cheek, and I take a deep breath, trying to recenter myself and taking comfort in her presence.
I know you'll always be with me though, and I swear I will make you proud.
I pour all my determination into that last part. Because it's true. Iwillfind a way to do all of this and make her proud, if it'sthe last thing I do.
Give my other parents a hug for me. I'll see you all again one day—when my work here is done.
With the end of my thoughts, the wind and warmth on my cheek dissipates, leaving me alone with my three mates once more.
I wipe my cheeks one last time and straighten my shoulders. "Let's go find Hale and Ash. I'm ready to speak with the gods about what we need to do. Whatever the price is, I'll pay it."
Luke stands next to his twin, and together they follow me and Zedd as we turn and exit the bed chamber. The hallway we walk down has floor-length windows, letting tons of natural light in, and I marvel over the outside world as we go.
A huge forest lies in the near distance, with fields of flowers between the edge and Gaia's home. But the real beauty is how in the blue sky, I can see multiple other homes and landscapes, all varying in topography and climate, resting on top of fluffy, white clouds.
