“We are.”
“He is truly your VySytheh.” It is said as a statement, not a question.
I nod, and they both hum lowly as if understanding the significance. Rathyn, Everest, and Dante approach, and I snake my tail around Dante’s waist and pull him into me, feeling a thrum of pleasure at his closeness. I can tell he is content as well. He has been looking forward to this vacation.
“We’re so glad you’re here,” Everest says.
“Yes,” Rathyn adds. “I am glad to see you all together.”
Everest sniffles, and I see Dante reach over and squeeze his hand.
“I’m so fucking glad you came. I thought I’d lose you all.”
Rathyn growls at that, picking Everest up and nuzzling his nose against him.
“You have me. You do not need anyone else,” I hear him say. Everest nods and then shakes his head.
“Normally, yes. But I love my friends, and losing one has pushed me over the edge. It’s why I wanted you to have some time together. As an apology…and to…” he wets his lips and looks at Dante and then at me. “I wanted to give you a chance to be together without anyone watching, without any fear.”
“Thank you,” I say, inclining my head.
“I also have a message from Luca.” Dante perks up, and his eyes grow wide.
“Is he okay?”
“He’s good. He and Eissa…well, something’s going on there, but he’s healed and making himself at home in the city.”
“Fuck, I’m so glad. Tell him I miss him.”
“I will.”
Everest sniffles and then swipes at his eyes. I reach out and settle a hand on his shoulder, squeezing lightly before removing it.
His eyes meet mine, and he nods toward the inside of the house. “Actually, I want to talk to you and Dante, if you don’t mind.”
When Dante agrees, I follow the two of them into the house, looking at the colorful furniture. It is the color of a warm sunny day. It looks comfortable and large, perfect for a Vyastil. I cannot wait to curl up in this as well.
I should like to relax while I’m here.
And suck my Dante. But that will be done in private.
Everest clears his throat and clasps his hands together before him, returning my focus to him.
“So, you can say no, but I thought today would be a great time for this…”
Dante cocks his head, and I wait silently for him to continue.
“Rathyn was able to procure something from Erethar, something they used on him…hold on.” He holds up a finger and then rushes away, only to return with something clasped in his palm.
My breath stutters as his fingers uncurl. I know what this is. It is a piercing stone, one that is used for different classes of Vyastil. I did not have this. My sire used a bone from the syvael. It is widely available in the Outerlands. Simple and sharp, but the stone in Everest’s hand…it is not mine—it is not even of my station. I cannot accept this.
“He cannooot,” I say.
“Yes, I know, but Dante can, yes? And Rathyn said if he offers it, you are able to accept it. An offering. A signal of friendship.”
I swallow and turn to look at Dante, who has reached out a finger and is stroking the stone gently.
“Is this what you use for piercing?” he asks.
