“You would do that?”
“For you, I would do anything.” He looks up at the sky. “You know, the whole point of these Skycaps is for everyone to share their gifts with each other.” He focuses back on me. “It’s time everyone gets to see yours.”
“Let’s do it,” I agree with a smile.
When we make it back to the group, Emeric and Elias immediately take to the sky in their dragon forms. Even with Elias still missing a leg, he seems to be able to move around just fine in his shapeshifter form. I suppose it helps that he has three legs and two wings to help him maneuver.
Akari follows behind, and it’s only the third time I’ve seen her with her fae wings splayed out. I have yet to find out what her power does. It’s an unspoken rule that no one asks about it. Maybe it has something to do with her past. Perhaps there was an accident or something that made her not want to share that part of herself with others. I, of all people, can understand.
“You ready?” Kane asks, standing next to me.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
Chapter 52
Ryder
She’s already extraordinary but even more so in her phoenix form. It’s her truest self. Fiery and free. Just as she should be. My shadows fuse with her flames as they trail behind us in the night sky. Cheers roar beneath us as my people—our people—watch in awe. With wide eyes and jaws dropped, they take in the miracle that is Reign Calloway. There’s no fear or disgust behind their expressions. Only admiration and wonder for the girl wrapped in beautiful, dangerous flames.
The glimpse of her smile as she dives sends a jolt of adrenaline through me. It’s as if nothing else in the world matters, only her happiness.
“She’s magnificent,” Amaya says to me when I touch back down on the ground.
“She certainly is,” I agree, joining her to watch from below.
“This is why you’re good for her.” Amaya turns to me. “She could’ve done this before, but she didn’t until you were here to help her do it.”
“Maybe she wasn’t ready before tonight.”
Amaya throws her head back. “You just don’t see it, do you?”
“I just think you’re giving me too much credit,” I counter.
She lets out an exaggerated grunt. “I’m not! You calm her fears and champion her decisions. Curse aside, it’s your love she needs. Perhaps even more than mine.”
“You’re wrong about that.” My voice is low and sure in the way it is when I command armies. “It’syourlove she needs. You’re the one she can always count on. No matter what, your presence brings a peace to her life that no one will ever be able to compete with.” She’s about to put up a fight, but I don’t let her. “And that’s okay, Amaya. That’s how it should be. You are her constant. Her soul’s twin flame. Not Damien. Not me.You.If there’s one thing you believe, let it be that.”
She bumps her hip against me. “You’re getting soft these days.”
“Believe me, it’s against my will.”
She laughs and turns to run her hand through Zane’s fur as he walks and settles beside her in his wolf form. When she stops, he nudges her with his snout, and she giggles.
I’d never admit it to her, but I appreciate the friendship we’ve built over the past few months. She has a way about her that makes me feel comfortable shedding the hard exterior I tend to use as armor. Other than Artemus and Reign, she’s the only one I seem to do it around. I suppose that’s just another one of her many gifts.
When Reign finally makes her way back down, she’s met with a rousing reception. Everyone shows their excitement asshe walks over to join us, and I can already see the red radiating from her cheeks. She’s not one to enjoy being the center of attention, but she deserves all of the praise she’s getting. It’s time the world sees her for the woman she is.
“That was incredible!” She’s beaming, and it’s not from her power.
“No,youwere incredible!” Amaya says proudly before ordering everyone to reconvene at the firepit.
I’m pleasantly surprised when Reign chooses to sit next to me this time. It shouldn’t feel like a big deal, but something about it feels like a statement. Her knee is pressed up against my thigh, and even though it’s only a slight touch, I can feel her heat warming me.
Once everyone is settled back around the fire, Akari begins to pass around glasses of wine to celebrate. Whatever game we were playing before has been long forgotten, and we spend the rest of the night watching the other entities share their gifts through music and magic.
It’s been so long since I’ve done anything like this. Even in the Infinite Sea Territories, it felt like there was an underlying agenda. Tonight has been different, though. Somehow, I’ve been able to release myself from the duties and burdens of being king and instead, just be Ryder. It’s a freedom I don’t often allow myself, and now I’m thinking that’s something that should change.
As the fires begin to die out, I find myself wishing the night wasn’t coming to an end. I reach out my hands and help Reign up from the pile of blankets and pillows.
