“That just feels kind of sad though, doesn’t it?”
I shrug. “There are pros and cons to everything. I guess it’s just up to everyone to decide what price is worth paying.”
“I suppose.” She stops floating and begins treading water again. “I don’t want to be protected. I want to be known.”
“What do you mean by that?”
I pull her into me, so she doesn’t have to keep fighting to stay above the surface and she wraps her legs around my waist. The fabric of my fitted boxers does little to compress the part of me that grows with my need for her. Seeing as how I refuse to let go of her, I loosen the leash on my power once again. This time, the lights flicker and the chairs that outline the room begin to float, along with the small droplets of water. She glances around and then starts to run her fingers through my wet hair as I walk us around the pool.
“When I lived in The House of Waif all of those years, I liked that I was invisible. It was better that way. But then I went to the Sector, and I met friends who became family. And after that, I died and thought my life had been wasted.” She runs her hand down my chest, stopping to trace over the X that serves as a reminder that my love is bound by death. “It’s taken me a long time to understand that my existence matters. Not just because I’m a phoenix but becauseImatter. My life has an impact and I want people to know who Reign Calloway really is.”
I grab her chin, drawing her eyes back mine.
“And so they will.”
Chapter 55
Reign
When we land in Zentria, Danielle is waiting to greet us. Although she and Damien have been writing back and forth, I know it must feel like a weight has been lifted when they reunite. Seeing the way he lights up when he hugs her makes me happy that they have each other.
I was lucky enough to find Amaya, but Ryder has no one. The sibling he was promised was taken from him, leaving him to navigate the world and wrath of his father alone. I can’t even begin to imagine that kind of loneliness.
“Reign, you look stunning as ever!” Danielle embraces me and the smell of her perfume entangles itself in me. It’s sweet and sexy with just a hint of bite. The perfect combination for her. “Leave your things,” she motions with the wave of herhand. “Bex and Mason will make sure they find their way to your rooms.”
She leads us to the crystal dining table we ate at last time we were here and tells us the others will be joining shortly.
“Okay,” she says, clapping her hands together once she’s sat. “What have I missed?”
There’s an awkward silence as Amaya and I glance to one another.
“Well,” Ryder speaks up, gripping his crossed ankle. “We’re making headway with the creatures who agreed to join us from the Dread Woods.”
“Oh, yes! Damien had mentioned something about that. I can only imagine what it’s like having them in the Shadow Lands.”
“Honestly, it’s pretty civil. They mostly keep to their forest aside from training.”
“And you, girls? How are things with you?”
Amaya takes the lead and I’m thankful for it. She tells Danielle about her Entity training and formally introduces Zane, giving a short summary of their love story.
“Oh, wow! It was written in the stars for you two to make your way back to each other.” Danielle’s reaction is so pure and genuine. She truly makes everyone she meets feel special and seen. “Reign, what about you?”
“Umm, everything has been great. I—”
The three leaders suddenly appear in the room as the blue mist fades and I welcome the interruption. They’re each donning black robes that are outlined with their signature colors: white, gold, and navy. After we’ve all greeted one another, Danielle kindly orders us all to reconvene at the dining table.
“So, when do we get to meet the lucky guy?” Amaya asks Zaro.
“Tomorrow! He’s excited to meet you all.”
“Likewise,” Damien adds.
“We figured tonight we would just have a nice dinner and let you all get settled. It’s going to be quite the festive next couple of days,” Ion tells us as he motions for us to eat.
“I can’t wait to experience it all,” I chime in, trying to recover from before. “I’ve never been to a wedding, let alone an Infinite Sea one.”
“Well, I can promise you it won’t disappoint.” Nio tosses me a wink and I don’t have to look Ryder’s way to know he probably has his hand in a fist at his side.
