“You’re welcome here anytime.” Nio reaches for her hand.
What gives him the right to think he can touch her? He just met her a day ago. I almost wish they didn’t agree to join our side so I would have no reason to stop myself from removing his hand from his body.
“Might wanna let go of that knife before you break it in half,” Amaya whispers with a sly grin like she’s read my mind. “He’s not your competition, anyway.”
“You’re annoyingly observant.”
“You’re just not very good at hiding it,” she quips, turning back to her food.
“There’s nothing to hide,” I argue under my breath, but she just laughs.
“Keep telling yourself that.”
Both of them. Insufferable twisted sisters. Whatever she thinks she’s picking up on, she’s wrong. I can admire Reign and feel the need to protect her without it being anything more.
“Alright, since tonight is your last night here, how about we make it one to remember?” Ion suggests.
“What did you have in mind, my love?”
“It’s not a proper visit without a Seacap.”
“Of course! You’re brilliant.” Danielle turns to Reign and adds, “I knew I married him for a reason.”
“What’s a Seacap?” Reign asks her.
“It’s like a nightcap, but better,” Danielle answers with a grin. “Let’s get going! You guys will want to change into something a little warmer.”
Once we’re all back downstairs with our layers on, Zaro puts us into a circle and releases the midnight powder. A moment later, we’re standing on a black sand beach lined with at least a hundred bonfires. Music plays in the distance and the moon shines overhead in all its glory.
To my left, four wolves go chasing one another along the shore. One rolls into the waves and quickly jumps up to shake the water off while another one lets out a loud howl.
“Here we like to celebrate our gifts.” Nio tilts his head up to the two dozen dragons flying in the star speckled sky.
“This is beautiful.” Amaya gawks at the view of witches performing magic nearby and a set of chimeras wrestling around one of the fires. “Back in the realms we don’t really do this. Our gifts are usually saved for training or work.”
I instantly feel a blanket of shame cover me. She’s right. We don’t celebrate The Mother’s gifts like we should. Nazrelia is the best about it, but even then, it’s nothing like this.
“Maybe that’s something we should change, starting with the Shadow Lands.” Amaya beams with excitement at my suggestion and it makes me feel hopeful for the future.
Being here has reminded me why it’s so important to visit the other territories. There is always room for improvement and there’s not just one way of doing things. Looking around now only confirms that we made the right decision seeking their allegiance. These are good people and good leaders. It seems I could learn a thing or two from them.
“Here. Cover the logs with these blankets and take a seat,” Danielle politely orders the group.
We huddle around one of the large bonfires and settle in. Reign’s eyes are locked on the flames dancing in the middle of our circle, and I wonder if she’s wishing she could transform into her phoenix along with all the other Entities. Guilt begins to sink in, thinking that I’m the reason she’s holding back. I wish keeping her safe didn’t mean hiding her abilities. She’s remarkable and the world should know.Just not yet.
“Take one and pass it around,” Zaro says, handing a bag to Damien.
“What are these?” Damien pulls something white and round out of the bag and squishes it between his fingers.
“They’re meltpuffs!” Danielle replies as she pierces one with a metal stick. “You cook them over the fire, and they get all gooey on the inside.” She carefully extends her arm so that the white puff is over the flames. We watch as she rotates it, making sure each side turns a golden brown. When she’s satisfied, she smashes it in a sandwich-like treat and white oozes around the outsides. “Here. Try it.”
Damien takes a bite and immediately moans with pleasure—a sound I had hoped to go my whole life without hearing.
“That’s star sent, Dani!”
“I know, right? It’s the best part about Seacaps. Ion likes when his catches fire and burns, but I think that ruins the flavor.” She makes a disgusted face before adding, “Who wants to try?”
Amaya shoots her hand into the air and Danielle begins passing out metal sticks to everyone. She assists Amaya for a moment before taking a seat next to her brother who is finishing off the last of his sandwich.
