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“You agreed to live at the colony,” Baramael announced. “However, we have decided to amend the terms of our agreement.”
“What do you mean?” Zael asked, sounding as surprised as Brynne felt.
“The four of us met again last night to discuss the proposed alliance with the Order. This morning, we met with the rest of the colony and explained everything that happened these past couple of days—including the role you and Brynne played in protecting our crystal.” Baramael put his hand on Zael’s shoulder. “The colony agrees unanimously that you and Brynne should have the freedom to stay here with us and to return to the outside as you choose.”
Brynne swallowed, looking to Zael in shock and confusion. She felt the same reaction in him, through their bond.
“Come and go as we choose?” Zael asked cautiously. “This is…most unexpected.”
“Consider it our gift to you,” Anaphiel said, smiling warmly at both of them.
Haroth nodded. “With our trust. You’ve both earned it.”
“You have the trust of the whole colony,” Nethiri added, the female elder’s silver eyes shining with kindness.
“The freedom doesn’t come entirely without some responsibility,” Baramael said, his bicolored gaze moving between Brynne and Zael. “To be specific, the council would like you both to be emissaries of the colony in our new alliance with the Order.”
Brynne could hardly contain her gasp. As prepared as she was to remain on the island with Zael for the rest of her life, there had been a part of her that yearned to see her sister again, if only to say goodbye. But what the elders were offering was something far better. A chance to keep Tavia and the rest of the Order in her life as partners in the alliance.
“Yes, of course,” Zael accepted, bringing Brynne under his arm.
“It would be our honor,” she told the elders. “Thank you for this very welcome gift.”
“It’s well-earned,” Baramael said. He smiled, and it was a revelation to see the stern Atlantean’s face soften with his warm regard.
“You also mentioned a special request,” Zael prompted the dark-haired elder.
“Yes. There is the matter of Tamisia.”
Brynne hoped the council had also softened toward their colleague’s fall from grace. “Have you reconsidered your position with her as well?”
“No,” Baramael replied soberly. “That we cannot do. Her banishment still stands. However, as she’s never been away from the colony to see where to teleport, she will need help leaving.”
He indicated the waiting sailboat.
“Of course,” Zael said, understanding at once. “Brynne and I can take her to the mainland.”
Baramael nodded. “She will be pleased to hear that. We will inform her to prepare for the journey as soon as you and Brynne are ready to depart.”
“As for her banishment,” Zael said, “adjusting to life on the outside may not be easy for her. Will the council allow us to ensure Tamisia has somewhere to go once she’s away from the colony? Someone to help look out for her, if she needs assistance?”
They all agreed, and not long afterward, Brynne and Zael found themselves on the sailboat with Tamisia, heading back for Athens.
The blonde Atlantean remained in the cabin below for most of their journey. But by nightfall, as the craggy shoreline of the mainland drew nearer, Tamisia emerged to join them on the deck.
o;I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.” He kissed her, unrushed and meaningful, letting his tongue trace the razor-sharp tips. “Let me taste you, Brynne.”
When she hesitated, he took her hand in his and brought her wrist up to her mouth.
“You’ve given me your love,” he said, still amazed that she had. “Now, give me your bond.”
Brynne swallowed, her eyes never leaving his. She gently bit her wrist, then withdrew her fangs from her tender flesh and turned her wrist toward him.
He closed his mouth around the bleeding punctures, sealing his lips over the wound.
The first sip slammed into his senses, hard and powerful. He wasn’t expecting to feel the need it stirred within him, the deepening thirst for her.
He groaned with pleasure—with amazement—at the erotic taste and staggering force of her blood. He felt it surge into him like a wave of heat and energy, even more invigorating than the light that lived in him as an Atlantean.
