Page 218 of Volik

But even with those whom I miss, I am overwhelmed by how many are here.

Very few of us are connected by bloodline. But… this is my family.

Familia.

I needed this reminder.

Needed these people.

Burnt orchids reach my nose, and I reach for my mate, stepping forward so my body is against hers.

She lets out a watery laugh as she brushes at her cheeks, and I watch my aunt do the same.

“Hello, Aunt.”

She smiles as she reaches over Nix and cups my cheeks in her hands. “You grew, my boy.”

“A bit.” I smirk. “I have also grown into my blood.”

She lifts a brow. “Oh?”

I hold my hand out to the side, and I focus heat into my palm.

I focus a lot of heat.

The warmth is immediate, and when the orange glow follows, she gasps.

“Volik!” She looks from my hand to my face and back again. “I haven’t seen… Not since…” Not since my brother. Not since my mother. She holds her hand over mine, then jerks it back. Because it is too hot. Too hot for her. My mother’s sister. Her wide eyes meet mine. “You have the Fire Touch.”

I nod.

New tears glisten on her lashes. “This is good news.” Then she turns to the gathered crowd and lifts her arms. “Nix has awoken the Fire Touch in Volik!”

Pulses of magic vibrate the ground as my family roars their approval.

Uncle claps his hands together. “Let’s move this party inside!”

Grinning, I spin Nix, wrap my arms around her, and using far more force than necessary, I jump.

My uncle stumbles, and I laugh as we shoot into the sky.

Aunt Bridget pats me on the shoulder as she stands from the table. “I’m going to start cleaning up.”

“Would you like help?”

“No, no. Go be with your girl.” She smiles at where both our mates are sitting, talking in front of the fireplace.

I push my chair back, grateful my relatives filled this castle with proper furniture when they bought it so I do not have to worry about breaking it.

A castle. How cliché.

But when I think of Nix’s reaction, I wonder if maybe we need a castle too.

We have been here for hours. The sun is about to come up. And it has been better than I ever imagined a reunion could be.

My aunt arranged a feast, covering the entire twenty-foot table in dishes. And even though this crowd would not normally eat, almost all the food is gone. And the conversations have been just as plentiful.

We will sit down and talk more formally tomorrow, sharing whatever stories and information we can. Strategizing for the possibility of government interventions. Aligning allegiances.