AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Soon, there was a fairly large crowd of people gathered around the firepit. Some took seats on stumps or rocks. Others stood off to the side. Everyone watched Yunez with unblinking gazes as if they were both wary but curious.
I got it. Yunez had that electric draw about him. Nato sidled up to his side, whispered something in his ear, and I realized, Nato would have it too once he fully came into himself.He had the natural charisma of a leader, he just needed to mature into his powers like Yunez.
“All right, Yunez,” Ureste said with flick of his staff. When he set it back down, thunder rumbled overhead.
That’s right, he was a Levan leader and he was showing off a little of his displeasure.
“We’re all here. We’re tired from such a long run to reach Toste’s people. Tell us why this wasn’t an epic waste of our time.” Ureste hadn’t said the words unkindly. But he also hadn’t smiled either.
“Gather round, my good people of Fennina,” Yunez called, stepping onto a stump to have the best vantage point. Knowing Yunez, he probably also wanted them to have a good look at him too. A whisper of a smile kissed my lips.
“There have been too many secrets steeped in our society. None of them good, and all of them born of greed, fear, and vengeance. I will not sugar coat it for you. I will not glaze over the uglier parts of our history. It is time you knew the truth, and whatever we decide will come of it, we will make that decision together.”
Rand and Sage shot me confused looks.
That was new. As far as I knew, this wasn’t a democracy. The Fiasla Mannos and Rainer had to be stopped. As the Mazza with my bonded mates, we had a duty to keep them safe.
I worried my lip.
Oh hell. Hopefully Yunez had seen the outcome, but I wasn’t sure how this was going to affect our plans if the other houses decided we were the bad guys.
Yunez rolled into the story that I’d heard a few times. There wasn’t a sound in the field outside of the Caen members, who were already very acquainted with these truths. The newcomers clung to every word. It almost seemed like he held them in a trance, but Yunez was just that mesmerizing.
By the time he reached the recount of what happened at Toste’s castle, some were enraged, some were white with fear, and a few were blank faced.
Aamori’s hand fluttered over her chest as her lips pursed together. Ureste had adopted a strong frown, leaning his arms over the top of his staff.
“My Mazza and my bondmates, have given a promise to keep you all safe. We will do everything within our power to defeat the Fiasla Mannos and stop Rainer from taking over the human realm.” Yunez’s gaze skated over Aamori, but she remained passive, giving nothing away in her expression. “What you have to decide, is how much you’re willing to fight for Fennina. Are we all people of Fennina? Or are Mannos the enemy of everyone regardless of the house?” He paused, his chest rising slightly.
“How can we know that you’re telling us the truth? These are big accusations.” One man called in the back.
“Telly,” Toste stepped forward. “Listen to me when I tell you, Yunez and his bondmates saved us. They did not ask for payment or favor before diving in. I’m ashamed to say, I even locked their Mazza and some of her mates up until I could confirm their genuinity.” He shot a sheepish smile toward us, then glared at the crowd. “You all have to make the decision for yourselves. But as for me and my house, we support the Mazza and her mates!” He thrust his fist in the air and all of his warriors gave a whooping battle cry.
Oh shit. Tears touched my eyes. There was so much emotion in that collective sound. Their recent pain still too fresh.
The man nodded, but seemed like he had more questions to ask.
“As the head of Janer house, I need more information. Yunez, I suspect you won’t be too tired to meet with the heads of houses here? Or should we call for Phin?” Aamori looked around as if he would appear out of the woods.
My jaw hit the ground when Phin did step out. He nodded to us as he approached Yunez. “Yunez, I’m glad to see you’ve survived this initial strike. My people have constructed a tent with a sound barrier surrounding it. Shall we?”
Okay, this was weird. But Yunez had said there was always a Manno taking his place to keep up the ruse. He caught me staring and winked, the cheeky bastard.
“You four go ahead. I need to talk to my Mazza and then I’ll join you.”
“Don’t you think the Mazza ought to be a part of this important talk?” Ureste smoothed his fingers over his chin.
“Yes, but not yet. She has something else to attend to. Something I’m afraid isn’t any of your business,” Yunez added when it looked like Aamori was going to interject.
“It’s time,” Yunez slipped his arms around me and pressed up against my side. He dropped his head to nuzzle my temple. “I’m sending you with Rand, Jari, and Sage. You will be quick. Take absolutely no deviations from the mission. Do you accept?” Yunez leaned back and his twinkling eyes snared me.
“Huh?”
The guys laughed, and Jari patted me on the back. “It’s okay, Issy. We’re used to the effect Yunez has on you by now. The short answer is yes, we’ll do the mission.”
“What mission?”
Another round of laughter rolled through my LL. As nice as it was to hear them enjoying the moment, I was being serious. Yunez hadn’t said what the mission was.
