“Do not speak to me. Ever again.”His withholding of information was the deepest of betrayals.
“You are hurting. I apologize for ever causing you this type of pain.”
“Do. Not. Speak.”I ordered harshly.
“Your father once asked me the same question after your mother died. I will tell you what I told him then.” Jar’s ancient eyes bore into my own. “Our circumstances are a tool that we can use to mold our lives. It is up to you what you decide to create from them. Use it to mold your own peace Daemon, a life for you,forta, and the girl…you will not find it from others. Not even our goddess.”
“Peace? There will never be peace for me, Jar. Not anymore. Not while that bitch is still out there! Hurting us, hurting my soulmate…my daughter.” I choked.
“It is imperative that you do not lose focus on what really matters. You and Remnant have been given a gift, it is up to you on how you receive it. Despite how terrible the queen’s purpose wasor still is…this child is a miracle, the first shadow shifter, and your daughter.”
“Shadow shifter?”
Jarquinn nodded and shot me a small playful smile. “I do hope you give me the credit for naming a new fae race. We won’t know how her power manifests but I am sure it will be a combination of you both.”
“A combination of us both.” I murmured.
The fae coveted power above all else and now my daughter held more power in her small frame than any fae that had ever lived.
I stared at the healer with renewed fear. “How do I keep her safe, Jar? How do I keepthemsafe?”
His eyes widened, not expecting open vulnerability. “Oh Daemon.” He kneeled and pulled me into his warm embrace. His healing power washed over me like a warm blanket. “You know what you must do. You must go tohim, my cub, and then you must tellfortathe truth. Let her choose the path she will take from there.”
I hugged him fiercely, not knowing what I would ever do without him.
“The attack last night forced that decision already anyway. I have plans to leave today.” I grumbled.
Jar pulled away with a sad smile. “I have no doubt you will be received well, my cub. Time has a way of healing many wounds and revealing many wrongs.”
I looked back down at the faeling. “Time…” I said softly. “We’ve already lost so much time.” I shook my head growling, I wasn’t about to let any more go with us apart.
I rose, my chest expanding and my voice clear. “I want you to personally reinforce all the wards around this room. No one is to come in here except myself, you, and Remnant.” I glared hard at Jarquinn. “Fucking no one. No exceptions.” I growled.
The ancient fae healer nodded. “As you wish, your majesty.”
“Thank you.” I said sincerely. “Thank you for not being afraid to tell me the truth. Thank you for always watching over me and now my daughter. Thank you for saving her. For caring for Remnant. For loving me.”
Jar sighed and smiled happily at me. “Daemon. You were born into this kingdom to be its brightest light but you never needed to shine tobe one in mine.”
As if his words were the trigger, a sudden force exploded deep inside of me and I gasped at the pure warmth spreading in my chest.
“Sweet goddess, what is that?” I gasped, leaning over and gazing at my daughter, the source of this new strange power.
Jar stared with awe. “She has bonded with you!” He shook his head, his brows raised in surprise. “I would know the feel of that bond anywhere. It is the same I hold with my Quinn. The same your father held with you.” He smiled widely at me. “Your daughter will be very powerful indeed if she can bond to you in a healing sleep like this. Although, I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
“It is beautiful.” I said in awe, reaching down and tucking the loose strands from her braid behind her ear. “She is beautiful.” I placed a soft kiss upon her delicate forehead. “I claim you Riella, my wee little cub.” I whispered. “I will protect you with every ounce of life that is left in me and even when my soul leaves my body it will never stop to ensure your safety. This world will know no fiercer protector for you than me. I swear it, on the Goddess, this world, and the whole universe combined. Nothing shall ever harm you.”
Chapter 53
Somehowthatclevermasterhealer manipulated me into leaving Riella’s side again with the promise of sweet buttery pastries and I knew just who he got that information from.
Just the thought of Emon, had my heart fluttering with anticipation and admittedly, I was more excited to see him than I was to sink my teeth into a cherry cream cheese hand pie.
Penina’s arm snaked through mine suddenly, pulling me closer to her lavender swathed body as she greeted the people of Finlandia with energetic acceptance. Leaving me forced to awkwardly smile or nod to the people she stopped to talk to.
My former captain, Xi, trailed alongside us with a wry smile on her face. Enjoying my utter discomfort at being manhandled by the energetic shifter.
I smacked her with my free arm. “You’re enjoying this too much.”
