Remnant inhaled sharply next to me, her eyes glittering with unshed tears, while Riella remained intelligently quiet in my arms. The incessant need to draw Remnant closer to me and hold onto her forever was stronger now than ever before.
Sighing, the healer looked out over the yellow plains. "Not here." Turning back towards us he smiled, the sadness diminishing just as quickly as it came. Holding the yellow flower up he blew it from his hand. The sapling fluttered in front of us, dipping and swirling until it landed perfectly in my daughter's hair, tucked over her ear.
Awed, Riella reached up to touch the seemingly gentle flower and then beamed at the healer. "Thank you," she whispered excitedly.
His smile grew. "You are welcome my little shadow shifter, it is enchanted so it will never die or tarnish, keep it close to you."
He winked at her and my eyes narrowed…what was he fucking not saying?
Then he smoothed out his robes, glaring at the two of us before piercing my soulmate with his calculating gaze. "Now, let's talk about your powers—both of yours. I thought you had learned your lesson, accepting who you are,forta."
My chest rumbled a warning, not liking his chastisement of Remnant, seeing and smelling the way shame coated her.
Jar rolled his eyes. "I cannot take your threats seriously in that pink shirt Daemon."
I pointed a finger at him, barely keeping the smile from my face. "Now you know how I felt all those years with you and those damn unicorn slippers."
He smiled, folding his arms within his robes. "That was on purpose to see if you could keep your head on straight as a king, your majesty…and they kept my feet wonderfully warm."
Riella giggled.
Chapter 21
"Come,come,"Jarcalledtowards us, leading us back into the grove. I felt the rush of a gentle wind pushing us forward, eager for us to follow. I breathed in Jar’s sweet haven, loving the smell of the fresh woods, sunshine, and the sweet honey smell still radiating from the dying kiss flower in my daughter's hair.
My heart still pounded fiercely seeing the ancient healer standing before me, whole and well. I had to blink several times to escape the vision of him from before, his face had been so contorted in pain, his eyes begging me for death. Now those same crystal blue eyes sparkled at me with warmth and clarity, forgiveness and love.
Two things I never felt as if I deserved.
Riella's hand reached out from Emon's arms, pulling me back to the now. "It's so beautiful here," shewhispered.
I smiled at the way the golden sunbeams highlighted her innocent beauty while the large oak trees hummed again at our return. Encouraged, wisps swirled around her enchantingly, drawn by her soft innocent voice.
Jar smiled back at her. "Thank you child. It is where I grew up. As an ancient fae we emerged from the grove, it taught us about the world, the trees whispering its secrets until we were ready to leave to live as part of your world."
Riella's little brow puckered and then her jaw dropped. "The trees say they were sad to see you leave."
Jar nodded, not an ounce of shock or surprise in his features. "You hear them too. I am not surprised, my little cub. Your powers are manifesting as we speak." He waved her over and placed her tiny hand on the smooth silver wood. "What else does it say?"
Emon shot me another look of concern, how many was that today already? My hands twitched at my sides, aching for the comfort my shadows brought me during times of uncertainty. That was something that was always clear. Their power.
She smiled again, looking between Emon and I with wonderment swirling in her gold and green eyes, drawing out a chuckle from her father. He was irrevocably smitten by our daughter and I loved him all the more for it. "They say they are happy to meet me."
Jar nodded. "Faerie honors its miracles. Yes, your power will be full soon." Then his eyes narrowed on Emon and I with full disappointment. "Unlike your own powers. Both of you. Your manipura’s are blocked, the source of all fae’s power and strength."
Emon smirked, sheathing his claws. "I'll have you know healer I am shifting just fine."
Jar raised his brows. "Is that so, your majesty? Show me your beast then?"
Emon narrowed his golden gaze. "I fail to see how this is your concern healer."
Jar snorted then. "Don't be daft, boy. I am a goddess damn healer."
My brow furrowed, anger and realization dawning on me. "Emon…"
He turned to me, raking his hand through his hair with a guilty expression. "You said you never doubted my power. Don't start now. My beast does not define me and nor does your shadows."
I breathed heavily, then hissed through my teeth. "So you what…purposefully distracted me from the full truth?"
