ONE DAY EARLIER...
~DANIEL~
I relaxed against the cold stone wall, my arms crossed as I waited. I didn't know how long I'd have to wait, but if I needed to stand here all night long I would. Waiting was nothing compared to the feeling of satisfaction I'd experience knowing Makoto would be able to walk again.
Kai had texted me the name of the individual I needed to speak with regarding Mako's current situation; this woman had experienced it herself cycles ago. I wouldn't have guessed it would be this individual. I had to give the Queen a heads up I would be leaving the castle for a few hours.
She was returning from her private section of the castle, carrying a few blankets. When I'd offered my assistance, she explained she was fine and was capable of carrying them. I asked how Makoto was doing and she explained she was still up, catching up with the King and Kade. She didn't know how long they would stay up for, but wanted to make sure both her children were comfortable.
We chit-chatted for a bit after that before I let her go, not wanting to hold her up from Mako's storytelling. Her family deserved to know everything Makoto had gone through and I didn't want to be the one stopping her.
It felt weird to be outside the castle walls, having been away from Heila for rotations. To think this place was once a strange land to my eyes, yet here I was, knowing exactly where everything was. That included where the second survivor was currently staying.
I was nervous, only crossing my arms so I couldn’t see them tremble from my nervousness and fears. I was doing something risky and knew I'd face some type of consequence for breaching confidentiality and standing on private property.
I just hoped if I faced the highest punishment, which was death, my trip to hell wouldn't be too bumpy. I hope they at least have marshmallows. Those were good when we had them around the fire on Earthala.
"You're being overdramatic," Azriel mumbled, lingering in my mind to keep me company during our wait.
Before I could reply, I felt something cold press against my neck. I stayed still, feeling the tip of whatever weapon grow warm and magic pulsing through the air.
"Out of all the shifters I'd expect to be on my temporary property, I wouldn't think to see you, Daniel," a soft high pitch voice announced.
"If you're going to kill me right away, can you at least tell Makoto I love her? And Midnight too, but don't tell her-tell her. Like uh...indirectly tell her I like her. And Azriel probably wants to tell Hope he loves her too. Now that I think of it, I should have left a note saying goodbye to the guys, Michael, my younger sis...ugh, I would have even said bye to Dad. Can I get a retry?" I rambled, causing the woman to sigh.
"I'm not killing you, Daniel. It would be nice if you stepped to the side so I could open the door," she pointed out. She removed her weapon, my tense shoulders relaxed as I sighed in relief.
I step aside before turning to face the 6'3 woman whose purple-pink hair was tied in a ponytail. She wore black tights and a purple tank top and a pair of pink headphones rested around her neck. My eyes locked onto her silver ones that seemed to hold immense knowledge and power, sending another shiver through me.
I noticed her silver wand in her hand, the intricate designs glowed a soft sky blue began to dim.
"Yup. We'd be goners," Azriel stressed.
I gave him a mental nod, agreeing with his comment as we watched her step forward and turn to face the door.
She pressed her hand on the wall I was leaning against.
"Open thy safe hold and allow my guest access. Prevent all other entry in this safe haven."
I could feel the magic drift off her— a purple magic circle appearing on the stone surface. The door unlocked and slowly opened.
Winterlya walked in, ushering me to follow. I stepped inside, turning back to see the door close on its own— locking itself. Wow.
"Would you like anything to drink, Daniel?" Winterlya called out.
I turned my head, quickly slipping off my shoes before walking into the large living room. I looked to my left to see Winterlya closing the fridge— a bottle of red wine in her hand.
"I'm fine, thank you," I replied, pulling my glasses off and tucking them into the front pocket of my white shirt.
She nodded, turning to pour herself a glass.
I felt a presence behind me, turning my head to see Vinzent. "Holy Starlight!" I flinched, stepping back.
"For an angel, you really need to control your swearing," Vinzent stated, walking into the kitchen.
"Sorry?" I replied, blinking in confusion at his comment.
He walked over to Winterlya, taking her full glass of wine and immediately beginning to drink it till it was half gone.
"Vinzent! That's my portion!" Winterlya scolded.
He pulled the glass away from his lips, giving her a smirk. "You shouldn't be drinking a glass of wine."
"Says who? I earned this glass of wine may I add. I worked all week and you promised if I did well I could have an entire glass. ENTIRE," she stressed, waving her hand at the half-filled glass.
"You can have half now, and the other half when I come back," he replied.
She frowned, crossing her arms. "Where are you going?"
"I’ve got a quick errand."
"Are you going to get me chocolate?"
"Do you want chocolate?"
"Yes," she mumbled.
"I'll get you chocolate and you can enjoy it with your other glass of wine."
"Fine," she mumbled.
He smirked, taking a step forward to give her a kiss.
I gawked at them. They totally forgot I'm here, didn't they?
"Well, they could have killed you, so I guess this is punishment for interrupting their alone time," Azriel replied.
You know you're included in this. Don't try to put all the blame on me.
"Sure," Azriel replied.
Bad angel.
Vinzent pulled away, Winterlya’s cheeks grew red.
"I'll be back. I know you can handle yourself," Vinzent announced, turning and giving me a wink before making his way out the door. It automatically unlocked, allowing him to exit before closing and locking again.
"That door is weird," I mumbled.
"I don't think this house likes when you speak poorly of her," Winterlya announced.
I gave her a confused look. "Her?" I questioned.
Winterlya grinned, holding the half-filled wine glass and walking toward the living room. She gestured for me to sit on the opposite black sofa.
I followed, bowing my head before having a seat.
Winterlya relaxed in the single seat, sipping a bit of her wine before crossing her legs. "She's alive and very ancient. This house belonged to a witch and eventually was abandoned with immense magic. The magic waited for the witch's return, but it never happened. In time, the magic sunk into the walls of this home and is where witches stay when they have business in Heila. As you know, there aren't many witches left since Aspen's War," Winterlya explained.
"Interesting," I replied, my eyes glancing around the furniture. Some looked modern like the current suede sofa that must have been bought on Earthala. There was also more ancient furniture like the vases and drawers that were lined up near the large windows that were currently covered by the black curtains with gold embroidery.
"Why are you here, Daniel?"
I turned to face Winterlya whose eyes grew serious. I noticed them flicker slightly, causing me to shiver. You can do this, Daniel.
"You could have just asked me to give you a self-talk," Azriel mumbled.
I sat up straighter, my expression firm. "I need to know how you were able to walk again."
I watched her swing the glass in her hand as she tilted her head, her eyes narrowing.
"When you were a child, your parents taught you how to walk, Daniel," she pointed out.
"You lost your ability to walk during the Aspen War when you saved your familiar from an attack," I countered.
She frowned, opening her mouth to speak but paused, closing her eyes. When they opened, dazzling pink took over. I froze in place, my eyes grew wide. The oxygen in the room seemed to drop, making it hard to breathe.
"You shouldn't be snooping into people's pasts, Daniel Moore. You know what the consequences are. I could kill you with a snap of my fingers and would face no penalty. Regardless of your royal status, even the Starlight gods wouldn't be able to judge me. Are you aware of that?" the spirit announced, a devilish grin formed on her lips as I watched her lift her wine glass to her lips, drinking the red liquid slowly— her pink eyes still locked onto me.
I gulped, feeling a cold sweat begin to form on my forehead. I took a deep breath, an image of Mako's dazzling smile flashed in my mind, followed by Midnight's. I can't back down. I have to prove myself as their star knight.
"I'll endure the consequences as long as you can tell me how you were able to walk again. I need to help Makoto. I need to heal her. She's the Princess and potential future Queen of Heila. Regardless of what the stars have in store, in order for her to save our realms from whatever darkness was professed, she needs to be able to walk," I stressed.
She finished her remaining portion of wine and placed the empty glass on the coffee table between us before placing her elbows on her knees, resting her head in her hands. She grinned, her eyes twinkling with amusement and mischief.
"Let me guess. You somehow got Karen to give you the code to my file? Hmm...no, better yet, a certain phoenix shifter must have gotten involved and used one of his favors. I swear, I always told Karen phoenix shifters are the deadliest. Quiet and innocent, yet hold the deadliest secrets and have the most destructive element of them all. Now, to tell you or not to tell you? What would Winterlya want me to do?" she hummed to herself in thought, looking at the ceiling.
I rose to my feet, shuffling to a spot that had enough space for what I was about to do. I lowered to my knees, bowing and pressing my head down to the floor.
"What is this?" she questioned, sounding even more amused by my action.
"I beg you. I need to know how to save Rosalina Mackenzie Heart's legs. She's been through so much. She's dealt with being torn from her family, sixteen cycles of struggling in the facility and somehow survived the hands of death on multiple occasions. I don't know what Mother Starlight has planned for us, but there's no way she would allow Makoto to go through this exact predicament, only to suffer the same fate once again cycles later. She's strong...loyal and loving. She looks at the world with pure eyes and doesn't let the past influence her views on shifters. Please, if I have to die to get the cure to save her...so be it. As long as I can make her happy again and do my duty as her knight," I begged.
The room was silent, but I could hear the blood pumping in my ears as my heart hammered inside my chest. This was by far the stupidest and riskiest move I'd ever made, but I wouldn't regret it. If I had to do this all over again to save Makoto and her spirits, the woman I loved and wanted nothing but happiness for, absolutely would.
"Do you love the Princess of Heila?"
I lifted my head to see the curiosity in her eyes as she stared down at me.
"I love her with all my heart. I...once was unsure, not because of who she was, but because I didn't feel I was good enough. To be worthy of a woman who wanted peace for a world that had never been kind to her. I want to hear her laughter, not her cries in the middle of the night as she struggles to face a challenge that almost broke once before. She deserves the world, and if there's even a one percent possibility I can give her the ability to walk again...at least my job will be done and the others can give her everything she deserves in my stead," I declared.
I stared into her eyes, hoping my answer was enough. I meant every word and I hoped she could sense the truth in them.
She smiled, leaning back in the chair and closing her eyes. When they opened, they had returned to silver. "Rise, Daniel. Bowing of all sorts is annoying," Winterlya mumbled.
I sighed, feeling slightly dizzy at the sudden drop in magic and increased levels of oxygen. It took me a few seconds to adjust before I rose to my feet. I waited for Winterlya to gesture for me to sit before doing so.
"This information will stay with you alone. No one else shall know how you are to cure Makoto or where you retrieved your information. If disclosed, I will not hesitate to rid the world of your existence. Do you understand, Daniel and Azriel Moore?" Winterlya presented.
"I, Daniel Moore, host of Azriel Moore, vow not to share the information disclosed within these walls to any human or shifter. I will live and die with the content revealed in an effort to heal my Princess, Rosalina Mackenzie Heart. May the Starlight gods be our witness. In stars we trust," I vowed.
She nodded, taking a deep breath before she sighed. "There will be one more thing."
"What is it?" I questioned.
"In order for this to work, your gift will have to be involved. In my situation, I had someone else who has the same gift as yours accomplish this, but because there's only one of you, you’re going to be extremely weak afterward. Healing her will be hard on your body and make it difficult to use your gift for at least a few rotations. Are you willing to endure that?"
"Anything for my Princess," I replied, confidently.
"Excellent. The night is still young. Let's start from the beginning."
THREE DAYS LATER...
~MAKOTO~
"Mako. You can't keep ignoring Daniel."
I crossed my arms, looking anywhere else but at my phoenix star knight standing before me with his arms crossed.
"I don't want to face him right now," I whispered.
Two days had somehow passed by without me realizing. I'd tried spending as much time with Kade as possible. Now that I'd retrieved my memories about him, reconnecting seemed like a breeze. It was almost as if we hadn't lost sixteen cycles worth of our siblinghood.
He helped me in place of Kai who had been forced to sleep an entire day sleeping thanks to Daniel's mojo juju dust. I didn't mind, agreeing that Kai needed more rest. He looked a lot better today even as he narrowed his eyes at me.
We were currently having a dispute about my apparently dismissive behavior, or what Kai called it— Operation Avoid Daniel At All Costs.
I'd been purposely avoiding Daniel. I knew he had the best intentions, but I just couldn't face him. Not yet. I didn't know what was holding me back, but the moment I saw those golden eyes of his I adored and ash blond locks in their disarrayed appearance, I struggled to forget the idea of him being the first to reject my current situation.
He loved perfection and no matter how many times Midnight, my other spirits or even my star knights attempted to convince me, I was not the woman they once fell in love with now that I couldn't use my legs without draining my energy.
"Makoto, you know you're hurting him," Kai whispered.
I closed my eyes, not needing to hear those words. I was well aware of what I was doing and my actions were doing more harm to our current rocky relationship than good, but I needed to be selfish, just this once till I had enough confidence to face him myself.
"Kai...please." My voice cracked, trying to keep it together and not break down yet again. I was trying my hardest to stay strong, but it was difficult. Maybe some would think I was being an idiot or wanted me to suck it up and move on.
But my mind was still struggling to grasp the reality that I wouldn't be able to walk anymore. I'd literally need a miracle and even if I could walk using my magic, power had a limit and if I wasn't careful I would surpass it and be in an even more dangerous situation.
Kai sighed, his hands falling to his sides before he moved to stand in front of the high table I was currently sitting on. We were doing multiple exercises before I'd have to be allowed to go for a stroll and have a bath. Mother was going to have a late brunch with me once she finished her meetings and Father and Kade would join us for family dinner.
Kai rested his hands on the sides of my thighs, leaning forward to claim my lips. I kissed him back, needing the distraction. Anything to ignore the ongoing depression that tried to reclaim me.
We pulled apart, Kai pressing his forehead against mine.
"Okay. But, promise me when you're stronger you'll confront Daniel. Please?" he whispered.
I bit my lip, unsure if I could keep my promise, but I nodded, allowing Kai to pull me to rest against his chest and lifting me up in his arms.
He didn't bother putting me in a wheelchair, simply carrying me back to room. He turned the corner and stopped, causing me to lift my head. He looked to be in a daze for a moment, prompting me to look at his hands. They were now giving off a bright orange glow. Quickly they dimmed and Kai began to blink rapidly.
Before I could ask him what he saw, he turned around and headed toward the private washroom.
"Kai?" I whispered, unsure if I needed to keep my voice low.
"Princess, I think you're going to have your bath first unless you want to confront Daniel's family," Kai announced.
"Daniel's family? Why is his family here?" I questioned.
"We'll explain that to you later when we're all together. But for now, I’d rather get your bathing arrangements out of the way for the sake of time," Kai replied.
He closed the door to the washroom; his eyes glowed amber and a large magic circle formed on the door, locking it.
He turned to gaze at the large bath in the middle of the room— the tap beginning to turn to the left; hot water pouring into the oversize tub.
"Wait...Kai. There are no clothes here," I pointed out.
"There's a spare set of clothes for all of us in the bottom drawer. Your Mother thought it would be a good idea in this part of the castle just in case we needed to change," Kai explained.
"Oh," I replied, my cheeks beginning to turn red.
Kai and I hadn't seen each other naked. We'd shared a few kisses, but now that I was in his arms and would need to be stripped by him, I was embarrassed.
He must have noticed my flushed expression. A grin formed on his lips and his eyes softened, their glowing amber reflection dimming back to their regular amber appearance.
"Makoto, are you embarrassed?" he whispered.
"A little," I replied, not seeing the need to lie to Kai.
He kissed me gently on the neck, causing a small moan to escape my lips. "It will be fine. Just bathing, nothing more. I'll put extra bubbles in if you like?" He lifted his head to smile at me.
I smiled in return, loving his way of comforting me to help me feel less embarrassed. "Bubble bath. Exciting." I giggled. I really liked bubble baths since having one when I first arrived at Knightwood. I'd read so much about them in books and now understood why humans young and old loved them.
He lowered me onto a small bench in the corner of the room, opposite of the entrance to the indoor sauna system. For a castle, we had a lot of modern appliances and furniture, some I hadn't even heard of.
Mother had explained that Father always got gifted the newest appliances from the President of the United States or Realm Six King. I didn't see why Earthala went with President instead of being like everyone else using King and Queen titles, but the human populated realm did a lot things differently than us, some which I would never understand.
Kai got the spare clothes laid out for me while he prepared the bubble bath— pink bubbles emerging when he poured some type of liquid. I grinned, lifting my head to watch the bubbles form. By the end, the water almost reached the top of the oversized marble bath.
I bit my lip, wishing I'd be able to kick and move my legs in the bath like before. It made me realize how much we take for granted when the privilege is there. When it's gone, you crave even the simplest things.
Kai returned to my side, noticing my change in mood.
"Mako."
"Ah. Sorry. Not depressed or anything." I gave him a fake smile, but from the way his frown deepened, I knew he wasn't buying it.
I watched him strip his shirt off; his defined chest and six-pack on full display. My eyes lowered to his abdomen, following the lines down to those V-lines I apparently had an obsession with.
I guess I did have an obsession, but let's be real. If you see anything in a shape of an arrow, you'd like to follow what direction it's pointing toward.
I watched as he lowered his pants until he was just in boxers. The silk, dark orange material couldn't hide the bulge of his cock; the image making my own sex throb in response.
"Princess, we aren't doing any strenuous activities. You're allowed to continue staring though." Kai grinned, looking extra pleased with my obvious attraction.
I blinked, my face growing red at being caught checking him out. "Then...why are you stripping?" I stuttered.
"We're going into the bath together. Easier and more fun with two people." He winked.
"Okay," I replied.
Calm down hormones. No sexy time. You had sexy time with Ryder on Earthala. You don't need it with Kai. Even though he's hot as fuck...and those abs...and ugh, those V lines pointing to the unknown. I wonder if his length is longer than the others. Hmmm.
"Guess your talking out loud tendencies have returned," Rose greeted, yawning.
I blinked; my eyes grew wide as I looked up to see Kai with the biggest grin, his white teeth showing as he tried not to laugh.
"I did not just say all of that out loud," I whispered.
"If it makes you feel better, I'll pretend you didn't. But to answer your question, mine is longer," Kai replied.
I groaned, putting my head in my hands. Rose save me. Wait...ROSE! Are you okay?
"Hello and yes, I am, love. Sorry, did I worry you?" Rose questioned, yawning again.
Yes. I missed you. It's only been Midnight and Lily so far. I was worried.
Even though two days had passed, Lily only made one other appearance to check on Kai and Hinotori. Midnight stayed with me in and out throughout the day, wanting to have some drawing time with Kai.
"Hope and Lexi are still asleep, but we're all okay. Happy you’re coping. We're here if you need us. We'll get through this again," Rose comforted.
Thank you, Rose. I thank the gods for having given me such amazing spirits. I meant every word.
I lowered my head to my lap. Kai knelt down before me, his hand sliding against my cheek.
"You okay?" he whispered.
I smiled, nodding. "I'm just grateful...to have all of you. I was so afraid before, but it's nice to know regardless of my disability, you guys aren't going to leave me."
"Never judge a book by its cover remember? You are beautiful inside and out, my Princess. We'll never abandon you. Now, why don't we enjoy some alone time?"
I bit my lip, ignoring the tingling sensation that pulsed through me at his words, and those amber eyes that showed a glimpse of lust.
"Okay."
"Kai, it tickles. No, hehehehe. Ah. Okay, Okay. I'll stay still. That so isn't fair," I complained, looking over my shoulder to see Kai's amused face.
"I like playing dirty," he mumbled, his eyes lowering to my lips.
I paused, inching my face till my lips lightly brushed his.
We were both relaxed in the bath, my body on Kai's as he held me securely in his arms. Thirty minutes had passed and the water was beginning to cool. Instead of getting out before we got prune looking, Kai used his magic to make the water nice and toasty again before trying to tickle me to death.
"Can we get out now?" I whispered against his lips.
"Do you want to?" he replied.
"No."
"Then we can stay until you’re ready. Though, we'll look like prunes after," he reminded.
I nodded, giving him one more kiss. I turned to face forward, relaxing into his embrace.
"Kai."
"Yes, Princess?"
"I miss the others," I whispered. I knew it wasn't good to bring them up during our alone time, but I couldn't stop thinking about Marcus, Elias, and Daniel. I also wanted to make sure their spirits were alright as well.
"You want to see Marcus after this?" he whispered.
I lifted my head as he lowered his to look down at my shocked gaze.
"But...we can't leave the castle grounds. Isn't Marcus outside the castle?" I inquired.
"He's outside the castle property, but it's not too far. I can teleport us there, but you won't have long. You have an appointment with your mom, remember?"
"Yes. I remember. I won't be long! Wait, aren't you still tired?" I gave him a concerned look, worried he'd exhaust himself.
"I feel much better after being forced to sleep against my will by a certain angel spirit. Now I know why Ryder gets so mad," he replied, looking irritated.
I giggled. "You needed it. Okay, as long as you don't overexert yourself," I emphasized.
"I won't. Do you have enough magic? There's a trail that will lead you to where he is, but you'll need to walk a few steps," Kai cautioned.
"I do. Kade hasn't been letting me use my magic during therapy. I can try." I gave him a determined look.
He gave me a deep kiss; his arms slid around my stomach, which made me moan.
"Okay. Let's get ready. And next time we share a bath, we’ll do more than just kiss, Princess," he whispered, claiming my lips once more.
Yes. More than just kissing...