~MIDNIGHT~
"I'm okay."
"Are you sure?"
I nodded, taking a steady breath before I pulled out of his embrace. Daniel helped me stand, letting go so I could have some space.
I stared at the beautiful scenery before me. It was already evening and I honestly couldn't remember where the time had gone.
It was afternoon when Daniel had brought me to this hidden waterfall. It was surrounded by beautiful plants and wildlife, but I'd been too busy crying and having my own little panic attack after what had happened.
Daniel didn't ask any questions. He just held and soothed me the entire time. I ended up passing out from exhaustion, but Daniel hadn't moved from our spot, stating he didn't want to take me to the medial center until he knew I could mentally handle seeing the other shifters there. He'd healed all the wounds I'd obtained during that fight while I'd been unconscious.
I was in a different pair of clothing, a long white dress, and tights. Daniel said he didn't want me staying in the dirty armor that was stained with blood, taking the initiative to change my clothes.
I had to admit I loved his modesty and the way his cheeks flushed when I ask if he’d changed me, obviously knowing he must have. I would have never expected Daniel to step up his game like this and prove to me that he deserved to be a part of Mako's team of knights. He'd certainly proven himself as a lover.
I walked to a nearby tree, relaxing against it as I stared at my trembling hands. I pulled out my family heirloom, wanting a few moments to appreciate the intricate design. Only Makoto got the opportunity to enjoy its beauty, but hadn't even gotten a lot of time to appreciate its value and new purpose in our life.
"It's meant for you," Daniel whispered.
I noticed he stood a few feet away, his hands in his pocket as he gave me a small smile. He was wearing his glasses now; the gold frames did help hide the black circles but he looked pale and exhausted. "You look like shit," I mumbled.
He laughed. "The others are rubbing off on you too," he replied, walking to stand in front of me.
"Not really," I mumbled, glancing away.
"Midnight. Look at me," he whispered.
I obeyed, meeting his heated gaze as those gold orbs twinkled in the moonlight that shone down on us. The fireflies already began to buzz around us. My gaze lowered to his lips as my body began to thrum excitingly.
It was as if I'd just realized our closeness and now that I'd acknowledge my love for the angel, after vowing never to fall in love with one since Samuel, I felt the build-up of nerves you always experienced during your first interactions with someone you loved.
He took a step forward, his body centimeters from mine. My back pressed against the tree while Daniel's hand rested above my head against the dark brown bark. His eyes studied mine as we continued to stare at one another.
"Midnight. I...know I shouldn't feel like this. I think I shouldn't? I don't know what Elias or EliaseAnne would say. But...I promised I wouldn't run away anymore. That includes you. I won't run away from being truthful to you and I can't hide these feelings. I thought I'd only love Mako and Azriel would love Hope. But each time I interact with you, the feeling grows and grows and I can't ignore it any longer. In fact...I don't want to. I love Makoto...but I also love you. You are the same person or two sides of the same coin. You don't need to give me an answer now. I just needed you to know how I feel when I'm around you and that you are loved just like Mako," he expressed.
I stood there in shock at his words; happiness fluttered through me as a smile formed on my pink lips. I clenched my fist, deciding to do what I never imagined I'd do.
I kissed him.
I could see his moment of shock; my eyes stayed half open as I stared into those gold orbs that began to close— his soft lips pressed against mine, returning my kiss. I allowed my eyes to close, wanting to savor this moment as my hand lifted to rest on his chest.
His body pressed against mine as we deepened the kiss; a small moan escaped me feeling my body tingle.
Daniel broke the kiss, biting his lip. He opened his eyes; his usual gold eyes were a light copper.
"I may need a few days to control my gift. I can't keep it from affecting you right now," he admitted.
I smiled at his admission wrapping my arms around his neck. "What are you feeling now?" I whispered.
"Happy to be accepted by you, sad I've wasted all this time we could have let go of our differences and focused on growing this...and aroused," he admitted.
"Well then, you can use your gift as long as it's not for evil...or to control me..." I whimpered the last words, trailing off as my head hung low.
Daniel pressed his forehead against mine; my head lifted in time for his lips to crash against mine in a heated kiss. I could feel his love for me through the kiss, his admiration and desire for me.
"I'll vow to never use my gift on you in such a manner. Never," he vowed, emphasizing the single word with a level of conviction I knew was true.
"Okay," I replied.
He pulled me into a hug, holding me close. I knew I'd need to talk to EliaseAnne about this new development, unsure how she'd react to me liking Daniel, or Kai, or the others. How about if I started liking Stryker too like Mako? Would she feel betrayed? Upset? Would she hate me?
"Who would hate you, Midnight?" Daniel questioned, pulling back to stare into my eyes.
I opened my mouth to reply when I sensed another presence.
"Midnight?"
Daniel and I both turned to see EliaseAnne's blank expression. She stood a few feet away at the entrance of the trail Daniel had taken us through to get to this hidden place.
"EliaseAnne," I replied, biting my lip as feelings of guilt and uncertainty went through me.
The others appeared; Ryder, Marcus, and Kai walking down the path and reaching EliaseAnne's side.
They noticed our position, my arms still around Daniel's neck while his hands rested on my hips, making me blush. So embarrassing.
Ryder glanced between me and EliaseAnne, looking confused while Marcus had a huge grin on his face. Kai made his way to where we stood. He greeted Daniel, who nodded in return, releasing me from his hold.
I didn't know what to expect from Kai, but he didn't give me time to question what I should do. He gave me a tender kiss, his hand rested on my left cheek while his other hand rested on my right hip. We kissed for a full minute before he released me, taking a step back to view my dazed expression as I tried to calm my frantic heart. What just happened?
"I just kissed you," Kai answered my outspoken thought, a playful grin on his lips as he continued to grin in confidence.
"Hmm. You have more confidence than before," I mumbled, blushing as I crossed my arms, glancing away.
"I agree there," Daniel replied, sharing a look with Kai. They were probably using their mental communication or something.
"You okay?" Kai asked, giving me a worried look as his amber eyes scanned my body.
"I'm fine. I'm sorry. I couldn't stay there. Mako and the others are all asleep...and I didn't know how I'd react," I apologized, bowing my head.
I heard footsteps; strong arms wrapped around me and pulled me into a hug— the wondrous scent of pine hit my nostrils. I sighed, relaxing in Marcus' embrace as I returned his hug.
"We get it and don't you apologize for something out of your control. We're just glad you’re safe and Daniel interfered. We'll work on everything else. You should rest," Marcus suggested.
I did feel sleepy, but I was still worried. Marcus pulled back so Ryder could give me a hug before he pulled me to the side, giving enough space for us to have a private conversation.
"What's wrong?" he questioned.
I bit my lip, unsure how to explain my nerves and fears.
Ryder sighed. "I can feel your emotions, Midnight. Please don't worry about that. We'll have a talk with EliaseAnne. She's just apprehensive about certain topics. We'll deal with it. You’re not in trouble and she's not mad at you," Ryder reassured me, cupping my face.
"I'm not? But...she's not coming over here," I pointed out.
Ryder closed his eyes for a moment— pure black eyes greeted me when he opened them; Stryker taking control.
"We'll deal with it. There's just a lot going on and EliaseAnne’s just riled up and doesn't want to do something to scare you or worry you," Stryker soothed.
"Her standing there makes me worried," I mumbled.
Stryker grinned, lowering his lips to brush against mine.
I blinked in confusion, but didn't pull away when he kissed me, my body responded to his kiss as if I knew Stryker for cycles— just as Makoto knew Ryder.
We pulled back to share a look— his eyes told me things would work out if I gave them a chance.
"Okay. I won't worry," I mumbled.
Stryker smiled in approval, giving me kiss on my forehead.
Marcus walked to me. "Well, ya'll can’t give her a kiss and leave me out of this," he announced.
Daniel coughed as Kai snickered. Stryker sighed.
"Just hurry and kiss her so she can go say ‘Hi’ to Eli," Stryker huffed, rolling his eyes.
Marcus grinned while I giggled; the situation made me feel like I was in Mako's shoes and in between their little debates on who got to kiss Mako longer.
Marcus and I kissed, his lips lingering on mine for a few extra seconds to emphasize his point, causing me to laugh and break the kiss.
"It's good to hear you laugh," Marcus whispered, rubbing my head soothingly.
I gave him a sad smile. "It feels nice to be around you all," I confessed. I heard footsteps, lifting my head to see EliaseAnne approach us. I bit my lip but stood my ground, not wanting to run away or cower around the others.
We stood there in silence for a few seconds before Eli exhaled and pulled me into her arms.
"What are we going to do with you if everyone’s trying to kill you?" she mumbled into my hair.
"Um. We can hide in our new place in onesies and have a party every day? As long as there's milk for Mako," I pointed out.
The others chuckled as they shook their heads in amusement.
"That doesn't sound too bad," Eli agreed. She moved the hair out of my face before placing a kiss on my forehead. I felt a hint of disappointment at her indirectness, but I knew whatever was going through her mind right now was connected to me in some way and I couldn't be selfish with my needs right now.
"Are you mad?"
"There's nothing to be mad about. I'm just upset you had to go through all of that and we couldn't do anything. I just need a moment to calm down and I'll be back to my normal self, okay?" she reassured me.
"You promise?" I pushed, her words still not enough to calm my troubled heart.
"I promise, Midnight. Cross my heart, hope to fly. Poke a flower in the sky, promise." She grinned before I saw a glimpse of my confident Elias.
I nodded, ready to pull away, but her arms tightened around me as her lips gently landed on mine. I smiled against her lips, feeling my eyes water and a tear roll down my cheek as I kissed her back. I was afraid she'd discard me after kissing the others, but if she was okay with sharing me too as they did Makoto, I'd be forever grateful and would make me just as happy.
We broke apart as we heard a new pair of footsteps, all of us turning to see Kade; his hands in his pockets as his bright blue eyes landed on EliaseAnne and me. I blushed, glancing at EliaseAnne whose face also grew red.
Kade’ grin widened before he walked up to us.
"Sorry to interrupt your lovely reunion, but I'm here to take Midnight home. The medical center’s freed up from the other shifters and everything’s been dealt with. Mom and Dad are worried sick and it would ease them if they saw you while Karen made sure you didn't reach your magic limit," Kade explained.
I pulled away from EliaseAnne; Kade raised his arms to give me a hug. I grinned, happily giving him a hug.
"And I was worried. You okay? I already dealt with that vile woman," Kade stressed.
"She survived?" Marcus asked, shocked.
The others looked just as shocked.
Kade pulled away to face all of us as the guys crowded closer. "No. She died, but her soul was still lingering in her body," Kade said in a matter of fact tone.
I gave him a confused look as I tilted my head.
"How did you deal with her when she's dead?" I wondered.
Kade grinned, a maleficent grin as his eyes glowed, his angel taking over. "I had a word with a few of my contacts and well...let's just say she has a nice toasty spot in hell and Lucifer will find a worthy enough punishment for her to experience for all eternity," Kade’s spirit announced with a smile, his eyes closing and Kade taking control.
We all stood in complete shock at his words, none of us saying a word.
Kade shrugged. "Anyways. Why don't we get that medical exam done so we can have some family time before you sleep, Midnight? We haven't had enough time to catch up. Plus, Kazumi wants to formally introduce himself instead of scaring you guys off with his Lucifer stories," Kade huffed.
"Kazumi is your spirit's name?"
"Yup," Kade replied.
"Oh. It would be nice to meet him. Mako's been curious too," I admitted.
"C'mon. You look like your gonna crash by the time we reach the castle," Kade pointed out.
"I won't," I vowed.
The guys smiled at my determination, only adding to my motivation.
"So the whole selling that betrayer's soul to the Starlight god of hell was a joke, right?" Marcus asked.
Kade blinked, a smirk forming on his lips as he shrugged. "Only he knows." From his expression, I knew he wasn't joking about his earlier statement.
Twin brother diabolical. Hmm, awesome brother.
"I'm not diabolical and we really don't look that alike, Midnight. It's just the hair. I'm glad you find me awesome. Now let's go," Kade urged.
I looked at the others who each gave me goodbye hugs— EliaseAnne giving me one last kiss before letting Kade take me. We were about to leave the clearing when I struggled to walk, my legs were heavy and numb.
Kade paused, looking back at me. I lowered my gaze to my legs, trying to infuse them with magic, but I didn't have any left to spare if I didn't want to face the consequences later.
Kade walked back before turning so his back faced me. He crouched down to his knees, patting his back.
"Piggyback?" I asked. I knew Mako had experienced a few with the guys during her drunk adventure down on Earthala, but I'd never experienced one before.
"Yup. I'll piggyback you all the way home. Just don't fall asleep," he urged.
"I won't," I huffed, but got onto his back.
He lifted me up with ease, beginning to walk up the path. I let my eyes close as I rested my head on Kade's shoulders. I was happy everything was settled. I still had a few worries, but I knew it would work out in time. Once everything settled, I could ask Makoto if I could have a day off with EliaseAnne. Maybe then, we could solidify things and focus on developing our relationship.
I hoped I'd get to learn more about all of them, just as Makoto and the other spirits yearned to get closer to our five knights. I prayed wherever this sixth knight was, he'd be just as understanding and we'd begin our quest to face whatever challenges emerged.
As long as we had our knights, family, and friends...we'd fight the darkness and win.
~ELIASEANNE~
We stood in a circle in the forest; the trail we'd followed led us to a hidden waterfall— Daniel had told us he was there with Midnight.
It’d taken six hours before we'd gotten everything under control. The King and Queen of Heila, as well as King Moore, had gone to a private meeting; Ryder's father and mother arrived to help us sort out and manage the injured. Karen and the medical team didn't expect everyone to get injured in the competition which led them to be short on numbers.
Since Daniel ensured us he'd be okay with Midnight we had to do our duty to help. It was difficult for me to devote myself to that many hours in that fast-paced environment, but I had to put my knight duties ahead of my own insecurities and problems.
I wanted to wrap everything up so I could see Midnight and hold her in my arms. I could already envision her fear-filled eyes as she backed herself against the tree. The next image was the look of shock that registered on her pale complexion before she pushed Daniel out of the way— only seconds from being stabbed with the sword Cecelia's mother aimed to stab them both.
I should have reacted or done something to stop both attempts at taking Midnight's life, yet I couldn't move. I couldn't fight off the hold that woman's gift had on all of us and it left me helpless to help the woman I loved.
I was grateful that Daniel was able to save her and was now comforting her, but I envied him and could feel hints of jealousy flicker within me. I should be there. Not Daniel.
Ryder had noticed my flicker of emotions, but hadn't confronted me about it. I knew he would though and I was debating whether to tell him the full extent of my jealousy.
Midnight was her own spirit and I knew we hadn't established a contract or agreement that our spirits were designated to their designated counterparts, but my rational arguments weren't doing much good in convincing the enviousness that continued to grow with each hour that passed.
When we finally got clearance to go check on Midnight, I was the first to dart out the medical room and head to where Daniel had taken her. I couldn't wait to hold her and kiss her. I guess you could say, she would help calm all the emotions running through me and lesson my own level of panic.
As long as I knew she was well, I figured I'd be okay and we'd all return back together. But when I entered the clearing— my eyes growing wide at the sight before me, I didn't know how to react.
I watched Midnight lean up to kiss Daniel; his hands rested on her hips and her arms around his neck. When they leaned back I could see the way her eyes danced with admiration and love for Daniel. She looked exhausted, but calm.
Daniel pressed his forehead against hers, both of them exchanging words before they hugged. Daniel had pulled back to ask her something, yet my mouth opened— unable to hide my presence any longer.
When they noticed my presence, they looked shocked, but they didn't move away from one another. They stayed in place which only made me even more confused.
The others had arrived and their actions only added to my predicament as they all took turns kissing Midnight and checking to see if she was okay.
I knew I shouldn't be standing there, my apprehensiveness already taking a toll on Midnight as she glanced at me hesitantly. Ryder had pulled her to the side, talking with her before I noticed the shift in power— Stryker taking over and kissing her too.
Stryker told me through our knight bond to stop acting like a fool and to come over and talk with Midnight; my stillness and silence only making things worse which wasn't helpful for Midnight right now.
I finally had the courage to walk over and comfort her, hiding how hurt I was.
I knew Stryker was right and I would only cause Midnight to worry. We'd have a private moment once she'd gotten tons of rest and I'd get to express how I felt and to ensure we were good and maybe we could have a date together. Just us.
"Are they back at the castle?" Ryder questioned.
Marcus took out his phone, his finger typing rapidly on the screen. "Yup. Kade said Midnight fell asleep on the way back. She's resting and being scanned by Karen," Marcus replied, grinning at the screen.
We all smiled at the fact Midnight had fallen asleep after she'd vowed she wouldn't.
Kai turned to face me.
"Elyion. We need to talk about Midnight," Kai stressed.
"There's nothing much to talk about," I replied, unsure if I wanted to have this conversation right now.
Ryder sighed, his hand ruffling his black locks. "EliaseAnne. I know you're upset. You can't hide that from me and the others have known you long enough to tell that you're mad," Ryder acknowledged.
Marcus slipped his phone back into his pocket before walking to stand next to Daniel who was standing next to Ryder.
"Eli. We all love Makoto. But you have to understand that Makoto, Midnight, all her other spirits they're all one person. They are influenced by Mako's emotions and as she begins to deepen her love for all of us, that's going to affect her spirits as well," Marcus revealed.
"I know," I mumbled, my gaze fell to the ground, analyzing the moist soil beneath my shoes. Even with his explanation, it wasn't helping me feel better.
"But you're upset that I kissed her," Daniel accused.
I bit my lip, lifting my gaze to his eyes that were a darker tint of copper. I had to be careful what I said. He looked exhausted and wouldn't have his usual level of patience in his current mood. "Yes," I replied, knowing if I tried to deny it, he'd know.
"EliaseAnne. I've liked Midnight since I saw her at the house when you introduced her. I've told Elias about this and he's been aware of my feelings. I didn't want to step on your toes and I was already dealing with Midnight hating my kind. But you guys encouraged me to stop running. That included me ignoring my feelings. I know Azriel's intrigued by her as well, though he wanted to build his relationship with Hope first. If this is going to be an issue, state it now. But if you think I'm going to back away and let us go with the idea that her spirits are only designed for our counterparts, I can guarantee that suggestion will fail," Daniel proclaimed.
We stood in silence as his words lingered in the tense air.
"It's a tad too late for that," Ryder confessed.
We all turned our attention to him as he crossed his arms.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Mako's been intimate with Stryker. He likes her just like Rose and we've already had this discussion down on Earthala," Ryder announced.
What?
"Intimate as in..." Daniel trailed off.
Ryder grinned. "They had sex. We got into an argument and I was being stubborn and was exhausted. Stryker took over and from what he explained to me, he informed Makoto that it was fine for her to be in love with our spirits as well as us. She's not designated to just one and neither are her spirits. If Midnight wants to kiss Daniel, she can. If Mako wants to kiss EliaseAnne, she's welcome to. There are no boundaries between our group. She's our Princess and we’re her knights and lovers. She needs balance, but adding all these rules and restrictions will backfire in the long run as it is right now," Ryder hypothesized.
Kai cleared his throat, adding his input to the discussion.
"I've kissed Midnight as well. We had a similar discussion," Kai revealed.
"Well, you all know I kissed her so." Daniel shrugged.
"Why am I the last one in this?" Marcus mumbled.
"You were with the sunflowers that's why," I commented, rolling my eyes. Since Midnight had kissed me back in Minato before the exam, Marcus was the only one till moments ago who hadn't kissed Midnight yet.
He huffed, but returned to his serious stature. "We need to be in full agreement on this. Mako, Midnight and her other spirits have been through enough bullshit the last four rotations. Now that we're in Heila and can finally settle in, we need to show her love and affection. She needs to learn how to enjoy a relaxing moment or two before being pushed, shoved or thrown into another wave of drama and conflict," Marcus lectured.
Ryder nodded. "I agree. She needs balance and our full support. We all love her and her spirits. We can't be jealous of one another. We're a team and her star knights. No one is better than the other and though it may take some time for us to figure out a schedule, we will all get alone time with her and her spirits," Ryder confirmed.
"I'm fine with it," Daniel announced.
"Me too," Marcus replied.
"I'm down," Kai confirmed.
"Yes, for me," Ryder approved.
All of them turned to hear my verdict. Elias took control in a second, grinning.
"Can't go agreeing on shit and not ask for my specific opinion so, yes I agree," he announced before retreating, giving me control once more.
I blinked, needing a moment of the dizziness to settle. "I swear, you're the most annoying host ever," I grumbled.
"First of all, I'm amazing. Second, you nag more than me. Third, stop being upset. No one’s stealing Midnight away from you. They aren't your replacement. They love her just like you do. Now stop being hesitant to agree," Elias ordered.
I groaned. "That's more of an order than free will," I mumbled under my breath but exhaled.
He was right and I shouldn't be wasting everyone's time with my worries. Everyone was exhausted thanks to everything that happened, and it was about time we headed back to rest.
"I agree. Sorry for being jealous," I apologized.
The others let out exhales of relief— wide smiles forming on their face.
"Well thank Mother Starlight. I didn't want to deal with fighting y'all," Kai announced.
Marcus laughed. "Fuck off. We'd kick your ass." Marcus walked over to ruffle his ginger hair.
He hissed, elbowing him. "I'd burn you," he replied.
"I can just tell Stryker to burn your tail off," Marcus proposed.
Kai narrowed his eyes at Ryder who looked confused; his eyes bled black as Stryker took over.
"No one’s burning your tail off. Eli's nagging is enough. I don't need yours," he huffed, crossing his arms.
"I don't nag a lot," I argued.
Four pairs of eyes stared at me.
I huffed, crossing my arms. "I'm tired! I'm heading back," I announced, already beginning to walk to the path.
"Come back we need a group hug," Marcus called out.
"Fuck! Marcus let her go," Daniel complained.
"I don't want to hug," Kai called out.
I stopped, looking over to see them in Marcus’ hug. He grinned at me, giving me a wink. I smirked, turning and heading to the bundle of testosterone. I joined the group hug, praying to the gods that we always worked out our differences. We were all anxious about who the final destined knight would be, but hopefully, everything would work out and he'd fit into our group.
The only worry that lingered in my mind was where he'd belong. No matter how much I tried to ignore the feeling deep within me, I knew, it wouldn't be in my favor.
And that was my darkest fear.