I opened my eyes to a blurry ceiling. I groaned, feeling as if I hadn't slept at all to begin with. What time is it?
My head turned to stare at the clock on the nightstand. 2:57 A.M. glared at me in pink digital numbers from the clock Marcus had bought Mako on Earthala. I closed my eyes and rolled back over, my hand blindly searching for Mako's warmth, but all I felt was the smooth sheets of the bed.
I frowned, wondering if I should open my eyes or go back to sleep. The dream I just had still lingered in my head, leaving me in wonder. Was it really just a dream?
I opened my eyes slowly and sat up, reaching for my gold glasses on the nightstand. I tapped at the smooth wood surface until my hand landed on the pair of spectacles. I picked them up and slid them onto my face, turning my blurry vision into a clear view of the dimly lit bedroom.
I looked again to Mako's side and knew for sure she wasn't there, the wrinkled sheets the only evidence she'd been sleeping in my arms before we fell asleep. I glanced over to the door, noticing it was slightly open.
She must be sleepwalking. I got up, throwing on a pair of sweatpants and a white t-shirt before making my way out of Mako's room. Tomorrow was the competition and I didn't want her sleepwalking around the castle and exhausting herself.
I combed my hands through my hair, trying to stay awake as I let out another yawn. I turned the corner and walked into the kitchen designated for private guests.
My eyes scanned the room and spotted two glasses in the drying rack, the small droplets of water still evident on their clear surfaces. I guess I missed them.
"Mew."
I blinked and looked down to Nightmare sitting at my feet, her tails wagging cheerfully. I smiled and bent down on one knee to pet her.
"What you doing here, Nighty? Aren't you supposed to be with Mako?" I knew she always followed Makoto when she was sleepwalking, even through the house back at Knightwood. Her being here meant Mako must be nearby.
"Mew, mew." She brushed her head against my hand before she turned and began walking down the hall. I followed, knowing she wanted me to and we walked down the hall and turned the corner. We passed the room that Freila had entered yesterday, leaving me curious as to where we were going.
As we turned another corner, I could hear the soft sounds of high-pitched giggles, one that was rather familiar to my ears. Mako?
Nighty reached the library door and began to scratch at the gold painted wood. I lifted an eyebrow at her as I went over and crouched down to pick her up. She relaxed and I placed her on my shoulder before facing the door.
The soft laughter came a little louder and I knew for sure that Makoto was in there. I opened the door and something soft slammed into my face.
"Oh shit!"
"Double shit!"
The pillow fell to the floor in front of me. I looked up to see Mako frozen with a pillow in her hand on my right side and Freila with a smaller pillow on my left. White feathers were raining down around us and there were tons already on the dark pink carpet beneath our feet.
"How fast do you think we can hide?" Freila whispered.
"Maybe he thinks he's dreaming," Mako suggested.
I rolled my eyes and Nightmare wrapped her tails around my neck.
"Mew," she spoke up, snuggling her head against my cheek.
"Hmm, I agree, Nighty. Let's brainwash him," Mako declared.
"That's a horrible plan and wouldn't work," I argued as I closed the door.
She gave me a pout. "It totally would," she mumbled.
"BROTHER!" Freila shouted, throwing her pillow to the ground.
I smiled in relief as I knelt down and opened my arms in preparation for her hug. She ran into my embrace and I lifted her up with ease, giving her a tight squeeze. Nightmare unhooked herself and jumped down to the floor, running over to Mako who had lowered her pillow to watch us.
"Hey, little sis," I whispered.
"I'm not little! I'm taller now," she countered.
I smirked as she pulled back to give me a frown. "Indeed. You did get taller since last time, and even more beautiful than you already were," I praised.
Her frown turned into a wide smile before her eyes began to pool with tears. "I missed you, brother," she cried, tears flowing down her cheeks.
"Hey, no crying. I missed you even more," I whispered, holding her tight. I felt horrible for making her cry, yet a part of me was happy that it meant there was a chance for me to fix this, hope that she still loved me as a brother, even though we'd been so far apart for most of her life.
I looked up to see Mako smiling as she leaned against the bookshelf. Nightmare was chasing the white feathers that were floating in the air thanks to some type of magic.
I walked over to the chair, sitting down and placing Freila on my lap. I gave her a small smile and she reached out and pulled my glasses off.
"No point in using these if you’re crying," she pointed out.
I grinned and used my hands to wipe her wet cheeks.
"You can just admit you like them. Just don't take them. I like that pair," I pointed out, knowing she would take them with her and I'd never get them back, reminding me of Eli's habit of doing the same.
She pouted, blinking her eyes at me. "I want them," she pleaded.
I sighed, nodding my head in approval. "Fine."
She squealed and slid them on her face. I heard Mako giggle as she walked over to us. Freila turned to her. "Don't I look like brother now, Mako?" she asked excitingly.
Mako smiled, nodding her head. "Yup. Totally look like Daniel, just with longer hair."
"Daniel! We're having a pillow fight. You have to join!" Freila exclaimed.
"A pillow fight?" I asked. I never had one with Michael when we were small so I was confused.
Freila huffed, crossing her arms. "See. You adults have no fun in your life. Mako didn't know about them either. But I'll teach you." Freila jumped out of my lap, pulling at my hand to get up.
I shared a look with Mako who shrugged.
"It is fun. Your sister is a good teacher," Mako revealed.
Freila giggled, running over to grab the pillow from the door. I took the opportunity to walk over to Mako, sliding my arm around her waist and pulling her into a deep kiss.
I pulled back slightly to give her a wide smile. "You're sneaky."
"I wanted milk," she retorted confidently. It wasn't a lie but it was interesting that it also worked out for me to get to see Freila.
"Thank you," I whispered to her and she pressed her forehead against mine.
"You’re welcome, Daniel," she whispered.
I looked at her lips, debating whether to sneak another kiss. Something crashed into me and I groaned while Mako began to laugh.
"Stop being lovey-dovey and fight me!" Freila proclaimed.
I glanced over to her. She had her hands on her hips proudly and was still wearing my glasses.
"You'll pay for that," I announced and she giggled, already running to hide from my wrath. I shared a look with Mako and she gave me a wide smile.
"Let's teach you how to have a pillow fight," she offered.
"I don't want to go to sleep. See? I'm not…tired!" Freila declared with her eyes half open, slowly nodding off.
I sighed, shaking my head as I finished fixing the last pillow we'd destroyed in our battle of feathers. Freila had won, knocking me with two pillows before attacking Mako with a full pillow attack. Of course we'd let her win, but it was fun to see how serious Freila got, making me realize she had a stubborn competitive side to her.
Freila was now sitting in one of the armchairs with Nightmare curled up in her lap. Mako placed one of the pillows back where it had been and walked to where I stood.
I frowned at her tired eyes, and I realized she was using her magic to stay standing. "You need to go sleep."
She gave me a weak smile. "I will after this," she hummed.
I sighed, pulling her into my arms and giving her a kiss on her neck. "You always push yourself to make others happy, you know that?" I whispered.
"Hmm. Maybe," she replied quietly, relaxing in my arms.
We glanced over to Freila who was asleep, her chest rising and falling at a slow pace. Nightmare's tails wagged slowly left and right. She lifted her head, looking at the door.
Two seconds passed, then it opened slowly, Marissa's head popped in and her gaze landed on Mako and I. Her once worried expression softened and a warm smile formed on her lips. She entered the room, closing the door quietly and glancing over at a sleeping Freila and a curious Nighty.
"Marissa," I greeted, giving her a wide smile. I hadn't seen her in cycles and she looked exactly the same. She walked up to us and bowed her head to Mako who gave her a small smile. I knew that Mako's quietness meant she was too tired to even declare she'd ban bowing.
"Good morning, Princess and long time, Daniel. You finally were able to see Freila," Marissa greeted.
"Yes. Thanks to Mako," I pointed out.
"She's been asking for you the entire trip here. She got her dose of Michael when he came over a few weeks ago," Marissa explained, looking back at Freila.
"Is she always awake in the middle of the night?" I asked.
Marissa sighed. "No, but Cecelia’s snoring is like a truck horn. Her mother is worse. Put those together and it's like being in the middle of a construction site. Your father is sleeping in a room on the other side of the castle." Marissa looked exhausted herself, shaking her head.
Mako snickered and I chuckled softly. "Snoring louder than Marcus. No wonder she can't sleep," Mako joked.
"Agreed," I replied.
Marissa looked between us; her smile widened and her eyes twinkled with happiness. "So, you found someone who loves you," she whispered.
I blinked, before remembering our conversation from the past. I grinned, nodding slowly. "Yes, I did. Thank you, Marissa."
She nodded, moving over to where Freila slept. She removed the glasses from her face, turning to give them to me, but I shook my head.
"It's fine. She can have them," I reassured Marissa. I had a few more pairs EliaseAnne hadn't managed to kidnap yet. Not to mention the fact I wanted Freila to have something that would remind her of me. I didn't know when I'd get a chance to see her after the competition, but at least she'd know I cared about her.
Marissa nodded, placing them on top of her head for safe keeping. She looked down to Nighty who yawned and jumped off Freila's lap. Nightmare waltzed over to us and Mako knelt down to pick her up. She crawled up Mako's arm to her usual spot on Mako's shoulder, wrapping her tails around her neck and went back to sleep.
Marissa picked Freila up, letting her head rest on her shoulder before looking back to us.
"I'll be taking our little Princess back to her sleeping chambers. You two should go to bed as well. Big day tomorrow," Marissa reminded.
We both nodded and I looked at Freila one last time, wishing we had more time to catch up. Playing with her was fun, but I wanted to talk with her as well and see if she was okay where she was.
Marissa came over to me and placed her free hand on my shoulder. "We're not leaving right away after the competition. You can come and talk with Freila or even your father after everything is settled. He may not show it, but he misses you dearly," she whispered.
I gave her a nod and she bowed her head once more to both of us. "I hope to see you again, Princess. Best of luck tomorrow and may the Starlight gods give you strength to conquer your enemies."
"In stars we trust," Mako and I said in unison.
Marissa gave us a satisfied smile before she headed out the room carrying Freila, leaving a small crack in the door open.
My shoulders sank and I yawned, now feeling exhausted from the pillow fight. Mako rubbed her eyes, looking even more exhausted than minutes earlier.
"Kids are tiring," she mumbled.
"Agreed," I replied and lifted her into my arms.
She gave me a sour expression, but she rested her head against my chest nonetheless. I carried her back to our room, closing the door with magic before laying Mako on the bed. She sat up, stretching her arms before slipping off the white nightgown she'd put on when she left the room.
I pulled off my shirt and sweatpants, then walked back to Mako who smirked at me. "If it wasn’t for the fact I'm utterly exhausted, I'd totally want some of that," she hummed.
I laughed. "You’re one to talk, my Sweet Tart," I replied.
"Sweet Tart? Hmm. I like that too. Firefly, Sweet Tart. I should start collecting nicknames," she giggled.
I pulled over the blanket, crawling into bed. Mako moved to snuggle next to me, her naked body pressed against mine.
My body tingled, loving the feeling of her body against mine, but I was just as tired and sleep sounded like the better option.
"Do you want kids?" Mako asked.
"I haven’t thought much about it, I guess."
"Girl or boy?"
"Girl."
"Why?" Mako looked intrigued, giving me a curious look.
"Just think, if we had a girl she could have really long blonde hair and your turquoise eyes. She'd be stubborn like you and like to sleep like me," I declared.
"You have more qualities then loving sleep." Mako laughed.
I laughed too, shrugging my shoulders. "True. But if she likes to sleep, she'll cry less as a baby and we won't die from exhaustion."
"Uh huh. Perfect excuse," she hummed.
I turned to lay on my right side and she turned slightly to face me, her tired blue eyes meeting my gold ones. "So one day, we could have a child together?" I asked.
"That would be nice. As long as I don't have to deal with all the pain humans experience with childbirth," Mako grumbled.
I smirked, pressing lips gently to hers. "Actually, childbirth for a shifter is a lot easier than humans. Still nine rotations, but we have herbs and of course, magic to help with the pain. It will be a walk in the park."
"Hmph. A walk for you. I'm gonna have to waddle like a penguin," Mako grumbled.
"But you'd be a sexy penguin." I winked and she giggled.
"Say that when I can't touch my toes or look sexy in lingerie," she huffed.
I slid my hand into her hair and I kissed her again, deeper this time. "You'd look sexy in anything. You could wear a garbage bag and still turn me on," I hummed.
"I think I need to get your glasses," Mako teased and we both chuckled.
"No, Makoto. I'm serious. You'll always be beautiful to me. From now until we get old and have wrinkles," I whispered.
"Which will be about two hundred cycles from now," she sang, but leaned in and kissed me. We shared a look and Mako began to giggle.
"Why are you laughing?"
"Rose said you’re gonna be third," she giggled.
"Third?" I wasn’t following her.
Mako grinned. "They all say Ryder and Kai will get first dibs on fatherhood, but of course Ryder will do some extra magic thing and get me pregnant first which leaves Kai as second because he'll probably pull out the favor card and tell all of you he gets a chance before you, Marcus and Elias," Mako explained.
I thought about it for a moment, picturing what she'd just explained. "Hmm. You know, I wouldn't even be mad," I replied, not wanting to deal with Ryder or Kai's 'who gets first dibs on everything' war. Not to mention I still owe him favors.
"Hmm... If I have a kid with each of you...that's a lot of time spent being pregnant," Mako grumbled.
I grinned. "Waddle, waddle, waddle," I teased and she slapped my chest. "Ow! That hurt."
"Good! I hope you're ready to carry my waddling booty everywhere," she huffed.
"I'd be honored to carry you everywhere. The others would too. We'll take turns," I promised and she laughed again.
"So, you want a girl? I don't know what the others would want," Mako wondered.
"Ryder wants a girl as does Marcus. Elias doesn't care, as long as they have your eyes. Kai wants twins," I remembered; we'd had this conversation a while back on Earthala during one of our outings while Mako wasn't present.
"You guys talked about this? Wait, Marcus wants a girl? No, don't answer that one yet. Kai wants twins!" Mako looked shocked.
I shrugged. "Yup. He said he wants twins so he'd get to spend twice the amount of time with you." I rolled my eyes.
"That's not how it works," Mako giggled.
I nodded in agreement. "I know. We'll just let him keep thinking that way though," I conspired.
Mako shook her head. "Evil," she teased.
"Practical," I countered, ending the conversion by claiming her lips.
She moaned, deepening the kiss. We kissed for a few minutes, laughing at the thought of us being older and having kids. It wasn't an idea that came to mind often, but it was nice to talk about it with Makoto.
It made me excited for the future and made me wonder if I'd be prepared to be a father when the time came. I stared at the ceiling, stroking Mako's hair absently. She had just fallen asleep but as tired as I felt, I couldn't manage to fall back asleep.
Would I mend my relationship with Father by then? The thought of having family issues for cycles to come bothered me. I wanted to confront my father, just as I had wished to in my dream. Wherever my mom was, she must be watching me from the stars above and I wanted to make her proud.
I bet she was sad for my father, her husband that she loved with all her heart before she vanished. I always feared she would never move on from our world because of the regret she had regarding our broken family.
"Daniel?"
I looked down to see Mako's tired eyes as she blinked a few times, tilting her head at me.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing, Firefly," I whispered.
She sat up, rubbing her eyes. She lifted the blanket to cover her breasts before she turned her head to look at me. "What's wrong?" she asked again, making it clear she wouldn't drop the question.
I gave her a sad smile and sat up, running my hands through my hair. "I want to confront my father. I just don't know when or what to say when I do. I had a dream about my mom..." I began but trailed off.
"Your mother?" Mako asked.
I nodded. "Isabelle Moore. In my dream, it was as if I was back home on ArchAilennia. Usually, dreams of my mother are a nightmare of some sort, but this one was a good one. My mom hugged me and gave me some advice…I just…I feel like she'd be sad," I confessed.
"Why Daniel?" Mako asked.
"I don't know? I just think if she was looking down on us from the stars above she'd be crying, maybe? To see the man she married and her children not speaking to one another. Michael can't stand Father. I can tolerate him… I just haven't had the courage to confront him. Poor Freila is left alone in a realm where shifters are far from kind to one another. I just imagine that she would think I was a coward. Maybe the gods would too. That's how I feel, at least," I admitted, looking down at my hands.
It felt weird to vent my feelings, but I needed someone's opinion and somewhere in my heart, I knew Mako would make me feel better.
"Would it ease your heart if I told you she isn't crying?"
I lifted my head to look at Mako, noticing the change in her voice. Her usual turquoise eyes were a bright pink, reminding me of what happened back on Earthala during our visit. Azriel entered my mind and his feelings of shock and curiosity flowed through me.
"Starlight god," he revealed.
I furrowed my brows, wondering which god just took over Mako. Nightmare?
Mako smiled. "Yes, Daniel Moore, Future Heir of ArchAilennia."
I gulped and straightened my back. Then, I realized I was naked under the sheets and my face turned bright red.
"Um. If I knew I'd be visited by a Starlight god, I would have dressed for the occasion," I admitted, feeling even more embarrassed.
She giggled. "We created you. Nothing to hide. Though I do wonder if Aphroditeee blessed your kind with an extra dose of beauty. Hmm... I really should ask her one of these days," Nightmare considered, looking deep in thought before shrugging her shoulders.
I bowed my head, putting my left hand on my chest. "It's an honor to be graced by your appearance Nightmare, Starlight Goddess of Destruction."
"Rise, Daniel. No need for the formalities, especially in bed." She giggled at my flushed expression as I glanced away.
"Now I feel awkward," I whispered.
"Totally awkward," Azriel agreed.
Nightmare sighed. "One day when you're older you won't care about such things," she commented with another shrug.
It was weird seeing her in Mako's body, but I could sense the difference in power and the lingering aura that flickered in and out surrounding her body.
"Do you really think your mother is sad?" Nightmare asked.
I opened my mouth to reply but paused, remembering the image of my mom from the dream. She had looked happy to see me, only shedding tears because I had to leave. She didn't seem to be upset about the situation our family was in.
"I'm not sure," I admitted.
"Is your family bond unrepairable?" Nightmare inquired.
I shook my head. "No. It can be mended," I confessed. I just need the opportunity to try and fix it.
"Exactly," Nightmare answered and I raised my eyebrow at her. She tilted her head, giving me an innocent look. "I'm a god. I can read your mind," she reminded.
I sighed. "It's nice to know you aren't as intimidating as I thought you would be.”
She laughed. "That is because I'm in Makoto's body. In my real form, you'd be singing a different tune. Though, I'm more relaxed this time than when I talked with Ryder. Maybe it’s the difference of mood. Your sister also tired me out. There’s too much energy in that child."
Her words made something click in my mind. "Wait. What do you mean when you called me future heir of ArchAilennia? And you and Freila…wait? So you being Mako's familiar was legit?"
"You guys are all slow," Azriel hummed.
You didn't tell me! What if she's pissed that I scolded her for knocking my glasses off the table!
"Aww don't worry. I'm not upset about that. They deserved to perish though. The color didn't suit you." She shrugged with no sign of remorse. She opened her eyes and a wide-smiled formed on her lips.
"As for what I said earlier, yes. You will be the future Heir of Realm Ten."
"What about Michael? Or even Freila," I proposed.
"Michael's purpose is elsewhere and Freila will be too young to rule when the time comes. You will be chosen and be the rightful fit for the throne," Nightmare confirmed.
"But..." I began but she shook her head.
"Daniel. Did you not promise to strive for what you want? That means ignoring the doubts and fears that continue to pull you down. Everything happens for a reason and as your mother stated, something lost can always be found. Mend the relationship you lost with your father and you will find what you're looking for. Patience is key. Can you do that?"
I took in her words of wisdom and slowly nodded, giving her a determined look as I stared into her pink eyes. "Yes. I can do that," I confirmed.
"Excellent. Then I will take my leave. I've spent too much time in Mako's body and she has a big day ahead. Oh, and she won't remember this," Nightmare explained.
"Is there a reason she won't? What about her spirits?" I asked.
"None of them will notice seeing as they're all asleep and Mako will simply feel disorientated and think she zoned out. Encourage her to sleep it off. I like to keep my ability to take over a secret."
I knew she was suggesting I keep this incident between us. "Okay. You have my word," I vowed. She said this happened before, but I guess Ryder never said anything either.
"Indeed he didn't. Best of luck, Daniel Moore. May the stars guide you on the right path to happiness and fulfill your deepest wishes." She closed her eyes.
When they opened, tired turquoise eyes greeted me. "Huh?" Mako questioned groggily, leaning to the side.
I quickly caught her and laid her next to me. "Mako, you okay?" I asked, my eyes beginning to glow as I scanned her body.
I sighed in relief, realizing it was just as Nightmare stated.
"She's just exhausted and needs rest," Azriel declared.
I mentally nodded, checking to see Mako was already fast asleep. I laid down and wrapped my arms around her, letting her head rest on my chest.
I heard quiet little tapping sounds, then I saw Nighty jump onto the bed. "Mew." She walked onto the blanket and came over to sit on my chest. Her tails lit up to a light gold and she brushed her head against Mako's cheek.
Mako sighed, stirring slightly but then settled, remaining asleep. I did notice a pickup in energy levels and smiled at Nighty who sat down, her tails no longer moving.
"Thank you, Nightmare," I whispered, lifting my hand and petting her gently on the head.
"Mew,” she replied. Her tails curled around her body as she nestled herself on my chest next to Mako's neck.
I smiled before looking up at the ceiling, my eyes growing heavy.
May the gods give me the strength to mend the broken aspects of my family and bring peace between us with time and patience.
In stars we trust.