Chapter 42

Navine and I were flying back to the palace, the setting sun painting a vibrant canvas around us. The evening was as warm as the day had been, and I felt a sense of contentment, having faced the remnants of my childhood home and felt the love of my sect one last time. It felt like things were finally falling into place.

Navine had been unusually quiet since we left the ruins of the village. I didn’t sense any hostility from him, but I wondered if he was reflecting on the past and mourning it, just like me. I thought that while it might have eased his guilt, the thought of letting them down would always be a thorn in his pride.

The sound of the ocean reached our ears as we flew. After a long silence, Navine finally spoke.

“Raelina, would you mind if we stopped somewhere before we get home?” he asked.

“Are you okay?” I asked, my mind immediately going to his chest injury.

“I’m fine. I just wanted to talk to you privately,” he replied.

This was unusual. It seemed like he didn’t want even Nanash to overhear. That made me a bit anxious.

“Is something wrong?” I asked, needing to know.

“No, and I don’t mean to worry you. I just wanted to discuss something privately. Plus, a little rest before we continue to the mountain wouldn’t hurt,” he said.

“Okay. Let’s stop wherever you want,” I agreed.

As we reached the cliffs, Navine descended, landing on one of them. The view of the vast ocean was breathtaking, especially with the sun sinking below it, painting the sky in deep purples and reds. We sat in the soft grass a few feet from the edge, taking in the beauty.

Navine sighed in relief, rubbing the left side of his chest with his eyes closed.

“You’re in more pain than you’re letting on,” I observed.

“It hurts, but I’ll be okay. A little rest will help,” he assured me.

I watched him closely, making sure he was telling the truth. He didn’t seem to be in pain, just tired.

“I’ll take your word for it, but we’re staying here until I’m sure you’re okay,” I told him. “So, what did you want to talk about that you didn’t want anyone else to hear? It’s not like you to be so secretive.”

“Normally, I wouldn’t be. But this is something I feel should stay between us, as husband and wife,” he replied.

“All right. I’m all ears,” I said.

Navine looked out at the water. “I’m sure you already know this, but I’ll ask anyway. Did you realize what’s happening with Luna and Rayne?”

“If you’re asking if I know Luna’s pregnant, then yes. I noticed a small bump on her abdomen, and Selenia confirmed it when I asked,” I replied.

“I see.”

“Why are you asking about this?” I asked.

“I have a few reasons,” he admitted, resting his arm on his raised knee and relaxing his wings. “I know you used to have feelings for Rayne, so I’m glad to see you’re handling the news well.”

“I have no reason not to. I was happy for them when I found out. I asked Rin if he and Aurora were planning on having a child soon, but he said no. From the way he talked about it, it seemed like Luna’s pregnancy was somehow forced, and he’s not ready for that,” I explained.

Navine didn’t seem surprised by this. “Jekia and I discussed this too. The Higher Ones did push for Luna to become pregnant to calm her darker side. But it made me wonder about your views on this,” he said.

“I thought I told you after we met. I’m okay with being the last of my kind, and I don’t mind that you’ve chosen not to have children. It’s your choice too,” I replied.

“I think it should be a decision we both make,” Navine corrected.

“Really?”

This was a new direction for our conversation, but I decided to roll with it. He must have been mulling over this for a while to bring it up in such a private setting.

Navine’s expression was serene as he began to explain.

“Do you remember what I shared with you about my upbringing?” he asked.

“I think I remember enough. You talked about being exhausted from the constant battles, and how you were born into a Dragon clan that valued power above all else,” I replied.

“Exactly,” Navine affirmed. He gazed into the distance as the wind swept over us, carrying the scent of the ocean. “Power has always been a defining factor for the alphas of this world, and it played a significant role in our procreation. Children were less about family and more about preserving status and passing it on. My siblings and I were no exception, and we were raised with the same expectations. If we chose a beta, they had to be strong and capable of bearing strong offspring.”

I chuckled lightly. “It’s interesting to hear you say that. Lord Jekia, the most powerful alpha in the Northern Lands, married a human woman, even though she turned out to be an Omega,” I reminded him.

“She did, but in the end, Jekia’s bloodline prevailed. Or rather, his and Sage’s bloodlines,” Navine corrected himself.

“Is that why you didn’t want children? Because you felt it was more of a duty than a desire?” I asked.

“That was part of it, but a lot of my decision came after Rosaline’s death. I couldn’t see the point of having heirs if all they had to look forward to was perpetuating the conflicts among our kind. The Higher Ones weren’t thrilled with my decision, but they eased up after Lyric was born, and even more so when Jekia settled down and had kids,” Navine explained.

“That makes sense. From what I’ve heard, maintaining peace in these lands was the top priority for an alpha for a long time. I guess that’s taken care of now with Rin, Rayne, and even Selenia.”

“One could see it that way, but I know that Jekia didn’t have children just to continue his bloodline. I don’t want that either. I’ve made it clear to him that if that day comes, the decision will be ours, not anyone else’s,” Navine declared.

I sat up straighter, taken aback by his words.

“Are you saying you’ve changed your mind about having children?”

“I’ve thought about it, but the decision should be a mutual one when the time comes. You’ve told me before that you’re not too keen on the idea of having children, being the last of your kind and all.”

I looked away, trying to hide my blush. I had said that, but back then, I saw things differently—perhaps through the eyes of a girl just coming into womanhood.

“Yes, I did say that, but it’s not like I’m opposed to the idea of having a child someday.” I quickly raised my hands to clarify. “But I’m not ready right now! I don’t think I’m anywhere near ready to be a mother!”

Navine chuckled. “Relax, love. I’m not asking you to do that right now. I’m just saying it’s an option for us in the future, and I wanted to discuss it with you privately.”

I looked down, feeling a bit defeated by my own anxiety. I couldn’t believe I’d just reacted like that. I was his wife, for crying out loud!

We’d done everything together already, so why was I so embarrassed talking about having children?!

“I get that, and I’d prefer it too,” I mumbled.

Navine pulled me into his lap, kissing the side of my head as he held me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

“You don’t need to apologize. I’m the one who embarrassed myself,” I confessed.

I snuggled against him, taking in the encroaching darkness. The only sound was the distant crash of waves. My mind wandered to Rosaline’s death, and it reminded me of something important.

“Navine, can I ask you something?”

“Of course. What is it?”

“I know this might sound inappropriate, but it needs to be asked. Alphas live much longer than most and retain their youth with their power. Do you think I will do the same with you, even though I’m just your wife?”

“Whether you’re a beta or a wife doesn’t change a thing. I chose you, and that means we share a bond. You don’t have to worry about outliving me,” Navine comforted me.

“But I’m not as strong as you. Something could happen to me.”

“You’re sounding a bit gloomy all of a sudden.”

“Sorry,” I softened my tone, clinging to him. “I don’t plan on anything happening to me. I just don’t want you to revert to your old self.”

Navine reassured me. “I won’t. I promise you that. I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe, and I’m sure I won’t be the only one.”

His words brought to mind Nanash’s constant presence. And Anika was sticking around too. Plus, I was sure we’d always maintain a close friendship with Lord Jekia and his family.

It was hard to imagine anything bad happening with all of them around. “No, neither of us will,” I conceded.

We fell silent again, soaking in the descending night. It was peaceful out here, and it felt good to unwind.

After what seemed like an eternity, Navine shattered the silence. “I’ve always meant what I said. I love you for who you are, Raelina, not for who you used to be.”

“Why bring that up now?” I questioned.

“I figured you were thinking about what happened to Rosaline, considering you brought up the possibility of something happening to you,” Navine explained.

“Partly, but I was also contemplating my own mortality after seeing my birthplace.”

“That’s understandable. We all have those moments. No one in this world is immortal, even if we live much longer than those on the other side.”

“No, we’re not,” I agreed, hugging him a bit tighter. “So we need to cherish the time we have.”

Navine hugged me back. “And we will. We won’t take a single moment for granted.”

We sat there for a few more minutes before he stretched his wings. “Shall we head back now? I bet Nanash is starting to worry.”

“You’re probably right. We did promise him we’d be back before nightfall. Guess we broke that promise,” I remarked.

Navine effortlessly lifted me as he stood, spreading his wings to catch the rising breeze. “It’s okay. I’ll just tell him we stopped so I could rest. He’ll understand.”

“So you’re going to make an excuse for us? How noble of you,” I teased.

“It’s more about keeping him calm. He can be a bit overprotective when it comes to your safety and well-being.”

I couldn’t argue with that. Nanash had taken it upon himself to look after me at the palace, especially after the incident where I’d wandered into the forest and we were attacked by a Golem.

He’d also been very upset about Dominick taking me as he did. Apparently, a sleeping spell had been cast on him, Navine, and Anika, which allowed me to slip away in my dream state.

“I’ll stay awake forever if I have to prevent that from happening again!” he’d vowed after I’d returned home.

I’d told him he didn’t need to go to such lengths, but I believed he would if he thought it necessary. It was just another testament to his loyalty.

But I didn’t see that as a bad thing. My Snake was a faithful friend and companion, and I knew I could always count on him.

The journey home took another half an hour, and as we’d predicted, Nanash was waiting for us in the courtyard. He looked relieved as we landed.

“Welcome back,” he greeted us.

“Thanks for waiting, Nanash. We’re sorry we’re later than we said we’d be,” I apologized as Navine set me down.

“No need to apologize. I was getting a bit worried, but I also thought maybe Lord Navine needed some time to rest because of his healing wound,” Nanash replied.

Navine didn’t deny it. “Just a bit, and we got to enjoy a beautiful view while I rested,” he said, running his hand over the back of my head. “I’m going to change and rest for the night. Are you coming?”

“I’ll stay out here a little longer. I want to enjoy the stars with Nanash,” I told him.

“All right, see you soon then.”

I knew he wouldn’t object. My willingness to stay outside in the dark was progress, given my past anxieties.

Once he was inside, Nanash slithered closer to me. “You’ve come a long way. You haven’t wanted to be out here after dark since you came back to us.”

“I won’t lie, I’m not entirely at ease. But having you here helps,” I confessed. I moved to a nearby bench, settling down to gaze at the starlit sky. “Besides, I need to face my fears. I can’t hide forever.”

Nanash joined me on the bench. “You shouldn’t have to. But remember, you’re stronger than you think. You moved forward bravely after what happened to your family.”

“I wouldn’t go that far. I was terrified of being alone for a long time. I couldn’t leave Lord Jekia’s palace for days after I started to recover. Rin and Rayne helped me a lot, showing me that the world outside was still safe,” I confessed.

“Is that why you and Navine stayed out longer than expected?”

“Partly,” I paused to gather my thoughts. “It was therapeutic for us. Facing that place, accepting what happened—it put things into perspective.”

“That’s good to hear, considering how at peace you seem,” Nanash observed.

I moved a bit closer to him. “It is. And I want you to know, I don’t blame you for what happened. You did your best, and I’m sure they know that too.”

Nanash looked away, his eyes clouded with regret. “Maybe, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to let go of my guilt. I’m no better than Navine in that regard. I knew it was odd for us to be watching your sect. Nothing good could come from Snakes doing that.”

“You’re right. I didn’t realize then how dangerous Snakes can be, but I do now. Most wouldn’t act unless there was something in it for them, usually at someone else’s expense,” I conceded.

But I couldn’t let it end there. “You’re different, Nanash. You proved that when you befriended me, and again when you protected me.”

Nanash was silent, considering my words. “I’d like to think I am different,” he finally said. “I’ve felt that way for as long as I can remember, not just because I was one of the few males in my family. My views were always at odds with theirs, and I’m sure they would’ve killed me if they knew I was helping you.”

“But you don’t have to worry about that anymore. Your family is gone too,” I reminded him.

“They are,” Nanash sighed quietly, crossing his arms. “But I don’t feel any loss for them. My loyalty was always with the Sun Fae. Even though I was never close to any of them except you, their loss still hurts.”

I moved closer to him, offering a comforting smile. “Maybe, but I’m still here,” I reminded him.

Nanash returned my smile. “Yes, you are. And I’m grateful to be with you again. I have a lot to make up for.”

Here we go again. He was starting to sound like Navine. But I could handle that, just like I did with Navine. “We can’t change the past, Nanash. I’ve told Navine the same thing. I won’t hold any of it against either of you. I won’t even blame Dominick, even though he’s dead now. If I did, I’d be no better than him or those lycans.”

“You’re incredibly forgiving, considering what happened to your family,” Nanash noted.

“It’s not about forgiveness,” I countered. “It’s about moving forward, not letting the past haunt me. I think that would be good for you and Navine too.”

The courtyard fell into a peaceful silence for a bit before Nanash’s soft chuckle broke the quiet. He finally gave in.

“Raelina, you’re the youngest yet the wisest. That’s one of the many reasons why I adore you. You have this knack for bringing out the best in us, and you do it so effortlessly.”

I wasn’t sure if I could fully accept his compliment, but it was comforting to know he was there, standing by my side. “I don’t know if I can believe that, Nanash. But it’s heartening to know you’re here, still my friend,” I confessed.

Nanash wrapped an arm around me. His voice was warm and reassuring. “And you always will be, Raelina. Remember, family is what you make it.”

Family is what you make it.

Those words resonated with me, echoing in my mind. They couldn’t have been more accurate, especially considering the journey my life had taken.

My biological family might have been long gone, but I had found a new family in the most unexpected places. And for that, I would forever be thankful.