Lunaria (A Soulmark Series Finale), page 43
It takes little effort for him to carry her through the towering trees. After being badgered into taking a myriad of magical remedies the previous night, there is little sign of pain in our bodies. Fatigue, however, still persists.
“Tell me, what should I expect?” Aunt Mo’s husky voice calls to Adrian as if she wasn’t cradled to his chest but rather very far away.
Adrian slows his gait. The crunching of the snow seems to sound louder as he contemplates his answer. “The air is thicker there,” he replies. “The magic of our home resides not only among those who inhabit it but the entirety of the land. Each has its purpose. The giant tarsi trees, with their waterfall branches and amethyst petals, provide the best shade on a hot day. Its bark can be made into a bitter tea to soothe the bite of a spiked mantisi.”
“What’s that?” Aunt Mo’s husky voice inquires.
Adrian chuckles. “They are boisterous critters, no more than the size of your hand, always on the lookout for their next meal. They are not as fearsome as they like to believe, but when one’s back and belly can expand and protrude with sharpened quills, they must be given some respect,” Adrian explains without missing a beat. Amusement rings clearly in his voice. “You need not fear them, for I will swat away any that hop too close.”
Aunt Mo is not alone in her laughter. The rest of us add our chuckles and smiles as well as we gather closer to the pair.
“You’ll have the pleasure of meeting many fairies. They’re curious creatures. The masons of Luna’s community fashioned alarms around the area of her disappearance, in case she returned,” Adrian continues.
A breeze winds around our group, rustling the branches of shrubs flanking us. Aunt Mo’s hushed voice is almost unheard. “Masons?”
Adrian glances at me with eyebrows raised. I duck my head and swerve around a bundle of undergrowth.
“I found it difficult to speak of home after a time. They do not know the full cast of fairies.”
He hums and maneuvers around the same bundle of undergrowth, his pace slowing further. “As you know, Luna is a cultivator. She tends the earth. Celosia is an illuminator. Her kind may touch, bend, manipulate, and even create light. Alekos is a tree runner. He is born of the bark, and as swift as the wind.
“Masons are the cleverest of the fairies, always tinkering away with their tools, but at times they also act as guardians for their communities. There are druids who, like cultivators, share a unique bond and connection with the creatures of our world. They own the rare and special ability to speak with any beast that crosses their path. There are...”
“Sprites,” I fill in when Adrian ponders on for several yards. “They are similar to illuminators, only they can manipulate water, no matter the size. They are lovely dancers.”
“Many of my brothers try to spy on sprites, for they are very lovely dancers indeed.”
Aunt Lydia snorts, but a wry smirk lights up her severe features. “I bet.”
We settle into a peaceful quiet as we delve on, but without the conversation to keep me distracted, I become engrossed in the weak cries of the forest. The further we go, the sadder I become. Not all the trees have perished yet, but it won’t be long for them. The effects of the Stormrows’ dark sorcery will not leave any survivors.
“What of your kind?” Aunt Mo pipes up before I can sink further into my sorrow.
Adrian’s proceeding pause is far more thoughtful than his last, and when he speaks, we listen intently.
“My kind was created in the image of the Dark Father—Raeva—the Storm Bringer. We are graced with speed as fast as his whips of lightning and blessed with the strength drawn from his mighty thunder. Our eyes mirror the darkest shadows to see in the night, and our wings are made to lift us to the greatest height to protect the ones we hold dearest.
“Most among the Hollow fear my kind, and with ample right. We pride ourselves on being the fiercest warriors. It is the lone rokama that should be feared most. Those who we cull from the pack because of the sickness that devours their mind.” Adrian trails off, his voice light and gruff as he carries on with an almost absentmindedness about his words. “It is always sad to lose a pack mate to such a sickness. They cull themselves in the end, their shame too much to bear. Our greatest warriors must track down our culled brethren and eliminate the threat they pose to the Hollow.”
“Are you one of those great warriors?”
“I was.” Adrian clears his throat, his gait returning to normal, and forcing the rest of us to pick up our pace. “Until my wings return to me, I shall remain homebound and rely upon my pack to protect me as I once did for them.”
“Your wings are quite different from the fairies,” Aunt Mo replies several minutes later. Her voice speaking volumes of her exhaustion.
“Yes,” Adrian answers soberly.
“They are bigger and far superior.”
“Hey!” I protest, head whipping to the side to deliver a glare.
Adrian chuckles, the sound deep and far too sensuous for the solemn walk we make. Gran’s enjoyment follows, along with a breathy laugh from Aunt Mo, and a snort from Aunt Lydia. Up ahead, I spot my friends waiting.
I wrap my arms around my middle, telling myself it is to defend against the gentle breeze that tills through the trees. My eyes roam over the gathered as we near.
Xander, Zoelle, Ryatt, Quinn, Atticus, Winter, Keenan, Callie, Alekos, Celosia, the Vrana clan—including Deval, who is draped in layers of clothing amid the overcast dusk—and a family I’ve yet to meet before. Charity is among the latter with the Crystal of Dan Furth held proudly in her arms.
My chest tightens as I watch them all interact.
Nova and Callie speak off to the side. Their hunched postures speak volumes of the difficult conversation they are having. Winter busies herself by fussing over Alekos’s hat and scarf. Celosia has one hand placed over Keenan’s heart and the other atop his head. Her coat is shed, and her glittering wings keep her at least a foot off the ground to deliver a blessing over Keenan. Her hands each emit a delicate, orangish-red light.
Xander and Zoelle greet us as we join them on a surprisingly snow-free swath of earth. The others take the same interest, eyeing it with curious expressions. I set down our bag of goodies.
“Celosia’s work,” Xander explains. He greets the witches with brief hugs and gives Adrian a slap on the arm once Aunt Mo is on her feet. As for me, Xander bestows a kiss on the top of my head. Zoelle huffs at his side impatiently, and in the next moment, I’m taken into her arms.
“Oh, Luna.” Zoelle sniffles noisily against my shoulder as she holds me close. “I’m really going to miss you.”
I hold the muscles in my body still, hoping to ward off the emotion that threatens to surface, but it’s no use. Zoelle peels back, her face boasting the evidence of her crying, and I yield to my heartache once more.
“I’m going to miss you too and all your delicious cooking.” Zoelle bursts into laughter, tossing her head back as she wipes her cheeks. A hand lingers on her growing abdomen. I reach out to place my hand atop hers. “I wish I would have gotten to meet her.”
The sad smile on Zoelle’s face freezes. “... Her? Luna, how could you possibly know what we’re having? It won’t be for another week or two that we find out the baby’s sex.”
I blink back at her, then glance at Xander’s shell-shocked expression, and then to Gran who beams with happiness. Wiping my cheeks with the back of my mittens, I answer.
“Every being emits an aura—an energy. The auras come in all sorts of colors and shades, but there is a distinct pulse to that of the female and male aura.” I drop my gaze to our hands. “You’re in perfect harmony with your daughter, Zoelle. If it were to be a boy, his pulse would be faster, for boys cannot contain their eagerness.”
A joyous laugh bubbles up from Zoelle as she covers her mouth and considers Xander with sparkling eyes. His dazed expression remains as he steals Zoelle into his embrace.
“A girl,” Xander crows, a smile so brilliant it makes even Celosia—still busy with her blessing—glance his way.
“Did I hear, right? I’m going to have a niece?” The alpha pair draw apart reluctantly to confirm with Ryatt, who sports a silly grin. He lets out an excited whoop and captures Quinn. Tossing her up upon his shoulder, he twirls her around. The petite blonde squeals in delight, drawing the attention of the rest of the party to our smaller cluster.
I maneuver around the bubbling couple as they speak excitedly to one another and approach the motley crew standing off to the side. The raven shifters all tilt their heads to me as I pass them by, Ronan adding on a wink and smirk.
Anticipation rides high in my chest as I stop before Ruby. “Thank you,” I say. “For coming to our rescue. For saving Deval—" my regard darts to Deval, whose head is bowed "—For everything you've done while you were here. You didn't have to stay or fight. Thank you."
Ruby smirks. It's not nearly as cutting as her others. "What can I say? I'm a sucker for violence and bloodshed." Her shoulders fall and rise in a dainty shrug as she rolls her eyes. "We'll take good care of Deval, so don't waste your time worrying about him, okay?"
I bob my head and shuffle closer to Deval. "Thank you, Deval Mangal. You saved a good man's life. We wouldn't have been able to escape the Wselfwulfs without your sacrifice."
Red eyes peek at me through lowered lashes. "Thank you, Lunaria, for not leaving me behind. I won’t forget it. Ever."
Before I can talk myself out of it, I fling myself forward and wrap my arms around his middle. Eyes jammed shut, I squeeze him with all my might. "Thank you."
Deval is akin to a marble statue, but a hand eventually pats me awkwardly on my shoulder. I stumble back, hands swiping at my tears and leaky nose. Nova approaches with red-rimmed eyes, her conversation with Callie complete. She lets a quirky smile tilt her lips.
"You know, I never thought I'd meet a fairy," Nova comments. She stops at Ruby's side, her hand reaching out to casually hold the other vampyré's. "Or, drink from one, for that matter."
I blush, twisting my hands together in front of me. "Am I the tastiest snack you ever had?"
She lets out a boisterous chuckle that is accompanied by Ruby's tinkle of laughter.
"Yeah," Nova agrees. "Something like that. It was nice to meet you, Luna."
The handsome Inuit vampyré holds out a hand. We shake, and as I retreat, I am at once intercepted by the dashing sorcerer who stole my heart not so long ago.
His hand perches over his heart, with his bottom lip jutting out. "You didn't forget about me, did you?"
"Never," I respond, far more fervently than I intend to.
It makes the two of us give pause. Jax relaxes his posture. The silly pout is put away and his hand falls to his side.
"Promise?" He inquires softly.
I nod, chin wobbling. "As long as you promise you won't stop seeking the light. I worry about you, Jax. These new powers of yours are dark and dangerous. How much do you really know about this new patron of yours?"
"You have my word, gorgeous, I won’t stop seeking the light. As for my powers, well, I plan on holding up in a library once we’re back in the Dark Court. I’ll have everything under control in no time."
“Jax—”
He holds up a hand to halt my rebuttal. “Everything will be fine, Luna.”
“You’re a good man, Jax. Let your soulmark be your light and hope.” Jax flushes and glances at his bicep where his soulmark resides.
I kiss him quickly on the cheek, my heart filled with warm affection for him. Jax places his hand back above his heart and bows elegantly, cane held dutifully at his side.
When he straightens, I am already slipping away, unable to muster a more deserving farewell. Sweet comfort rides through my heart's content, making the ache within my chest lessen. I glance at Adrian. He is near Aunt Mo's daughter, Charity, and her family as they all race to issue their last goodbyes.
"Hey." A hand seizes mine. "Don't think you're getting out of here without a proper goodbye from me."
Atticus twirls me around and squishes me against his chest.
"I'm gonna miss you, shorty," he murmurs next to my ear. Another body comes up from behind and locks me in place against Atticus.
"Goodbye, Luna," Winter says, her words coated in sadness. Before I know it, the other wolves and their significant others join the fray until we are a tangle of arms and farewells. I'm flushed and hiccupping by the time we manage to slip apart, my hand waving weakly at the lot of them as I join my friends near Adrian and Aunt Mo.
I catch Gran's eyes. She blows a kiss my way, and I swear its gentle pressure ghosts against my cheek. I walk to her, arms held out wide to embrace her one last time.
"I love you," I say, clinging to her. Gran squeezes me back just as tight.
"I love you too, my precious girl." Pulling apart we share a smile filled with the words we do not have time to say.
"You take care of Mo, you hear?" Aunt Lydia demands good-naturedly as she comes to our side. I nod my head eagerly.
"She will be in the most caring of hands," I tell them, locking eyes with Aunt Lydia and then Gran.
"And don't forget to take care of yourself," Aunt Lydia continues as she takes my hand in hers. "Never let a man dictate what you do. And Always reach for the stars—always. You are a powerful woman, never forget that."
I quickly burst into another wave of tears as I toss my arm around Aunt Lydia's shoulders and pull her to me. "I promise," I mumble against her coat. She rubs my back soothingly, before gently pushing me away.
"That's a good girl. Now, go on. Your friends are waiting. We won't keep you a second longer," Aunt Lydia declares.
"Ready?" Charity asks, her voice unsurprisingly thick as I make my way to my friends.
"Ready," Alekos responds.
The crystal is handed off to my friend. He cradles it to his chest and takes a deep breath. Rearranging the purple amethyst, so it rests in the crook of his arm, he places a hand against our chosen tree's trunk. A wind summons itself from nowhere. It spins around us and shakes every branch and shrub in our vicinity.
Alekos speaks, his voice firm and steadfast in the language of the trees. It sounds like a surge of whispers all wrapped into one. The language of the trees is tightly woven. All that can be made out of Alekos's words is intention.
A sizzling light of green emerges from the tree's base, cutting upward high above where Alekos stands and arcing overhead to cut back down to the ground. The incision shines brightly, like a cascade of emeralds caught in the sun. Alekos ceases his words, but the wind does not relent, and the light does not dull.
He presses forward, the bark of the tree giving way with a crack as the arched doorway sinks into the tree's trunk impossibly and then swings inward to reveal a sunlit meadow dotted with sparkling amethysts.
Though Alekos's face is sapped of all color and his body trembles lightly, a full smile graces his face. "Ready?"
I swallow. "Yes."
Celosia steps forward first, her calico eyes glistening as she looks upon our home then to all those who wish us farewell. She graces them with a radiant smile, her entire being flooding with light as she strips off the remainder of her winter wear.
"Goodbye." She raises her hand in a single wave and flies through the opening.
"Luna?" Alekos gives me a sympathetic smile. "I need to be the last one to enter."
I draw in a shallow breath. Sweeping my sights over my unique family one last time and committing them to memory. My heart is so full of love, it may very well burst.
"Goodbye," I croak, a sappy smile on my face as I too leave behind my coat, gloves, and hat.
"Wait!" Zoelle cries. She snatches up the witches' gifts and rushes over to me. "Don't forget these. The coven will have my head," she jokes.
My smile cracks as she cups my cheek. I lean into the touch, holding her gaze as I place my hand upon her belly. With a breath, I close my eyes and listen with all my might. The earth can already feel the life inside of Zoelle with its distinct aura calling back out to it. My mouth curves into a smile as my eyes flutter open.
The child will be the first of its kind... powerful and majestic.
"What is it?" She asks.
I kiss her palm and tread backward. "The earth has a name for your child," I say, slipping into the frame of the doorway and feeling the Hollow Woods familiar heat on my back. A giddy laugh bubbles up as my intraflora reacts, flowers blooming everywhere across my skin. "River."
My wings take me past the threshold and shoot me upward into the sweltering day. No more than a few seconds pass before I am tackled in the air by Celosia, whose joy is contagious. We swing and fly about, but sail down as we spot Adrian entering with Aunt Mo.
I land in front of them, taking Aunt Mo's hand gently. Her eyes are wide and awash with unshed tears as she adjusts to the dazzling light of the world we've entered. A faint blush colors the skin beneath the scab like scars that consume her body.
"Beautiful," she murmurs, tears falling down the side of her face as she takes in the Hollow Woods. "This... this is your home?"
A creaking whine intersects the moment. It is Alekos entering the Hollow Woods, the crystal settled in his hands, and the doorway already sealing shut behind him. My heart thuds with brief regret though I know my farewells have been said. I turn back to Aunt Mo, smiling so big it hurts.
"Yes. Welcome to the Hollow Woods."
Epilogue
It is not long until we are found. What is unexpected is the composition of our greeting party, which is a mixture of fairy and rokama. Familiar faces and wings race toward our group as we reach the Valley of Ways. At some point during the heartfelt reunion, a flower bed is conjured for Aunt Mo to be laid upon while hugs and exclamations of joy are shared.
