Chapter 69

(Cera's POV)

I returned home, and my expression must've been solemn, because Markis rushed over to me and held my cheeks.

"What's wrong?"

I blew a raspberry, then frowned deeply."I'm pregnant."

He released my cheeks and bonked the top of my head.

"What the hell kind of joke is that? I'm seriously worried."

I laughed and said,"Oh? Are you gonna tell me to get rid of it? Are you not ready to be a father yet? How could you be so heartless?!"

He bonked me again, and I laughed before throwing my arms around him."The truth is… we're going to attack Vetro."

I felt his body stiffen before he returned my hug and asked,"What do you mean by we?"

"The seven. We're all united on this, and we have a plan."

"So you're going too?" he mumbled.

I let him go so I could read his face."I have to. I'm one of them."

He looked uneasy and couldn't meet my eyes. Then he groaned loudly, and heat filled the room, making the air around him waver."Are you mad?"

"I'M NOT MAD!" Markis shouted, storming into the bedroom. A punch hit the wall so hard, the whole house shook.

I was hoping lightening the mood first would soften the blow… I cautiously followed and found him lying flat on his back, hands covering his face.

"The prophecy mentioned all seven of us... so there's a good chance I'm needed," I muttered.

"I don't know about any prophecy—and I don't give a f**k."

I flinched and started to turn away when he called out,

"I'm scared... I've seen my father do terrifying sh*t, and he doesn't care about casualties the way you do. It's hard to imagine him losing."

His voice shook. I shook off my discomfort and sat beside him, stroking his head to reassure him.

"I'll be careful. You don't need to come. If things get too intense, I promise I'll run and come back."

He grabbed my wrist and kissed my palm, then met my eyes."I'm going with you."

Even now, he was trembling. Whatever trauma he has concerning Vetro runs deep. My concern for him was overpowering how turned on he was making me.

"You don't need to," I replied.

He gripped my hand tighter and sat up to meet me at eye level."I want to. I can't fight my father directly, but I can help clear surrounding areas and get citizens to safety so you all have an easier time. I can fight in other battles too. I always assumed Raijian hated me, and I've never done anything for him as a brother. This is my chance."

It surprised me. He was too scared of his father to even disagree with him, but he'd join a rebellion just because it's the side we're on.

"We just started living together… the timing is awful," he added, sulking.

I chuckled, and in a millisecond he leaned in and kissed me, deep and passionate—transmitting his feelings straight into my heart.

The way I feel about Markis is so different from how I feel about Zai. With Zai, I want his eyes on me, all of his time. I want to be the most important thing in his world. With Markis, each movement he makes, every blink or breath, fills my mind with lewd thoughts. I want to cherish him, make him feel safe, show him he's worthy of happiness. I'm not sure which of these feelings is love… so I'm not ready to say it. Not yet.

His lips met mine again, igniting another spark in my chest.

"Calm down," I muttered, placing my hands on his shoulders—though I didn't push him away."I understand where you're coming from. The timing is bad, but... You were a military general before they forced you to live down here. I'm sure you can help. I'll talk to the others."

Markis grinned and hugged me before rushing off to grab something from his room.

I really hope the others are okay with Markis joining. I don't want this to become a big deal. I asked in our group chat. Zai didn't respond. Valin didn't seem to care. Raijian said, "That's fine, as long as he pulls his weight."

These two idiot fiery brothers... Maybe one day they'll actually talk and make amends.

(Snowe's POV)

I had to make a series of calls to inform everyone I wouldn't be available for several days, due to a family emergency. Zai talked to my superiors on my behalf and got my tour dates postponed. It was exhausting, but... a part of me was happy. A vacation. Even if it would be spent going to war.

By the time it was done, it was dark, and both Zai and I collapsed onto the bed.

"Should I bring extra clothes?" I asked.

"Maybe a bag with water and dried food... Wear something comfortable. You won't have time to change."

So... tank top and joggers, maybe? Would tennis shoes be best?

"Go barefoot. Shoes will just slow you down and weaken your connection to the elements," Zai added, answering my thoughts again. I might have been taught that in school, but I wasn't the best student.

I followed his advice and packed accordingly. Water, nuts, raisins, jerky. Hopefully Afaria isn't so desolate we can't get food… but better to be safe.

I felt Zai hug me from behind while I was in the kitchen.

"I packed everything we had that works. We might need groceries to help the—"

He licked my neck, and I screamed, dropping everything I was holding.

"We probably won't get any time alone for a while," he whispered.

"Y-you're right… but our minds should be on the impending doom looming before us."

"I need your help to clear my mind, Snowe..." I shivered when he said my name.

"You are perfectly capable of doing that yourself!" I argued.

He didn't back down.

"No... I need you."He pressed up behind me and slid his hands into my underwear.

(Raijian's POV)

It was annoying waiting around the mansion while everyone else got their sh*t together.

"What is this called?" Aluma asked, pointing to the television.

"It's a TV. I thought you had those on Infaniya?"

"Oh… I've heard of them. But in the East, we didn't have much time to relax. Television and movies were more common in the South—from what I read."

Her voice held a hint of melancholy. Maybe even envy.

"You want to watch something together?" I offered.

She bit her lip, thinking it over, then looked at Innoccence, who—after Valin's treatments—now looked like she was in her early thirties.

"She can watch too," I added.

Innoccence looked embarrassed by that, and I understood why—I read her thoughts.

"We'll help you find a place... I know it's still uncomfortable being around me."

"You're wrong! I'm happy to be around you! I only wanted to be around you this whole time!"

...I liked it better when she could barely speak.

I sighed."Aluma... I'm sorry. Can I speak to her alone?"

Aluma looked at me, then at Innoccence, before stepping forward and kissing me—cupping my cheeks and slipping her tongue into my mouth. I knew she'd kiss me, but I didn't expect it to be so passionate. I returned it without hesitation. It felt good to be desired by someone I also wanted.

When she pulled back, I was left breathless.

"Yeah… I'll let you talk. See you soon, darling."

I kissed her again and hugged her waist to reassure her before ushering Innoccence into my room. Once inside, I locked the door and activated the barrier Valin designed to prevent interruptions.

"You didn't have to rub it in my face," Innoccence muttered.

"Rub what in your face? Your major concern should be getting home, not me."

"It is, but—"

I raised a hand to silence her."You've been through a lot. And there's stuff money can't fix—experiences you won't get back. So... What do you want?"

I looked into her eyes."I can transform you into one of my kind. Not now—it would weaken me, and I can't afford that—but after this is over, I can. It'll make you ageless, restore your youth, give you freedom. Living on Earth might be inconvenient, but I'll help... if that's what you want."

"That... seems like a big decision."

"Take your time. I just thought it'd be hard to adjust after living in Markis's house for ten years. Did he… abuse you?"

"No... well... neglect is the better word. He never hit me, but he seemed surprised I wanted to eat or drink every day. He lost track of time a lot—often forgot to stock the fridge with anything besides alcohol. Not long after you left, he lost interest. The only time he'd touch me was when I begged... and it felt good for a moment, so I kept begging. I didn't want to admit it was making me sick. I thought it was my fault."

"...You made mistakes. You were a teen. I messed up too—I should've checked on you. But I assumed you'd just go home. He only pursued you to piss me off. I had no idea you'd stay for over ten years. I'm sorry."

"No... I stayed to piss you off. I mean… yeah, your brother is hot, and I might've dated him anyway. But I wouldn't have been so eager if I wasn't mad at you."

I chuckled."I understand. Aluma... I was in love with her even back then. That's why I didn't give you a chance. Why we can't be more now."

She frowned."In love?"

I nodded.

"Regardless of what happens... you're going to take care of me now?"

"Yeah. And if you want to return to your parents, I can fabricate an excuse. And... if the memories are too painful, I can help you forget them."

She stared up at me, stunned."I'll think about it."

"For now, let's watch a movie. All of us."

"Yeah... okay. But don't kiss in front of me again."

I avoided her eyes."Uh... no promises on that one. But I'll invite everyone, so you won't feel left out."

She hung her head.

Tana and Insinz... not sure how social they are. But Valin will try. He always tries to make people feel at ease. I'm lucky he's here.