Talbot raised his chin. “I am.”
This was not how Talbot would have wished for his coronation or their mating ceremony to proceed—on display before biased onlookers. But he took comfort in the steady pulse beneath his fingers, Rose’s courage flowing into him through their joined hands. She had embraced this destiny at his sidewithout hesitation or regret. He could ask no more of her than that.
Link’s voice rang out clearly in the hushed courtyard. “By the ancient rites, passed down since the dawn of our people, I now proclaim Talbot of Venom to be king. May his rule be just, his judgment wise, and his compassion enduring.”
He turned solemn eyes on Talbot. “Do you so swear to take up the mantle and burden, to reign with equity and honor, holding this kingdom’s welfare above your own?”
Talbot met the shaman’s gaze unwaveringly. “I so swear it.”
Nodding, Link continued. “Then by my authority as Shaman of Venom, and by the Creator’s will, I confer this crown upon you, Chosen King.”
The ornate silver circlet, with the bodies of interwoven snakes, was lowered onto Talbot’s head. He straightened, feeling the symbolic weight of that crown and all it represented. This moment defined his life’s purpose going forward: to rule with the wisdom of kings’ past while illuminating the way to a new era of light.
“Rise now as Guardian, as Shield, and as True King, Talbot of Venom!” the shaman pronounced.
Before the cheers could follow, a blinding light filled the courtyard, stealing breath and thought. Talbot’s heart pounded wildly even as serenity flowed into him from that divine glow. He was not the only one so deeply affected. Those around him knelt in reverence, even the visiting council members. The Creator himself had deemed this coronation worthy of His presence.
“Look upon Me, Talbot and Rose.” Visata’s voice boomed so that the very ground they rested upon shook like an earthquake.
Within the brilliance, a figure took shape, man-like but radiating infinite power and matchless grace. The face was ageless, neither old nor young, but etched with wisdom beyondmillennia. His eyes brimmed with endless compassion and gazed upon Talbot and Rose where they had sunk to their knees.
“Rise, my children,” Visata’s voice filled their minds, rich with love. “You have chosen the hard path. The narrow way that few will even give eyes to. You have set aside future plans that may never come to passbecauseyou’ve taken up the mantle I have given you. And instead of complaining, or turning your back on My will, you stand up and do the arduous thing. The wide path is easy. But the narrow path will reveal your character. It will test you and your faith until you think you might fall, but I tell you: Do not look to your right or your left. Do not turn your head to look behind you. Only look straight in front of you so that you will be ready for the enemy’s advances.” His light suffused them, blessing and welcoming their union. “Together, may you heal what is broken, mend what is torn, and gather the pieces of that which are shattered. My peace and joy be upon you both, as well as on the Kingdom of Venom.”
When the Creator’s piercing stare moved across the still kneeling crowd, a bolt of foreboding shot through Talbot. “The light still shines where shadows fall,” Visata intoned. “But judgment comes on swift wings to all who embrace darkness. Turn now from wickedness or reap sorrow.” His words rang with warning but also a tender invitation back to the fold.
With a final piercing look that reached the depths of Talbot’s soul, Visata’s form began to fade, the brilliant rays retreating last of all. “Keep your eyes fixed on Me alone, Dear Ones. I will guide your footsteps.”
Then the courtyard held only awed silence once more. Talbot sought Rose’s stunned gaze as all around them hushed conversations broke out about the Creator’s miraculous appearance. Talbot cared nothing for gossip or novelty. All he knew was that they walked in Visata’s will, and that was enough.
Rising on unsteady legs, he drew Rose close, pressing his brow to hers. “We do this together,” Talbot whispered fervently. “Our lives, our rule. All of it. Just as we were meant to.”
Rose’s eyes shone like stars when she drew back to meet his gaze again. “Together,” she agreed softly. Then, hand in hand, they turned to greet their people, heartened beyond measure by the Creator’s blessing on their mating and reign. Whatever storms lay ahead, His light would guide them safely home.
Chapter Twelve
Still Your Same Wildcat.
“Hunting down dangerous people, or in our case species, is nothing like they portray on TV. There’s very little excitement. It’s mostly monotonous footwork and lots of ‘I don’t knows’ or ‘I’ve suddenly remembered I have somewhere to be and therefore cannot answer any of your questions.’ In short, any thoughts I might have had about being a cop, bounty hunter, or detective have been thoroughly canceled.” ~Lola
After two days of no luck finding a ride into the bayou, Lola’s patience was wearing thin. They had made no progress yet again in their quest for safe passage. It was as if something was actively workingagainstthem, thwarting them at every turn.But she refused to even entertain the idea of failure. Katy’s life depended on them getting answers.
Nico appeared at her elbow, his grin sharp as ever despite the sweat beading his brow. He ignored the steady growl that was rumbling from Callon’s chest. It was apparent that her mate was not taking kindly to being ignored as he gently pulled Lola behind and then around, so she was walking on his other side and Nico was now cozying up against Callon instead of her.
The Chaos Shaman didn’t miss a beat. He just kept talking. “Let’s take a quick breather. I’ve got an idea that I think will get reluctant humans to show us some of that Southern hospitality they’re supposedly known for.”
Callon eyed him warily but followed the shaman to a shaded alcove where the rest of their group had gathered. At Nico’s nod, Raphael turned the force of his compelling gaze on each of them in turn. Lola braced for whatever the demon was going to do. But nothing happened. At least, not that she could see.
“You’re now seeing our lovely Lola through the eyes of a besotted, human male,” Raphael purred.
Lola crossed her arms, unimpressed by his dramatics. “What are you talking about?” she asked him. But then Callon stiffened, a low growl rumbling in his chest as he stared fixedly at her. She glanced around to find all her male companions watching her with new, heated interest.
“What did you do?” she hissed at Raphael.
“Otto told you, demon bad,” the lizard said, though his head did not pop over the top of Lyra’s purse. “I bite him.”
“No, you stay put.” Lyra zipped her purse, probably to keep the little hazard from jumping out and onto Raphael’s face like a crazed cat.
The demon smirked. “Merely amplified your natural assets to outside observers.” His smug smile faded as Callon took a steptoward Lola, golden eyes simmering, his form seeming to grow larger.
