"I did an excellent job, thank you very much," Mistral said haughtily.
I decided to cut the air spirit a break. "He told us about Animus, the malicious spirit that's been sucking away your power. And it was his idea that finding my fated mate might have something to do with getting them back."
Mistral folded his wing-like arms and nodded, clearly pleased to be acknowledged.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Kamari staring up at Nautilus with great reverence. His denial of Mistral's idea seemed to have melted away now that Nautilus was actually awake and real, close enough to reach out and touch.
"Animus," Nautilus said, sighing again. "He has always been jealous of us. In a way I'm surprised it took him this long to try and steal our power." His gaze shifted down. "I didn't think he would start with me..."
"Start with you?" Kamari said, an edge of panic in his voice. "Does that mean he intends to do this to other spirits, too?"
My eyes widened in horror. I hadn't thought about that. Granddad was a powerful spirit. If Animus could do this to him, what was stopping him from doing it to others?
"He can't," I growled. "That would throw the whole ecosystem into chaos. Hell, it's bad enough with the coast as it is."
"Do you honestly think he cares?" Mistral said, examining a piece of his blue hair between his claws. "It's not his problem what happens to a bunch of mortals."
"And what about when he comes after you?" I snapped.
Mistral's claws dropped to his side as he shot a sharp look at me. "Hmph. You think I haven't thought about that? Don't presume you know me just because you're related to Nautilus, pup."
Before I could growl, Kamari gently grabbed my arm. His touch was enough to calm me down.
"Fine," I mumbled. "So what can we do? I don't want Granddad to get hurt again, and I don't want this to happen to any other spirit."
Nautilus smiled at me. "I appreciate the concern, Zakariel. But you've already done me a great service." He looked at Kamari. "Both of you have."
Kamari and I exchanged a silent, awed glance.
--
We both knew what he was suggesting, but to hear it come from Nautilus himself was different.
When Kamari didn't speak, I knew I had to be the one to ask. "Granddad, what exactly do you mean?"
"I think you already know," Nautilus replied. There was a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "But regardless, I will speak the truth. You and Kamari are fated mates."
My heart flipped with joy. I already knew deep down in my soul; having it confirmed was just the cherry on top. But how would Kamari react? He'd dug in his heels at the idea and only seemed to warm up to it last night when we were intimate.
I risked a glance at him. There was a mix of quiet shock and wonder on his face. I found his hand and grasped it softly, relieved when he gave me a gentle squeeze.
"Told you so," Mistral said loudly, grinning like he didn't just ruin the moment. "Did your great grandfrungle lead you astray?"
"Greatuncle," I corrected.
"Whatever."
Despite his irritating qualities, I had to smile. "Thanks, Mistral. You really helped us out."
Mistral's feathers fluffed up like he hadn't been expecting a compliment. "Well, maybe he has some manners after all," he mumbled in amusement to Nautilus.
"Fated mates," Kamari said so quietly it was almost a breath. He looked in Nautilus's direction but his gaze was unfocused; he seemed to be looking through him. It must have been a shock to hear it from a spirit he respected so deeply.
One of Nautilus's long, flowing whiskers rose and drifted over to Kamari, touching him lightly on the shoulder. It startled Kamari back into alertness.
"Yes," Nautilus said. "That is why I have both of you to thank. The burst of energy that came from the consummation of a pair of fated mates was enough to rouse me from my trance."
Kamari's cheeks darkened at the wordconsummation.Gods, he was adorable.
