“Um, because elf alphas are kinda scary,” she said quietly. “Rache’s are a giant spider and a humongous scorpion. Eden only has one, and he’s just shadows.”
“Do you know what yours are?”
“Elves?”
“How do you know about the others but not yours?”
Moira shrugged. “Dunno. I can just see things differently when I look at them. Plus, Rache already knows hers. The webs she shoots are kinda obvious.”
“Oh, right.” Ven touched her cheek. “Stay in touch, be kind to yourself, and if you don’t like your mates, lure them here, and I will sic the big cats on them. The kittens can be particularly vicious.”
Moira smiled. “Thanks for the offer. I will keep it in mind.”
Ven hugged her and said, “I have never seen Syar so happy to see someone returning. Even his cousins just got a handshake.”
Moira breathed deep. “It is so nice to be back in the islands. I have missed home.”
“Can I ask, what did you look like before?”
Moira smiled and brought out her phone, showing her selfies with friends and a few where she was looking toward distant trees.
“Wow. You look a lot like Syar. Same skin but darker hair and darker eyes. Are you related?”
“Five generations or so.”
“But you don’t call him cousin.”
“Of course not, he’s my king.”
Ven paused. “I suppose he is. Good night, Moira.”
“Good night, Princess Venetia.”
Ven grinned, hugged her, and said, “You were pretty before, but now you are stunning. Shoulders back, tits out. Head high. You don’t need to hide.”
“I know, but it’s what I know. Being seen is terrifying like this. There is nowhere to hide.”
“And yet you ran to the islands.”
“They are where I feel at home. I will stand out more but feel more at peace. Unlike the city, the islands have my back.”
Ven nodded. “That, I understand.”
“Good night, Ven. Enjoy your year with your babies before the island demands more.”
“Thank you for translating. I may ask you to do the same the next time she pushes the timeline. I gestate fast, but I am not repopulating the island on my own.”
Moira grinned as Ven left the guestroom. She got undressed for bed and lay down listening to the serenade of frogs that told her she was home.
