This was merely a new challenge to overcome, rather than a disability.
An aching sadness seeped into the bond, and he met Dyna’s despondent gaze in the mirror. She entered the room in a gown that resembled the starry night. Decorative gold plating embellished her shoulders and chest. Her sword, with a hilt of wings and an emerald on the langet, casually rested at her hip.
“Every time I feel its absence, I will remember who it was for,” Cassiel said, turning to her. “Please don’t be sad.”
As Dyna came to him, a long veil streamed behind her black dress, glittering with embroidered stars. Thin gold chains adorned the back, falling against her bare spine. She took his hand. “I cannot help it. I feel regretful when I see it, and I wish I had taken your offer to fly once more with you.”
A lump formed in his throat. Cassiel had to admit he wished they had, too. He would miss flying in those skies with her, but he was grateful they had memories to remember.
He nodded to the Pegasus waiting outside in the garden. “We have other ways to fly,lev sheli.Before we go, I have something for you.” Picking up a polished square box off the mantle, he opened it and showed her. Inside laya gold tiara set with emeralds the deep green of a forest. It glittered in the candlelight. “A crown befitting a queen.”
“Oh, Cassiel, I have no words…” Dyna inhaled a soft breath of awe and arched an eyebrow at him playfully. “Are you to bestow me with such elaborate gifts each time you anger me?”
“And each time I am fortunate enough to make you happy.” Removing the crown from the box, Cassiel placed it on her head. It couldn’t have fit her more perfectly. He turned her to face the mirror, and she shyly stared at her reflection as the last of the evening light glinted on the emeralds. He wrapped his arms around Dyna’s waist from behind and she leaned into him. “This one, however, is a present for your birth-date. I do remember the first night we met you mentioned you were born in the spring.”
Which was fitting for her. She continued to rise through the harsh and cold temperate of life. Forever blooming.
Her green eyes widened. “I completely forgot.”
“When was it?”
Dyna’s expression softened and she brushed his cheek. “The day you woke up.”
Lifting her chin to him, Cassiel kissed her. That day was a gift for them both. “I have a confession,” he said. “I had many crowns and gowns made for you. Only the best, as I said.”
She smiled against his lips. “Is that so? And do you have any more secrets you wish to confess?”
“That day in the wine cellar, it wasn’t true that I needed to kiss you to remove the barrier. The look in your eyes told me I may never have the chance to do so again, so I lied. I couldn’t help myself.”
“I know.” She laughed. “Your wings always twitch when you’re nervous or when you lie.”
“Yet you allowed me to get away with it?”
“Cassiel, I was so angry with you, but I missed you more.” Dyna turned to face him, placing her hands on his chest. Her smile faded and traces of guilt hummed through the bond. “I am sorry I put you in a cage...”
He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I deserved it.”
It was where he had needed to be to begin finding himself again. Even with the discomfort of being trapped, he had never felt unsafe because he knew she held the key.
A knock came at the door, and Yelrakel peeked her head in. “Sire, it is time.”
Cassiel nodded to Dyna. “Ready?”
She nodded back. With a fluid motion of her hand, the warmth of her Essence fell over him like a soft mist. The illusion of a flawless wing appeared over his shoulder.
Where they were going, he couldn’t arrive without it.
They strode out of the estate, hand in hand, to the waiting Pegasus in the courtyard. Cassiel helped her mount the saddle, then climbed up behind her.
With a murmured command, they took off into the sky. Ever their shadow, the Valkyrie followed behind. Dyna’s hair was like flames in the wind as they ascended higher, following the setting sun.
The Citadel of Nazar emerged from the clouds.
They circled above it where many Celestials waited. Dressed in white, blue, yellow, and a small group in purple. All looked up at them, and Cassiel inwardly prayed for wisdom and strength.
Dyna sent her gentle encouragement through the bond.I’m with you.
He didn’t wish for anything else but that.
