“It's a spiritual place. And a place where the mind rules. Those bodies are how we see ourselves,” Air explained.“After watching people for so long and becoming conscious of ourselves, we couldn't help but imagine the physical forms we'd take if we could.”
“They suit you,” I said.
“You're damn straight they do,” Fire said brightly.
I cleared my throat.
“But we shall withdraw from this personal conversation now,” Water said. “If you need us, just call, Spark of the Goddess. We will attend you instantly.”
“Thank you,” I said. “Truly. Thank you.”
“You're welcome,” they said together.
“Ember.” Vex took my hand. “You chose to save me over catching Death.”
“Of course.” I scowled at him. “It wasn't a choice. Even the Elements knew that.”
Vexen smiled brilliantly. “It's time to find out if we are meant for each other.”
“Holy shit!” I exclaimed. “Really? I don't have to chase you?”
“Please don't,” he said dryly. “That would ruin all the warm feelings I'm having.”
I laughed as I hugged him. “Thank you, Vex.”
He chuckled. “I know I'm a great lover, but I've never had anyone thank me before we had sex.”
I pulled back, still laughing, and shook my head at him.
“Now afterward is a different matter.” Vex grinned brilliantly. “After sex, I get thanked all the time.”
That's when I knew that I loved him.
Things had been so confusing for me. My softer emotions had gotten buried beneath pain and fear for Ara. With the relief that there was a new plan and I could still save him, all the other stuff surfaced. I'd been falling for Vex for what seemed like forever. It wasn't long at all, but it had been longer than most of my courtships. I think only Xae held out longer than Vex and only because there was weirdness between us. Wait, no. Rath technically held out the longest. He held out so long that I went to Xaedren instead.
“Ember?” Vex prompted.
“Huh?”
“I asked where we should go.”
I looked over my shoulder at my lovers. They nodded at me. It was my choice. That's what their eyes said. But I had learned that it was never just my choice.
I let go of Vex and went to them. “I love you.” I kissed each man. Quick pecks, but enough to convey what I needed to. “Is it all right if I let him decide?”
“Yes, of course,” Rath said. “That's how we usually do it.”
I looked back at Vex and held my hand out to him. He joined us.
“Is anyone else getting uncomfortable?” Nex asked.
I'd completely forgotten about the other wraith lords.
“We're leaving soon, Nex,” I said over my shoulder. “Just go back to what you were doing before the attack.”
“Yeah, I'm not doing that,” Nex said. “We need to prepare the town for the next attack. Because you know there will be one. The Corrupter has found a way to summon you. All he has to do is come here.”
I hadn't thought of that.
