My legs, however, seemed to waver beneath me. Exhaustion washed over me in a sudden rush, and I swayed.
The five of them surged forward at once, crowding around me with concern.
“Are you okay?” Bastian asked, his hand hovering anxiously at my elbow.
“I just need a second,” I admitted, my knees wobbling as I forced myself to remain upright. “It’s been an exhausting couple of days. I’m excited for our date, though, so let’s go now.”
“Of course, goddess,” Jasper murmured gently, his voice soothing. “We’ll take care of you.”
“Here, sunshine.” Casper moved over and helped me into a new dress, discarding the old one on the floor as an afterthought. “I’ll light-jump us to the waterfall. I think you’llloveit there.”
Jasper slid my robe on and kissed my cheek. “Sheisgoing to love it. We can barely ever get Aimon or Silas to leave because of their elemental powers. She’s got both of theirsandwind to account for.”
“That’s true,” Aimon chuckled, going over to a basket and grabbing it before returning. “I’ve packed lunch and dinner. We slept through breakfast. I’d like us to get there as soon as we can so we can fill your stomach. You reallyhaven’tbeen eating very well, bug.”
“Sorry about that, Aimon. What time is it?” I smoothed my robe over my dress, glancing at him.
“Late afternoon,” Silas answered with a wry smile.
“I’m so excited to finally have a day where we’re not going into battle in some way, shape, or form.” I leaned into Bastian and closed my eyes, letting myself rest for just a moment.
“Ready to go?” Casper asked.
I nodded, opening my eyes and smiling up at him. “When you are.”
With a burst of warm light, we were transported to the waterfall that was nestled just outside of the Lethal Forest. The waterfall was breathtaking, cascading down into a crystal-clear pool at the base that was not connected to the river that ran parallel to it.
My breath caught in my throat. I’d been through these parts countless times over my four hundred years in this world, yet this place had been unseen by my eyes. There weren’t many places like it.
“This place is incredible,” I whispered, feeling my earth, wind, and water magic surge through my vessel.
Cosmo, Charm, Oz, and Karma fled my runes with excited meows before going to play with the surrounding elements.
I wiggled my fingers, conjuring a few sticks to make a campfire and spewing flames on it for Karma. The warmth filled the air around us as she pawed at the flames.
“I knew you’d love it,” Jasper said smugly, his garnet eyes boring holes into me. “I’m not surprised they do too.”
The sound of the water crashing against the rocks was soothing, and my water magic streamed through my veins in a rhythmic way. “It’s perfect.”
We settled on a large rock near the water, and Aimon set a blanket down before placing the basket filled with food on top of it. “I made your favorite sandwich,” he murmured, handing me the sandwich wrapped in a napkin.
I reached for it, and the aroma of freshly baked bread and warm meat and cheese filled my senses, making my mouth water. He’d been right. I had been neglecting food for the most part since Matthieu’s true purpose and identity had been revealed.
I took a bite, savoring the perfect combination of flavors and textures. As I chewed, I felt my energy slowly returning to my vessel, and my muscles finally started to relax. "This is incredible, Aimon.Thank you.”
"Anything for you, bug," he replied, a hint of teasing in his tone. “You need food to feel at your best—immortal or not.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. He had a point.
These guys, mybonded mages, had become my family—a family I didn’t have to fear losing. It was truly surreal.
The five of them sat around me, chatting and laughing as we enjoyed the sandwiches that Aimon had prepared for us.
The water called to my magic, but so did the earth and wind. I loved being an elemental mage, but there was never enough time for me to justenjoymy magic. I was constantly being pulled in five directions unless I cast an elemental circle around myself.
My cats always made me slow down and appreciate my power, but nothing quite beat what we were doing today. It was calm and inviting, and our spirits buzzed with calmness in a way I hadn’t seen before—at least not from all six of us at the same time.
They came to me hexed, and we had been in some sort of battle for their survival ever since.
