Natia
A Taurus believes that no matter how many times they fall, they will get back up, stronger than before. You can’t break this sign.
Company turned out to be the being that had answered so many questions and generated endless more. If I could climb inside his mind, I wonder what secrets I would uncover. More than my brain could handle, I was sure.
Gran pours the tea from the pot into the delicate china cup in front of me and nudges the slice of apple pie in my direction.
“This pie is out of this world,” Kay states.
I blink, the rumble of laughter hitting my chest before it comes tumbling out of my mouth. Gran’s lips twitch whilst Kay shovels another forkful of sweet yummy goodness into his mouth. It’s the simple things that often give us the most pleasure; a lazy hour spent lying in the afternoon sun, a decadent piece of chocolate, a lover’s caress whilst watching a movie. I swallow the rush of emotion that burns my eyes. I glance at Kay, the memories eating away at the confines of mind. Gold eyes flash in warning, making me suck in a breath.
“What do you want?” I ask.
Gran clips me over the back of my head. “Manners.”
I grimace. “Sorry, Gran. What can I do for you?”
Kay places his fork on the table and dabs his lips with the cream cloth napkin. “There are forces at work which may yet destroy the Earth you love. By my own rule I cannot interfere. If it is time for humanity to come to an end, then so be it.”
My knuckles go white as I grip my fork. “You won’t help the life you created?”
He shakes his head. “Loopholes, daughter. I can’t interfere, but I can stack the deck in their favor, and you would be the tipping point that gives them a fighting chance.”
I scoff. “I’m not that powerful.”
Gran takes a seat next to me and arches her eyebrow. Kay huffs a laugh. “Power isn’t always about wielding the magic hanging in the air. I underestimated the love and loyalty you had instilled in your protectors and the primordials. You provide a beacon of hope that reminds them what they are fighting for, that is an immense power.”
“I don’t remember,” I whisper.
Kay pushes his chair back, stands and offers me his hand. “Come, it’s time for you to remember everything. The pain, the betrayal, the love… you need it all to make a choice.”
My butt stays glued to the seat as I stare at his outstretched hand like it’s a poisonous snake. “Why don’t I have these memories, anyway?”
“Because you wanted and deserved peace. Nobody but me and your Gran knows you are here. The ones you love believe you were obliterated. I’ve hidden you in this pocket of paradise. I didn’t want a war with my sons, so even they believe you are gone.”
I frown and stare at the apple pie, then glance at my Gran. “Will I be able to come back?”
“Regardless of your choice, you can return to say goodbye.”
I lift my hand and place it in his. The fabric of the universe twists and a kaleidoscope of colors play across my vision. No matter how many times I see it, it takes my breath away.
We materialize in a small dome-shaped glass room, the ribbons of color dancing around the edges of the glass.
“Please take a seat,” Kay says, waving his hand to a giant floor cushion made of cerise and gold fabric. He takes a seat on a similar cushion opposite me. I plop down and fold my legs. If he gets gongs out and starts humming, I’m out of here. His lips quirk up.
“No gongs,” he says, laying his palms out in front of me. “Take my hands.” I reach forward and grasp his warm hands. “Ready?” he asks.
“If I say no, can I get off this ride?”
He shakes his head, and his eyes soften in understanding. Memories flood my subconscious. I suck in a breath as I relive the last few months, the rush of adrenaline heightening the pain. I clench my teeth, forcing myself to view each memory, breathe each word, feel each emotion. Falling head over heels in love with a man I would wage a war to protect. Warmth streaks down my cheeks as the strength of the love I feel for the guys washes over me. Gramps, Duncan, Zee, Aaden, Jed, Ant, Archan—I choke on my own tears. Betrayal flashes from his shocked golden gaze as my life draws to an end and my heart tears in two. He won’t understand. The man who has been around for eons will not accept the sacrifice I made. He won’t easily forgive me.
Warmth surrounds me. My eyes flick open to find Kay hugging me. “It’s okay, Natia, everything will be okay.”
A sob robs me of my breath and my stomach cramps as I ugly cry into his shoulder. “I had no choice.”
He rubs my back. “They will understand.”
I pull away and he hands me a handkerchief. I laugh as I dab my eyes. “Unlikely,” I mutter.
