I was in awe as the realization hit me. “I think I took some of Deuce’s powers too, when I fought him,” I added. “I just didn’t siphon enough to win the fight at the time.”
“And I bet you being able to take my Fire and Water magic had nothing to do with our bond,” she added. “Since you’ve got Elf blood, you were able to use my powers with ease. I can’t believe we didn’t notice. Even your ears are a little pointed. I thought it was just a cute little feature.”
Ava giggled as she caressed my ears, and I said, “I mean, it’s not like we knew the Elves were still alive. It would’ve been ridiculous for us to assume I was one at the time, though I gotta say, this is all really badass.”
“It’s freaking amazing,” Kallie said. “Come on. Let’s go get those robes! This pool looks divine.”
Oberi started forward, and I tilted my head toward Ava. “Is it really golden?”
“Oh, Charlie, it’sbeautiful,” Ava raved. “The whole city is built out of gold and diamonds. Each building has jewels built into the sides. The fountain has crystal-clear waters, with a golden statue of the Elven Goddesses built in the center. There are waterfalls everywhere, and intricate archways are built straight into the cave walls. It’s incredible.”
“I can tell,” I said. Though I couldn’t see everything she could, I could sense the beauty of Forevermore through my other senses. There was so much laughter and music that I couldn’t help but smile.
Ava must’ve been feeling a lot better after she received the antidote to the venom, because she slid off Oberi’s back and led me into the bathhouse. It smelled divine inside, like roses and honey.
“Wow, these changing rooms are incredible,” Kallie raved. “I love the rose-gold taps.”
“I’ve never felt anything so soft!” Marcus cried.
“What is it?” I asked.
“You’ll love it.” Marcus guided me to a plush sofa, and I sank into the fluffy cushions. I couldn’t stop running my fingers over the velvety fabric, because it was just so amazing to touch.
Something clinked as Kallie picked it up from a counter. “Check out these perfumes. Lilac. Honeysuckle.” She sniffed something. “I don’t even know what this is, but it smells amazing.”
“Wow, these robes are super soft,” Ava said. “The sign says to take one if you need it. It’s not a perfect translation, but close enough.” She handed me a pair of swim trunks, a towel, and a robe.
“If the Elves still write in their native tongue, how come they speak English?” Marcus asked.
“They haven’t been gonethatlong,” Kallie reminded him. “Think of how many hundreds of years they spent trading with other races. Even the fae in Malovia learn English, because it’s easier to communicate with other races.”
Marcus blew a breath at the insult. “Hey, witches aren’t the only race who chose English as their first language.”
“Hey, kids,” Ava jabbed playfully. “Now’s not the time for arguments. We’re in the most beautiful city ever built. Let’s enjoy it.”
We went off into separate changing rooms, then returned to the golden fountain. When I stepped into the water, it was like sinking into a warm bed at the end of the day. The water was pleasant in every way— thick, like salt water would be, and soothing against the skin. The pool bubbled, like a hot tub would. Ava guided me over to a ledge, and we sat on it. The ledge was deep enough that the water came to my chest. I sank into the water, until everything but my head was submerged. My muscles relaxed, and the tender bruises all over my back began to heal.
Oberi barked from the edge of the fountain, then spoke in my mind.See you in the deep end, sucker.
He took off running. I heard a big splash as he shifted into a narwhal and canon-balled into the deep water on the other end of the fountain. The shift was easy to notice now, as I felt the energy change between our bond. Oberi’s splash had been so big that waves swayed against us all the way on this end of the pool. Ava giggled.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Oberi looks like she’s having a ton of fun,” Ava snickered. “Rishi’s batting at her horn from the edge of the fountain— ancestors, Rishi almost fell in!”
We all laughed. I could only imagine what Rishi would do if he fell in the water. Marcus couldn’t swim to begin with. I bet his cat wasn’t any better.
“The Elven kids are loving Oberi,” Ava said. “They’re all swimming over to feel her horn.”
“It’s actually a tooth,” Marcus piped up. “Did you know that? Narwhal horns are tusks that grow from their canine tooth. It has all these nerve endings in it that helps them navigate their environment. Most female narwhals don’t have tusks, but Oberi must be special.”
“Okay, nerd,” Kallie laughed.
“I saw it on TV,” Marcus grumbled.
“I didn’t say being a nerd was abadthing,” Kallie added.
Ava laid her head on my shoulder. She breathed a blissful sigh.
