The Crystal Mines

45 Taury

Two weeks had passed and still, no one could find an answer for freeing Dath of the bargain he had made with Erix. We had found some books on the subject. And a few more with the King's help. There were so many different kinds of bargains, and none of them could be broken. We had hit a dead-end last night and went to bed upset. Rion was beside himself at not being able to make his brother feel safe. Eliza was his only comfort, her kind whisperings and a touch of her hand, calmed the storm behind his eyes. It was a wonder why he did not pursue her further when her intentions were clear. Garren had told me to stay out of it. So, this morning, I thew myself into checking the other sections of the library.

Callion had could be found sitting at a couch in near the front, mornings and nights. He bothered no one, and he made it clear he didn't want to be bothered in return. Nik was acting weird too. Though she was reading along with us, desperate to help our childhood friend, she was always somewhere else in her mind. Ameer joined our search, having gotten close to Dath at the university. He sat by Nik, occasionally grabbing her hand in secret. But I noticed. I knew my cousin too well.

A routine had developed in our group. We would search and search until lunch, then train afterwards at Sera's insistence. Emyr and Syphor spent a lot of time with her parent's as she played the role of princess. Meeting with their subjects, flying as phoenixes in the night, bring them hope and the feeling of safety. Syphor joined them, adding one more. The people flew banners in their honor, proud to be living in a kingdom of peace.

Eventually, the rest of our friends joined our search, even Talay and Lennox, against Rion's protests. My mother and father would eat dinner's with Garren and I. Sometimes Nik would join, and I would braid her hair into a new design, hoping to bring her the comfort of home as she slowly became more like herself with each passing day.

Callion mostly kept to himself, Jakota at his side as his guard again. When we all trained with weapons in magic in the courtyard, he took to working with the King's guards, determined to better their technique. Sometimes, Sera would join, enjoying the challenge the prince and Jakota offered. She was the best of us all, a natural in weaponry. But the two males, she could not beat. Yet.

In the city below, the people prepared for The Bestowing as the spring equinox grew closer. Excitement rang in the air at the magical event. Ashburn celebrated the night differently. They visited Viatrix Temple first, offering their decorated skulls and other gifts of art and music. Touching the warm statue, accepting the warmth she brought. After the honors were finished, the normal nightly events would take place. And for the first time, I was excited. I blushed at the thought, having completely skipped a line in the book I was reading.

Garren watched me and wondered at my seemingly random flush. I shook my head, embarrassed. He chuckled and kissed my hand. My heart fluttered and I continued reading. I knew this book wouldn't give us any answers. But I was determined.

"What don't we just ask him?" Eliza asked from the windowsill under the frosted glass. We had all chosen to sit near the window on the second floor. The area was large enough for everyone.

"Ask who?" Jiaxin asked from against a bookshelf. His knees were brought to his chest, a book across his lap. The wavy light from the window did wonders for his glossy long hair. It truly wasn't fair.

Lilta looked up from her large tome, "You mean Dath?"

Rion looked to Eliza, "Do you think it's worth the risk? We'd have to wake him."

She shrugged. "We haven't found anything new in days." Eliza shooed a flitting Trife, and he blew a raspberry in her ear. Nik giggled at his antics, and he preened himself, proud. The sprite flew away, probably to go bother Callion, his favorite to tease.

Eliza continued her thought with the creature gone, "We learned that there different kinds of bargains. We need to know what Dath bargained and why."

"You're right," Nik said jumping to her feet excitedly.

Emyr leaned forward. "We need permission from my father first and guards. We don't know what he's capable of or what exactly Erix did to him. Nik, can you ask Callion if he and Jakota can help? They are the best fighters."

Nik looked back at Ameer and replied, "Yes. I can do that." He smiled at her sweetly. Gods these two. They had it bad for each other when we were at the university. It seemed they picked up where they had left off. Faolan cocked his head at her, confused. She noticed his mannerism, and looked away, almost shamed. What the Hells was that? I was missing something. Something she wasn't telling me.

Emyr continued taking charge. "Ok. I'll go ask my dad right now. Nik, go talk to Callion. The rest of you continue to search. Any answer is better than no answer." She stood with Syphor at her heels and was off to find the King.

Nik took one last glance at Ameer and walked away, ignoring even Faolan's heavy stare. Sorin was silent in his corner pretending not to notice anything. Ameer left to search library for more books, and I stole the chance.

"Taury," Garren warned, "Stay out of it." I most certainly was not.

Faolan grimaced as I approached him with his head in Evander's lap. Evander's fingers were tangled in her hair. Faolan groaned and flung his arm over his eyes, avoiding me standing there with my hand on my hip.

"What is going on, Faolan?"

There was nothing Nik didn't tell him. They were as close as a brother and sister. Possibly more.

"Taury, I know she's your cousin. But You are going to have to ask her yourself. I will not betray her." His voice was firm as he removed his arm and met my eyes. The bite of his wolf coming forth.

Behind me, Alden burst out in cruel laughter. Garren looked down. Evander looked to his brother, pleading with his face. Rion shook his head at Alden.

"Isn't it obvious?" Alden said between laughter that was anything but humorous. "Callion is Nik's mate, but she's in love with Ameer."

My jaw dropped. No. It wasn't obvious. Mates were very rare.

"Gods. You're such a dick," Jiaxin snapped with the full extent of his sass.

Alden shrugged, accepting the title. Faolan let a full roar escape as he stormed over to Alden and punched him in the face. Garren shook his head at the events and Faolan returned to Evander waiting for him. With one last look at his brother, Evander sighed and followed Faolan out of the library. Rion threw his hands up in mock surrender at Alden's apathetic words.

The rest of us gathered what books we had and relocated in a place away from Alden. I hoped Nik wouldn't catch word at what had happened. But as soon as I thought the words, I knew she would.