A Court of Heritance and Destiny

Chapter 8 Amaya

She just looked at her father, staring him down, hoping that he would figure out why Ikarad had come by and left in seconds, taking Etera with him. But her father looked completely unfazed by the event. As if he didn't notice how his words affected the Shifter. His son's mate. Was he blind, did he not notice how Etera needed time to rest? That his words had crushed her will in an instant? Did he not care about her wellbeing?

Amaya waited and waited, hoping that her father would give her a hint that he had seen it, but decided that now was not the time. But she saw nothing. Not even a hint of concern. Stuned she leaned back in her chair at the dinner table, doing her best to stay silent and not cause a large scene. No need to air out Eteras secrets for everyone to hear again.

The rest of the family had gathered around now, sharing dinner under happy conversations, as if nothing had transpired just a few hours earlier. Nyx had looked worried when he arrived, Nico shortly behind him, but he had said nothing. So Amaya did what she could and forced herself to stay silent.

"So, you are this famous Nico." Elain spoke up, "I hope we have a ceremony planned soon, we have had too few of those over the years."

"Actually," Nico said in return, holding up his hand. "It was a ceremony for the two of us." Amaya smirked at the way Elains face fell, she had not seen that coming. Nyx held on to his mate's hand, his whole body and face of true pride and joy.

"Another one?" her mother said back, "I think we set a bad example, Rhys." She added with a laugh.

"Yea..." her father responded. Amaya tilted her head to the side, her father was not listening to the conversations.

"When did you do it?" Elain asked, taking back the conversation. Her voice had a bit of an edge to it, irritated. Amaya leaned further back in her chair, she liked that.

"A few weeks back." Nyx responded, "It was something we wanted to have in private." Wipe that smug look off your face. Nyx's voice boomed in her head.

Did you miss the part where she enjoyed hurting Etera? She said back, moving her eyes from her father to her oldest brother.

No. A memory got shared between them, no ring, no ceremony, just a quick thinking Nico who understood what was happening. Just ignore her, she hates that more than not being invited to a mating ceremony. Amaya dipped her chin in response.

She had never dealt with family before this, she had gone from an isolated child, to one in a large, loud and complicated family. One full of personalities, powers and conflict. Nyx started to talk about a trip him and Nico had done. Not that Amaya listened too closely. She studied her aunt, seeing how Elain laughed along, holding a hand on Lucien's arm. How could Lucien stand a mate who hurt members of her own family? Was the bond so strong? Elain laughed at something and Amaya joined in, just to hide her own disconnect to the rest of the events in the room.

No better than my own father. She thought to herself a few times as dinner progressed, and soon night had fallen outside. Amaya looked around, Nesta and Cassian left sometime during the dinner, maybe they said goodbye and Amaya had been too deep in her head to notice. Nyx and Nico had also left.

"We can prepare a room for you, so you can stay the night." Her mother said, marking that the dinner was over. "It is easier to travel long distances in the morning, well rested."

"That would be lovely." Elain said back, not even waiting for Lucien to say anything. Amaya got up too, hoping to sneak away before anyone noticed her again.

"Give me a moment." Amaya neared the doorway, her escape within reach... "Amaya, stay with them as I get the room ready." Her mother said before she had the chance to fully leave. Her escape fled out of her gasp.