Veiled Bonds

Bonds of Destiny

The air in the inn was thick with an odd mixture of tension and exhaustion. Lysander sat cross-legged on the floor, watching as Amias and Leif engaged in a playful bickering match with Anastasia. The little girl giggled, her laughter like a melody, drawing smiles from the two supernatural beings as they teased each other in a friendly way.

Elowen had finally succumbed to her fatigue, curled up on one of the inn's small beds with Rony nestled beside her. Hannah, however, remained alert, observing the dynamics around her. With a sigh, she moved to sit next to Lysander, the weight of the recent events settling heavily on her shoulders.

"Is Zephyr Anastasia's mate?" she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might break the fragile peace of the room.

Lysander turned to her, surprised by the question. "Yes, he is," he replied, carefully gauging her reaction. He couldn't fathom how the human girl had pieced together such a significant truth, especially in a world newly reshaped by their kind.

"Then why are you looking at her like she is your mate?" Hannah pressed, her brow furrowed with curiosity.

"Because she is..." Lysander began, the gravity of his words hanging in the air.

"What do you mean?" Hannah's confusion deepened, her emerald eyes searching his face for clarity.

"Listen," Lysander said, leaning closer, "we all are Anastasia's mates—all six of us. Mates aren't something we decide on our own. It's a bond that is destined to be. In our case, we are all bonded to Anastasia, and she to us."

Hannah blinked, absorbing the weight of his revelation. "But she's just a child. How can that be?"

"Destiny often chooses in ways that seem strange," Lysander replied, his golden scales glinting in the dim light. "Anastasia carries a light within her that draws us all. We've felt it since the moment we first encountered her. It's a connection that transcends our individual desires and instincts."

Hannah glanced over at Anastasia, who was now trying to balance on Leif's back as he pretended to be a wild beast. Amias clapped her hands in delight, her silver hair glimmering as she laughed. "But how can she understand any of this? How can she even grasp what it means to have multiple mates?"

"It's not about understanding," Lysander replied softly. "It's about the bond itself. Children often see the world with a clarity that we lose as we grow. She may not understand the depths of our connection, but her spirit recognizes it instinctively."

As Hannah absorbed his words, a mix of worry and acceptance swirled within her. "But what if she's afraid? What if she doesn't want this?"

"We will guide her," Lysander said firmly. "We'll help her understand. But for now, she deserves to be a child, to laugh and play without the burdens of our world weighing her down."

Just then, the inn's door creaked open, and in walked Thaddeus, a look of determination etched across his features. "We've made our plans. Oberon, Dashiell, and I are heading to the palace to ensure everything is secure."

"What's the situation?" Lysander asked, straightening up, his playful demeanor fading into one of seriousness.

"Freidrick reported no immediate threats, but we need to make sure the palace is free of dark magic and any human retaliations. The last thing we need is a breach of safety." Thaddeus glanced at the sleeping forms of Elowen and Rony. "They'll be safe here for now, but we must move quickly."

"I'll stay with them," Hannah volunteered, a new resolve hardening her voice. "Anastasia shouldn't be left alone, and her mother needs rest."

"Thank you," Thaddeus replied, his expression softening slightly. "Your strength will be invaluable."

As Thaddeus prepared to leave, Lysander turned his attention back to Hannah. "Stay close to her, and if you sense anything amiss, don't hesitate to call for help. We're never too far."

With that, Thaddeus, Oberon, and Dashiell slipped out of the inn, leaving Hannah alone with the laughter of her sister and the kings.

Anastasia, oblivious to the weight of the world outside, looked back at her sister, her face flushed with joy. "Hannah! Come play with us!"

Hannah smiled, the tension in her chest easing as she watched her sister. "Okay, I'll join you," she said, rising to her feet. She felt a surge of protective love for Anastasia. No matter the mysteries and dangers lurking beyond their small sanctuary, she would do everything in her power to ensure her sister felt safe and happy.

As the evening wore on, laughter filled the room, a temporary balm against the chaos that lay beyond their walls. But deep down, each of them knew that the darkness was only waiting for the right moment to strike.

And as Hannah played with Anastasia, Lysander couldn't shake the feeling that the bonds they shared would soon be put to the test—perhaps sooner than any of them anticipated.