Threads of Fate

Chapter 25 ~ The Deepest Signs of Love

    Kaius watched the three figures depart until he could no longer make out their shapes within the trees. When he brought his attention back to his own surroundings, he found Talarion and Azael muttering between themselves. Not out of a dislike for their new companions, he realized, but other concerns which their presence would raise.

    They had obviously pieced together who they really were, but should they reveal the true purpose behind their quest? How far should they allow the Forest Dwellers to accompany them? Could they be sure they could trust them?

    Their mutterings ceased when they noticed him watching them and Kaius frowned. "I understand you're concerned, but I think you're concerned about the wrong things."

    "Then what should we be concerned about?" Azael prompted.

    "Perhaps if we've met them now because my visions are about to get worse and we're going to need Kahari's help?" The words were out of his mouth before he had a chance to consider them.

    Kaius clamped his jaws shut, unable to take them back, but unwilling to reveal the true depths of his fears even further. His hand found his left wrist and he swept his thumb across the braided hair upon it. Gods, he hoped he was wrong. As if his visions weren't enough, now he was having nightmares about them.

    He'd had one last night, again seeing that dark, faceless Fae kill him. He'd jumped awake hard enough to disturb Talarion, who had only been lightly dozing. The male had been unable to persuade him to try to sleep longer, and in the end, Kaius had kept watch the remainder of the night while his mate rested.

    Talarion's dark gaze lingered on him now, dissecting every twitch of emotion that crossed his face. Soothing warmth drifted from the tether within his chest and Kaius closed his eyes briefly, trying to ground himself in it. "If that proves to be true, you know we'll do whatever we can to help," Azael assured him. "And hopefully Kahari can actually do what she claims. Now, here."

    Kaius opened his eyes to find the Prince rummaging through his saddle bags. He pulled out two changes of clothes and tossed one to him, then the other to Talarion. "Vael gave me these before we left the village. He said judging by the state of the Blood Fae you must've killed, you'd need a change of clothes."

    "Remind me to thank him when he gets back," Kaius chuckled with relief. It would be nice not to smell crusted blood on his clothes anymore.

    Admittedly, what he wore now was in much better shape than what he'd changed out of yesterday, but those still needed washing, and he'd lost all of his other clothes and supplies when his horse was struck down during the battle.

    Azael led his horse over to Talarion's while Kaius went and grabbed their other clothes. His mate followed him and at his behest, stripped out of his clothes and stepped into his new pants, letting his hair cover his back. Kaius followed suit, then carried their stained clothes down to the riverbank and set to work scrubbing them clean as best as he could.

    He paid extra attention to Talarion's leather suit, knowing the male would want it back as soon as possible. He worked until Talarion nudged him with a boot and gestured for him to move. Kaius obeyed and sat back on the grass, allowing him to continue.

    Azael joined them after his mount was contently grazing alongside theirs. Kaius glanced at him as he approached, not missing the intrigue that flashed through his pale eyes when Talarion's hair shifted, revealing a portion of his scarred back. Though not the portion that he was trying to hide, Kaius knew.

    He rose and joined Azael when the male paused behind them. His eyes remained fixed on the four carved lines beneath one of Talarion's shoulder blades, until the male moved and his hair covered them again.