Chapter 53: Chapter 53

ADELIE

The man gave me a once-over, likely taking in my drenched appearance from the relentless rain. His entire being was a canvas of white: skin, hair, lashes, everything.

“Who are you?” I asked, my gaze shifting to Kairos who seemed unfazed by the man’s presence.

“I am Michael,” he introduced himself, offering his hand. I didn’t reciprocate. He withdrew his hand and turned to Kairos. “I thought she was expecting me.”

Kairos approached me. “Adelie, Michael is a death angel with underworld nymph blood,” he explained.

I was at a loss, unsure of what this meant or why it mattered to me.

“I brought him here to help you understand yourself better. It was fortunate he was in town,” Kairos added.

“Help me with what?” I asked, confused.

Kairos looked at me. “To help you make sense of what’s happening to you, Adelie.

“I can’t assist you because I’ve never encountered this before, but he has knowledge of nymphs. I don’t. I don’t even know the basics of being a nymph, but I want to help you.”

“I told you I was fine,” I retorted, my tone sharper than I intended.

“Please just talk to him,” he pleaded. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to have a conversation.

I smiled at Kairos. He cared about me. I nodded in agreement, and he clapped his hands together. “Let’s head to the library,” he suggested, but I didn’t budge.

“Actually, if we’re going to talk, I’d prefer to do it alone,” I said. Kairos seemed taken aback, but he composed himself and agreed to let Michael and I go to the library alone.

I made sure to close the door securely behind us, leading him to the most secluded corner. I didn’t want our conversation overheard. It wasn’t a secret, but it was private.

“It’s rare to meet another nymph, especially a male. My mother told me male nymphs are uncommon,” I said.

“You heard correctly. That’s why no one ever suspects I’m a nymph. It makes life easier. I also understand you’re familiar with people not knowing what you are,” he replied.

I wondered how much Kairos had told him or how much he knew about me.

“Now everyone knows more about me than I’d like,” I admitted, reflecting on how terrible it was to live in secrecy, but it was equally bad when people were after me because of who I am.

Michael looked at me with a knowing smile. “Alpha Kairos called me because he cares about you. You realize that, right?” he asked.

He took a seat on a bench next to the bookshelves while I remained standing, nodding in response.

“I’m aware, but I doubt anyone can help me. Did Kairos also ask you to extract information from me so he can uncover my secrets?” I asked, a hint of sarcasm in my voice. I knew Kairos wouldn’t rest until he found out.

I just hoped it would be later rather than sooner.

He laughed. “The things we do for love, huh?” He picked up a book, idly flipping through its pages.

“I suspect he just doesn’t want you to die,” he said. “You know, nymphs don’t usually stay in relationships. They’re often too challenging for their partners, too peculiar.

"Because they require their own space for their element, if a partner can’t provide that, the relationship is doomed to fail. And nymphs aren’t typically interested in finding love, ever.

“Their element is enough. It satisfies their need for love because nymphs love their element.”

He was discussing concepts that were alien to me. I’d always harbored dreams of love. My mom had been my guide on the subject of love. It felt like love had always been a vital part of my life.

“Nymphs with a werewolf nature are deemed fortunate because it automatically provides you with a soul mate. Without a wolf, you wouldn’t have a soul mate, perhaps you wouldn’t even pursue love.

“You’re fortunate enough to experience love, yet you still choose to endanger your life?” Michael questioned. I figured Kairos had filled him in on his version of events.

“I’m doing it to protect others. Kairos’s best friend lost his life because of me. I can’t bear the thought of anyone else dying on my account. I prefer to save and shield others, not cause harm.”

“Are you certain your actions will protect others?” he queried.

I had to admit, I had no proof that Esty wouldn’t betray me. But what other options did I have?

“I’m doing what I believe is right. I thought you were here to help me understand why I suddenly have that skeletal creature tailing me,” I responded. I was certain Kairos had already shared all the specifics with him.

“Yes.” He closed his book and rose to his feet. “That skeletal creature, as you refer to it, is actually a bloom,” he clarified.

“Any creature you conjure from the earth is called a bloom. No other wood or plant nymph has this ability. Your death side and even your werewolf side make you unique in a way.

“Blooms are your secret weapon, but don’t assume there’s a limit. I doubt you can only create one at a time. Or even the same one consistently.

“With training, I believe you can enhance your power to create even more formidable blooms. Your werewolf nature intertwines with everything else, making you an incredibly intriguing case, Adelie.”

He looked at me. “If you allow me, I’d be more than willing to assist you in exploring the phenomenon of your hybrid mix.”

I couldn’t help but let out a cynical laugh. “I barely have my werewolf. Almost none of it.”

“That doesn’t mean it doesn’t impact your life,” he countered.

“Sometimes more causes more harm than less. But what I’m trying to convey is that you have the potential to be extraordinary. You can use your power to your benefit.”

“I don’t want that. I don’t want power. I’ve never aspired to be the best; I’d rather lead a simple life, but that’s not an option for me.”

“And that’s the reality, Adelie. If you won’t step up, others will. You need to demonstrate that you’re not to be trifled with, Adelie.”

He turned to depart, but as he opened the door, he cast a final glance my way. “As for that skeletal bloom, it will disappear. It was triggered by the thorn but clearly, whoever intended to harm you didn’t have all the facts.

“That thorn must have been tainted with something dead, and you, as a death angel, managed to transform it into something harmless.

“Adelie, your powers are limitless if you choose,” he closed the door behind him.

He left me alone, but it wasn’t truly solitude anymore because Esty had already manipulated me. She succeeded because I couldn’t bear to let anyone else pay my price.

If only Michael knew the real motivation behind all of this, then perhaps he wouldn’t speak so highly of my powers. I’m not as resilient as everyone assumes I am.

Nightfall was approaching, and the sky was growing darker. I was in my room while Kairos was busy with Riley. Kairos had always worked late, but I wasn’t comfortable with him now working alongside Riley.

I needed to clear my head. I wandered the dim corridors to the door of Kairos’s study.

It seemed so straightforward, yet I was apprehensive about what I might discover behind the door. My mind reassured me that there would be nothing to worry about. I trusted Kairos completely, but I was still fearful.

I had upset Kairos quite a bit recently. So much so that it made me question if I was worth his effort.

Kairos’ study door was ajar, and I could hear laughter spilling out. It was a sound I hadn’t heard from him since Raphael’s passing.

I leaned against the wall, my forehead resting on the cool surface. Their laughter slowly died down, replaced by the quiet hum of work.

Could Riley be what Kairos needed right now? If that was the case, I’d step aside. I’ve always been one to put others’ happiness before my own, even if it meant breaking my own heart.

I left a note on the bedside table, letting him know I’d be in pack territory, and headed outside.

I wandered aimlessly until I noticed a group of pack members, their steps unsteady from too much drink.

They disappeared into the forest, and curiosity got the better of me. I decided to follow them.

But as soon as I stepped into the forest, they were nowhere to be seen. I was about to turn back when Maximus appeared out of nowhere.

“Hello, Luna,” he slurred, trying to sound sober. It was painfully obvious he was anything but.

“Maximus, you should head home,” I suggested, wondering if I should call for help to get them all back safely.

He took a step closer, trapping me between him and a tree. “Let’s go to my place, Luna,” he suggested, his words slurred.

I knew I wasn’t in any immediate danger. He was drunk and didn’t know what he was doing. But if he crossed a line, I’d have to defend myself.

“Maximus, back off. You don’t know what you’re doing,” I warned him as his hands found my waist.

“You’re beautiful, Luna,” he slurred, his eyes barely open. He pinned my hands to my sides when I tried to pull away.

I’d underestimated his strength. I could still take him down, but I didn’t want to hurt him.

“Maximus, let me go,” I said, my voice firm but not raised. He was a good man, just acting foolishly.

He laughed in response, but his laughter was cut short by a growl from behind me. He released me instantly, his drunkenness replaced by fear.

Of course, it would be Kairos who found us in this situation.