Chapter 15

Navine and I soared over the cliffs, the sky a brilliant blue canvas above us. It was an ideal day for an adventure, and my first real peek at the ocean was breathtaking. The sea was so much more expansive than I’d ever imagined, its dark blue waters swirling around towering rocks and stretching out beyond the horizon.

The white foam and caps of the waves added a stark contrast to the deep blue. From our high vantage point, I could see shapes moving in and beneath the water. Some were about my size, while others, deeper in the water, were much larger.

Could those be Sirens? I’d heard tales of them, but never thought I’d actually see one.

“Navine, are those Sirens down there?” I asked, my voice filled with awe.

“Yes, some of them are. This sea is home to many creatures, including Sirens, Lamias, and others,” Navine confirmed.

“Wow, that’s amazing. I never thought I’d see real Sirens.”

I found myself captivated as I peered down at the water again, remembering the stories I’d heard. Sirens were said to be some of the most beautiful creatures within the Veil, their songs irresistibly enchanting.

Navine was quick to temper my fascination. “Yes, the ones near the surface are beautiful, but always be wary of them. Sirens use their songs to communicate and to lure their prey. They’re highly carnivorous and can be as deadly as they are beautiful.”

As we continued our flight, I could hear the faint sounds of singing. It was both beautiful and eerie, like a symphony of flutes and pipes echoing from the depths.

“Are we almost there?” I asked, trying to distract myself from the haunting melody.

“Not at all. It’s right over there,” Navine pointed out.

I followed his gaze to an opening at the top of a cliff. Navine guided us down into it, revealing a hidden cove. It was a stunning place, spacious despite being enclosed by the cliff’s stone walls.

Half of the ground was covered in white sand, the rest in grass. A small opening in the cliff allowed water to form a beach, the gentle waves lapping at the pristine sand. I noticed a gate across the oval-shaped opening, similar to the one around Navine’s palace. It was clear he’d placed it there.

“This place is beautiful,” I remarked.

“It is,” Navine agreed. He pulled a blanket from our basket and spread it out on the sand. “I enjoy coming here on nice days. It’s peaceful and gives me a chance to relax.”

“Did you discover this place while flying?” I asked, settling onto the blanket beside him.

“No,” Navine admitted. He reclined, hands behind his head, eyes closed. “Lyric told me about it during a visit. He said it reminded him of his early years with his mother.”

I watched him as he relaxed. He seemed more at ease than usual, which was a welcome change. He was often guarded, even at home. It was nice to see him let his guard down.

“That’s right. Lord Lyric’s mother was a Siren. That’s surprising, considering what you told me about them,” I said.

“True,” Navine conceded. He opened his eyes and turned to look at me. “I stand by what I said about them, but Ellis was an exception, to some extent. She was a rare type, and her heritage has been beneficial to Lyric and us.”

“I can see that, based on what I’ve heard about him over the years. Even the other rulers seem a bit wary of him,” I observed.

Navine chuckled. “It’s unusual for their unease to be so apparent. But perhaps it’s fitting, given the tension between Lyric and the Western ruler when he first took power.”

“I wouldn’t know much about that. I only know what I’ve heard from Rin and Rayne, and a bit from Lord Jekia.”

Navine seemed intrigued by my words. “You always have such kind things to say about them, and I saw how well you and Rin got along at Anika’s. I’m guessing you and Rin and Rayne became good friends after Jekia rescued you?”

“That’s right,” I confirmed. I glanced at the water, gently lapping at the shore about five feet away. Maybe it was time to open up a bit more about my relationship with them. “I know it might seem like I’m obsessed with them, but it’s only because I want to help in any way I can. They were there for me when I lost my sect. It’s the least I can do to return the favor.”

Navine sat up next to me. “I get it, and I’m not worried about any old feelings you might have had for Rayne. I know he’s a childhood friend of yours, and I wouldn’t mind helping him and Luna out. But I’m not thrilled about the idea of Dominick getting involved. He’ll just stir up trouble, and I’m sure Jekia knows that.”

“Most likely,” I agreed.

Navine went on. “And I don’t have a problem with you spending time with Lorelei either. It’s good for you to have friends, especially someone like her. Just be careful. I doubt any of the other Dragons would give you a hard time, but some of their associates might.”

I had already considered that. Jealousy was common among lower-ranking females when it came to alphas and their chosen females. Even those in servant positions could harbor resentment.

“I’ll be careful,” I assured him. I stood up and walked toward the water. The waves washed over my feet, cool but not cold. I held my hair back and looked down, smiling. “The water’s not as cold as I thought it would be. Want to come in, Navine?”

“I think I’ll stay here a bit longer. It’s nice to just lay back and relax. But don’t go out too far. The water gets deep quickly,” Navine warned.

“I won’t,” I promised, giving him a bright smile.

He seemed a bit taken aback before quickly lying back down. I couldn’t help but giggle. It was adorable to see him like this, so different from the strong, confident alpha I was getting to know.

I waded a little deeper, the water now reaching my ankles. The sand shifted under my feet, and I had to work to keep my balance as the waves rolled in. Something caught my eye, a faint glimmer partially buried in the sand. Intrigued, I bent down and picked it up, using the water to rinse off the clinging sand.

~Is this a pearl?~ I wondered, examining it more closely.

But it wasn’t a pearl. It was about the same size and shape, but that was where the similarities ended. I held it up to the light, trying to figure out what it was. The round stone was clear, sparkling as I rolled it between my fingers. It was so beautiful, so captivating. I’d never seen anything like it.

“Raelina, you’ve found something interesting, I see.” I turned to see that he’d finally decided to join me.

“I did. I found this in the sand. I’ve never seen anything like it. Do you know what it is?” I asked, holding it out to him.

Navine took the stone, studying it closely.

“I haven’t seen one of these in a long time. It’s a Lamia’s stone. They’re formed from the tears of a female Lamia,” he explained.

“This is a Lamia’s tear?” I took the stone back, looking at it with new eyes. It was so unique, so mesmerizing. It was hard to believe it was essentially a teardrop.

“You’re lucky to have found it. These tears are rare and usually lost in the depths of the ocean. Many in the Veil would pay a lot for just one,” Navine added.

“Maybe, but it’s still a tear. Whether it was shed in pain or sorrow, it came from a living creature,” I pointed out.

Navine’s expression softened, and he gently touched my face.

“You’re a very compassionate Fae, Raelina. Maybe you should keep that stone. It seems fitting for someone with such deep empathy to have it,” he suggested.

Could I really be that empathetic? I guess I could be. I mean, I couldn’t bear to see anyone in pain, regardless of whether they deserved it or not.

“I guess I could, but I’m not sure where to keep it. I might lose it if I just toss it in the basket,” I confessed.

“No worries. I can keep it safe for you until we get back,” Navine suggested.

“Really? That’s so kind of you,” I said, my face lighting up.

Navine smiled back at me.

“Of course,” he said, tucking the stone into his breast pocket. He then took my hand and led me back toward the shore. “Let’s eat. I’m starting to feel the effects of skipping breakfast.”

“I’ve told you before, you shouldn’t go so long without food. It’s not healthy!” I scolded him.

“I know, I know,” Navine laughed. “But you take such good care of me; I know I’ll be okay.”

“Well, I should, shouldn’t I? I am your wife, after all. And I do care about you,” I said as we stepped out of the water.

“I’m glad to hear that, even though I already knew it.”

Navine placed our basket on the blanket and sat down with me to unpack our lunch. I hadn’t prepared anything too elaborate, just some sandwiches and fruit, along with water and tea. Now, I was regretting not making more. I hadn’t considered that Navine might not have eaten since early morning.

“I hope this is enough for you. I should’ve asked if you wanted more,” I said, feeling guilty.

“It’s perfect, Raelina. This is more than enough. I don’t like to eat too much anyway. It just slows you down when your stomach is too full,” Navine reassured me.

“You’re quite the character, Navine,” I said, resting my cheek on my hand. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard a man say that eating too much slows them down. Most men just love to eat.”

Navine finished his sandwich before replying, “Don’t get me wrong, my dear. I enjoy a good meal as much as the next guy, but let’s be honest—how strong are these men who tend to overeat?”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“You have a point.”

“Believe it or not, there’s a science to becoming stronger than others. It’s not just about birthright. I’m sure you’ve seen Rin and Rayne training both their bodies and their minds. Jekia did the same, and so did I and all the other superior alphas. We don’t stay young and powerful by chance. It takes a lot of time and discipline,” Navine explained.

“Out of curiosity—and you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to—but did your father do a lot of the initial training with you and your brother?” I asked.

“He did,” Navine confirmed. He looked thoughtful as he reminisced. “My father was born in a time when there were many alphas, as was Jekia’s father. From what I understand, the worlds hadn’t been separated then, and they lived among humans. But I think that’s part of the reason their numbers dwindled. Many alphas became too comfortable with their positions among humans and let themselves weaken. At least, that’s what I gathered from my father, even though Temple and I never really agreed with his worldview.”

I moved a bit closer to him.

“You mentioned something about that before. Did you not get along with him?”

“In some ways,” Navine said. “My father was the kind of man who put his power above everything else. Even his marriage to our mother was more about convenience, so he could pass on the best genes to his children, who he wanted to be sons. I guess it’s a good thing I never had a sister. She probably wouldn’t have been accepted.”

“Is that why you don’t want to have children with me—because my genes would be too weak?” I had to ask.

“Absolutely not!” Navine scoffed. He caressed my cheek, his fingers running through my hair. “I chose not to have children because I didn’t feel the need to. Lyric has made a name for our family, and I’m happy just being here and having you.”

His gaze made my cheeks flush. His eyes were so full of affection, it was hard to believe they were directed at me. I never imagined a guy would look at me with such love.

“Well,” I gathered my thoughts, “I’m glad you’re happy with me. This all happened so fast, but I’m happy here, and I do care about you.”

Navine’s voice was hesitant.

“I know this might be a bit personal, but since it’s just us here, does it bother you that we won’t have children?”

I shook my head quickly.

“No, not at all!”

“Are you sure about that?”

“I am,” I took a deep breath before continuing. “I made my decision about that a long time ago. I think it’s best if I’m the last of my kind.”

A silence fell between us after I said this. I kept my gaze down, unable to meet Navine’s eyes as the memories flooded back. That’s right. I was supposed to be the last. I had no business even considering having children.

I felt Navine move closer to me. His voice was soft and gentle.

“You shouldn’t let guilt control your life, Raelina. There’s a reason you survived that night.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I do.” Navine’s voice trailed off. He seemed to be wrestling with his words. “Raelina, if I were to tell you something, would you…”

His words were cut off by a deafening roar that echoed through the area. It sounded like it came from the top of the cliffs, but it was uncomfortably close.

“What on earth was that?” I asked him. I’d never heard a roar like that before. It sounded like it came from something enormous.

“Damn. Sounds like the Leviathan has surfaced again. We should get ready to leave,” Navine said, starting to pack our things back into the basket.

“Leviathan? There’s a creature like that around here?!” I exclaimed in shock.

“It emerges from the ocean depths occasionally, and it’s best to steer clear when it does. Even I struggle against a creature like that,” Navine confessed.

He stood up and helped me to my feet. “I promise we’ll come back here another day. For now, we need to leave.”

I couldn’t argue with him, even though I was reluctant to leave so soon. I knew how dangerous Leviathans were, even though they were incredibly rare.

They were among the largest and most ferocious creatures in the Veil, and confronting one was akin to suicide, even for the strongest among us.

We finished packing up, and Navine scooped me up, spreading his wings before launching us high into the sky. The landscape sprawled out beneath us as he hovered above the cliffs, and I could see the ocean water churning violently in the distance as something massive emerged.

The creature was unlike anything I’d ever seen. It was terrifying in every aspect, from its colossal size to its gaping jaws. It had a long neck and a massive body covered in gleaming deep blue scales.

Two arms with razor-sharp claws helped it climb onto the rocks, and its body ended in at least eight enormous tentacles that thrashed in the water. Its eyes were a deep, inky black, and it let out a deafening roar as it surveyed its surroundings.

I clung tighter to Navine as he soared above it.

“Don’t be scared. It can’t reach us,” he assured me.

“I thought they only stayed in the sea. Can it come onto land too?” I asked him.

“It can, but I’ve set up barriers to keep it from becoming a threat, so you have nothing to worry about,” Navine replied.

He flapped his wings and steered us away from the creature. “It should retreat soon enough, so we’ll move on.”

“Okay. Let’s go home then,” I agreed.

The creature’s head swiveled to follow us as we flew away, its black eyes tracking us like a predator sizing up its prey. But it didn’t attempt to follow or even move, simply remaining on the rocks.

That was fine by me. I knew we’d be safe once we reached the mountain, and there would always be another chance for us to return here.

With that thought, I held onto Navine and tried to relax. As long as we were together, everything would be okay.