My heart skipped a beat at the synchronization, at the feel of having two strong and capable men holding me as if I were their reason for being, and at sensing their undeniable longing for more.
I shuddered, my elements flourishing to life.
This was what I needed. How I wanted to exist. What I required for breath.
My mates.
All five.
Creating a harmony of energy inside me, begging to be stroked and tempered, and my fae reacted in kind, each of them sending me what I needed to harness my control and allow me to just be.
I lost track of time between Sol and Vox, their rotating mouths and hands leaving me hot and bothered in the middle of nowhere. But my missing link pulled me from the haze, my elements even more honed and alive and ready.
“He’s near,” I whispered, opening my eyes to find Vox’s striking eyes glazed with passion. With his willingness traveling through the bond, I felt even more empowered, everything around me falling into sharper focus.
“Where?” Vox asked, his palm running up and down my arm, as if addicted to my energy.
And maybe he was. I felt the same about him, my fingers still woven through his thick, long hair. My other palm had reached up behind me, clasping Sol’s neck, his palm around my throat, not in a threatening manner but in a protective one. I relaxed back into him, absorbing his strength, and closed my eyes to feel the earth and search for the presence beneath the ground that should not be there.
The elements responded, bowing to my growing power, their worship intensifying with every breath.
This world is mine now, I thought, authority thickening my veins and rooting me in my power. It surpassed everything around me. Everyone. “I can feel so much,” I whispered, sensing the expanse of land beneath my feet, stretching all the way to the Academy grounds and beyond, to where Cyrus and Titus were creating havoc of their own.
I smiled.
Cyrus was certainly enjoying himself.
And Titus, well, he was done playing nice.
Exos, my soul breathed, venturing in the other direction, to the ancient crypts few knew existed. When I spoke the words out loud, Sol and Vox looked at each other in confusion, but I didn’t doubt my instincts. “This way,” I said, allowing the energy to guide me.
See you soon, Exos murmured, pride sliding through our bond.
Yes, I replied. Very soon.
Cyrus
I wanted a challenge.
And the best way to earn a Fire Fae’s respect was through violence.
So I’d give him what he desired—an ass beating.
Crystalline lights sprung to life, Earth Fae working with Water Fae to conjure what would normally be underwater plants that glowed bright enough to light up the entire arena. Despite classes being in session, it hadn’t taken long to gather a crowd. Word of the challenge had spread quickly.
Elana was going to be furious.
A double bonus in my mind.
That old fae was hiding something, as she always seemed to be doing, but one of these days, I’d get to the bottom of it.
Chatter and anticipation swam around us, creating tidal waves of excitement throughout the Academy’s small stadium. It was large enough to house the current active students but paled in comparison to a proper arena—something Titus had already commented on.
Bets were being made throughout, the fae engrossed in the battle before them.
And wouldn’t you know? Mortus stood among them with several Academy teachers at his side. They’d no doubt recruited their fellow professor to join in on the fun. It wasn’t every day a royal fought a Powerless Champion.
His snarl told me how much he disapproved.