Part 28 (1/2)
Ith said, ”It must feel good to know you have someone like Zaren by your side.”
”It does,” she responded, clenching her fists. And there was no way she would let him suffer for her.
”Venus, you are a lady of honor, and Zaren, you are a Formytian far superior to any I've met, save one.” Aetha glanced over at Ith. ”The First Formytian would've laid down his life for me. He tried, even.”
Venus remembered their story.
”I'm sorry Zaren, but you cannot accept the child's consequences. She must do that alone,” Ith said, kindly.
”Please.” Zaren bowed his head.
”Let's see if there is a need for punishment.” Ith and Aetha looked toward the entrance they'd come through.
54. Listen To Your Heart.
Venus turned to see what had caught their attention.
”Michael,” she exclaimed, rising. He didn't look very good. Eyes sunk deep, black shadows in crescents beneath. Leaves stuck in his hair.
How did he find us?
A pant leg was soaked with blood. He had his hands stuffed in his front pockets.
”W-What happened to you?”
”Come in, son,” Ith commanded.
Michael limped forward.
She watched him in frenzied silence. Then ran to his side, stuck her shoulder under his left arm and helped him walk. ”What are you doing?” she whispered, fiercely.
When they reached Zaren, Michael gently pushed her away and knelt, letting out a grunt when his knees. .h.i.t the floor.
”Thank you, your highness.”
Aetha rose from her chair and moved toward Michael. ”Let me ease your pain, my son.” She lifted him easily.
Venus wasn't sure who to focus on, worried about how Michael's presence would affect the situation. A human meeting their G.o.ds couldn't be good. Yet, they seemed happy he was here, like they knew him. How was it possible?
Aetha touched his forehead and his grimace softened. ”Michael, you've done a great service. We are eternally grateful you brought Venus home. Why son, would you do such a thing? You've put your life in mortal danger.” The look on her face revealed she already knew the answer, but wanted Michael to say it. She brushed a leaf out of his hair and then walked back to her chair, sitting.
Michael reached down, felt his leg and raised an eyebrow. ”It seemed like the right thing to do,” he responded. ”And, thank you. Whatever you did, my leg is much better.”
She inclined her head. ”Of course, Michael.” Then she glanced at Ith, touching his arm. Her movements tender, loving.
”Is that the only reason?” Ith asked, reaching over, stroking Aetha's hand.
”No. It isn't. The biggest reason was that I wanted to keep Venus safe.” He turned and looked at her, his eyes filled with-she couldn't place it. She'd kneeled next to him so he remained between her and Zaren.
Venus quickly glanced at Zaren and noticed the straightness of his back. He seemed to be working to keep his mind clear. A part of her wanted to laugh at him, poke fun-ask how it felt to have his thoughts read like an open book. Of course she didn't. Their situation was too serious. His face remained blank, unreadable to probably everyone else. She knew it was an illusion. After years of spending so much time with him, it'd become easy to recognize his different tells. At the moment, his jaw clenched and unclenched. He stared down. What troubled him? She wondered what the G.o.ds must think of whatever he was working so hard to keep hidden.
He's not upset I helped Michael? Maybe he knew where the conversation was headed. Should I be worried?
”You've no reason for concern, daughter. All will be revealed in time.” Aetha's beautiful eyes danced back and forth between Zaren and Venus.
”You wanted Venus safe? You've accomplished that. She is safe. I believe there's another reason,” Ith said.
Michael lowered his head, giving Venus a sideways glance. ”Yes, that's true,” he whispered.
”Michael?” Venus cleared her throat.
He lifted his head. Clearly, he answered, ”I'm in love with Venus.”
”Aw, there's the truth of it,” Aetha said, clapping her hands softly.
”What?” Venus asked, surprised. That didn't seem possible. Surely his feelings were twisted because of their bond. ”It can't be true. You love Cheverly. Anything you feel for me isn't real.” She searched his face and then nervously peered at Zaren. He hadn't moved. Facing Ith and Aetha, she said, ”Please remove the connection between us and allow him to return to his world. Michael can't understand what he's saying.”
Michael shook his head and turned. Taking her hand, he laced his fingers with hers. ”Whether the G.o.ds release our connection or not, it won't matter. What I feel for you is more than some bond.” He reached out and grasped her other hand. Warmth spread through her fingers and up her arm. Nervously, she watched him, searching for a sign that the words he spoke were anything but the truth. He continued, ”Having you in my life has mended my soul, helped me to believe I'm more . . . that I matter. Knowing you has made me whole.”
”I think you're-” The warmth of his touch made it difficult to think straight. She pulled her hands from his, and bit her lip, uneasy.
His eyes softened as he pressed the palm of her hand to his chest. Then he brushed his fingers against her cheek, rubbing a thumb over her bottom lip. ”My heart didn't beat until I met you,” he whispered. She s.h.i.+vered at the emotional intensity radiating from him. His chocolate eyes melted her, filled her. He grinned. ”I'm in love with you, Venus.”
Her heart thumped in her chest, wild. She held his gaze, stunned and then looked away, trying to organize her feelings. What could she say? No doubt she cared, but in love? A week ago she hadn't even allowed herself to feel-anything-let alone love. Studying her hands, she started, ”Michael . . .”
Ith interrupted softly, ”Venus, you've accomplished your task.” She watched as he gestured toward Michael. The motion reminded her of ocean's waves. Aetha did the same.
When they were finished, Venus experienced a change within, like a strong pulling. It hurt and she gasped. When the pain was gone, she knew the forced connection had been severed. But . . . some kind of link remained.
I still feel him.
To Ith and Aetha, she said, ”This can't be possible.” Beyond the bond between them, an attraction for him still existed-and maybe more. She'd never been so confused.
Zaren! And, there was Palmo to consider as well. Now that she'd returned, she had to think about her obligations to her family, and to her people.
Aetha let out a tinkled laugh. ”Whatever your feelings for Michael, they're beside the point. All we required was that Michael realizes his true love. We've discerned that on his end, the love he feels for you, is true. Abiding. Eternal.” Then her eyes became sad. ”We never said those feelings had to be reciprocated.”
”But, that isn't right!” Venus searched Michael's face. How must he feel? What could he be thinking? It was difficult to tell. He stared ahead. From where she knelt, she couldn't see any negative emotions. No anger or sorrow. Instead, he looked determined. At peace. Without a doubt, he loved her. ”He can't love me. He's human. We couldn't ever be together. Besides, I-” Venus stopped, unsure how to finish. Her feelings for Zaren were strong. She knew she loved him, but was she in love with him? Were her feelings for Zaren those of true love? She didn't know.
Ith spoke. ”Daughter, there are many things you don't yet understand. What you need to know, for now, is that you've succeeded. All is forgiven. Know this, though. Those who bore witness against you came before us, personally. We searched their hearts and minds. What they spoke against you, they believe to be true.”
After a pause, he continued, ”You must seek out those who've accused you of your crimes. That is your next task. And when you find them, you'll know what to do. Start in Alayeah. With those who are close to your family. If you go over the events leading up to your exile, I'm sure you will realize where to begin. Hunt down justice for yourself, your family and your irrihunter.”
Venus nodded. Freedom! And able to pursue those who'd hurt her family and Sadraden.
Aetha said, ”One more thing. Come here, child.”
She rose and walked toward her. ”Yes?”