(Amaia)

"I am going to try and locate that diary," I assure my brother. "Tell me more."

"I couldn’t use my powers. They shot me in the back with some kind of bullet which locked my powers. That’s what they did to Queen Adrnia too."

That explains it.

"I wonder if TJ can remove it. It has to be tech-based," I wonder out loud.

"I think the same."

I will let TJ know, the wise man can hopefully help my brother and others once we rescue them.

There is so much I need to tell my brother. We have spent 13 years apart and it can’t be covered in mere hours. But, the most important things need to be said first.

What’s more important than my mates?

"Aziel, I have five mates and I love all of them equally. And soon I wish for you to meet them," I sheepishly say. The tips of my ears burn.

A surprise passes over Aziel’s face.

"Five?" He confirms, making me shyly smile.

"Yes, they can be a handful but they all love me." My heart blooms with the unconditional love I hold for them.

"Knowing you found love eases me." I should tell him that it wasn’t that easy, that I was cursed and had to fight for my love. But that’s a tale for another day.

Right now, my focus is on checking up on Alnitak, finding that diary and removing those curses from Rigel so he can return to me.

The door opens and in walks Alnilam. The bandana gives him a different look and I like it. His hair is out of sight.

Aziel turns his head to watch him.

"Hi! I am Alnilam," he introduces himself, keeping his voice soft and calm for my brother.

"Hey!" Aziel offers a warm smile.

"That lock of hair belonged to him," I proudly tell my brother, turning my head to show him it resting in mine.

The surprise makes his mouth fall open. "That’s some extraordinary magic you possess. It killed them singlehandedly, setting me free," he excitedly says, making Alnilam give him a nod.

"Yes, they act most of the time independently. Won’t even listen to me. They listen to Amaia though." Alnilam amusedly points at me, making heat climb into my cheeks.

"She can have that effect on people," Aziel agrees.

"She absolutely does." Alnilam’s warm gaze finds me and holds mine, making my cheeks burn. Somehow it’s embarrassing for him to stare at me in front of my brother.

After a light conversation, I get up and approach Alnilam. "We need to talk."

"Alright."

Turning towards my brother I say. "I am going to leave for a while. You will be safe here. I will come for you. Rest." Leaning down I kiss his cheek and cover him with his blanket.

"Go, there is much that needs to be done." Aziel doesn’t hold me back.

Alnilam and I leave his room, closing the door quietly behind me.

We meet TJ and I explain.

"He most probably has a bullet lodged in his back which is blocking his powers. Do you think you can look into it?"

TJ shakes his head in disbelief. "Istrale and their craziness. I will see what I can do."

I step forward and take his wrinkled old hands in mine. The ones who have saved countless lives, including mine.

"I trust you. Thank you for always being there for us." TJ returns my smile with his own. Emotions make his lips quiver.

"You are one of a kind, Amaia." His gaze drifts towards Alnilam. "You take care of her."

"I will." Alnilam gives a single nod.

We leave my brother in TJ and Larissa’s care.

The palace is our destination but first we head over to Alnilam’s secret hideout behind his office. Once he closes the partition, I speak.

"There is something you need to know."

Alnilam holds the ring in his hand, the one King Xamian had given him which opens portals.

"I am listening."

Snatching in a deep breath I reveal. "Your step-mother is alive. She was a prisoner with Aziel and has been there for the past 19 years."

Alnilam’s composure falters again at my revelation. "They played us like a flute. Abducting my step-mother and Faes. Experimenting on them and we didn’t even know." His hands fist. Eyes sparkle with determination which I know too well.

I tell him about the diary too.

"Let’s go find it. It has to be in Mom Adrnia’s room. We just have to look thoroughly."

"Maybe we can find some clues on what happened or if she knew something. Or how to remove curses from a vampire. Because traditional methods haven’t worked so far." Since Queen Adrnia is a part-vampire she must know more about them than any of us.

"I can bet she knew or suspected that something was going to happen to her and Rigel." I nod at Alnilam’s words.

"Let’s go and get the truth."

Alnilam draws a circle in the air using his ring and opens the portal. The purplish swirling jelly comes into view.

"Come!" He offers me his hand and I take it. Together we step through the portal.

Our bodies are flung forward. Everything rushes past us until we find solid ground again.

Alnilam steadies me, his hand against my waist. I get my bearings and straighten up to gaze around. It’s a room with a very distinctive style and scent.

Instantly, I know.

It’s Alnilam’s room in the palace. The floor-to-ceiling lined bookshelf, a reading corner, pen holders, silvery bedsheets and curtains scream of him.

He is such a book lover and collector and it shows in his room too.

"It’s your room," I say quietly. I have never been inside his place before.

He nods at me. "Yes! Once I mark you as my mate. It will be ours." The possessiveness in his voice makes my legs tremble. It’s a feeling unlike any other. To have your mate own you, completely. To be ready to share his space with you.

"I can’t wait," I whisper, trying to keep the emotions at bay.

"Remember, to keep your expressions neutral. Don’t let my parents’ words hurt you, they might try." I agree with him. "No one can know why we are here. First, we will visit Alnitak and then we will quietly sneak out towards Queen Adrnia’s room."

Alnilam gives me the full plan.

Our gazes meet again and both of us are thinking about the same situation. But we are strong, we have to get through this. Until we gather enough evidence and ensure everyone is safe, we have to play this game.

I have been dreading meeting his parents. Knowing too well their stance on the Fae kind and everything else.

But I need to be strong, for my people, for my mates and especially for myself.

I have nothing to hide and if they have a problem with who I am. It’s their shortcoming not mine. My mates are by my side and that’s all that matters to me.

With these thoughts, we leave Alnilam’s room and he guides me towards Alnitak’s.

I can’t wait to see my sunshine again.