Page 23 of Eternally Rare
“How?”
We stop at the archway where the doors to the dining room are closed. Geometric designs are chiseled in the frozen blocks, the elven crest in the middle, and the long handles are icicles, stopping at a sharp point.
The elven crest is simple, a snowflake over the symbols for wind, earth, and fire, elements that bind us to this planet.
“Each dimension is different, I suppose. We have magic here just like you do at home with your coven.”
Rarity traces the crest with her fingers, a delicate and soft touch I wish to feel on my body one day soon. “What does this mean?”
“It’s the Elven crest. We are The House of Ice and Snow. Next door, is The House of Smoke and Fire. The Woodland Elves are by far the strongest out of all the elements as they bend the earth to their will— they are The House of Soil and Life. Finally, we have the Wind Wolves. They are The House of Howls and Wind.” I push the doors open to the dining room, remembering the days when the wind existed. “I do miss my neighbors. I cannot remember the last time I saw a wind wolf. When the portals closed, I am afraid we lost our friends to another dimension. Now, only elves and dragons remain.”
Dragons.
I need to tell her I am not her only mate.
“Oh my gosh,” she gasps, tilting her head back to take in the high ceilings, ice banisters, and chandelier hanging above the table. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. The detail is more than I expected for a home that’s frozen.”
I hide most of my excitement, not wanting to seem too eager, but I have a bounce in my step as I grab the door handles. “I amglad my home does not disappoint you, My Snow, as it is your home as well.”
Zyrl is standing outside the doors. “I’ll make sure no one bothers you and your guest, brother,” he whispers, lifting a white eyebrow.
“My mate. I told you she would come. You have little faith in Fate, Zy.”
He sighs, long and tired, proving how low his energy is for not wanting to talk about this. “And perhaps you have too much. We will wait for updates, Cailian, but The House deserves to know what is happening with their leader. What will change for us? For Elementalu?”
I hold my hand up, palm facing him, and ease it in a stopping motion. “One issue at a time. First, I need to talk to my mate about the future so I can inform you what happens with ours.”
Zy opens his mouth to reply but I close the door in his face, not wanting to prolong speaking with Rarity. My tomorrow is only a possibility with what Rarity will say today. She holds the power to the rest of the hours of my life.
“We will not be interrupted again,” I say, keeping my back to her while I collect myself.
I stare at the veins in my hands, glowing bright orange against my silver skin. I bend my fingers, watching the fire twirl around every digit to warm the very tips.
The ache of my body for my mates pulses strongly in my bones. I squeeze my eyes shut, breathing through the pain until it eases.
Do my mates not need me the way I need them? How can they deny me for so long when I would give my life for five minutes of being mated to them?
“Let us open the human wine you brought. I bet it is delicious.” I step forward, pulling out a chair for her, gesturing for her to sit. “Please make yourself at home. I will be happy to serve you inany andeveryway.” I am unable to stop the desire dripping from my words.
Since Rarity has stepped foot into my castle, all I have wanted to do is bend her over my throne and place a crown on top of her head. She’d be claimed by my come, my blood, and power.
She’ll be the first Princess our planet has ever seen, and I have no doubt, she’ll weld more power than me and the dragon combined.
A violet hue teases the apples of her cheeks causing the new frozen pattern to deepen and glitter. My Snow peers down, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.
“Do you like it when I compliment you, Rarity? Would you rather I stop?” I open my palm, flecks of ice swirling as I move my fingers.
A wine glass appears, the crescent etched into the ice, and the long stem is smooth to the touch.
She shakes her head.
“My Snow, please grace me with your gaze so I can get lost in it.” If I have to, I will get on my knees to be the one to meet her sights.
Her shoulders rise and fall as she releases a nervous breath. Those unique purple irises finally lock onto me, making it difficult to focus on the task at hand.
“Do you want me to stop?” I ask again, pouring the wine she brought into the glasses I have created.
“No,” she whispers, shaking her head while twirling a piece of her hair around her finger.