Meryn's mouth dropped. "I didn't know you could do that! Do you have a special gown too?"
He gave her a droll look. "Of course not. Water magic is very pliable and can do many things. Did you never wonder how I got my western clothes?"
She shrugged. "I don't even think about where breakfast comes from Ryuu."
He sighed. "True."
Darian examined the hems of Meryn's sleeve and whistled. "The gown is pulling out all the stops. These are royal emblems."
Oron pulled her forward to examine the gorgeous robes. "The gown must absolutely love you," he teased.
"At least it's comfy. I prefer my sweatpants though," Meryn confessed.
Aiden straightened his uniform jacket and held out an elbow to Meryn. "Will you allow this humble warrior to escort you into the fae city?"
Meryn placed her hand on his arm. "I'll even let you escort me to the bedroom later," she said, winking up at him.
"How'd she do that?" Izzy asked.
Darian turned to her. "She is wearing the Gown of Éire Danu, a famous fae relic. It was gifted to her by the previous owner."
Around them, everyone straightened their clothes, wanting to make a good impression. Izzy looked down at her top. "Had I known this outfit would be the only one that didn't reek of smoke I would have worn something nicer to work yesterday."
Oron squeezed her hand. "Look at it this way, we get to go shopping together and explore the city. I've been a warrior for a long, long time with minimal needs to shop for. I am looking forward to finding things for you."
Izzy's heart melted. He even made it seem like buying her things would be a huge favor to him. "Just not sleep shirts," she whispered blushing.
He leaned down and placed a single kiss on the side of her neck. "Never."
"After you brother," Darian said, pointing to the arch.
Oron nodded and started the procession into the city. Izzy walked through the portal and gasped when they emerged into a world of light. She blinked repeatedly. Everything was so bright.
"Bright light! Bright light!" Meryn mumbled behind her. She giggled at the movie reference.
Slowly their eyes adjusted. When she looked around, she felt her excitement exploding. A bustling city unfolded before them. Under their feet, the expansive road was comprised of cream stones with gold sand between them, making the entire path sparkle. As her gaze moved up, the white and ecru buildings on either side of the road caught her attention. While most resembled Victorian brownstones, there were some standalone homes, however, all of them had what looked to be living trees growing through them. Above the roof line, a living canopy swayed in the breeze. Windows were framed by branches and birds sang their hearts out everywhere.
Standing off to one side, with a face like a thundercloud, a fae watched their group approach. When he began striding over to them, Izzy squeezed Oron's hand. He looked down at her and shook his head slightly.
The angry fae walked past them to grab Serenity by the shoulders. "I told you to be careful!" he shouted, giving her a rattling shake.
Micah growled and was about to pull Serenity back when she began to weep and threw herself into the fae's arms. Micah's mouth dropped. Oron took pity on the flirty witch. "Micah Sageson, meet Zachari Ri'Eldan, Serenity's older brother."
"I'm so sorry, Zach! I had to do it, it was the only way to save the children," Serenity said brokenly, hiccuping between each word.
Zachari pulled her close and squeezed her in a bear hug, his face a mask of pain. "I felt you die," he whispered. "The queen had to give me light so I did not fade from the pain of losing my baby sister." Serenity simply broke down into sobs at his confession.
Micah stepped up to the brother and sister and began to rub Serenity's back soothingly. "She is well, brother of mine. I would never let my one and only leave this world without me."
Zachari lifted his head from Serenity's shoulder. "That doesn't comfort me one bit since you stupidly died alongside her."
Micah grimaced. "I would say we're sorry, but I don't think either of us is, not really. Had Serenity not done what she did, a lot of people would have died, including children. It was scary and I hope we never get that close to the goddess again until it's our time, but I can't say we wouldn't do it again."
Serenity lifted her tear-streaked face and gasped loudly. With trembling fingers, she touched the white blond streak at his temple. "I didn't know."
Zach took a deep, shuddering breath. "Next time let me help. I was the one who opened the godsdamn portal Seri, I was the one who let you go to Noctem Falls. Never again will I suffer from the helplessness that overwhelmed me when I felt your soul slip away. We came into this world together; I don't know how to be in it without you."
"I promise I will never try that level of magic alone again!" Serenity vowed, sagging against her older brother.