“Celestials aren’t Fae, vampires, shifters, or humans. No one is sure where they came from. They are also neutral. Why attack them?”
Folding his hands on his lap, Grandfather exhaled. “Celestials control the access to the portals. There are rich worlds with nonviolent creatures that some want to exploit and occupy.”
“But who made them guardians? Are we sure they help those creatures? They aren’t exactly friendly and willing to mingle with the other species. Angels don’t roam our world freely. They are confined to their sky cities and embassies in the kingdoms’ capitals. When there’s war, they run to their cities and stay safe inside their shields. If my powers are an indication of their skills, then I can safely assume that they could destroy us all if they wished.”
“Our kind and the vampires only respect someone stronger and deadlier than them. Their powers and technology allow them to have a privileged status in our world. If they wished to enslave or destroy us, they would’ve already done it.”
Grace straightened up and fixed her shirt. “I know, Grandpa. I’m just venting.”
“I know their strict politics about interspecies marriages, and their rejection of your existence revolts you. I can’t blame you. Still, you need to live your life and see the silver lining. If you were accepted, you’d have to leave us and move to one of the sky cities. Noah wouldn’t be welcome there. The only outsiders are either servants or ambassadors. Your life as a princess would be suffocating.”
“I know. I’m grateful for the life I have with you. I’m grateful for you.”
“You don’t need them to be happy. Someone who turns their back on family isn’t worth your pain and disappointment.”
Grace nodded. “Noah is finishing his extra class. I’m going to spend some time with him.”
Vincent grinned. “We should have dinner as a family tonight. I want Noah to know that this is his home now.”
“He was apprehensive at first, but he’s been happy since you returned and didn’t remove his head from his neck. Despite the attempt on my life.”
“We were lucky that Darren and Noah were able to stop the assassin.”
“About Darren, is it true that he’s planning to return to Mist Sanctum?”
“His family sent news about an important event in his world. He was summoned to the Night Bloom Academy by Prince Aaron. It seems they found the true Chosen One. His presence as one of the Four Dragons is required.”
“It’s been a while since Aaron came to visit us.”
Vincent pulled at his cuffs with a smirk. “I’m not sure Noah would like to see you crushing on another male. Aaron was your first love, if memory serves me right.”
Grace’s cheeks burned. “That was a long time ago. We are just friends.”
“He has found his bride.”
“His bride? Wasn’t his promised one the annoying elf princess of the Ivory Dynasty?”
Grandpa nodded. “It was. But Aaron has canceled the arranged marriage since the princess isn’t the Chosen One. He can tell you all about it when he visits us next Sunday. The Dragons are coming to escort Darren.”
Grace clapped her hands. “That’s great news.” Then, she added, “I mean. It’s sad that Darren has to leave, but I can’t wait to see Aaron and the other two dragon princes. Though, isn’t it too much to send the princes to escort Darren to the portal?”
Grandpa chuckled. “They might want some time away from their world. They are also concerned about the threats to the celestials’ lives. Plus, they were my students for one year. They miss life at the academy.”
“Their academy is beautiful. They have enchanted forests, dangerous swamps, exotic animals, and breathtaking gardens. I’ve only spent a month there, and I was blown away by its beauty. I’m sure our academy seems rather bland compared to theirs.”
“Our world is less complicated than theirs. They have a lot more problems with the Fae and shifters than we do. Life is complicated when there are so many skilled magical beings in a world.”
Grace sighed and relaxed her shoulders. “I need to speak with the servants about the weekly grocery shopping list. Then, I’m going to check on Noah and tell him about our family dinner.”
“Okay, sweetie. Remember not to neglect your studies and your duties. I know how being in love can be distracting.”
His granddaughter arched an eyebrow. “We’re both adults and are aware of our duties.”
The headmaster rearranged some papers on his desk. “I’m just surprised that you didn’t rush to perform the bonding ritual with him. Yet.”
“We’re taking our time to get to know each other and date before linking our souls.”
“Is his family aware of your bond?”
“He told his aunt. They aren’t against it. She’s happy that he found somewhere to call home.”
“I’m welcoming him like a grandson, but I need to be sure he won’t disappear on us and go back to his old ways. I have the king’s permission to make him one of us. That includes making him a member of our academy staff and signing him up to perform the exam for the Elite Hunter Society. He needs to pass to have his identification card and the royal authorization to use weapons outside the academy.”
“He’s aware of that. I’ll help him study. Don’t worry, Noah isn’t planning to leave. We’re family now.”
Vincent nodded sternly.