Macy POV
Destin and I spent the day swimming and lounging on the banks of the lake. We ate the fruit growing on the trees and got to know each other. He is the son of Roland's personal warrior. He was expected to follow in his father's footsteps, but that wasn't his dream. Destin is a scholar. He has slipped into the Human Realm many times and taught himself all about our world. Now, he serves Cassian as a liaison to the Human Realm.
"What about a mate?" I ask curiously. "Surely you have found yours by now."
"I found her," Destin says, but he refuses to elaborate any further.
"Where is she?" I push for answers. Destin refuses to look at me. "I think I have a right to know after you whispered all those naughty things in my ear this morning."
"She is dead," he responds curtly.
"Oh," I whisper. It was not the answer I was expecting.
Getting on my hands and knees, I crawl over to where he is lying. I hover over his face and try to get his attention. He is looking at me but not at me. His eyes seem to stare right through me. Guilt rises in my chest. I should have never asked about his mate.
"I am sorry," I sigh. "I didn't mean…"
Suddenly, I am on my back, and Destin is hovering over me. His wings drape around us, giving us a sense of privacy. His finger runs down my cheek, and I suck in a sharp breath. He is going to kiss me. I close my eyes and wait. His breath fans across my lips, and they part in wait.
"Do you think you could love me?" He asks.
My eyes fly open, and I am left stunned. Of course, I could see myself falling for Destin, but I would rather die than admit it. I have mates to think of. They may not be here, but I know they still love me. They have to. Why would the Moon Goddess give me mates that don't care about me?
"I could see how it would be easy for a woman to fall for you," I skirt the question.
"But not you," he sighs.
"I didn't say that," I respond.
"So you love me?" He smiles.
"I don't know you," I laugh.
"We spent all day getting to know one another," he frowns. "How long have you known your mates?"
"My whole life."
"Have you always loved them?" He asks.
I chew on my lip. "No."
Destin stands up and holds out his hand for me. "We need to get back to the palace."
The sun is beginning to set, but I don't want to go back to the palace, not just yet, but Destin is already beginning to get dressed.
"No," I whine. "I don't want to go back there."
I slap his hand away. I let the warm wind rush over my skin and close my eyes. I wish I could stay here forever, forget that I am Princess, and build a cabin in the woods. I could be the crazy lady who lives in the forest, collects herbs and skulls, and maybe I could have a few cats.
Destin tosses my gown on top of me. "The forest isn't safe at night."
I arch an eyebrow, but I don't question him. He can't lie to me, so it must be dangerous. "Will you help me with my gown?"
Destin looks at all the buttons and tosses it to the side. He strips off his shirt and slips it over my head. Carefully, he fastens it around my wings and kisses my cheek. The shirt reaches my knees, and it offers me a strange sense of comfort.
"Did you have fun today?" Destin asks.
"Actually, I can't remember the last time I had this much fun," I admit.
Destin doesn't smile. He looks concerned. "Are you losing your memories?"
I shake my head. "No, most are still there."
He wants to ask me something, but he decides to bite his tongue inside. The tension from earlier today returns, and I pout.
"Do you want to fly back?" He asks instead. "I could teach you."
My arms and wings hang limply at my sides. "I am tired."
"Want me to carry you?" He smiles.
"Don't make me say it," I groan.
Destin scoops me up, and I snuggle against his chest. He is warm, and I feel safe in his arms. He pushes off the ground, and I hang onto him tightly as we ascend into the air. This time, I don't close my eyes. I bravely look down and take in the scene. The Immortal Realm is beautiful. It is unlike anything I have ever seen. I don't understand why anyone would ever leave.
"Do you like what you see?" Destin asks.
"It is beautiful," I sigh. "Why bother going to the Human Realm?"
Destin doesn't answer me, and we slowly fall to the ground. His feet touch the ground lightly, but he doesn't let go of me. He keeps me nestled to his chest as we walk through the palace doors. My eyes are beginning to drift closed when a growl rumbles through the palace walls.
I turn my head to the side and see Edward and Winston. They aren't standing beside each other, and they look irritated. I scramble out of Destin's arms and straighten his shirt around me.
"You came," I gasp.
Edward strides toward me, and I swallow my fear. Backed against the wall, I don't shy away from his look of disdain. His fingers wrap around my throat, and he squeezes. "Who the fuck is this?"
I am unable to speak. His grip is too tight. My eyes dart to Winston, pleading for his help, but it is not him who comes to my rescue. Destin grabs Edward by the shoulder and throws him back. As he does, Edward's claws brush against my skin. Blood runs down my neck, and Winston runs to my side.
His eyes are full of concern, but he doesn't speak to me. I grip the sides of his face and let the tears I have been holding back free. He wipes them free and kisses my cheeks.
"What took you so long?" I cry.
Winston doesn't answer me, and I don't understand why. Edward is snarling as he tries to fight off Destin.
"What is wrong with Winston?" I demand to know.
"Princess," Destin says gently. "You are bleeding."
"I know!" I shout. "What is wrong with Winston?"
"He gave up his ability to speak to the Moon Goddes to come through the portal," Edward growls.
I don't believe him. "What did you give up?"
"Nothing," Edward replies. "The Moon Goddess didn't ask me for anything."
"I may not be able to lie, but I know when you are," I snap at him.
"Crazy," Edward begins.
"Don't call me that," I hiss.
Destin steps toward me and wraps his hands around my neck. His touch is soothing and warm. When he pulls his hands away, they are covered in blood, but my neck is no longer in pain.
"I would never call you Crazy," he reminds me before he walks away.