After breakfast, Mayor Elarin arrived to speak with Marta. Shae, sensing the importance of the conversation, led them to her office at the back of the B&B for privacy. Rina joined them as well, closing the door behind her. Elarin settled into a chair, folding his hands over his lap.

  “First of all, let me start by officially welcoming you to Tennga. Any friend of Kai’s is a friend of ours,” he said warmly. Then his expression grew more serious. “All pleasantries aside, though—what in the world happened?” Shae squeezed Marta’s hand, offering silent support, while Rina gave her a reassuring smile. Marta hesitated, looking at her Mate before sighing. She could feel her patience and understanding, but also her need to know. And so, she began.

  She told them about the fateful day they had accepted the request from the vampire familiar. She described the research she and Kai had done, how meticulous they had been, how cautious. Then she explained why they had been requested in the first place—because of Kai’s growing reputation. Her unwavering honour , her trustworthiness, her discretion.

  Just as she was about to describe Kai’s journey a familiar voice interrupted her from the doorway.

  “It was definitely memorable. That’s for sure.”

  Marta’s breath hitched, and she wasn’t the only one. Kai stood casually against the doorframe, one shoulder propped lazily against the wood. Her black T-shirt—borrowed, no doubt—moulded itself to muscular arms, and well defined abs. The snug fit doing wonders to her boobs, which, Marta couldn’t help but notice, looked amazing. The shirt was paired with light green cargo pants that rode low on her hips, betraying the v-shaped cut of her lower abs. On her feet she wore her usual black army boots.

  Marta swallowed.

  Her mate, beside her, stiffened and Rina, ever the troublemaker, smirked but said nothing.

  Shae, however, was not as composed. She was positively bristling, her violet eyes flashing as she instinctively pulled Marta closer. Kai, not catching the subtle movement, gave a lazy, lackadaisical grin that only made matters worse.

  It was about an hour after her two friends had left the room that Kai had fully woken up. This time, the room was quiet, and she was the only occupant.

  Slowly, she sat up, feeling only a dull ache in her side. The fever was gone, and though she still felt some weakness, she was healing fast. As the sheets slipped from her shoulders, she realised she was completely bare from the waist up. She glanced down at the wound that had nearly ended her, exhaling slowly. It was going to scar—another one to add to the many that mapped her body. At least they left me in my boy shorts, she thought wryly.

  Standing carefully, she crossed the room to the dresser. Pulling open a drawer, she paused. The clothes inside… They were her style. Too much like her style. Her lips quirked. They planned for me, huh? She selected a black T-shirt that, was at least was one size too small, along with a pair of cargo pants that fit just right. Slipping on her boots, she made her way toward the foyer, intent on heading downstairs. From the floor below, she could hear the sound of the towns people gathered below. They were there for her. A warmth spread through her chest. She wasn’t used to this—not really. She was used to being alone, used to shouldering burdens by herself. But here were people—Fae—who genuinely cared. Kai let her feet carry her quietly down the stairs just as she caught Shae’s voice coming from one of the back rooms. Curious, she decided to investigate.

  Kai stood , leaning against the door frame, amused at her friends reactions. Marta still looked a little stunned, and Shae—well, Shae looked like she was ready to punch a hole in the wall. Kai pushed off the doorframe and stepped inside, her presence filling the small space. “So,” she drawled, crossing her arms—completely unaware that the movement only emphasized the stretch of her borrowed T-shirt, “what did I miss?”

  Shae was struggling. How in the Stars had she not noticed her friend’s god-tier good looks before?! Kai was tall, broad-shouldered, and built like a warrior carved from bronze and sinew. Her muscles were lean but powerful, her presence exuding an Alpha-like strength that made Shae’s instincts hum with recognition. Or… maybe she had noticed before, and it had simply become part of the unassuming way Kai carried herself. But now. Now, on the one hand, Kai was her friend, on the other, her brand-spanking-new Mate was currently ogling her like a piece of prime steak.

  Not. Okay.

  Marta was staring. She knew she was staring, but stopping was proving difficult. Kai was finally awake, standing there completely unaware of how utterly sinful she looked—like the female version of Adonis in caramel skin, cargo pants, and that TIGHT, TIGHT black t-shirt that practically looked painted on her body. Speaking of…My Stars! That Body! Perfectly sculpted boobs. A stomach so defined it should have been a federal offence. And Those Arms?! Don’t even get her started on those arms. How had she missed this?! Marta could only chalk it up to Kai’s completely unassuming nature. Plus, Kai always wore that damn bomber jacket.

  That bomber jacket had been keeping secrets.

  Shaking herself free of her spiralling thoughts, Marta bolted from her chair and glommed Kai into a tight, bone-crushing hug.

  Kai grunted as she caught her friend, stepping back slightly with a small grimace as a twinge of pain flared in her side. Marta instantly let go. “Sorry!” she exclaimed. Kai huffed a laugh, waving her off. “Ha, that’s alright, Mar! What’s a little pain amongst friends?” she joked. Marta froze, tilting her head. “Oh? Well then…”

  Smack!

  Kai’s head snapped forward as Marta delivered a solid smack to the back of her skull. Rina, who had been watching the whole exchange with a knowing smirk, sputtered into laughter, struggling to hold in her amusement as the quiet, deadly, and terrifyingly strong Kai responded with an indignant yelp— “OW! What the HELL, woman?!”

  Marta glared, planting a hand on her hip while the other jabbed an accusatory finger into Kai’s shoulder. “C4!?!!” she snapped. Kai blinked. “Uh…”

  Poke….”YOU!”….. Poke….. “BLEW!!”….. Poke….. “UP!”…..Poke….Poke. “THE OFFICE!!!” Marta kept poking her

  Kai growled, snatching Marta’s hand and spinning her around, carefully but effectively restraining her from behind.“Stop poking me, woman!” she grumbled. Then, in a move that caught everyone off guard, Kai hugged her from behind, resting her forehead on Marta’s smaller shoulder.

  “I’m sorry.”

  Her voice was quiet, and vulnerable.

  Shae, who had been half amused and half exasperated at her fierce little Mate, suddenly stilled at the shift in mood. Mayor Elarin, who had been thoroughly enjoying the play-by-play, sobered up instantly as well. Rina’s laughter faded, turning solemn.

  Marta, her irritation melting away, sighed and relaxed slightly in Kai’s grip. “…But you killed those first two, right?” she asked quietly. Kai squeezed her a little tighter, still hiding her face in Marta’s shoulder. “That was a happy accident,” she admitted. “I… I didn’t think it would work.” Marta frowned. “Then—” Kai’s voice hitched. “Then when he grabbed you… He was going to kill you, Mar.” Her voice trembled, and with it came a quiet sob. Marta’s heart clenched. Shae’s eyes widened. She had never seen Kai cry. Not once. But here she was, silent tears falling as she buried her face against her Mate’s shoulder, holding on tightly—as if making sure her friend was really there. Shae immediately stepped forward, pressing a warm hand to Kai’s back, rubbing soothing circles. Elarin’s gaze softened. Even warriors had breaking points.

  “Kai,” Shae said gently, “why don’t we all sit? You and Marta can tell us everything.” Kai nodded against Marta’s shoulder before slowly letting her go. Marta turned, giving Kai a wobbly smile, as the taller woman swiped her eyes, rub urge tears away. Marta gripped her hand as Shae led them both to the couch. Shae took a seat on Marta’s other side, an unwavering pillar of support, while Rina and Elarin settled into their own chairs. With a steadying breath, Marta began again—detailing everything. This time, with her voice steadier, Kai joined in, filling in the gaps from her side of the story. And what a tale it was.

  Elarin paused the tale a couple of times to get a better picture of things, asking clarifying questions and rubbing his chin in thought. But when Kai reached the part about the Louisiana swamp, something shifted in the room. Rina, who had been calmly listening, suddenly jolted upright, her violet eyes wide with shock. “I’m sorry, did you just say a sorceress by the name of Allara?!” she exclaimed. Kai blinked at her in confusion. “Uh… yes?” Rina leaned forward, her expression intense. “Just Allara? Or was there a title of some kind to go with it?” Kai frowned, glancing between her and the others. Shae had gone pale, and Elarin looked genuinely dazed, as if someone had just struck him between the eyes. “There was a title,” Kai admitted, watching their reactions carefully. Rina’s fingers tightened on the armrests of her chair. “What was it?” Her voice was steady, but there was an edge to it. Kai hesitated before answering, now fully aware that she was missing something very important. “Mistress Allara, Sorceress and Lady of the Unseelie Court,” she said, repeating what she’d been told. For a moment, Rina seemed to relax, her shoulders loosening slightly. Her brows furrowed, but the tension in her frame lessened. “Oh.” She let out a slow breath, sounding relieved. But then Kai remembered something. “…But her Crone, Agatha, called her something else. ‘Umm.. The Great Dark Mistress.’ Or something along those lines.” Shae and Rina both went rigid. Elarin, who had just started to pace, suddenly stopped mid-step. The air in the room became thick, charged with something Kai couldn’t quite name.

  Shae whispered, “Oh, stars preserve us…” Rina’s head dropped into her hands, while Elarin resumed pacing—faster now, running a hand through his silver-streaked hair. Kai’s confusion deepened. “What? What did I miss?” She turned to Marta, hoping for some clarity. Marta only shrugged, just as lost as she was. Then… Rina’s shoulders started to shake. Shae immediately straightened, worry flashing across her face. “Rin?” The shaking grew stronger—until suddenly, Rina let out a small, gasping giggle. Then another. Then— She burst into full-on belly laughter. Kai stared, as did Marta, Shae, and Elarin. Rina was laughing so hard she couldn’t breathe, gripping her side as if it physically hurt.

  “Care to share, my dear?” Elarin asked, bemused, his own lips twitched in amusement. Rina gasped between giggles, wiping tears from her eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, only to snort and dissolve into more laughter. Kai crossed her arms, perplexed and a little offended. “What the hell is so funny?” She grumbled. “Oh, stars, ow—ow, my sides—” Rina wheezed, taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm down. Finally, after another minute of laughter, she managed to compose herself—though her violet eyes still danced with mirth.

  Shae deadpanned, “Are you done, sister?” Rina waved a hand, letting out one last chuckle. “Oh, my, I haven’t laughed like that in a while!” Then she turned her sparkling gaze onto Kai. “You, my dear, are incredible.” Kai narrowed her eyes, still not understanding. “Uh… thanks?” Rina’s grin widened. “Oh, Kai, that individual has not been seen in public—let alone actually approached—in centuries. And not only did you track her down and complete your job, but you also managed to make a friend of one of the most powerful—if not THE most powerful—sorceress in the world.”Kai blinked. Then she sighed, rubbing her temples. “She seemed like a perfectly nice, well-adjusted person to me.” The three Fae women exchanged knowing smiles at her adorable obtuseness.

  Shae leaned in slightly, lips twitching. “Kai, she’s called The Great Dark Mistress. That title alone should tell you that she is not known for being… approachable.”Kai just shrugged. “I dunno. She seemed…more…. lonely… to me….” Her voice was quiet, thoughtful. Then she looked up at them, her deep brown eyes soft. “I just don’t think anyone deserves to be alone. You know?”

  Silence fell over the room. The three Fae stilled, their hearts collectively stuttering at the simple, honest kindness in that statement. Kai had said it so casually, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

  Kai and Marta continued their tale after that, recounting every step of their journey with detail. Kai spoke of the Unseelie biker bar, the unexpected alliance she had formed, and the powerful Wolf Pack she had somehow befriended. As she finished, she glanced up to see the three women and Elarin shaking their heads in unison, as if this was just another typical Kai thing. They chuckled as Kai rolled her eyes at them. “Oh, come on! It’s not like I befriended one of the strongest Wolf Packs in the Southern states or anything!” A beat of silence. Then Marta snorted. “…Except you totally did.” Kai paused, then groaned, rubbing her temples. “Okay, maybe I did, but in my defense—“ Rina laughed, cutting her off. “Kai, you’re a walking enigma, and I don’t know whether to be impressed or terrified.” Elarin chuckled. “I’m going with both.” Shae smirked, shaking her head in disbelief. “I swear, Kai, the things that happen to you…” Kai just shrugged. “I dunno. People like me, I guess?” Shae huffed a laugh but didn’t argue.

  The tale continued, it was Marta’s turn to describe the attack on the office.

  Shae froze, and without a second thought, snatched her Mate into her lap, wrapping her arms around her protectively as if needing to confirm that Marta was safe, that she was here. Kai smiled at the sight. It was adorable how naturally dominant Shae was with her Mate. Marta, small and soft, sat perfectly in Shae’s lap, her snakes coiling around Shae’s neck in what could only be described as a serpentine hug. Then Marta realized Kai knew. She turned, eyes wide and worried, unsure of what Kai would think. But Kai just gave her a kind smile and an acknowledging wink. Marta’s returning smile was radiant—so much so that if Shae hadn’t already been sitting, it might have knocked her straight to the ground. Shae turned to Kai, searching her face. She saw no jealousy, no awkwardness—only pure, genuine happiness. Shae exhaled in relief and returned Kai’s smile, grateful beyond words.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  Rina’s voice echoed in Shae’s mind. “Told you. Kai loves you both, but not in the way you feared. Now, stop worrying and be confident in your new bond, little sister. I’m happy for you.” Shae sent her sister a mental hug. “Thank you, Rin. Love you.”

  Marta continued the tale, finally reaching the moment when Kai stormed into the office. “Then I heard the door slam open, gunfire, and two bodies hitting the floor!” Kai picked up from there, describing how she had sensed something was wrong, how she had snuck in through the back, and—with a sheepish look at Marta—how she had set the charges around the office. “…And then I found the three petrified vampires in the back office. Which, by the way, Mar, that was some of your best work.” Marta smirked. “Glad you liked it.”

  Kai continued, describing the exchange with Solan, the deception, and finally, the moment she had slipped the last block of C4 into the box. Marta took over again, recounting the explosion and how Kai had literally tackled her through the broken front door while pressing the detonator. She explained how they had been thrown more than a dozen yards across the gravel lot, how Kai had twisted mid-air to break their fall, and shielded Marta with her own body as fire and debris rained down around them. Then she described their escape before the human authorities arrived and their journey on the bike.

  “And that’s when I met you all!”

  Silence.

  Rina, Shae, and Elarin stared at Kai as if they were seeing her for the first time. Kai, looking awkward, glanced up at them surreptitiously before quickly looking back down at her lap. She looked like a guilty child waiting to be reprimanded. Rina let out a low whistle. “…You killed over a dozen vampires… with C4?” Kai winced at their looks. “I may have used a little too much C4…” she hedged. Marta snorted. “You think?!” “sorry…” Kai muttered, fiddling with her fingers. Then—Elarin laughed. It was a shock-filled laugh, one of pure incredulity. “It’s not the C4, Kai! It’s the fact that you bested over a dozen vampires. Where on earth did you even get that much C4?!” Marta, arms crossed, nodded. “Yes, Kai, I’d love to know that, too.”Kai pouted. “I know a guy.” Marta rolled her eyes and side-hugged her friend. “Awww, Kai, don’t worry. We’re not mad at you.”Kai looked up, her big brown eyes hopeful in a way that was so childlike that the others couldn’t help but laugh. Marta squeezed her tighter. “And honestly, Kai, we can rebuild. I was just so worried about you. I may have been a little too harsh earlier.” Kai gave her a grateful look.

  The room settled into a contemplative silence, everyone marinating on what had been revealed. Then—Shae sat up abruptly.“Wait! Where’s the package now?! Did you leave it back there?!” she gasped. Kai’s eyes widened. “Oh no!”Marta quickly waved her hands. “No! Sorry! I thought I mentioned—it’s with the bike! In the saddlebag!” Kai visibly sagged into the couch with a dramatic exhale of relief. Rina jumped up and swiftly left the room to retrieve it. Shae followed, deciding that after all that storytelling and stress, they needed drinks.

  Elarin studied her carefully as they waited on the sisters. There was something about this woman… something infuriatingly elusive. He couldn’t pin it down, but she was different. Set apart. And for the first time in centuries, he found himself frustrated by a mystery he couldn’t unravel. Still, one thing was certain—Whatever Kai Ki was, whatever power she held— She had wandered into their sleepy little town all those months ago, and Tennga was all the better for it.

  The sisters returned together—one carrying a tray of drinks, the other holding a rune-covered box. Elarin’s eyebrows shot up as he inspected the runes. “That is some serious protection.” Kai nodded. “Yeah, Allara said that only I would be able to open it. She showed me how and blood-bound it to me for good measure.? Rina set the box down on the coffee table and sat back down. A beat of silence. Then Marta sighed, turning to Kai. “Sooo… I get the feeling you’re still planning on taking it to New York?” Kai nodded, her expression serious. “Yes. Otherwise, everything we’ve done and been through would have been for nothing.” Then—Kai paused. “…And besides, Allara said she would be there.” Choking. Rina spat out her drink, coughing violently. Elarin nearly dropped his own glass. Shae patted Rina’s back as she hacked and wheezed, eyes blazing as she turned on Kai. “She what?!” Kai winced. “…Oops?”

  Marta face-palmed. “Leave it to Kai to forget something that important.” Rina gave Kai a thunderous glare. “Stop doing that!” Kai rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. “I meant to mention it…” Elarin exhaled sharply. “So… The Great Dark Mistress will be returning.” He sat back, thoughtful. “Did she say why?” Kai shrugged. “She said she would pave the way.’” Rina sighed heavily.She wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry. One thing was clear: She needed to start adjusting her expectations when it came to Kai. Otherwise, she was going to die of a heart attack.

  The weight of Kai’s words settled over the room. Shae, still perched on the couch with her Mate in her lap, exhaled slowly. “So… the most feared and elusive Sorceress of the Unseelie Court, the one who hasn’t been seen in centuries, just decided she’d come to the Conclave? Just like that?” Kai nodded, rubbing the back of her neck. “She said thst she’d see me there.” Rina, now recovered from her near choking fit, pinched the bridge of her nose. “Kai, do you have any idea what that means?”Kai tilted her head slightly, her brow furrowing. “That I don’t have to book my own accommodations in New York?” Rina groaned, and Shae muffled a laugh into Marta’s hair. Elarin chuckled, shaking his head. Stars above, this woman is impossible. Marta, suppressing her own grin, patted Kai’s arm. Shae looked around her mate as she explained. “Kai, what Rina means is that you’ve managed to get the most powerful Sorceress in the world, who has actively avoided Fae politics for centuries, to personally back you at the Conclave. That is a very big deal.”Kai blinked, as if just now realizing the gravity of the situation. “…Huh!” Marta threw up her hands. “Oh, for the love of—”

  Rina leaned forward, eyes sharp with curiosity. “Tell me, Kai. When she spoke to you, did she mention why she was so interested in you?”Kai’s expression grew thoughtful. She glanced toward the rune-covered box, then back at Rina. “I don’t think it was just about the package. She kept watching me. Like she was trying to figure something out.” Shae frowned. “Did she ever say What she was trying to figure out?” Kai hesitated, recalling that strange moment when Allara had gripped her shoulders and stumbled back as if she had been electrocuted . “You… you’re back! And even more powerful,” the Sorceress had whispered. Kai exhaled, deciding to be honest. “She said I was… Even More Powerful.” “I thought maybe she had confused me for someone else.”

  Silence.

  Rina sat back in her chair, studying her intently. “That’s it?”Kai nodded. “That’s it. And then she told me to be careful. Oh!and she warned me about the vampires following me. That’s why I took them by surprise instead of going through the front door.”

  Elarin tapped a thoughtful finger against his knee. “If Lady Allara herself called you powerful, then there’s more to you than meets the eye. You must know that by now, right?” Kai’s jaw tightened slightly. She had always felt different, even before she met the Fae. But whatever that difference was, she had never truly explored it. Marta, sensing her friend’s unease, nudged her gently. “Kai, it might have something to do with what happened at the biker club!”Kai raised a brow. “What, you mean when I threw that asshole to the ground?” Marta shook her head. “No. I mean the way every single Fae in that club reacted when you got angry.” Shae perked up. “Wait—what happened at the club?” Marta shot Kai a look. “She told me over the phone, when she was at a rest stop on the Louisiana border ” Kai sighed. “I didn’t think it was that big a deal—” Marta gawked at her. “Kai. You nearly crushed a man’s windpipe with one hand and made an entire room full of Fae unable to move. Even the Werewolves!” Shae and Rina exchanged a glance. Rina’s expression grew serious. “That doesn’t just happen, Kai.” Shae nodded, her voice soft but firm. “That’s power.” Kai shifted uncomfortably, looking down at her hands. “I don’t know what you guys expect me to say! I’m just… me. I didn’t do anything special.” Elarin’s voice was laced with amusement and disbelief. “You don’t even realize, do you?” Kai exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. “No, I don’t Realise. And honestly? I’m getting real tired of people acting like I’m supposed to.” Marta placed a reassuring hand on her friend’s arm. “Hey. We’re not judging you. We just… want to understand. You’ve always been different, Kai. Even before all this. You can’t tell me you haven’t noticed.” Kai bit her lip, considering. She had noticed. The way people always seemed to listen to her. The way strangers either gravitated toward her—or shrank away in instinctual fear. The way she could walk into a room and instantly know where the dangers were, who was a threat, and what the best path forward was. And then there was the way the Fae reacted to her. Like she was something more. Something Other. She sighed. “Okay. Fine. I admit that something weird has been going on. But I don’t have an answer for you! Elarin nodded, thoughtful. “Then perhaps the Conclave will provide you one.” Kai’s lips quirked into a smirk. “Right. Because that’s not ominous at all.” Shae chuckled, and Marta smiled despite her worry. Rina, however, wasn’t done. “Kai… do you know what it means when someone calls you powerful? When a being as old as Lady Allara recognises something like that in you?” Kai frowned. “…That I should probably be worried?” Rina exhaled. “It means, Kai, that your past might be catching up to you. And if you don’t know what that past is, you need to figure it out. Fast.”

  The room fell into silence. Kai looked at Rina, and for the first time, she saw genuine concern in the older woman’s face. She swallowed hard. “…Guess I better start looking.” Shae reached over and squeezed Kai’s hand, her own mind racing. Kai had always been different. And now, it seemed… The world was starting to notice.

  Their meeting broke up, and they all decided to relax for the rest of the day. Kai didn’t have to be in New York until Monday—New Year’s Eve—and with instant travel through the rune pillars, there was no need to stress over catching a flight.

  But at the moment, Kai had something far more pressing on her mind.

  She borrowed Marta from Shae, promising to return her soon, and led her out back to the swing bench beneath the trees. Marta followed without question, keeping a close eye on her quiet friend as she sat down, staring out over the grove beyond.

  Kai’s hands clenched into fists on her thighs. The tension in her shoulders was unmistakable.

  “Kai?” Marta asked softly, concern creeping into her tone. Kai inhaled deeply. “I should tell them.” Marta blinked. “Tell them?”

  Kai exhaled heavily and rubbed her face. Then, with quiet finality, she said, “That I’m human.” Marta stared at her, completely shocked.

  For a few moments, she was too stunned to even respond. Then, finally, she found her voice. “Oh, Kai… Oh honey, no. You can’t still believe that!” she said shocked, looking at her friend in dismay. Kai gave her a look that said it all.

  Marta’s heart sank. “Kai, there is no way you’re human! No human can do what you did!”“Sure they can,” Kai countered stubbornly. “I’ve seen it.”

  “Kai—”

  But Kai suddenly stood up, abrupt and determined.

  “I’m telling them,” she declared. Marta’s eyes widened. “Wait, now?” The taller woman nodded resolutely. “Now.”

  Before Marta could protest further, Kai marched toward the back office where Shae and Rina were reviewing maps, her pace quick and unwavering. Marta cursed under her breath and rushed to catch up.

  By the time she arrived, Kai had already burst into the room. Shae and Rina jumped at the sudden entrance, looking up in alarm as their usually calm friend stood before them, visibly agitated. Marta hovered by the door, watching helplessly.Her snakes poking their heads out from under the beanie, hissing nervously

  Kai took a deep breath, then blurted it out.

  “I’m human!”

  Silence.

  The sisters blinked at her, completely confused.

  Kai barreled on. “I was born a human in 1989 in East Africa! I had a twin brother. We were born premature, and our birth mother died giving birth, so we were taken in by our new mother and eventually adopted. I Am Human! I always have been. I have birth certificates in both English and my native language to prove it! I moved to America when I was eight. I’ve been here ever since.”

  Shae and Rina stared, still struggling to process. Kai swallowed hard and continued.

  “Four years ago, I…” She hesitated, her throat tightening. Marta, recognising the moment, stepped forward and grabbed her hand. Kai squeezed it, grounding herself before she continued.

  “Four years ago, I lost my entire family in a plane crash. Their flight collided with another in midair, just after take off. There were no survivors. All my uncles and aunts, my cousins and their kids, my twin, his wife and their sons. And my Mom. All gone in an instant.

  It changed my life, and I spiraled down a dark path. I found it hard to interact with others. When I did it wasn’t in a good way. I lashed out and tried coping in not so healthy ways. I suffered from PTSD and crowds still make me anxious.

  So I took up the delivery job because I didn’t need to interact with people. It became my anchor. That, and going to a fight gym. I learned a better way to channel the anger and any other strong feelings—good and bad—to change myself. Physically, at least at first.

  I never went out. I just stayed to myself. It was lonely, but it kept me from growing attached. It kept me safe. I became oblivious to everything but the job. It made me very good at what I do.

  But then I got what I thought was a routine delivery to this small town, and I met all of you. I didn’t even notice you were different! You were just another delivery. And then… for some reason I can’t explain, I decided to stay a couple of days. And I found out what you were.” Kai let out a shuddering breath.

  “For some reason, you all thought I was like you. And instead of correcting you, I just… went along with it. I know I shouldn’t have, but I’d been alone for so long that I just… I just let it happen! I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for lying. I swore I would never care about another person again, but somehow, you all just… wedged yourselves into my heart. And I—”

  Her voice broke. Then, Kai collapsed to her knees, sobbing. Gut-wrenching, heartbroken sobs.

  Shae stared, utterly bewildered by what had just happened. First, she had never heard Kai say so much at once. Second, the things she had said made so many things finally click.

  And yet… Shae still couldn’t believe Kai was human. That was the one thing that didn’t make sense.

  Rina, on the same wavelength as her sister, sat frozen, grappling with the revelation. But at least now they understood why Kai was so adamant about denying that she was special.

  Then Shae’s eyes caught movement by the door.

  In Kai’s haste to confess, she hadn’t noticed the crowd of Fae who had followed her storming figure. Every single one of them had heard her heartbreaking revelation.

  Tears ran freely down Shae’s face. Not just hers—many of the Fae were crying as well. Marta was on her knees, holding Kai as she sobbed uncontrollably.

  Then, out of the crowd, squeezing through the legs of the adults, tumbled little Toby. His floppy ears bounced as he stumbled forward. Once through, he wrapped his small arms around Kai’s shaking form.

  “Don’t cry, Kai!!”

  Kai jerked her head up, startled. She visibly flinched at the sight of the gathered crowd, her body cowering instinctively. But then she felt Toby, clutching her tightly. And beyond him she saw Hanna, his mother.

  She stepped forward, eyes shimmering with unshed tears, and crouched down, wrapping her arms around the quiet woman. “You’re not alone anymore, Kai,” she murmured softly. Kai whimpered. “Fae, human—we don’t care. You are you, and that’s all that matters to us.”

  Kai sucked in a sharp breath. Hanna smiled gently, pressing a hand to her shaking shoulder.“We didn’t fall in love with what you are, sweetheart.” She leaned in, resting her forehead against Kai’s. “We fell in love with who you are.”

  Kai broke down again. But this time, it was different. This time, it wasn’t just sorrow. It was release. A burden she had carried alone for so long was finally shared. And for the first time in four years… She wasn’t alone anymore.