Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Five
Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Five
Avery wakes up first. Her eyes blink open slowly, adjusting to the soft morning filtering through the curtains. It took her a moment to realize why her back felt warm, why her legs were tangled, and why she couldn’t move her arm. Then it hit her. They’d all fallen asleep in the living room. Still in a warm, tangled pile. Avery was squished in the middle, her mates draped over and around her like a protective blanket. Riven’s arm was across her waist, Lucien's head rested near her shoulder, Molly was curled against her legs, and Kael was sprawled half on the couch, half on her.
She stifled a laugh, whispering to herself, “We really didn’t make it to the room…” She tried to wiggle free without waking anyone, but Kael mumbled something incoherent and tightened his arm around her. Avery froze. Then– DING. All five phones chimed at once. Everyone groaned. Kael flopped onto his back, Riven blinked awake, Lucien sat up slowly rubbing his eyes, Molly stretched like a cat. Avery takes the opportunity to slip out of the pile, “Bathroom, Don’t move.”
Kael mumbles something that sounds like “no promises”. By the time Avery returns, she has showered, dressed, and braided her hair. She steps into the living area just as Riven ended a phone call. Lucien leaned close to her, voice low, “Council.”
Avery nodded, understanding instantly. She found Molly in the kitchen, already working on breakfast - eggs, toast, fruit, and something that smelled suspiciously like cinnamon. Avery smiled, “Need help?” Molly, “Always.”
They worked together easily, moving around each other like they’d practiced for years. By the time the food was ready, the others had showered, dressed, and joined them. Kael immediately reached for the toast. Avery smacks his hand. Kael, “Rude.” Avery, “Wait until everyone sits.”
They gathered around the kitchen island, coffee mugs in hand, plates full. Avery couldn’t hold it in any longer, “What did the Council want?” Riven set his mug down, “They want one of us to join a video call with Londrell and Varyn, this morning.” Lucien nodded, “They’re finalizing the summit plan. The trap. The routes. Everything.” Kael raised a brow, “So… we’re officially part of the strategy team now?” Molly replies, “Looks like it.”
Avery looked around at her mates - all of them alert now, focused, ready, “Okay. So who’s going?” They all exchanged glances. Riven spoke first, “I can go. I’ve already talked to the Council this morning.” Lucien shook his head gently, “You’re good, but Avery understands the visions better.” Molly pointed her fork at Avery, “She should go. She sees the big picture.” Kael leaned back in his chair, “And she’s the one the extremists are targeting. She should be in the loop.” Avery blinked, “You all think I should go?” Four heads nodded. Avery took a breath, steadying herself, “Okay. I’ll do it.” Kael grinned, “Good. Now pass the toast.” Avery rolled her eyes and handed it over.
The morning sunlight warmed the kitchen as they finished breakfast, the weight of the coming day settling around them - but not in a heavy way. In a purposeful way. A united way. Avery wiped her hands on a towel and looked at her mates, “Let’s get ready. We have a summit to save.”
Avery stood at the door with her mates, all of them dressed and ready for their day. Lucien adjusted his satchel, Molly tied her hair back, Riven checked his schedule, and Kael pretended he wasn’t dragging his feet about another day of classes. But none of them left before giving Avery extra-long hugs and kisses. Lucien pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. Molly squeezed her tightly whispering, “You’ve got this.” Riven cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb along her jaw, Kael kissed her temple and rested his forehead against hers for a moment longer than usual.
Warmth flooded her chest. Then Riven spoke, voice low and steady, “Keep the mindlink open. All of us. We’ll stay in the background. You won't be alone.” Avery nods, “Of course. I want you all with me.” Kael grins, “We’ll be the peanut gallery in your head.” Molly smacks his arm, “Supportive peanut gallery.” Kael shrugs, “Same thing…” Avery laughs, kisses each of them again, and they finally split off - four heading toward campus, one toward the underground Council offices.
Avery descends the long staircase into the Council's headquarters. The air was cool, humming with magic and activity. People hurried through the halls - scribes, guards, envoys, and several fairies darting overhead like streaks of light. She passed through the security arch, the runes glowing briefly as they recognized her.
The main hall opened before her - a circular chamber with a massive round table at it’s center and a towering screen mounted on the far wall. And there they were. Her parents. All four of them. Remy and Auron (her bio parents) sit side by side, looking tense but proud. Mark and Elena (her adoptive parents) sit across from them, Elena giving Avery a warm smile the moment she appeared.
The head Council member stood at the table’s center, hands clasped behind his back. The Council’s head of security stood near the wall, arms folded. Fairies flitted around the room, adjusting magical feed and stabilizing the projection. And on the screen–
Avery saw Londrell for the first time. Her breath catches. He looked… familiar. Not in a way she could place. Not in a way that made sense. But something in his eyes tugged at her memory. Beside him stood Varyn, who nodded respectfully the moment he noticed her.
That small movement drew everyone’s attention. The room fell quiet. The Council turned. Her parents straightened. The fairies paused mid-flight. Londrell’s eyes sharpened on the screen. Avery stepped forward, heart steady, mindlink open, her mates’ quiet presence humming at the back of her thoughts, “I’m here.”