Page 108 of Feral Gods
"Where do we go?" Kaia asks, the question fundamental to our future course.
The query hangs momentarily unanswered as we contemplate implications. With Thane restored, with all four of us transformed beyond curse constraints, countless possibilities present themselves. Return to Liiandor to help guide awakened gargoyles? Seek remote sanctuary to recover and plan long-term strategy? Confront Morwen and King Kres directly, leveraging our combined power against their traditional authority?
"I know a place," Thane offers unexpectedly, crimson eyes distant with memory. "Valley beyond Twilight Range, three days' journey east. Hidden entrance, defensible position, self-sustaining ecosystem inside—ancient outpost abandoned since Height Wars."
"You never mentioned this location before," Ravik notes, curious rather than accusatory.
Thane's expression turns oddly vulnerable—unusual for our typically straightforward warrior. "Intended as last resort. Place for...after. If we survived long enough to consider future beyond revenge."
The implication silences us momentarily. Before awakening, before Kaia's arrival in our lives, we focused exclusively on vengeance against those who cursed us. Concepts like "after" or "future" seemed irrelevant to beings defined by rage and past injustice.
How profoundly we've transformed—beyond physical change, beyond magical restructuring, into emotional territory once deemed impossible for creatures like us.
"Future beyond revenge," Kaia repeats softly, dark eyes moving between us with wonder despite exhaustion shadowing her features. "I think we've earned that consideration."
Agreement passes between us without need for formal decision. The path forward clarifies not through command structure or scholarly analysis but through shared understanding—four distinct beings choosing common direction from mutual desire rather than obligation.
"East at first light," Ravik confirms, tactical mind already mapping journey details. "Minimal provisions required if location sustains internal ecosystem as described."
"Time to recover," I add, scholarly assessment noting our collective exhaustion after resurrection working. "Rebuild strength before determining long-term strategy."
Thane nods, wings settling comfortably against his back. "Time to live rather than merely survive. Novel concept for warriors accustomed to endless battle."
As moonlight bathes our ritual space, highlighting the mystical aftermath of Thane's resurrection, something shifts within me—final transformation from observer to participant, from scholar analyzing life to being fully experiencing it. Thechange began with awakening, accelerated through connection with Kaia and my transformed brothers, and completes itself now in this moment of perfect balance between four distinct yet harmonious beings.
Whatever comes next—whatever challenges Morwen and King Kres might yet present, whatever responsibilities the awakened gargoyles might place upon us, whatever futures might unfold from choices still unmade—we face together. Not as commander and subordinates, not as protectors and protected, but as family forged through shared transformation.
Complete at last.
25
KAIA
Twilight bathes our valley sanctuary in lavender and gold, transforming the hidden paradise into something from ancient legend rather than mortal realm. From my perch on the natural stone balcony overlooking our home, I watch as the last rays of sunlight catch on the crystalline waterfall that bisects the valley floor. The water sparkles like scattered diamonds before plunging into the luminescent pool below—our own private wonder in this place that exists on no map of Protheka.
Three months since Thane's resurrection at Obsidian Falls. Three months of healing, building, and discovering what it means to live without constant threat. Three months of creating something entirely new—not just a physical sanctuary but a way of existing beyond the rigid hierarchies and brutal power structures that defined our previous lives.
The valley Thane led us to exceeded even his descriptions. Hidden behind an illusory cliff face that responds only to specific magical signatures, the enclosed ecosystem spans approximately two square miles—a perfect microclimate sustained by underground thermal springs and mysterious ancient magic that maintains ideal growing conditions year-round. Ruins of an outpost dating back to the Height Wars provided foundation for our permanent dwelling—a graceful structure of stone and living wood that combines practicality with unexpected beauty.
"Contemplating the universe again?" Thane's voice rumbles behind me, his approach deliberately audible despite his warrior's stealth. Since his resurrection, he moves with even greater purpose and presence, as if his time in liminal space intensified rather than diminished his connection to physical existence.
"Just our small corner of it," I reply, leaning back against his copper-hued chest as his powerful arms encircle my waist. His transformed body radiates comfortable warmth against the evening's gathering cool, wings partially extending to cocoon us both in private sanctuary.
"Small but significant," he counters, chin resting atop my head in casual intimacy that would have seemed impossible during our early days together. "Ravik reports the latest magical adjustments to the perimeter defenses are complete. Zephyr's modifications to the illusion barrier now recognize specific magical signatures of any awakened gargoyles seeking sanctuary."
This information warms me in ways beyond physical comfort. Each of my mates contributes unique strengths to our shared home Ravik's strategic protection, Zephyr's scholarly innovations, Thane's intuitive understanding of living systems—creating something far stronger than any could achieve alone.
"How many have found us so far?" I ask, though I already know the answer. The question serves more as acknowledgment of the responsibility we've chosen to shoulder despite our retreat from wider conflicts.
"Seventeen," Thane confirms. "Most recently the mated pair from the eastern mountains—the healer and the blacksmith.Zephyr's already consulted with the healer about expanding our medicinal garden."
Seventeen awakened gargoyles who discovered our hidden sanctuary through the subtle magical pathway we established after settling here. Not actively recruiting an army as King Kres feared, but offering refuge to those who needed it most—those struggling to adapt to their sudden freedom after centuries of stone imprisonment.
Most stay only temporarily before establishing their own lives elsewhere on Protheka, armed with knowledge and support we freely provide. A few have chosen to remain nearby, establishing satellite communities within the greater valley system that surrounds our hidden sanctuary. Not subjects or followers, but allies connected through shared experience and mutual respect.
"The evening meal awaits," Thane murmurs against my hair. "And the others have something to discuss with us both."
Curiosity piqued, I allow him to guide me from the balcony into our home's main living space. The great room centers around a circular hearth where cheerful flames dance within a ring of black volcanic stone. Comfortable furnishings crafted from local materials create conversation areas that accommodate various physiologies—from human-sized cushions to sturdier structures that support transformed gargoyle frames.
