Page 44 of Feral Gods
"That's not especially reassuring," she notes with a touch of wry humor despite her evident distress.
"Perhaps this is," I suggest, stepping closer. "If our regard were merely magical compulsion tied to your bloodline, it would have manifested immediately upon awakening. Instead, it has grown gradually through interaction, observation, and mutual respect—the natural evolution of genuine connection."
Ravik nods in rare agreement. "You earned our respect through courage and intelligence, not blood or magic."
Kaia considers this, some of the tension easing from her posture. "I want to believe that."
"Then do," I encourage, allowing more emotion into my voice than is typical for my scholarly nature. "Trust your own perceptions, your own experiences of our interactions. Magic may have brought us together, but what develops from that meeting is still ours to determine."
She looks between us once more, something resolving in her expression. "What do we do with this knowledge? How does it change our situation?"
The practical question brings us back to immediate concerns—exactly as I suspect she intended. Fascinating, how quickly she adapts, processing emotional upheaval without allowing it to paralyze decision-making.
"We must assume both King Kres and the remaining Flamekeepers know or suspect your heritage," I state, returning to strategic assessment. "This explains the escalating pursuit and suggests further attacks will be increasingly targeted toward capturing rather than killing you."
"I need to learn to control whatever magic I might possess," Kaia concludes, standing with renewed determination. "If I'm going to be hunted for this power, I should at least understand how to use it."
"I can help with theoretical foundations," I offer, cautious optimism rising at her practical approach to this revelation. "Though my experience with purna magic specifically is limited to observation rather than practice."
"We all will help," Ravik declares, the statement both promise and command. "But first, we need to share this information with Thane. His patrol of the eastern tunnels should be complete by now."
The reminder of our fourth companion—and the implications of Kaia's heritage for our collective situation—brings me back to immediate practicalities. Whatever personal feelings might be developing among us, survival remains the priority.
"Agreed," I say, carefully returning the grimoire to my satchel. "Though we should consider how much to share with others beyond our immediate circle. Knowledge of Kaia's bloodline would be dangerously valuable to numerous factions throughout Protheka."
"We tell no one," Ravik states flatly. "Not until we understand the full implications ourselves."
Kaia nods, straightening her shoulders with visible effort. "I need time to process this anyway. To understand what it means for me—for who I thought I was."
The vulnerability in her statement strikes a chord within me. Identity is a complex construct at the best of times; to have one's fundamental understanding of self so dramatically altered must be profoundly disorienting.
"Your heritage doesn't change who you are," I offer gently. "It merely expands the possibilities of who you might become."
She gives me a small, grateful smile that sends an unexpected warmth through my chest. "Thank you, Zephyr. For telling me the truth, even knowing how difficult it would be to hear."
"Always," I promise, meaning it more deeply than she could know. Whatever complications arise from her heritage—whatever challenges we face in protecting her from those who would use her power—I will not betray her trust through deliberate deception.
As we depart the healing chamber to seek Thane, I find myself watching Kaia with new understanding. Her courage in facing this revelation, her practical approach to processing life-altering information, her concern for our collectivewelfare despite her personal upheaval—all confirm what I've increasingly suspected.
Her value extends far beyond magical heritage or strategic importance. She possesses a rare combination of resilience, intelligence, and compassion that would be remarkable in any being, regardless of bloodline or magical potential.
The scholar in me remains fascinated by the implications of her purna ancestry. The strategist recognizes her critical importance to our collective survival. But something else—something newer and less familiar—simply appreciates her for herself, separate from any practical utility or magical significance.
I believe humans call this emotion "admiration." Perhaps even "affection." Unfamiliar territory for one who has lived primarily in the realm of intellect, yet not entirely unwelcome.
As we descend toward the eastern tunnels, I catalog this new development with my usual scholarly thoroughness—another piece of knowledge to integrate into my understanding of our evolving situation. Yet unlike most information I collect, this insight feels strangely personal, meant for preservation rather than analysis.
I will protect her, not merely because her bloodline represents our salvation, but because she deserves protection for her own sake. And perhaps, in time, I might offer her something beyond mere protection—something I've rarely considered valuable until now.
Connection. Understanding. Perhaps even... devotion.
A most unexpected development, indeed.
13
KAIA
The flame of the ancient oil lamp flickers across the pages of Elowyn's grimoire, casting dancing shadows over flowing script I still cannot read but which now feels strangely familiar beneath my fingertips. Dawn is hours away, yet sleep evades me, driven off by revelations too momentous for rest. I sit cross-legged on my makeshift bed in the small chamber adjacent to the inner sanctum, surrounded by bits of parchment where I've attempted to copy symbols that resonate with something buried deep within my blood.
