Chapter 4 Chpt

"Dusk"

"Could I suggest one of the guest suites on the second floor?"

I glanced at the commander of my army, weighing Phalen's advice against my own inexplicable need to remain close to the woman. maybe even nearer. She has been just out of reach for too long.

Talia was my go-to person for advice. For many good reasons, she served as my primary advisor.

She shook her head and banged her knuckles against the desk. "I think the sleeping arrangements rank just a hair below removing Milo from his current position."

"No. Stay put, Milo," I commanded. "He earned his spot, and he shall remain in his spot."

At the very least, for the near future. The arrival of Gabbya wouldn't change who I was or how I wanted to lead. I could be flexible in other situations, but not here. in this never.

Talia spread her hands out. Just a thought, Dusk. She was reared in the Earth Realm, so I don't think she is accustomed to such things.

I responded, "Her father is Fabian Petrov. Her parentage ought to have been sufficient justification.

Phalen raised his elbows onto the wide oak table as he leaned forward. "I believe Talia is attempting to convey to you what life is like on the other side of the crossing by reminding you of it. It's been a while since you've been in the Earth Realm.

I reminded them both that I had lived there for many years. I'm not old enough to have forgotten.

"Perhaps," he said with one of his smartass grins. "As you know, not much has changed since you departed. Humans have little knowledge of Others, and Others take actions to maintain this fact. Even though Fabian is a vicious jerk, he would never do anything to make his tribe or himself stand out. Although his daughter is trained, she has probably never actually used it, unlike if she had grown up in the Otherland. She'll likely experience a shock when she meets Milo.

I insisted, "Better she gets used to it right away."

When it came to Gabbya's experiences on the other side, I was aware that Phalen and Talia were both correct. However, I was also correct. There was no point in delaying.

Furthermore, unlike me, they weren't familiar with her spirit. Whatever I threw at Fabian's daughter, she was able to manage it. I anticipated it.

I could tell she was unique even at the age of seven. Never before had I experienced such pure force in a youngster. Her heart was genuine. Fierce. Valiant.

Not even with Kree, whose soul was a marvel of beauty, had I ever experienced anything like it. It could have been reduced to a delicate beauty that was as dazzling as it was delicate, but it was still lovely. It was a miracle that it hadn't been corrupted given the horrors she had endured.

When I considered Kree's predicament, I became angry. Few people could survive violent situations unharmed.

Gabbya had been abused even though she had not been through the same hardships as Kree. I had anticipated that Gabbya's inner self would grow weary with time and the strain of Fabian's instruction. Not at all. If anything, he made his daughter more determined.

In her uncle's brutally honest reports, I found it. Gregor continued to provide blatantly honest statements, frequently with supporting anecdotes. The ones with exact quotes from Gabbya's mouth were my favorites.

More crucially, every summer solstice, when our forces merged, I could feel the truth of her inner self. I could feel her more strongly than other people for a reason. why I was able to read her so quickly. a motive I was particularly interested in investigating.

I discovered that I looked forward to learning more about her powers each year. I frequently found myself pondering what she experienced when she touched my essence.

She was first a curiosity. A brave kid who didn't crumble under a furatus had a lot of potential. It was incredibly admirable how determined she was to keep Fabian's gaze fixed on her. Even my ancient armies couldn't accomplish such a task.

She handled herself more admirably every year. As her mind developed and her body developed into a woman, I saw her audible opposition transform into silent confidence. In and out, Gabbya Petrov was stunning.

It was simple to read those with the cleanest souls.

Last year, when I saw her courageous act in which she mixed fun with brilliance, I was unable to ignore my affection for her. She would undoubtedly ward against the darkness inside of me because she was such a bright flame.

Talia and Phalen gave me hopeful looks.

"Fine. Put her in a suite on the second level. Verify that nobody else is in her hallway. I don't want her upset if she tomorrow experiences any negative consequences.

There weren't many Shadows living inside the fortress, but those that did were all on the second floor.

Phalen gave a nod.

A. "And Milo?" Talia dared to raise a query.

"Anyone trying to take him away loses a limb."

After issuing my last order, I got up from my seat and left the conference space, leaving behind a smiling Phalen and an angry Talia.

Typical.