And then she stepped forward and hugged me, caressing my back, just like she used to when I was young. I also wrapped my arms around her. She felt smaller. But that’s just because I’ve grown. “I believe in you, son. I knew you were special when I first held you as a baby. Which is also why you have the name you do. Nikolai means people’s victory. And Deivos means God of universe. I want you to be the best version of yourself- as Avalyn’s erasthai, as a King, as a father and as a brother. Promise me you will do your best.”
“I promise, Mom.” My voice was thick with emotions.
“Good.” She stepped away and then we walked back to the patio. “Call Max.”
I nodded and mind-linked Max to come here.
Valerie was sitting with Avalyn and seeing the smiled on both their faces, I knew that they had a heart to heart.
Ava immediately stood up and came to my side.
“Promise me you’ll take good care of my son.” Mom’s voice shook with emotions.
“I promise.” Ava said softly with a smile.
“I know he can be stubborn and hot headed and might seem impulsive but his heart is at the right place. And he mostly always thinks before he does anything. He might not always be very open but give him time to talk to you, which he will on his own time.” Mom smiled a teary smile. “But just bear with him. I even give you the permission to smack him around a little if he makes you cry. But I think Klaus has it covered.”
We all chuckled. He definitely had it covered.
When Max arrived, Mom left with him to have a chat.
I looked at Ava and Valerie. “I take it that you had a good chat?”
“The best.” Ava smiled widely.
“I’m glad.” I smiled at her and then looked at Valerie. “So what have you decided? Where do you want to stay? In the Faye Dimension or here?”
“Can you please stay here for a while? I would love to spend time with you.” Ava pleaded to her mother.
“Of course. And I haven’t decided where I want to go. This place is home but then Mom said that it’ll be good to interact with other fayes. She thinks I might fight my faye mate. But I don’t want to find him. I don’t think I’ll be able to love anybody like I love Javier.” Valerie looked troubled.
“You should stay here. And if you ever change your mind, you can go there.” I offered.
“That sounds good, thanks.” She nodded.
******
Faelern appeared with Fiyona. “It’s time.”
Mom gave all of us a last hug, fighting tears all the while.
It was bittersweet. She wasn’t supposed to be here but she was and it was definitely a very good thing. I was just sad because it had to come to an end so quickly.
My eyes stung but I held it in. It was fine. I knew this moment was coming.
Mom gave me a last hug. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Mom.” I hugged her one last time before I let her go.
Faelern, Fiyona and Valerie stood holding hands and once mom stepped in front of them, they formed a circle around her.
They started chanting something and just like last time, the sky started darkening and then a flash hit our eyes and the dark portal opened.
Mom stepped inside and then turned around to wave at us. There were tears in her eyes but she was smiling.
And then suddenly a figure appeared besides her.
It was Javier.
He raised his hand to wave at us. Ava stepped forward. “Dad,” a soft cry tore through her throat. Javier gave her a teary smile.
And then, his eyes fell on Valerie was standing in front of him.
And the he stepped out, grabbed her face and kissed her.
And then suddenly, the portal snapped shut and disappeared.
Faelern’s and Fiyona’s eyes flew open and then widened in horror.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Faelern snarled at Javier.
Valerie stepped in front of her mate. “If Viktoria can come for some time, then Javier can come too. We can open the portal again and he can go in twelve hours.”
“The portal cannot be opened at your will, Valerie. It creates an imbalance in the universe. And the portal can be opened only when the sun, moon and the door of the dimension is aligned in a specific angle. It happens once in centuries.” Faelern looked pissed off. “Do you know what you have done? We do not even know what kind of problems this will create!”
“I can take responsibilities of my actions.” Javier said in a calm voice. “I didn’t plan on doing this but it happened. And I don’t regret any of it.”
“Y-”
“Dad!” Valerie called her father’s attention. “You are the King of Fayes. I’m sure you can find a way out. And you owe us this much. You owe me this much.”
Faelern gritted his teeth.
“She is right.” Fiyona sided with her daughter. “We are together and she deserves to be with her mate too. We will find a way out. Take care, daughter. We will meet soon.” She held Faelern’s hand before she opened a portal and stepped inside before the portal disappeared.
The sky started clearing up again.
“What does this mean?” Ava asked, looking up at me.
“I don’t know. But whatever it is, we will face it together.” I threaded my fingers through hers. “Let’s leave, they both need some time to themselves and we do too.” I looked at Javier who was sucking Valerie’s face.
“Get a fucking room.” I hollered at him and he flipped me off.
“Seriously. I don’t enjoy you two oldies making out in my face.” I said. I remember just how much he used to cock-block me and Ava. I’m going to have fun doing the same to him.
He finally released her and glared at me. “I haven’t had sex in thirty fucking years. I’ll kill you if you cock-block m-” Valerie held his hand and they both disappeared.
Everyone laughed at that.
“Take us to our room, Love.” I held Ava’s hand and she nodded and then in the next second, we were in our room.