Things That Should Stay Buried - Casey L. Bond Page 0,127

he could reach it. His tiny hands raked down my feathers like he was petting his favorite dog. I gave him a hug and sent him back to his guardian, who smiled gratefully before easing him back into the crowd.

“If you have questions, I’ll take them, just attempt to form a line and be patient. If someone asks the question you were going to pose, please leave the line.”

Aries stood with me patiently as I spent hours answering questions to the best of my ability. I didn’t have everything worked out yet, but plans were forming in my mind.

When the sun set and night fell, I told them I’d come back each day until I’d addressed the questions of any and all who had them. Together we watched my people trickle back to their homes.

“This is surreal,” I told him.

Even the constant reminder of the weight of my wings attached to my shoulders didn’t make it feel any more real. Aries walked me toward the castle, our steps slow and even. We’d spent time together over the past few days, but everything was so busy, we hadn’t had time to truly converse.

“Have you looked at the stars lately?” he asked out of the blue.

I really hadn’t. I’d been so worried about everything else, most of all failing my people, I hadn’t thought to look up.

My eyes found a familiar pattern: Aries, then tracked across the sky to Taurus. He was still there. I may have erased him, but his star sign remained. I’d inherited it.

“You’re looking at it wrong,” he said softly. “I can see it here.” He kissed the crease between my brows, smoothing it. “Where there once were bullish hooves pounding toward an enemy… now there are talons. Where there were once horns, ready to pierce his opponent, now there are wings that stretch protectively overhead.”

I swallowed thickly.

“I wish you could see yourself as I see you,” he said earnestly.

“How do you see me?”

“I admire the stars because they shine despite the surrounding darkness, and I admire you because you have been brave, selfless, and fierce. When anyone else would have cowered, you ran toward the threat, Larken. Your heart is your greatest weapon.”

Aries brushed his thumb along the back of my hand as he held it. “You’ve changed everything, Larken.” He tracked my line of sight and smiled. “And now, you’re there, nestled amongst the stars you love. I hope you never see him there again. I hope you only ever see you.”

“Your destiny was written in the stars,” I told him. “From the beginning.”

“Some are,” he admitted, “but the same could be said of yours.”

I smiled. “Mine wasn’t always there. My destiny was bought with blood. But it doesn’t matter how it happened; it’s there all the same.”

He winced. “I have to go.”

I clung to his hands. “I know. You can’t stay here all the time.” Even though I wanted him to. Not only because I needed his help or support, though I was grateful for both, but because I wanted him near. He gave me a longing glance and I released his hands. “Go. You need to make sure everything’s okay.”

He locked his eyes with mine and then he was gone.

I walked toward the castle alone.

Its pale stonework and gilded trim shone in the moonlight. A soft breeze swayed the Spanish moss on the live oak across the lawn. I changed direction and headed toward it instead.

Kes was there, sitting on the lawn in front of Kestrel’s grave, his bald head reflecting the moon. “I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to you looking like this,” I said, settling beside him.

He snorted. “It takes some getting used to every time I’m reborn, but I have to admit that I like this look.” He curled a bicep, making it pop.

I rolled my eyes and smiled.

“You know what?” he said after a long moment. A lone firefly began to buzz under the tree. “As much as I belong to Aries, I was meant to be yours. Your brother and your protector.”

My brows kissed.

“Think about it. I must have been sent to Kestrel’s body for a reason.” He picked at the blades of grass in front of him. “I was Aries’s Guardian, reborn into the family containing two of Taurus’s descendants. That can’t be a coincidence.”

“You’re right,” I said, watching as another firefly appeared.

“Xavier and Seneca are living in what was Spain.”

I nodded. I’d asked him to see if Aries would let him use the mirror to check