An Immortal's Song (Dante's Circle #6)(11)

At least, he hoped.

They took a seat on one of Tristan’s large couches, the leather a startling cream against the darkness of the walls and floor. The entire place was a little intimidating, and Seth figured it would take time to get used to.

“The Seelie and Unseelie as you’ve most likely read about in fables and myths is actually quite true,” Tristan began. “Or rather, it was true. A thousand years ago, about a century before my birth, there was a great war between the two Courts. The two queens finally let their relative distrust and hate of each other come to fruition, and my realm almost faded to extinction.” He frowned. “Faded isn’t the correct word. There was nothing soft and into the mist about the way my people died at the hands of the other Court because of where their magic came from. We aren’t like wizards and witches where the dark and light magic necessarily means death and life. The two Courts simply had a different place where we pulled our magic and ability to…live from. One wasn’t wrong, one wasn’t right. And yet, it took a war where our people almost killed each other entirely to understand that.”

Amara reached out and gripped Tristan’s hand. Seth wasn’t close enough, but he gave the other man a nod. The merpeople had their own dark histories, and there were still battles to be fought within his borders. No realm could ever truly be at peace, not with free will and choice, but at least they weren’t at war. And from the look of the fae realm now, neither were Tristan’s people. But, apparently, it had taken great sacrifice to come to this point.

“Once the dust settled and people began to rebuild, our lives changed irrevocably and the Grey Court formed. No longer were we two Courts that lived and died by the code of light and dark. Instead, we were one. We’re a Court of light and dark…as well as grey. Not pure, not evil, but…alive. My family became high leaders; my father, the king.”

Amara sucked in an audible breath and Seth squeezed her shoulder. He’d known of Tristan’s lineage, but he wasn’t sure she had.

“I was the first son born under the Grey Court and, therefore, a Grey Prince. I have older siblings, as well as younger ones, but I was the first.” He snorted. “People like to say that often and use it in their own histories when it comes to how the Grey Court came to be.” He paused before shaking his head. “Anyway, there are some who want to go back to the world of light and dark, of Seelie and Unseelie, but I’m not sure that could ever happen. It’s been centuries, and our people are finally able to live without the fear of death when it comes to the other side of magic.” He lifted Amara’s hand to his mouth. He brushed a kiss on her knuckles that sent shivers down her body. Seth could practically feel that kiss and he wanted one of his own. “That’s why I was…quiet when you asked your question outside the wards. It might have looked like we were alone, but others could have been near enough to be hidden within their own wards.” He gestured around the room with his free hand. “There are many, many fae within our realms, though most would rather hide in the shadows until they are ready to be seen. There are countless people within these walls, though they’re all working so they haven’t introduced themselves.” He grinned. “I think they’re keeping themselves scarce since it’s the first time you’re here.”

Seth nodded. He’d heard the others walking about as they cleaned, cooked, and talked amongst themselves. He was sure that Amara hadn’t though, and he was glad Tristan had mentioned it. He wasn’t sure where Tristan’s family lived or if they were close, but he’d find out one day. That was why they were here, after all.

Amara stood up then, a frown on her face. “Thank you for telling me all of that. I’ll try to be careful next time. I don’t want to start an issue or something over a history I don’t know. As for people being here?” She just smiled and shook her head. “Your life—both of your lives—is so different than mine. I come from…” her voice trailed off. “Well, let’s just say I don’t come from anything quite like this. In fact, I don’t know if I can fully comprehend your worlds. I’m just me. A human.” She met both of their gazes. “A human who doesn’t feel the bond like you two do.” Tears filled her eyes and she blinked them away. “I don’t want to hurt either of you, but what if you’re wrong? What if the bond doesn’t truly exist and you’re just attracted to me…and each other? We’ll all end up hurt if we pursue this and nothing comes of it, don’t you understand that? I don’t want you two hurt because of me.”

Seth quickly stood and cupped her face. Her skin was so soft underneath his palm. Soft, pure, and his. “This isn’t your fault. We’re all out of our depths here, but no matter what happens, it is not your fault. Please say you understand that.”

She didn’t say anything, but a tear finally fell down her cheek. He brushed it away with his thumb. Amara should never cry. He’d tear apart anyone who dared to make her feel as though she should.

“At least try, sweetling. Please.” At her slight nod, he did what came natural and lowered his head. She gasped into his mouth, and he pressed his lips to hers. The electric shock between them only pushed him to kiss her deeper.

Her hands hesitantly went to his side, her fingers slowly trailing over the top of his shirt. He wanted to strip it off so she could touch skin, so he could feel her fingers along his sides, his stomach, his chest…but he knew that would be moving too fast.