Stacy woke slowly, drifting upward from dreams of walking on a beach with Colt and crystal blue waters. The warmth was amazing. That is what she felt first, that wonderful coconut scented warmth. A familiar weight settled across her waist, firm but gentle. The slow exhale of Colt sleeping deeply. She smiled to herself before she even turned her head.
Colt lay half-curled around her, as if instinctively keeping her tucked close to him. The morning light filtered through the curtains and sunbeams danced across their bed, creating a glow that felt magical. There was something hypnotizing watching Colt sleep. His face was relaxed and peaceful. The harsh lines in his face were replaced with a look of contentment.
Today they will need each other more than anything. Today, they will visit the Seelie Court and speak to the queen. Last night Charlie tried to brief them on what to expect. He basically shrugged his shoulder and said "No ones knows, wolves had been banned from the court for centuries." Irritated Colt replied "Remind me exactly WHY I pay you?"
Stacy took a slow breath, trying to settle the anticipation of the the day ahead. Colt shifted behind her, tightening the arm he'd slung around her waist. His fingers brushed against her stomach, finding her fingers, he pulled her back against him and spoke in a voice thick with sleep.
"You're awake way to early babe." He hummed against her back, nuzzling lightly against her shoulder, his lips brushing her skin in a way that sent sparks of lightening spiraling throughout her body. "It's gonna be a big day. A long day, I'm just nervous".
Colt must of heard the fear in her voice, he propped himself up on an elbow and looked down at her. Her hair was messy from sleep, her eyes were soft, begging for more sleep. " You silly woman" he kissed her forehead. He grinned and said "all right, all right. Let's get this day over with so we can come home so I can properly fuck you" Stacy groaned in pleasure as Colt's lips caressed his mark on her neck.
"Tell me to stop," he murmured, leaning in closer "and I will" His forehead touched hers and his breath warm against her lips. "But if you don't...I'm going to kiss you until you forget you have anywhere else to be".
Her heart raced.
Love pulsed between them, two parts to one soul. Her fingertips brushed his jaw, feeling the sparks beneath his skin. " I don't want you to stop." she whispered.
Colt grinned mischievously and it made her heart flutter, then he kissed her. Passion flared, soft and gentle at first. His hands slid to her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them, only heat, want, and need remained. Stacy felt the pull of the mate-bond, ancient and instinctive, like a thread tugging their souls tighter together. He kissed her deeper, slower, savoring every tiny sound she made. Breakfast can wait.
Dixie gave Colt a dirty look when him and Stacy finally made it to breakfast. "You should know better. Today is going to be stressful." she chastised him through the link. "Which is exactly why I needed to relax her!" Colt retorted. "Don't get cheeky young man." Stacy watched in amusement that is was clear that Dixie and Colt were exchanging jabs through the mind link.
Nessa cleared her throat "We have made arrangements to visit the Seelie Queen and return the children to the court. We leave soon." This sparked nervous chatter, the wolves had been banned for centuries and this was a fragile foundation to create allies.
Nessa created a crystal circle using the rose quartz found in George's study. Niall and Nessa took the children to the Seelie Realm first. A few minutes later they returned for the pack. Stacy gripped Colt's hand and nervously smiled as the stepped through to a new world. When Stacy opened her eyes, she was shocked in wonderment.
They found themselves in a wide, domed chamber made of transparent crystal that displayed the night sky as though there were no ceiling at all. Stars swirled and breathed like living beings. The air hummed with magic so old, the world itself remembered it.
Queen Rowen stood in the center of the room. Her dress of shimmering light cascaded around her and pooled at her feet. Her presence demanded respect and admiration.
"Alpha of Thunder Heart, Luna of Thunder Heart, please step forward."
Stacy's heart skipped. Colt stiffened beside her before moving, every stride controlled, deliberate. Stacy followed him, feeling the weight of the eyes of the court. The Queen's presence was overwhelming up close-timeless and ancient, as if the night sky had taken physical form. Starlight wove through her hair, falling like silver rain. Mirroring Stacy's hair. The two looked at each in recognition of being blessed by Mother Rhiannon.
"Walk with me." the Queen said softly. The Queen led Colt and Stacy through a transparent crystal hallway. The ceiling above them was open to the stars, revealing the swirling constellations that moved of their own accord. The silence was vast, broken only by sound of a distant sea crashing against unseen cliffs.
The Queen stopped beside a balcony overlooking the sea. She turned to them. "Your courage" she said slowly. "Saved many lives that my Court failed to protect".
Stacy bowed deeply "We only did what any decent beings would do." The Queen studied her for a long moment "No. Most would have remained silent. Most would have chosen safety over truth. The dishonor was not yours, yet you bore the risk regardless." The Queen's voice softened. "You crossed into my realm without fear, with children in your arms. You fought for them as thought they were your own"
Stacy clasped her hands to hide the trembling in her fingers. "They deserved someone who would" she whispered. The Queen stepped closer, so close that Stacy could feel the warmth of her magic against her skin.
"You carry the blessings of Mother Rhiannon. The stars brought you to this moment for a reason." The Queen looked out into the sea. "The bond between you is strong. Unspoken, but strong."
The Queen's demeanor changed once again. "We must prepare for what comes next." Moon River will retaliate. They have lost coin and influence. "
Colt's jaw hardened. "We'll face them"
"Yes" The Queen agreed "But you will not face them alone". She extended her hand.
Moonlight flowed from her palm, solidifying into a crystalline sigil shaped like a starburst intertwined with a wolf's silhouette. The emblem hung in the air, shimmering with ancient power. "This" the Queen spoke softly "is a seal to mark the alliance between the Seelie Court and Wolves. It has not been granted to a pack in centuries."
Colt's eyes grew wide " You would give that to us?"
The Queen smiled and said " Just to you Alpha and your Luna. You uncovered the truth." the Queen spoke " You freed the children and you stood against corruption when others looked away. The seal recognizes integrity." The sigil separated into two each hovering inches from Stacy and Colt's chest. "May I?" asked the queen.
Stacy and Colt nodded, then- the sigil pressed softly against their sternums at first and melted into their skin like warm light. A rush of starlight filled their veins. Stacy gasped and took a breath that felt older than the moon. Her senses sharpened and she could feel Colt's pulse. "You now carry a link to the Seelie court. When you call, we will answer. When darkness rises, you will not stand alone."
Stacy looked at Colt and on his chest a faint mark shaped like a silver crescent and a falling star. Colt smiled proudly at The Queen and bowed "We are honored your majesty"
The Queen smiled warmly at the pair. "Come. There is more to discuss. A seal of alliance is merely the beginning. We must prepare for the trial of the former Alpha and Luna."
The Queen summoned The Head Guard, several noble members of the Seelie Court, and the Council of Alpha's. All of the evidence had been prepared in advance. The Queen of the Seelie held her head high and spoke with a tone that commanded respect. "Werewolves colluded with the Unseelie Court. They have committed crimes across our realms. The evidence proves of kidnapping, trafficking, and torture of children and families of the Seelie Court. The evidence proves kidnapping, planned trafficking and torture of Alpha Anastasia Bloodmoon. The evidence proves that a minimum of two Bloodborne pack members torture and murder. The evidence proves the decimation of their own pack through embezzling pack funds. The former Alpha and Luna stand accused breaking of the Moon Oath sworn by the ancestors of the wolves! The Seelie Court will not stand for the vile actions taken against my court! The Seelie Court demands an immediate trial! What say you?!"
The crowd murmured-growls, whispers, and gasps. The Head Guard stood and motioned to those gathered. "The Guard is prepared to move forward with a trial and tribune immediately. The Trial of the Two Realms will begin tonight. Take this afternoon to prepare any testimony or evidence you may be able to provide."