The Heartstone Saga by Archibald Bradford (short novels in english .TXT) 📕

the presence of the Valkyrie and her soothing aura, the press of bodies from their conversation was much less desired, so they stepped outside.

“There is something else that we must discuss.” Volka began; “Something of some import, Alcaia.”

Myrina brought her hand up to cover her mouth and hide her smile, knowing what was coming.

“What is it?” The warleader asked.

But she blinked in surprise when Volka pulled her into a hug, shuddering as the softness of her feathered wings wrapped around her.

“By human custom, you would now be considered my mother in law, and it is only appropriate that I greet you as such.”

Their hug broke apart, the Amazon as confused as before.

“Mother in- what does that...” Alcaia trailed off as her mind worked through what Volka was saying and how it might relate to the smirk on her face; “My daughter has bonded?!”

“She has.”

“T-To the Valkyrja-datta?” She demanded with voice shaking from emotion.

“To my Husband, Nameless.” Volka corrected; “I appreciate you venerating him with the lofty title, but given that you are his family now, it would be better that you use his name. I know that he would prefer it.”

Alcaia readily agreed, and was quick to follow the Valkyrie, but paused as Volka caught sight of Adrian.

The Aegis technician had been directed to the medics for a checkup after his injuries in the wilds and afterwards he lingered outside, uncertain what to do with himself.

Olena had given up on him, and he had no real connections with anyone anymore, at least none that he could lean on.

And that hollow feeling within his chest was impossible for the angel to ignore.

Seeing her approaching the wounded man, Alcaia drew back discreetly to give them a moment.

An ordinary Valkyrie, if an angel could ever be called that, would see to the root of Adrian’s distress, but a Dominar had the power to do something about it.

“Outside of the fear of yesterday, people will still laugh in the streets, while their children will make light of things they don’t understand.” Adrian looked up in surprise, his mouth falling open slightly at the unexpected address; “And all of it galls you. It isn’t fair that they should be smiling while she no longer can.”

He had to look away as the Valkyrie’s words cut deep into the root of his unhappiness, a bitter swell of anger rising within him.

But her sheer presence forestalled any protest from him.

“Life persists, even despite your suffering, Aegis Shaw. Find hope in this. I am so very sorry to have learned of your loss, but there is a time to grieve... and a time to live again.”

“What the hell are you saying?” He muttered as he continued to avoid looking at her.

His breathing became ragged though when she approached him from the side, one hand settling on his shoulder while the other pressed against his chest, over his heart.

“I’m saying you need to find something, anything to keep that spark of life inside of you from going out. Because that was what she loved. That precious part of you that contained all of those things that now irk you so.”

She leaned even closer, speaking in an almost reverent hush that stood greatly at odds with her words.

“And I’m saying that if you don’t, I’m going to grab your undies and give you the mother of all wedgies.”

He snorted and finally turned to face her, though the kindness in her eyes nearly broke him.

“Joke’s on you blondie.” He said with a weak smile; “I’m not wearing any.”

She chuckled and leaned in to kiss him on the nose.

“Good. Hang on to that. Humour is a precious tool when it comes to healing.” She sighed then; “But I’m afraid I must leave you now to check on my husband.”

“Lucky guy.” Adrian mumbled without thinking.

She was a beautiful woman.

Volka arched one eyebrow and kissed him again, on the cheek this time, trailing her lips over to whisper directly in his ear.

“Buddy, you have no idea. I do this thing with my thumb that makes his toes curl up and his hair stand straight on end.”

Adrian actually laughed at that, and she winked at him before stalking away, catching up to Alcaia.

Nameless was dead on his feet, and at Ophelia’s insistence he was resting in the parlour of one of the cafes on the edge of Divinity Square, the owners had opened their doors to provide shelter and water to those working outside.

Though he was all but napping at one of their tables with Milly and Nina, no one challenged them on it, his uniform enough of a reason not to.

Having felt them coming, his face brightened when he saw Alcaia and Volka come inside, and he stood to greet them.

The Amazon stomped up to him and scooped him up into her arms to plant a fierce kiss on his lips that made him blush scarlet and drew a number of looks from the numerous people in the cafe.

Milly and Nina watched with amused smirks, fully understanding Alcaia’s reaction as she hugged him tight.

After several long seconds she set him back on his feet and placed her hands on his shoulders.

“It feels wrong to say this, but I must. Despite all of the chaos and death in recent days, you have made me the happiest I have been since I first found my bond-mate. Thank you for choosing my daughter!”

Her smile was so broad she almost looked like a crazy person, so Nameless squeezed her hands on his shoulders awkwardly.

“We chose each other. I just used my powers to make it official, that’s all.”

She laughed and pulled him into a bosomy hug, his stature once again causing his face to get buried in Amazon tits.

“Downplay it if you must, my