Zaren went on, "Venus had a task to accomplish before the G.o.ds would allow her back on Kelari. It didn't go as planned. Our deities wouldn't respond to my emergency message, so I don't know what kind of welcome home we're going to receive. She's been accused of being a traitor and killing a sacred animal. With you tagging along, the task she was supposed to accomplish . . ."

Michael watched him blink back angry tears.

"What did her job have to do with me?" Michael knew his coming had been the right decision. Now Zaren said he'd made everything worse for her. His gut told him it wasn't true. It couldn't be.

Zaren rubbed his fingers into his hair, as though he could make a wish and solve all of their problems. He leaned back in the white banana-looking chair. "I . . . don't know if I should tell you, Michael."

"Why not? Maybe if I knew what she was supposed to do, I could help." If Ith and Aetha were still going to be angry with her, and it was his fault, well that wouldn't do.

"It's so . . . stupid." He cringed.

"Then spit it out, dude." Zaren frustrated him.

"You were supposed to find true love," he said, dejectedly and closed his eyes.

Michael waited for him to continue. There had to be more to it. He remembered what Venus told him about finding love. That conversation started to make more sense, but still . . . "Why would your G.o.ds care if I found love, let alone true love."

"I don't know." Zaren shook his head. "I've thought it was the most ridiculous request I'd ever heard, but as the Princess's personal guardian, it wasn't my place to question, only serve. I've failed."

"Princess?"

He inclined his head. "Venus. She's heir to Alayeah's throne."

"Alayeah?" He couldn't help the questions. Venus had told him a lot, but obviously not nearly enough. A princess. That explained so much.

"Alayeah is the largest civilized country on our planet. She's meant to rule it someday. Now . . ." he trailed off, shaking his head. "I've no idea what's to become of her. She may be killed the moment we land, if she lives that long."

Instinctively, Michael tightened his grip. "And all I had to do was find true love?" It was his turn to shake his head. It sounded so simple-easy.

Why would they pick such a task? And why me? I'm n.o.body.

He did love Cheverly. Was it a forever kind of love? He'd care about her always, but in love? The answer was no. He'd loved his mother too, but that was more out of loyalty. He let out a frustrated laugh. In love? He looked down, into the face of his angel. He'd briefly supposed she'd been sent to kill him. Instead she'd given him back his life. Venus. The truth in his heart was more difficult.

To Zaren, he said, "I'm seventeen. True love, that's ridiculous." Even as he said the words though, he knew he lied. Age. Time. s.p.a.ce. None of it matters when you find The One. His heart swelled at the knowledge.

"I know, Michael. But that was the condition of her return." He opened his eyes and sat forward. "When we land, I don't know what kind of welcome we'll receive. Stay inside the Transport. Let me take Venus. I'll come back for you."

"Sure."

52. Every Breath You Take.

Venus faded in and out, between consciousness and nightmares. The last thing she knew for certain was that Michael helped her into the Transport. After that, everything was fuzzy. For one thing, it seemed he was insidewith her. Impossible. That had to be a dream. It had to be Zaren holding her, keeping her safe.

His presence comforted and saddened her. Venus hadn't wanted to leave Michael. He still needed her. Secondly, their connection buoyed her in a way she'd never experienced. When she wasn't near him, everything felt . . . off. It was the G.o.ds' fault. They'd bound hers and Michael's souls together. She'd done her best to accomplish what they'd asked. Michael did love Cheverly-he'd told her so. Yet, for some reason, she and Michael were still connected.

Venus hoped he'd be all right and that he'd find contentment in his life.

Breathing was difficult and she struggled to move. Zaren had to have been the one to start the Transport. Warmth encircled her heart-that he'd risk so much.

She worried as well. Their law demanded that all Transports be returned or destroyed (if necessary). To leave one behind was out of the question. Terrible consequences would be taken against those who broke the law. Not that she worried about herself. What more could the G.o.ds do to her? Death was it-the final chapter. The end. But they would punish Zaren.

Venus had to live to make sure they realized that she was to blame for leaving the Transport behind. She had to live to save Zaren. One good thing had come from her being sent to Earth. It'd given her the chance to experience emotions. And she'd been able to recognize them for what they were. She cared for Zaren. Remembering the way he'd kissed her arm and wrist, the way he always told her the truth, the way he smelled. All of him. Maybe she felt more for him than she realized. Maybe she loved him.

She'd also had strong emotions for Michael-still did. Venus guessed that had to do with their connection. What more could it be? To have feelings for a human? Or to develop such strong emotions in such a short amount of time wasn't possible. The only answer had to be the tie (whatever that meant) the G.o.ds had placed between them. Figuring it out wasn't important. Michael remained on his world, where he belonged. Zaren was in trouble. He was her first priority. Venus snuggled further into Zaren's chest. So strong. Firm.

Strangely though, on several occasions she thought she heard Zaren speaking with Michael. It had to be her lack of carbon dioxide. Going so long without kelarian air had her hearing things. She'd worry later. Right now she needed rest. Whatever happened when they landed, she had to be prepared. And that meant getting stronger.

53. Stranger In Town.

Venus awakened to arguing.

"Stay inside until I come back for you. I'm going to take her to see the G.o.ds." Zaren sounded agitated. So not him.

"Fine. Fine. I'll stay, but hurry."

Still, she easily recognized who'd spoken.

Venus lifted her head from his chest. "What are you doing here?" Her lungs were breathing easier. She'd returned home-had to be. Venus opened her eyes and noticed his face. It looked pinched. He appeared to be in pain. "Michael?"

"Hi," he said softly, moving his arms from around her waist, a small grin on his face.

It had been Michael who'd kept her safe, protected her.

Zaren reached in and pulled her from Michael's lap. She felt like an invalid. "Stop. Put me down. I can walk." Venus glanced back at Michael, then up into Zaren's face. "I'm fine."

He released her. She took a step. Her legs gave way and she started to fall. Michael bolted out of the c.o.c.kpit, but that hadn't been necessary. Zaren steadied her. "Princess. Let me carry you." He pulled her into his arms.

Venus huffed. "You shouldn't be wasting your time."

"You don't know that." He moved with sure-footed ease. The misty air surrounding the Manshum Mountains was so dense she could taste it, reach out and touch it. No one had told her where they were, but it was obvious.

For so much mist swirling around it was a wonder anything could grow, but as they walked, Venus heard the vegetation brush against Zaren, and the thick gra.s.s getting smashed under his shoes. Off to the right, beadizens were chirping noisily, their small orange wings slashing through the air above, and their song eerie in the dark night.

Every once in a while she'd hear the scurry of little creatures rustling through the bushes-probably muscaratys. White and long-haired, four little paws with razor-sharp claws and a twitchy nose with whiskers. Their long, floppy ears, soft and almost reaching the gra.s.sy floor. A long thin tail with a poof of fur on the end. They'd be adorable if it weren't for their vicious temperament. Thankfully they didn't hunt in packs.

She snuck a look at Zaren's face. He looked solid, concentrating on the task at hand. His eyes flitted back and forth, scanning for danger as he went. Kelvieri had perfect vision. It didn't matter the terrain or conditions. Some immortals were better at hunting than other. Zaren was one of the best. Venus doubted he remembered she rested in his arms.

Zaren. Testing to see if he could still read her thoughts. No response. Venus let out a sigh of relief. It was nice to have some privacy.

After a few minutes they reached the mouth of the cave. As in the love story of the G.o.ds, the entrance loomed before them-gigantic. Like an enormous, howling wraith, it would swallow them whole.

Zaren stepped inside.

She held her breath. Another doorway. Death waits for me in there. I know it.

He stopped on the other side of the entrance. They were coc.o.o.ned in darkness thick as irrihunter blood. She expected more, like Formytians waiting to bind them and drag them to the G.o.ds. Or a screeching, flying Mingtar the size of an adult kelarian, its grand red beak sent to rip her to shreds, and then carry her pieces to the feet to the G.o.ds.

Nothing happened.

Zaren took another step inside.

"You can put me down now, Formytian."

He did as she asked.

A blue light formed above their heads, like a halo. Small, but letting off enough of a glow so that they could make out their surroundings. Zaren started walking again, straight forward. He could see further ahead than she could. As they continued in, the light grew larger, making the cave more visible. Stalact.i.tes and stalagmites were everywhere, hovering above them and growing from the floor, next to them. The floor looked like ice, but it wasn't cold. On the contrary, a warm wind blew from the direction they headed, bringing along different smells-the frothy sea and a garden full of flowers.

Venus raised a brow in question. Zaren nodded, and they continued on the only path available. Crystals sparkled and twinkled at her from every side. A green hue emanated from the pillars, as though they were walking into a giant mouth full of razor-sharp, emerald teeth. By the time they reached the next opening, their room shone bright as noonday.

She and Zaren both paused. There wasn't a door, but they still couldn't see inside because it was pitch black. At least that's how it looked to her.

The moment of truth. The G.o.ds were on the other side. Venus sensed them. It dawned on her that Zaren had made this trip once before, when he'd been changed. Did he regret having been her Formytian? And her friend? She'd caused him so much trouble.

"Come in, children. It's rude to loiter in one's doorway," a musical, female said.

Her legs felt stronger, but they shook. It was a combination of feelings. Fear, sure. But they shook in antic.i.p.ation as well. At last, she could end this, whatever the end would be.

Zaren gave her hand a quick squeeze. She refused to hold her breath, and stepped into the room.

All around them blue lights popped on. With her eyes, she followed them and searched the room for its secrets.

The home of the G.o.ds.

There were glittering rocks all around them and she could hear waves smashing against a rocky sh.o.r.e. The floor rose and dipped, uneven. Small ridges curved underfoot, making the way treacherous. It still looked icy clear. Little rainbows refracted onto the walls and ceiling. Venus took a tentative step and then another. The floor was made of thousands of diamonds.

She searched for openings or windows, but there weren't any. Green vines covered many sections of the ceiling and walls. She was curious as to how they grew inside the cave.

Where did the wind come from? It kept brushing against her hair, pushing it off her face. She heard a drip, drip, drip, but she couldn't find the source.

Directly across from her were two enormous chairs. They appeared to have been made out of gla.s.s (or diamonds). Seated in them were two of the most glorious kels she'd ever seen.

The G.o.ds of Kelari. Ith and Aetha.

Aetha had on a white dress, which looked like silk. On her feet were the immortal's boots. The First Boots. She couldn't help but wonder what sorts of weaknesses were symbolized in the heels. Did Aetha have any? Her stark white hair had been braided long. She had it draped over her shoulder. Within the braid, she had a blue ribbon, the color of irrihunter blood. Every tiny movement caused the color to change-darken and then lighten.

On her head sat a simple crown. The tallest peak had a large blue stone captured at the top, surrounded by smaller, light-blue stones. On either side were two slightly smaller peaks, each holding a large clear stone. Probably a diamond. All of the remaining peaks were small and held diamonds as well. Her eyes were a light violet and her skin shone almost as white as her hair.

Venus found Aetha's crown spectacular.

Ith looked as stunning. Black hair, short and wavy. His skin mahogany. Eyes gleaming, a spring gra.s.s green. He had on a pair of black pants, the bottoms tucked into his Kelvieri's Boots and a white tunic. On his head rested a crown, the same blue gem in the center, with diamonds setting in each of the lesser peaks, but his was thicker and more elaborate.

"Come closer, child," Ith said. His words rang deep and clear.

Venus took a few uncertain steps forward, looking down. At that moment she realized what she still had on-only the awful hospital gown and Michael's coat. She wanted to die of humiliation.

"You look beautiful, child," Aetha said. So she could read minds. In a way, Venus was glad. Her thoughts would confirm Venus hadn't done any of the crimes she'd been accused of.

Venus nodded. "Thank you, G.o.ddess." She knelt before them both. Strange enough, after she kneeled, the diamond substance didn't feel hard anymore, but gave slightly under the pressure. It was as though her knees rested on an invisible pillow.

"It's my pleasure."

Venus waited for more from her or him-either of them-but no one spoke. The room so quiet she heard only the whistling wind, and the drip-dripping coming from somewhere on the right. Taking a deep breath to settle her nerves, she recognized a new scent on the breeze. A twinge of happiness ran from her fingers to her toes.

Home.

The impossible had happened. Venus wanted to live! The smell wafting around her was sweet hyath, her favorite flower.

Had the G.o.ds brought the beautiful smell in for me? Highly unlikely, but she gladly drew another deep breath. The scent enveloped her. She'd always loved sweet hyath, kept it in her rooms. The aroma got rid of her anxieties. She breathed in again, more deeply, and slowly blew out the wretched air from Earth, along with her feelings of anger, hate, stress and sadness. Some of the weight she'd been carrying around the past week lifted.

"Ith. Aetha. I'm so sorry . . . for so many things. I'm a stubborn girl who does things I shouldn't." Venus raised her head, to look at them. "With all that I am, I love and respect both of you very much. I never said anything blasphemous against either of you. That's a promise."

Aetha spoke, "We've seen your heart, child. Searched your memories. We know you didn't do that which you've been accused."

"Oh, I'm so glad," she began, but Ith held up a hand.

He said, "What doesn't change, is that a punishment must be given to those who did."

Venus nodded. That was high on her list-to bring revenge down upon those who'd harmed her family, killed her irrihunter.

Aetha spoke. "We understand your need for vengeance. But first things first."

Nervousness pierced her heart. Cret! She nodded, preparing for whatever the consequences would be-even death. She'd known that was a probability-had accepted it. A part of her still wanted to fight.

"We gave you a task. Help the boy, Michael, find his soul mate. Did you accomplish this?" Ith asked.

Biting her lip, she lowered her head. In a whisper, she said, "If you know I didn't do the things I've been accused of, why must the task still matter?"

"It matters because we are G.o.ds and we've commanded the oath and promise be fulfilled. That has not changed," Aetha said.

Venus raised her head, a flash of rebellion. "But you've searched my mind. You know I didn't accomplish it. The human, he loved a girl, but she wasn't his true love . . ." She worked to hold back the burning tears. Now that she'd returned, she should've been able to better control her emotions. That wasn't the case.

"Didn't you?" Ith asked.

Zaren stepped next to her and kneeled. "My G.o.ds, that she failed is my fault. I take full responsibility. Any punishment you demand, I'll make the payment. I give my promise." He pressed his right fist to his chest-the sign of the Formytian's Pledge.

Venus wouldn't have it.

"No." She glared at him. "Don't even say that. You aren't my Formytian anymore."

Tinkling laughter, like beautiful music, echoed throughout the room. Venus looked over and saw Ith and Aetha laughing. Their smiles and joy were a magical balm, filling the air.