Ith said, "It must feel good to know you have someone like Zaren by your side."

"It does," she responded, clenching her fists. And there was no way she would let him suffer for her.

"Venus, you are a lady of honor, and Zaren, you are a Formytian far superior to any I've met, save one." Aetha glanced over at Ith. "The First Formytian would've laid down his life for me. He tried, even."

Venus remembered their story.

"I'm sorry Zaren, but you cannot accept the child's consequences. She must do that alone," Ith said, kindly.

"Please." Zaren bowed his head.

"Let's see if there is a need for punishment." Ith and Aetha looked toward the entrance they'd come through.

54. Listen To Your Heart.

Venus turned to see what had caught their attention.

"Michael," she exclaimed, rising. He didn't look very good. Eyes sunk deep, black shadows in crescents beneath. Leaves stuck in his hair.

How did he find us?

A pant leg was soaked with blood. He had his hands stuffed in his front pockets.

"W-What happened to you?"

"Come in, son," Ith commanded.

Michael limped forward.

She watched him in frenzied silence. Then ran to his side, stuck her shoulder under his left arm and helped him walk. "What are you doing?" she whispered, fiercely.

When they reached Zaren, Michael gently pushed her away and knelt, letting out a grunt when his knees. .h.i.t the floor.

"Thank you, your highness."

Aetha rose from her chair and moved toward Michael. "Let me ease your pain, my son." She lifted him easily.

Venus wasn't sure who to focus on, worried about how Michael's presence would affect the situation. A human meeting their G.o.ds couldn't be good. Yet, they seemed happy he was here, like they knew him. How was it possible?

Aetha touched his forehead and his grimace softened. "Michael, you've done a great service. We are eternally grateful you brought Venus home. Why son, would you do such a thing? You've put your life in mortal danger." The look on her face revealed she already knew the answer, but wanted Michael to say it. She brushed a leaf out of his hair and then walked back to her chair, sitting.

Michael reached down, felt his leg and raised an eyebrow. "It seemed like the right thing to do," he responded. "And, thank you. Whatever you did, my leg is much better."

She inclined her head. "Of course, Michael." Then she glanced at Ith, touching his arm. Her movements tender, loving.

"Is that the only reason?" Ith asked, reaching over, stroking Aetha's hand.

"No. It isn't. The biggest reason was that I wanted to keep Venus safe." He turned and looked at her, his eyes filled with-she couldn't place it. She'd kneeled next to him so he remained between her and Zaren.

Venus quickly glanced at Zaren and noticed the straightness of his back. He seemed to be working to keep his mind clear. A part of her wanted to laugh at him, poke fun-ask how it felt to have his thoughts read like an open book. Of course she didn't. Their situation was too serious. His face remained blank, unreadable to probably everyone else. She knew it was an illusion. After years of spending so much time with him, it'd become easy to recognize his different tells. At the moment, his jaw clenched and unclenched. He stared down. What troubled him? She wondered what the G.o.ds must think of whatever he was working so hard to keep hidden.

He's not upset I helped Michael? Maybe he knew where the conversation was headed. Should I be worried?

"You've no reason for concern, daughter. All will be revealed in time." Aetha's beautiful eyes danced back and forth between Zaren and Venus.

"You wanted Venus safe? You've accomplished that. She is safe. I believe there's another reason," Ith said.

Michael lowered his head, giving Venus a sideways glance. "Yes, that's true," he whispered.

"Michael?" Venus cleared her throat.

He lifted his head. Clearly, he answered, "I'm in love with Venus."

"Aw, there's the truth of it," Aetha said, clapping her hands softly.

"What?" Venus asked, surprised. That didn't seem possible. Surely his feelings were twisted because of their bond. "It can't be true. You love Cheverly. Anything you feel for me isn't real." She searched his face and then nervously peered at Zaren. He hadn't moved. Facing Ith and Aetha, she said, "Please remove the connection between us and allow him to return to his world. Michael can't understand what he's saying."

Michael shook his head and turned. Taking her hand, he laced his fingers with hers. "Whether the G.o.ds release our connection or not, it won't matter. What I feel for you is more than some bond." He reached out and grasped her other hand. Warmth spread through her fingers and up her arm. Nervously, she watched him, searching for a sign that the words he spoke were anything but the truth. He continued, "Having you in my life has mended my soul, helped me to believe I'm more . . . that I matter. Knowing you has made me whole."

"I think you're-" The warmth of his touch made it difficult to think straight. She pulled her hands from his, and bit her lip, uneasy.

His eyes softened as he pressed the palm of her hand to his chest. Then he brushed his fingers against her cheek, rubbing a thumb over her bottom lip. "My heart didn't beat until I met you," he whispered. She shivered at the emotional intensity radiating from him. His chocolate eyes melted her, filled her. He grinned. "I'm in love with you, Venus."

Her heart thumped in her chest, wild. She held his gaze, stunned and then looked away, trying to organize her feelings. What could she say? No doubt she cared, but in love? A week ago she hadn't even allowed herself to feel-anything-let alone love. Studying her hands, she started, "Michael . . ."

Ith interrupted softly, "Venus, you've accomplished your task." She watched as he gestured toward Michael. The motion reminded her of ocean's waves. Aetha did the same.

When they were finished, Venus experienced a change within, like a strong pulling. It hurt and she gasped. When the pain was gone, she knew the forced connection had been severed. But . . . some kind of link remained.

I still feel him.

To Ith and Aetha, she said, "This can't be possible." Beyond the bond between them, an attraction for him still existed-and maybe more. She'd never been so confused.

Zaren! And, there was Palmo to consider as well. Now that she'd returned, she had to think about her obligations to her family, and to her people.

Aetha let out a tinkled laugh. "Whatever your feelings for Michael, they're beside the point. All we required was that Michael realizes his true love. We've discerned that on his end, the love he feels for you, is true. Abiding. Eternal." Then her eyes became sad. "We never said those feelings had to be reciprocated."

"But, that isn't right!" Venus searched Michael's face. How must he feel? What could he be thinking? It was difficult to tell. He stared ahead. From where she knelt, she couldn't see any negative emotions. No anger or sorrow. Instead, he looked determined. At peace. Without a doubt, he loved her. "He can't love me. He's human. We couldn't ever be together. Besides, I-" Venus stopped, unsure how to finish. Her feelings for Zaren were strong. She knew she loved him, but was she in love with him? Were her feelings for Zaren those of true love? She didn't know.

Ith spoke. "Daughter, there are many things you don't yet understand. What you need to know, for now, is that you've succeeded. All is forgiven. Know this, though. Those who bore witness against you came before us, personally. We searched their hearts and minds. What they spoke against you, they believe to be true."

After a pause, he continued, "You must seek out those who've accused you of your crimes. That is your next task. And when you find them, you'll know what to do. Start in Alayeah. With those who are close to your family. If you go over the events leading up to your exile, I'm sure you will realize where to begin. Hunt down justice for yourself, your family and your irrihunter."

Venus nodded. Freedom! And able to pursue those who'd hurt her family and Sadraden.

Aetha said, "One more thing. Come here, child."

She rose and walked toward her. "Yes?"

"Closer." Ith chuckled.

Venus stood between them, nearly touching their legs. "How may I serve?" she asked, her head bowed.

They rose. Aetha said, "The time has come." They placed their hands on her head. Aetha continued, "Venus, child of the bigger sun, we bestow the final rites of immortality upon you. In the name of Ith."

Ith took over, "In the name of Aetha, everything we are is yours, to use for the good of Kelari, for the good of all worlds. Much will be demanded of you. Use your weaknesses to better yourself and those around you. You're full of love. Your soul is filled with what is right. Help your people understand the changes they will be expected to make. Never forget that you are of the tribe of Suraey, born leaders of this world."

Aetha spoke again, "You're life will be one of service. Find the joy in helping others. Being a leader means more than giving orders. To be a good leader, you must first be a good follower. You are the newest kelvieri. Help your world and other world's as necessary. The choices you make will affect generations to come."

"Lead. Loyalty. Love," Ith said with power.

Aetha, finished, "Lead with loyalty and love. Make that your motto. Follow it, daughter kelvieri."

As Aetha spoke, Venus lifted her hands and noticed Michael's coat and the book he'd given her had vanished, her arms exposed.

My book, she couldn't help thinking.

Aetha said, "Daughter, you worry too much, especially for one who kept her feelings so far buried."

Venus agreed as she watched her clothing disappear.

Blue light radiated from every pore of her skin. She felt a chill, like an ice cube, in her lower belly. The cold spread downward and upward simultaneously. Bigger and bigger, colder and colder, a throbbing circle of ice, pushing everything warm and mortal out of her body. It went down her thighs and up, into her lungs, to her knees and into her hearts, to her shins, ankles, feet, toes and her neck, the throbbing growing stronger.

Every pliable, dysfunctional organ replaced, and sustained by the organs of immortality. When the cold reached her eyes, the pupils dilated and her vision became more sharp-crystal clear. Her hearing more attuned to her surroundings, and when she breathed out, a puff that looked like smoke escaped, as though the room had frozen and Venus was the one possessed with warmth.

Her last breath of mortality.

She was changing.

As she changed, the elements-air, wind, heat and water-took on a new, more exquisite level of meaning.

Extraordinary that she could feel the shift. Her smaller heart stopped. The blood evaporated. In its place, the bigger organ, called the epsis, began beating harder. Venus looked down and noticed a green pulsing on the right side of her chest. It beat in time with the thumping of her epsis. As it beat, the green substance, called ephiny, flowed through her once-clear veins. When the ephiny had run through every inch of her body, she sparkled like an emerald green gem.

Behind her, she heard a gasp and figured it had to be Michael. Zaren wouldn't be surprised by the changes, since he'd gone through them.

After a while, the glittering green on her skin vanished returning once again to a creamy peach. Venus put a hand to her chest, feeling for the thump- thump of her epsis. It no longer beat.

Instead, her body possessed a vibration.

The cold hissed intense. Venus knew she'd burn up. Turn to ash at any moment. Or shatter into millions of pieces. The tiniest movement had her longing to scream. She resisted. Ith and Aetha stood so close. She worried about showing the G.o.ds any weakness. Would they transform her back into a regular kelarian? Closing her eyes, she gritted her teeth.

The ephiny would be replaced by the eternal substance they called, celestrum.

After what seemed like hours, the cold began receding. She took a deep breath. The motion felt amazing. In that moment, she knew the immortality transformation had been completed. She'd become a kelvieri.

Immortal.

Dizzy with excitement, Venus clasped her hands together and opened her eyes. For so long she'd dreamed about this moment. Speculated about what she'd look like. What she'd feel like. Gazing around the cave, everything her eyes lay upon shone clearer, brighter and sharper, as though a veil had been lifted.

The soft dripping she'd heard earlier now sounded like the banging of symbols. Easily, she located the source-a tiny hole in the wall, smaller than a pin head. Focusing on the hole, it was easy to see inside, the droplets of water forcing their way through the dirt and outward. A hitch caught in her throat. Such love and grat.i.tude filled her for these G.o.ds, her family, Zaren, her people, and Michael.

"Thank you," she whispered looking first at Ith and then Aetha.

Ith smiled. After the G.o.ds had removed their hands from her head, he said, "Child, it's our pleasure."

Aetha stepped closer to Venus. Sweet hyath permeated all around her. Venus realized Aetha was the source of the smell. "One more thing," Aetha whispered.

Venus stood perfectly still, Aetha's nearness making her skin p.r.i.c.kle with joy.

Taking Venus's hands in hers, Aetha kissed her on the cheek. When she withdrew, Aetha said, "You must surround yourself with goodness. Let's start with some beautiful clothes for a beautiful kelvieri." She paused and winked before continuing, "And a little something extra." She released Venus's hands and moved to stand next to Ith.

Venus saw a shimmering, sky blue blouse materialize on the top half of her body. The sleeves reached her wrists and V'd at the neck. The material soft as air-gauzy and light. Trousers the same color as her boots, appeared on her legs. At her waist was a black belt. An irrihunter head, black and silver, with bright violet eyes and a pink nose, held the belt at the center. Touching it, she gasped, for it licked her fingers.

"What the-" She searched the faces of the G.o.ds for an answer.

Light laughter erupted from them.

Aetha said, "You'll understand when the time is right. Take care of Tortevia. She'll be a guiding light in the darkness."

Mystified, Venus said, "Thank you, I will. She's beautiful as are my clothes."

Eyes twinkling, Ith said, "Now go, and take Zaren with you. We have more to discuss with Michael. The next time we speak, let it be that you've brought your accusers." With a flick of his wrist, he dismissed them.

"But-" She turned and watched Zaren rise. His face and demeanor were more relaxed than she'd seen him all week.

"Everything will be fine, Venus. We'll make sure Michael is safe," Aetha said, tenderly.

Michael still kneeled, head straightforward. Hair mussed, but somehow perfect. Venus started toward him and was surprised by how quickly she moved.

Letting out a gasp, she said, "Whoa." Barely stopping before she ran him over. She peered over her shoulder at the G.o.ds, her face hot with embarra.s.sment.

They smiled like any parent would at a child learning to walk.

Sheepish, she placed a hand on Michael's shoulder. "Michael, I-I . . ."

"Don't worry about me." He didn't look at her. Venus tried to will his eyes to hers.

One more time, let me see your face.

He turned, his chocolate eyes filled with his desires. She touched his cheek and wished she hadn't. She realized she didn't want to leave him, didn't want to be without him. Ever. With a shudder, she pulled her hand away, shocked at the revelation.

"We'll wait for you," she said, her resolve firm.

He gave a slight nod, but had already turned away.