Chapter 122: Home At Last pt1
**Avery**
We sent the captives ahead because Regina couldn’t carry everyone and Draven was too weak to do a portal and I didn’t want to attempt one in my disheveled state. I am still concerned if my mates will hate me for what I did with Draven and Rory. The grand doors of the Naga palace swing open, the heavy wood creaking as we step into the grand foyer. We are a study in contrasts: my striking red and blonde hair cascading over my shoulders, my eyes rimmed with red from unshed tears; Draven, his dark hair falling over his blue eyes, a shadow of a beard darkening his jaw; and Rory, her thin frame tense, her eyes still radiating shock from what had transpired hours ago.
The air is thick with the scent of polished wood and the faint tang of magic. The sound of our footsteps echoes through the empty hall, a stark contrast to the bustling activity that usually fills the palace. But today, the only movement comes from the Trio—Cassius, Clint, and Conner—who stand at the top of the grand staircase, their eyes fixed on us.
Cassius, his lean frame clad in form-fitting leather armor, steps forward, his blue eyes piercing as they take in my distraught state. Clint, his blue eyes flashing with concern, moves to stand beside him. Conner, his bright blue eyes narrowed in thought, leans against the banister, his arms crossed over his broad chest.
As I catch sight of them, my eyes fill with tears, and I rush forward, my arms outstretched. "Cassius, Clint, Conner," I cry, my voice breaking as I reach them. "I... I had to do things... terrible things to get us home."
My words hang in the air, heavy with unspoken confession. The Trio exchange a glance, their faces unreadable, before Cassius steps forward, his hand gently grasping my shoulder. "Avery, what happened?" he asks, his voice low and gentle.
But I can't hold back the flood of emotions any longer. The words tumble out of me, a torrent of confession and shame. "I... I had to fuck them," I whisper, my eyes downcast. "The Ancient One, a stirgoi... it demanded a sacrifice, and I... I couldn't let Draven or Rory..." My voice trails off, but the implication is clear. The Trio stare at me, their faces a mask of shock and hurt. Clint's jaw tightens, his eyes flashing with anger, while Conner's arms unfold, his hands clenching into fists at his sides.
Cassius, his expression unreadable, takes a step back, his hand falling away from my shoulder. "I... we need to talk," he says, his voice tight. "Alone." My eyes widen, and I reach out as if to stop them, but they're already turning away, their broad shoulders tense as they head down the hallway. I stand there, frozen, as the reality of what I have done settles over me like a shroud.
Draven and Rory exchange a glance, their faces pale, before Draven steps forward, his hand gently grasping my elbow. "Come on," he says, his voice low. "Let's get you to your room. You need to rest."
I allow myself to be led away, my feet moving mechanically as we make our way down the hallway. My mind is a whirlwind of emotions: shame, guilt, and a deep, aching sadness. I can't shake the feeling that I have lost something precious, something I may never get back. As we reach my old room, Draven helps me inside, his hand gently guiding me to the edge of the bed. "I'll be right outside if you need me," he says, his voice gentle. "Try to get some rest. I will never desert you. Please rest and then wash up once you have the energy. If you need help, Rory and I are here for you…always."
I nod, my eyes fixed on the floor, as Draven closes the door behind him. I sit there, motionless, as the minutes tick by, the silence pressing down on me like a weight. Meanwhile, the Trio has retreated to the library, a grand room lined with shelves of ancient tomes and leather-bound volumes. They stand before the fireplace, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames, as they discuss what they've just learned. I shut off the link because I can’t bear to hear them talk about me and what I had to do and would do again to save the ones I love.
**Cassius**
"I can't believe she did that," Clint says, his voice tight with anger. "After everything we've been through, how could she..."
"It's not that simple," I interrupt, my voice low. "We don't know what she was up against. The Ancient One... it's not something to be taken lightly. It's a stirgio and perhaps the last of its kind. It could end any dragon just as the Mishipeshu could have."
Conner, his eyes narrowed in thought, speaks up. "But does that justify what she did? We're not just talking about a minor transgression here. She fucked them, Cassius. All of them." The room falls silent as the weight of his words settles over them. Clint's jaw tightens, his eyes flashing with a mixture of emotions: anger, hurt, and something else... something darker.
I break the silence. "We can't let this come between us," I say, my voice firm. "Avery's been through a lot, and we need to be there for her. But..." I trail off, my eyes meeting Clint's. "We also need to make it clear that what she did is not okay."
Clint nods, his shoulders relaxing slightly, as Conner speaks up. "Maybe we need to show her that there are consequences to her actions. But also... that we're willing to forgive." We fall silent, our eyes locked in a triangle of unspoken communication. Slowly, a plan begins to form, a way to show Avery that we are willing to move past her transgression, but also to make it clear that what she did will not be forgotten.
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