Chapter 12

Lilly's POV

Morning came as the sun was illuminating a soft light through the window. For the first time since the world collapsed I wake up to peace instead of screams and chaos. The curtains in the room were thin so I felt the warmth of the sun on my face enjoying every minute of it.

The memories flashed through my mind, the ambush, the settlement, the strange light that comes from me and the gorgeous man wgho I can't keep away from my thoughts, Kael. His name sent shivers down my spine, not in a bad way, and I knew there was a connection between us that I would need to confront at some point.

Scarlet stirred from her bed rolling over with a groan. "Morning already?"

"Yes it seems like it."

She blinked at the light and said, "We didn't die in our sleep so I am taking that as a win."

I smiled slightly but my nerves were going crazy, there was something about this place that felt off and unnatural but safe. When we emerged into the kitchen Mary and John were already there with Lilac in front of Mary getting her hair braided. Liam stood by the sink, freshly shaven and clean, he looked human again drinking coffee and gazing out the window.

"Morning," he said glancing at me before continuing, "We have been notified that we will be meeting Kael soon. Apparently he wants to go over a arrangement for staying here."

"Sounds about right," I replied tightly. I didn't expect anything less for safety in this world.

"We need to be careful we don't know what we are walking into here." Liam's jaw tightened. He didn't need to say more.

We followed one of the guards through the street lined with clean houses and trimmed hedges. There were people laughing, kids chasing each other and women hanging laundry on lines to dry the apocalypse hadn't just spared this place it had rebuilt it.

When we reached the large house that belonged to Kael two men stood guard outside the doorway.

"He's expecting you," one of the guards nodded and opened the door for us.

Liam went first and I followed directly behind him keeping Scarlet close. My heart was already racing and I didn't know why. Inside the air was cool the space opened up into a large room with high ceilings and windows that had the sunlight hit them perfectly. Maps covered one wall they were of the world as it used to be, others were marked with symbols I have never seen before.

Standing in the middle of the room was Kael, he was even more appealing then I remembered, his dark hair was pushed back and messy like he had been rung his fingers through it. His eyes were locked on me and I had a feeling they would always be.

"Welcome," he said with a smooth deep voice. "I trust you rested well and you were given food."

"Yes," Liam answered, his tone cautious but polite. "We appreciate your hospitality."

Kael nodded once and replied, "It's rare to see new survivors with the world beyond these walls being cruel."

"You can say that again." Scarlet muttered.

Kael's eyes flicked to her and then to me. I didn't know what he saw but the way he looked at me made it hard to breathe like he knew everything about me and was waiting.

Liam cleared his throat and said, "We would like to stay and help out where we can, we don't want handouts."

Kael agreed. "You will earn your place here like everyone does. There is plenty of jobs to contribute to like training, guard duty, construction and several others. But know that you will be safe here."

Safe.. There was that word again and it still felt like a lie, but maybe things will be different.

Kael's gaze found me again. "And you, Lilly?"

I stiffened and asked, "What about me?"

"You have been quiet."

"I am still trying to determine if this is real," I said and my voice was steadier than I felt.

His mouth curved just slightly, not a smile, but close to one. "It's real enough."

There was something in the way he said that it made goosebumps break out on my arms, like he wasn't talking about the settlement at all.

Liam stepped forward and mentioned, "If we are staying we will do our part there's no denying that but we need to understand what we are walking into. You protect this place correct?"

Kael's eyes hardened. "I protect what is mine. This is a place were gods, half gods and even humans can walk and live together peacefully. You have seen what walks the earth now, the veil between realms is torn. I built something we can all survive and live peacefully with each other."

Something about the way he said it made the air seem to pulse. I can feel the invisible pressure of power just beneath his skin, just enough that no one seemed to argue with him.

Scarlet felt the power just like I did because the instant it happened she grabbed my arm with her nails pinching into my skin. "Lilly, you feel that, right?"

"Yeah."

Kael turned away, he walked back toward the maps on the wall just far enough away I can see that he is trying to calm down. "You will continue to stay in the house you have settled into last night. Tomorrow you will be assigned work." He paused then added without turning towards us, "And stay within the walls after sundown."

"Why?" I asked.

He looked over his shoulder at me and just for a brief second I saw something dangerous flash in his eyes.

"Because the things you have seen so far aren't the only monsters left," he said quietly.

We left in silence, even once the doors closed behind us I could feel the weight of his presence lingering in my chest.

When we reached the street Scarlet caught my arm. "Are you okay?"

I hesitated but replied, "I think so, that was intense."

We continued walking enjoying the sound of laughter that drifted from somewhere down the street. I looked around and in that moment I could see us happy here.

I just hope it was possible.