Chapter 95: Convergence of the World

That was wholly different in the great hall in the packhouse, silks everywhere, chandeliers reflecting glittering sparks here and there-a place for rejoicing. Beings from every face of the supernatural world, present in the midst of werewolves, vampires, witches, and some more elusive creatures whose names spoke under silent breathing on behalf of Alpha Ileus himself. There he stood, right in the center, in all the midnight blue. It was not the pomps and colorChapter 94: Alpha's Special Days of the party now entering that made his heart sense pride, but rather so many had come to honor an invitation sent by his dear mate, Reika. "She really outdid herself," Ileus murmured to Kael, who stood beside him, nursing a goblet of blood red wine. Kael chuckled, his eyes roving over the colorful crowd. "Your mate certainly knows how to surprise everyone, doesn't she? Just look at this turnout, it's like the whole supernatural world came to pay their respects." Ileus nodded. His eyes melted across the room with Reika's sake: how she'd filled their bubble without demand upon the universe's help. As Ileus was greeting a knot of werewolf alphas, who had arrived to pledge fealty, through the churning colors of the crowd, something there caught his gaze across the room; a figure that he had never expected to ever see again. Addams Wesley. A silence seemed to fall within Ileus' thoughts, for Addams was of the fae-a race which was supposed to have vanished off the face of Earth, still a myth, a myth about a race of beautiful creatures with abilities out of this world, standing right there in his presence. Ileus excused himself from the circle and strode toward the fae. The closer he got, the more Addams's presence struck him: silver hair glittering under the chandelier's light, and in pale-blue eyes seemed a depth, a weight to slice through time. "Addams Wesley," Ileus said, extending his hand. "This is an honor." Addams turned, his face alight with a warm, mystic smile. "The honor is mine, Alpha Ileus. I couldn't refuse an invitation given with such consideration." Ileus leant his head, sparkling curiosity in his eyes. "We had thought the fae vanished. Are your people still…?" Addams smiled wistfully. "We are not extinct, merely in hiding. The world has become a very unsafe place for those of us who walk between worlds. But we do still exist, in silence." The weight of the words lay between them until Ileus nodded gravely. "You're most welcome here. Tonight is a night of unification and joy, and I am glad you could join us." Addams bowed his head politely. "The invitation from your mate was.not easy to decline. Eloquence seems second nature to her, does it not?" "It does," Ileus chuckled softly. "Come, let me introduce you to her." Reika had been debating in a circle with a group of witches when Ileus appeared with Addams at his elbow. She spun, her expression lighting up the second her eyes came to rest upon them. "Reika," Ileus said, and nodded toward the fae. "This is Addams Wesley. He's… a fae." Reika's eyes rose just a little, but she composed herself again. "Addams Wesley," she said warmly and invitingly. "Good to find you. Appreciate you accepting our invitation." "The pleasure is my own, Luna Reika," Addams returned, slighting his bow. "It does not often bear that my kind should leave the wilds, but your invitation was an impossibility to find and dismiss, in any case, sincere. Reika studied him for a moment, her gaze curious yet kind. "I hope you're enjoying yourself." "I am," Addams said with a small smile. "Your assembly speaks to the health and harmony of your rule. So rarely does one find so many breeds gathered together without incident, without violence." Reika lifted her glass in toast. "To peace, then, and to unlikely friendships." Addams echoed the movement. "To peace." Glasses clinked, and for an instant, it was as though the room hushed itself in recognition of that poignancy. The night stretched on with an elasticity, as one sees in gobstoppers kept over time. Guest upon guest joined in the laughter-who danced-merry over dishes spread out under the bright lights to tease their plates; there were musicians playing melodious tunes in front of or amidst them all, and unusual flowers scented the cool breeze. Ileus and Reika waded through the crowd, shaking hands and greeting their guests. "I still can't believe how many came," Ileus said, turning to Reika as they stopped near the staircase. "Oh, trust me," she replied with an impish grin. "They came because they respect you-and because I may have used a little persuasion in my letters." He laughed and pulled her close. "You are incredible, you know that?" "So are you," she replied, setting her head to his shoulder. Seating himself for a moment near the head of the hall, Ileus was joined once more by Kael, who wore an amused expression. "Having fun yet?" Kael teased. Ileus chuckled. "I suppose I am. It's… overwhelming but in a good way." Kael sipped his wine, looking out to the crowd. "I noticed you talking to Addams Wesley earlier. A fae at your birthday party-now that's a story." Ileus nodded. "It is surprising, at least. But it's also one of those things that remind us that the world is so much larger than we often manage to realize." "And more complicated," Kael added. "But for tonight, let's focus on the good. This is a celebration, after all." Ileus raised his goblet. "To good things, then." "To good things," Kael echoed clinking his goblet against Ileus's. ---The Cliffhanger And thus, into the darkening night-the one outside was full of it-a well-contented Ileus finally feels so, finally amongst his folk and allies all linked by aim and purpose: at his right, Reika sat. It was in these-he felt strong, a bond smitten between these few, a singleness born of itself. Yet large as the room was, his eyes kept straying back to Addams Wesley, deep in a very heated discussion with a group of witches. There was just something about the fae that fascinated and unnerved him at the same time. But before Ileus could consider this any further, Reika was beside him, her hand brushing lightly against his arm. "Everything okay?" He nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes. Just… thinking." Reika leaned her head to one side and studied him. "Let's enjoy tonight. Whatever's on your mind can wait until tomorrow."