7

#

"Since you are escorting..." Kallias glanced at him with a scowl. "- him. I thought you wanted to stay close to him. So, I got your adjoining rooms." He gestured at the two doors. Terrin stiffened a little, something both males noticed. "Or if you don't -"

"No, it's okay."

Kallias placed his hands on her shoulders, looking down with a soft smile. "I know you are only staying for two nights. But you know you're always welcome to stay longer. We love having you here."

"I love it here too. Next time -" She glanced at Eris. "When I'm not so busy, I'll stay longer. To bond with that daughter of yours."

"I can't wait." He squeezed her shoulders before dropping his hands, he turned to walk away but glanced over his shoulder. "We know you probably don't have any party clothes in that bag of yours, so Viviane got you something." He winked and disappeared from the hallway.

Eris leaned against the wall across their rooms, crossing his arms over his chest. "So, your close with all the High Lords?"

"Not all, more than you, probably." She said, her face and tone neutral as she leaned against her door. "I've heard you had a reputation but seeing it..." She looked away.

It didn't take him long to get that reputation. It didn't take long for anyone to hate him, most of the time he didn't care. Most of the time... but the look on his mother's face, the look on her face. The obvious disappointment there. He didn't remember her, but she obviously remembered him. How he used to be. He remembered feeling happier, freer back then, even with his family. Was that all because of her?

"I did what needed to be done."

Her eyes flashed to him. Anger and again disappointment filled her eyes. He pretended he didn't care, didn't show any emotion on his face by her look. But deep inside...

"I'm going to get ready." She turned to her door.

"Terrin." He grasped her small wrist in his hand. She waited, looking over her shoulder to him with her bright green eyes. But he didn't know what to say. He just couldn't let her go in with that look on her face. "I -"

Her other hand rested on the one grabbing her wrist, her fingers going over the two dots, the two small scars. "You don't need to say anything. You are who you are now." She dropped her hand and opened the door. "Goodnight, Eris."

It felt cold without her hand on him, without her next to him. He watched her closed door for a long time before he went to his room.

#

She was sipping her wine, glancing at the party around her. Viviane had left her a beautiful red gown, the fabric smooth against her skin. The neckline was deep, showing off her full breasts. Viviane had gone all out on this dress, and she felt the eyes of several males upon her. Viviane and Kallias were dancing, their bodies close together. She was so happy for them, after what they've gone through. She still wasn't sure about the whole Mate thing, but they chose each other before they knew, they chose each other because they loved each other and for no other reason.

"It has been a while, Eve."

She turned to a familiar voice. Kellan, one of her frequent hook-ups from the Winter Court stood before her. His white hair a big contrast to his black suit. She smiled at him, broad and unfiltered.

"It has been a long time." She purred, tracing a finger over his broad arm. "Perhaps we should make up for lost time." She stepped closer.

Kellan swiped his bottom lip with his tongue, a grin broadening his face. His hands curled around her waist pulling her closer. "Maybe a dance first."

She leaned closer, letting her lips brush over his. His grip tightened on her waist. "Alright."

He chuckled hoarsely before pulling her to the dance floor. He held her close as they swayed over the dance floor. Her fingers trailed over his back, up to his neck where he shivered at her touch. She knew his body like the back of her hand. Knew every spot that made him go crazy. He leaned closer to whisper in her ear.

"You're evil." She chuckled, her chest rumbling against his. "You look absolutely breath-taking, you know that?"

"Oh, I know." She grinned and pressed closer as he nipped her ear. Gods, she was ready to pull him out of the room, right to her bedroom. It had been a while since she had sex. Just as she grabbed his hand to leave, someone cleared their throat next to them. They both turned to look.

Eris. His face was alarmingly calm. Gods, he looked handsome. He wore a royal blue suit, fitted perfectly around his muscular body. His red hair flowing over his shoulders.

"Can I have this dance, Eve."

"Oh, we were just about to-" But when he held out his hand, open and inviting, his eyes flickered with fear. Fear of rejection. "I would love to-"

"Eve." Kellan held her hand. "Do you know who-"

"She knows." Eris's voice was short and cruel.

"My apologies, General." He bowed for Eris. He turned back to her. "I'll find you later."

Kellan let her go and disappeared in the crowd. Eris still had his hand stretched out. She locked eyes with him, and damn if she couldn't look away. She placed her hand in his, his long fingers curled around her hand. She couldn't help the jolt her heart made when he pulled her close to him. Placing his other hand on her waist. And then they moved, fluently without missing one beat. Just like before, like no time had passed. Without them breaking their gazes.

"I didn't know you were coming."

"I wasn't planning on it. But someone left this suit in my room with a note that my presence was required."

"Hm." Her eyes drifted over his suit. He twirled her around, brought her back to him. Again and again. "I said it to Kallias and Vivianne but I'm sorry, Eris." She said quietly when she returned in his arms.

"For what?" He asked, his amber eyes fixed on hers.

"For not being to help any of you. When you were trapped under the mountain. I can't imagine what you all had been through."

"Like they said -" His fingers dug a little in her side as he pulled her closer. "- there was nothing you could have done. I'm just glad you weren't there, Terrin."

"Oh." She breathed, looking down at his royal blue suit. Then he dipped her so low, her hair brushed the floor. "I forgot how amazing you could dance." She whispered when she landed against his chest for the umpteenth time.

"You're pretty amazing yourself." His finger twitched against her hand.

She looked away, unable to keep his gaze and noticed most of the attendants watching them. "You taught me."

His fingers twitched again, now the ones on her waist. "Really? Me?"

He didn't sound like he believed it, like it was uncharacteristic of him. Maybe it was for the man he was now. She hummed, looking back up in his eyes.

"When we were young, there was this ball. It was the first one I was required to go to. And I needed to open the ball with a dance. I couldn't dance like shit, and you knew it. Teased me for it more than once. But when you found out I needed to open the ball, you volunteered to teach me. You spent months teaching me. Every day for hours."

"And I didn't ask for anything in return?"

She sighed, looking away from him and stopped. She stopped dancing and stepped away from him, his hands fell slack to his side. "We were friends. Best friends. You never needed anything in return. Not back then." She took another step back. "Thank you for the dance, General Vanserra." She bowed slightly and walked away. Walked straight to Kellan.

#

The next morning, Kellan left a few minutes before, after an amazing and sleepless night together. She never forgot how good he was in bed but still, the real thing was even more fucking fantastic! She got dressed in her skin-tight pants, a loose white shirt above it. When she came down, the High Lord and Lady were already there. So was Eris. He looked like he hadn't slept much but it was baby Aditta that caught her attention. Just like her parents, she had a full head of white hair and the bluest eyes possible.

"Oh my gods." She breathed and rushed over to the baby on Kallias's lap. Kallias chuckled and held out his baby girl for her. She swept her in her arms and held her tightly to her chest. "You are just the most beautiful thing I have ever laid my eyes on."

Aditta cupped her cheeks with her small chubby hands, giggling at the faces she made. When the door opened, she glanced that way and Walt stepped in. But when she had glanced her way to the door, her eyes shifted over Eris. He was watching her intently, her and baby Aditta.

She sat down on the ground, on the fur close to the fireplace to keep them warm. "Hello, sweet Aditta. I'm your Auntie Eve."

"Auntie?" Viviane asked as she looked fondly at them.

"It's from the mortal world. They use it for close family or extended family." She placed Aditta in front of her. "Look at you, already sitting up straight all alone." The baby giggled. "I can see it already." She bopped her nose. "You will wreak havoc on your parents."

"Hey!" They both called out.

"Ignore them." She cooed at the baby. "I will teach you all the tricks, little one." Aditta gave her a toothless smile. "You will be breaking hearts left and right."

"She won't come near any male. Or female for that matter." Kallias said, his arms crossed.

"I think your daddy is afraid you'll turn out just like me." She winked at Aditta.

"Strong, fierce and loyal? I would hope so." Viviane smiled, knowing damn well that wasn't what they meant. "You're amazing with her, Eve. I know you like your freedom and all, but have you thought about finding your Mate? Stopping with the po-"

"Viviane." She said, a warning in her voice. Viviane and Walt's family were the only ones who knew about the potion. Not Kallias, not her lovers, not Eris. The High Lady pursed her lips together, her eyes shone with apologies. "Why don't we let Aditta meet the bears?"

"Oh, yes." Viviane said excitedly. "But you need to eat first. I can hear your stomach grumbling from here." She grinned at her. "Had a bit of exercise this morning?"

"Viviane." Kallias gasped while his wife chuckled.

"What?" Viviane still grinned at her husband. Terrin stood up with Aditta on her hip and walked back to the table where Walt was filling a plate for her. "She wasn't particularly quiet about it."

"You sleep a level below me, there is no way-"

"Sadly, we did. I'm just glad Aditta slept through it all." Kallias said, with a shake of his head. "Couldn't you take a break longer than fifteen minutes?"

"Has the baby tired you out so much, Kallias? Poor Viv." She chuckled. But if they heard, Walt and Eris must have too. Walt wouldn't say anything about it, pretending he didn't hear anything. Maybe he didn't, he did have special earplugs. But Eris. She glanced up at him. He was leaning back in his chair, pretending to look casual but she knew him well enough to see the signs. A twitch of his jaw, his tense shoulders. He looked tired. Now she knew why. She looked away from him. She didn't need to explain herself to him, or to anyone for that matter. She looked back up when Eris casually stood up from his seat.

"I was wondering if I might browse through your library?" He asked respectfully.

Kallias blinked. Looking utterly surprised at his tone of voice. "Of course, my guards will guide you there."

"That won't be necessary."

"I insist. Since Eve is your protection guard and she's currently occupied, it's my responsibility for your safety, General, since you are in my Court."

"Alright." She could see him grit his teeth. "Thank you for your concern." And he walked out. She turned to Kallias.

"He knows the guards aren't for his protection, you know."

"Oh, I know." The High Lord grinned. She huffed a laugh. Kallias frowned then, looking at her. "He isn't under your protection, is he?"

"What do you mean?" She asked innocently, feeding Aditta a piece of banana.

"I've seen the way he looks at you."

She looked at him, blinking in confusion. "What? What way?"

"I don't know. I've never seen him look at anyone like he looks at you. I've seen him look angry, bored, indifferent, evil. But when he looks at you -"

"His eyes soften. And he's been, I can't say polite, but better behaved than he usually would be." Viviane said. She tilted her head. "There is history there, isn't there?"

She bit her lip, before sighing. "We knew each other when we were younger. But we haven't seen each other in three centuries."

"And you two were..."

"Friends, Viv. Just friends." She glanced around at her friends, now with Eris here, she owned them the truth. "I think it's time I tell you the whole story. You knew I grew up in the Autumn Court, but the truth is -" She took in a deep breath. "I grew up in the Vanserra household. Eris and Lucien were my best friends."

The three of them looked at her in surprise but didn't say anything.

"About three hundred years ago, someone cursed me and Eris."

"Fucking curses." Viviane seethed. And if she didn't feel the same way, she would have been surprised by her language.

"Everyone would forget my name, even me. And Eris... Eris would forget me completely."

Kallias and Viviane shared a concerned glance, Walt looked at her with a sad expression.

"So, your name isn't Eve?"

"No. I've had different names over the years. It helps with the job." She looked at Walt. "The only name known to me is Terrin. That is my last name. The name of my parents. But nobody remembers my first name. Not my parents, not my friends. Even on all the papers, my name has vanished."

"I'm so sor-" Viviane stopped when she gently shook her head. "But if Eris doesn't remember you, how is he here with you?"

"It's been years since I'd been in the Autmn Court and Beron invited me for a meeting. I thought it was for a job but... Apparently, he had been looking for a way out of the curse and the thing he found out is that Eris is the answer. When Eris remembers my true name, the curse would be broken. I told them it didn't matter to me, that I didn't need the curse to be broken. I've moved on and Eris can't miss what he can't remember."

"Miss Terrin -"

"But Eris's mother talked to him, and he decided to join me to my trip to the Night Court. After that, he's going to leave me alone. Because even if I wanted to break the curse, Eris could never remember my name if he doesn't remember me. So, now you know."

"Fuck." Kallias muttered, rubbing a hand through his white hair.

"So, that's probably the look in his eyes when he looks at me. Trying to figure out my name or trying to force one of his memories back up."

It was silent for a long moment, each of them processing this new information in their own way. It was Viviane who spoke up first.

"Who would curse you like that?" Walt asked with small voice.

"A female who was jealous of my relationship with him. Someone who thought I would stand in the way of her becoming the wife of the next High Lord." Terrin rolled her eyes. "She was banished from the Court right after."

"I would think Beron would have her killed after cursing his heir." Kallias mused.

"Oh, he wanted to. But her father, the Emissary, pleaded for her."

Viviane eyes her closely. "I'm surprised you were friends with him. You're complete opposites."

"The Eris you know, the man he is now, isn't how he used to be. He wasn't cruel, he was kind and funny."

"Eris can be funny?" Kallias balked.

"He used to be, yeah."

"So, he doesn't know about your powers? About your job."

"No, he doesn't. And I would like to keep it that way." She said with a muffled voice as Aditta pressed her cheeks together. "But let's go see the bears before the snowstorm hits."