"Why didn't you tell me before, at least when we after you saved me and you true form was in front of me?" she asked.
"It was all so sudden and I didn't know what to do. I didn't wish to deceive you but things happened this way and I had to leave for Agartha even before I could get a chance to explain the truth."
"As much I am upset that I was not aware of my own pet, I am thankful you have saved me that night, so I won't hold it against you."
He felt relived to hear it. "Thank you so much."
"Shall we leave now?" she asked, silently giving him a permission to carry her. Not like he was entirely stranger to her as she had been with him when he was her pet.
Aureus nodded and cast a warning glance around, signaling to those nearby that they should mind their own business. Everyone shivered under their lord's cold glare and quickly resumed their tasks or hurried away.
Stepping closer, Aureus gently lifted Seren into his arms. She hesitated before resting one hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, you won't fall," he reassured her softly, and then, with a strong beat of his golden wings, they ascended into the sky.
Others watched in awe as their lord carried a female in his arms. But as they had received a warning from their Lord, which they understood clearly though not a single word was said, they all chose to forget it, despite being curious in their minds.
Aureus and Seren reached the top of the tallest tree in the forest, where a beautiful home had been built—a large, circular nest-like structure. It had a slanted roof that gave it a cottage-like appearance. They landed inside a spacious area that seemed to be the drawing room, open on all sides, with only the roof above. On one side, there were proper walls, indicating that there were other rooms in the nest as well, providing some privacy despite the otherwise open design.
"What a huge nest our Lord has," Ember chuckled, looking around. "Maybe the largest in the entire clan, built on the tallest tree."
"The king must always have the best, just like Draven has his palace," Morpheus remarked. "But if you want, I can build one like this for you as well. I just didn't think it was necessary."
"No need. I love our current nest. It has your essence everywhere," Ember replied with a smile.
Seren quietly observed the couple, admiring how well Ember treated Morpheus, despite her bond with Draven. Their dynamic intrigued her.
"Looks like I'm going to miss the chance to be a grandfather," Morpheus teased. "Never mind, as long as you're happy with your choices."
Aureus narrowed his eyes at his uncle and retorted, "You can have your own children with your mate. Why don't you actually mate with her instead of just being her mate in name?"
Morpheus's expression shifted, a hint of determination in his voice. "Just like you said, there won't be anything like that. So, forget about ever having little cousins for you."
Aureus shook his head and fell silent.
"But Draven and Ember's children will be like mine too," Morpheus added with a grin. "So, you can treat them as your cousins."
"Well, since you're not giving me any cousins, I guess that's the only option I've got," Aureus chuckled playfully. "I'll be their good elder brother."
Both men smiled at the thought, their playful exchange bringing a brief moment of lightness. Soon, they saw the two women returning to the drawing room.
"It's a beautiful home—I mean, nest," Seren complimented Aureus.
"The one he built it for, sadly, can't be here," Morpheus said, throwing a knowing glance at Aureus.
Seren looked confused and glanced at Aureus for clarification.
Earning a glare from his nephew, Morpheus added, "Because my dear nephew has yet to find his mate."
"Oh," Seren said softly, turning to Aureus. "I'm sure you'll find one soon. A beautiful golden eagle like you will definitely get the most beautiful female."
Aureus simply hummed, though he knew it was never going to happen as his heart lay with her, the most beautiful woman standing right in front of him.
In his heart, he had already accepted the fact that he would be alone for the rest of his life. A powerful divine beast like him could never find a true mate if his heart was already with someone else, and that was the most painful truth of his existence.