Word Count: 1769

~Tove

Keo holds my shoulders, steadying me.

It's been a week since I started bringing Demon's to the new realm and it's exhausting. I've only managed a handful a day and it hasn't gotten easier, but now, it's the last trip and I'm so ready for this to be over.

For now, anyway. We have only brought a small amount over until Relm is satisfied they can handle themselves with Astera as their leader.

"How are you feeling?" Keo asks softly.

He's been overly attentive this entire week, warning me not to push it while being grateful of me at every second.

"Exhausted," I admit, leaning forward to brace my forehead against his shoulder.

We got lucky Astera agreed to this. She wasn't hard to convince, although Ziah was a problem for a brief moment. Relm quickly put a stop to that, reminding Ziah of who has the real power.

Keo smooths his hand down my hair. "If this is too much, we can take some more time."

"We are already taking enough time," I tell him. This isn't the first time I've had to soothe his fears about what I can handle.

I've never been more in tune with my magic. Now is the time to finish this.

"I'm so unbelievably proud of you. You're doing so well," he breathes, holding both side of my face so he can look me in the eyes.

My cheeks warm. "Thank you."

I don't think I would have been able to manage this without Keo. He has been there every time I've left and returned from the new realm, despite being busy sorting everything out himself.

The Demon's have been preparing for this change for decades. Nothing can go wrong now, I hope.

"I should be thanking you for doing this for me. I've been wanting to keep Demon's safe for a very long time, and now I'm starting to feel like a difference is being made," he says, smiling to himself.

I frown a little. "I'm sad that not every Demon wants to go."

Much to my surprise, we have come across many Demon's at this point that refused. Once I heard their stories I understood. Many have families to protect who aren't Demon's themselves or they don't want to leave behind a life they created.

"It's their choice," he sighs. He's affected by this too, even if he doesn't reveal it. "I'll still be here and keeping an eye on them."

"I think it's my turn."

We turn toward the main door, Wren strolling in. She waited to the end, wanting to ensure everyone got over safely where Relm and Astera wait.

Keo admitted last night that he is going to miss Wren and their friendship, but there is no one he will trust more over there than her to keep other Demon's safe.

"Wren," Keo greets, pulling away. "Excited?"

"To be away from two mates who can't keep their hands off each other?" She smirks as much cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Definitely."

It will be nice to have some privacy with Keo for a while.

"Everything is prepared for you over there. If you need anything, just let us know," Keo tells her, even though she already knows this.

The plan has been gone over so many times I can't believe people haven't lost their mind already.

Wren's smile falters a little. "Well, I suppose I should bid you a good by."

I can see the years worth of friendship passing wordlessly between them. They don't hug, they don't get overly emotional, but it's clear they care a lot about each other.

"Look after them over there, alright?" He murmurs. "And don't give Astera too much of a hard time."

"I'll try not to," she says in a way that makes it clear that she won't be bowing to anyone's rule. "Come on Tove."

She winds her fingers through mine, shifting apprehensively. I give Keo one more smile before the world starts to dissolve around us.

At first this was difficult. The first three Demon's were transported to various areas in the realm that weren't the agreed upon spot, with one even landing in the middle of a surging river.

Soon enough I managed to narrow the scope to a general area around the camp, and since then my precision has been almost perfect.

Thankfully today is no exception. My feet touch grass, Wren's damp hand still pressed against mine.

She let's out the breath she was holding as we land safely amongst a crowd of Demon's going about their day.

They have been setting up camp here and they have made great progress.

They thrive when no one is hunting them down, trying to kill them...

"Wow. So this is it," Wren says, turning in a circle.

The air is cold but the land is lush and vibrant. They chose a protected valley shrouded by sprawling mountains. They have access to rivers, a sea not so far, extensive forests and fertile land. It's perfect.

"Like it?" I ask tentatively.

"Actually yes," she muses. Her smile fades, her jaw tightening. "I wish Vail was here."

"Yeah. Me too," I whisper.

I turn, the wind ruffling my hair. Relm stands a way off by a large tent being erected, monitoring those in putting it up before he turns his attention to Wren and I.

"Is this everyone?" He asks as he approaches, looking over Wren who stares pointedly back.

"For now," I say. "Don't look so daunted."

"I can handle them," he assures me, glancing to his left. "And so can Astera."

I follow his gaze. Sure enough she stands, commanding a group who are cutting firewood. She is wasting no time in erecting buildings, which is fair enough since a cold season is apparently supposed to roll through.

"Thank you. You're doing the right thing," I murmur.

"I swear, if a single one of them gets on my nerves..." He narrows his eyes.

"They won't. They have all been carefully instructed," I muse, glaring at Wren who shrugs. She quickly she decides she couldn't care less about Relm and walks off to talk to a group of Demon's she knows.

"I'm not going to be around here for very long. I'll just be visiting occasionally," Relm explains.

I know he has many realms to guard and maintain, but I do hope he gives love a chance with Astera. They are so perfectly matched with each other, although the thought of that much power co-existing is kind of terrifying.

"What about Astera?"

"Alright. Maybe a little more than occasionally," he admits, watching her with a soft gaze.

I would find it cute if the both didn't terrify me.

"Thanks for not killing me," I say. Despite thinking I was dangerous and detrimental to the health of the realms, he did what he could to find another way to figure this out so I didn't have to die.

"I didn't think you could pull off a real plan." He laughs a little, shaking his head. "Turns out this benefits the both of us."

"Let's hope it works."

"Despite everything, I wish you two the best of luck back in your home realm. There will still be dangers for the both of you," he warns, raising his brows.

I nod silently. He's right, there will still be people looking for Keo, and without Wren it will be easier for them to find him. Still, I have no doubt he will be able to protect himself and me.

"We can handle it," I assure him.

"Well then, get your bearings back and feel free to return. I have everything sorted from here on," he says.

I don't feel too tired. It's usually the journey back that seeps my energy. I'm anxious to get back to Keo anyways, and I know everything will be taken care of here.

"Astera is over there. You better go see her," I encourage, seeing the way his gaze flickers over to her every couple of seconds.

He wastes no time, giving me a departing nod. "Goodbye, Tove."

I watch him walk off before I cast my gaze across the groups of Demon's going about their business. They all looks so relaxed, so unafraid of being out in the open.

I did the right thing.

Closing my eyes, I concentrate on returning home. I manage to scrape together enough energy to force myself through the realms until my feet touch the ground again.

I stumble a little, resting my arm against the wall. The sound of the sea soothes my tension, reminding me that this is my home and my mate is always here for me.

Sure enough, Keo stalks into the room, sensing my arrival.

"Everything go okay?"

"They are all over there safe, although I think I'm going to return in a week just to make sure," I tell him, smiling weakly. "I already sense Astera and Wren are going to clash."

Keo grabs my arm, guiding me over to a seat. "I had a talk to Wren before she left and she understands what is at stake."

"All that matters is the first lot are over there, safe," I say.

I settle into the seat, a wave of dizziness passing over me. This is to be expected, and it should pass shortly.

"I don't think I will ever be able to thank you for this," he murmurs, brushing the hair from my face. He told me earlier that he hated seeing me struggle after transporting people, but I feel stronger than ever.

"You saved my best friends life. We're even."

"I've spent my entire life trying to pull this off," he says, sighing deeply. "It took you months because you're so strong and capable and I admire you so much."

My heart flutters and I take his hands in mine. "I love you, Keo."

I've never known love like this. I never knew it could be possible.

"I think you need a nice long break." He smiles gently. "And I'm going to spend all tonight showing you how grateful I am for you."

I grin, warmth spreading in my stomach.

"I'm looking forward to it. I'm hoping it's somewhere warm and secluded, and away from Noble's."

"It will be away from everyone. We can be alone for a while," he assures me quietly.

I release a long breath. That sounds like exactly what I need.

"Alright, let's go."

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