Talia went to her room with the intention to get ready for the celebration. Just like Axel, she brought with her a backpack with some snacks and a few changes of clothes. They didn't know how long they will spend on the other side of the portal, so they went prepared.
Talia was surprised when two witches entered her room, saying that they came to help her get ready. She was about to go in her jeans and a fresh t-shirt, but the witches said how that was not appropriate for the occasion.
Talia gaped at the two awfully tiny pieces of fabric, and a string. They obviously wanted her to dress as other witches, with cloth hanging loosely from her waist over her private areas and nothing else. Even skimpy sexy lingerie she bought with Maya provided more coverage than this!
Talia scrambled her brain on how to reject this service. "Uhm… I appreciate your care, but I…"
"We feel with our whole bodies", one of the witches said, interrupting Talia's protest. "How will nature and energies touch you if you are covered in so many layers?"
Talia understood that logic, and as a she-wolf, she should be fine going around naked, but still… that's not how she grew up.
After some negotiations, the witches produced another long and narrow piece of fabric that will be tied around Talia's chest to cover her nipples and give her girls a squeeze, so they don't jiggle when she moves.
Talia wondered if Damon would be OK with her attending an event so scarcely dressed. She thought how it was silly that she craved his approval when he was not there, and he didn't even know who she was.
The celebration was held in an open courtyard that was connected to the garden where the Silver Flaming fountain was.
Long tables were arranged with benches on each side, and with more than a dozen of witches bringing out food, the area was set up within minutes.
Everyone cheered and clapped when Axel and Yasmin stepped out, with Axel holding Yasmin close to him, unwilling to put even an inch of distance between them.
The couple wore matching clothes which consisted of a string around the waist and two cloths, one in front and one in the back, just enough to cover private areas. Axel's shoulders were wide and his whole body ripped, and Yasmin walked proudly next to him with her chest sticking out.
Talia admired Yasmin's courage. If that was Talia, she would shrink and try to hide behind Damon.
Both Yasmin and Axel had white flowers in their hair and flower garlands around their necks. They looked festive.
Talia pushed emerging memories of the Summer Solstice festival aside. She didn't want to think about dancing around the bonfire under Damon's watchful gaze, or when he found her in the town square under the clocktower, or when she gave him the garland of flowers after Damon asked her if there was a guy she liked more than she liked him. He said that he will cherish it forever and he asked her to help him preserve it. And then he kissed her. Their first kiss.
This was not the time. Now she needed to focus on Axel and Yasmin, at least for the duration of this event.
As Axel and Yasmin approached the table where Talia was, Talia noticed their skin shining like someone rubbed them with oil. The couple had symbols on their arms, chest, and face written with golden powder, making them sparkle under torches that were lit to illuminate the area, but the brightest were their smiles that reached their eyes.
Axel's eyes locked with Talia's and his hold on Yasmin tightened. Somehow, his vision tunneled on Talia who was there all alone, without Damon, and his chest tightened at the thought of how he would feel if someone took Yasmin from him. The mental image was unbearable, yet there was Talia, looking at him with a gentle smile, happy for him, like she was not dying on the inside.
He realized that Talia was the true Alpha, able to endure personal pain and do the right thing. Would he be able to hold himself with such grace if that was him standing there? Axel was not sure.
"Hi, Talia…", Axel greeted Talia awkwardly when they reached the elevated table that was for important people. He was feeling guilty for leaving Talia on her own for such a long time when he came with her to protect her and help her get Damon back. "I'm sorry for…"
"Don't.", Talia interrupted him. "I am happy for you. I truly am. There is no better thing in life than a mate, Axel. Cherish her."
Axel gave Talia a small nod and looked at Yasmin. "I will. Let me introduce you." He pulled Yasmin closer to him. "This is Talia, my sister…"
Talia noticed the redness on Yasmin's neck, a sign that Axel's mark was forming there, and Talia hoped that Evanora won't make a fuss about it. Surely, by now she accepted that her daughter found her mate.
Talia remembered that after Kai marked Meg, Meg was unconscious and her whole body was glowing. Meg later told her that she got the ability to break stuff and that it took her weeks to learn how to control it. Yasmin was not glowing or doing anything strange, and Talia wondered if the lack of odd things was because they didn't happen, or maybe because Yasmin could control it. After all, she was a witch. Axel should have his powers awakened also, and Talia wondered if it would be wise to ask about it or if that was a secret. She didn't want to appear too nosy.
After exchanging pleasantries with Talia, Yasmin and Axel turned to Evanora who greeted them with a stiff smile.
Evanora was seated in the center of the main table. Yasmin was on Evanora's left, and next were Axel and Talia. On Evanora's right was Cornelia, followed by two other priestesses that Talia assumed had a higher ranking compared to the others.
The main table stood out because it was elevated compared to the others, and the seven people seated there were facing the courtyard with no one on the opposite side of the table to block the view.
Talia smiled at the sight of Axel who immediately started piling up food on Yasmin's plate, and again, the scene reminded her of Damon, the cheeky Alpha who would feed her, hold her hand, and not miss any opportunity to get closer and sneak a kiss.
The dinner started without speeches or introductions.
Talia's eyes scanned the faces of witches who ate with gusto, occasionally glancing at Yasmin and Axel and giggling, and some looked at them with longing and maybe with a hint of jealousy.
Yasmin and Axel were lost in their bubble, feeding each other and talking in whispers.
Talia didn't see Cassandra, and she didn't want to ask where the Oracle was. After her talk with Evanora, Talia concluded that the less she knew about Cassandra, the better it will be because if she finds out that the woman was in danger, Talia won't be able to sit still and that would cause problems.
She needed to focus on what was important: spells, potions, Damon, but first… she needed to force this delicious food down her throat or risk collapsing from hunger.
