Dark Awakening: Echoes of Destiny (The Children Of The Gods #88)

67. Annani

67

ANNANI

A nnani's heart swelled with joy as she watched Ell-rom and Jasmine step up to the podium. The moment she had dreamed of for so long was finally here—her brother and sister were joining her in the village, and her brother was accompanied by his magnificent mate.

Jasmine looked every inch a queen, her white pantsuit and towering heels lending her an air of regality. But it wasn't just her appearance that impressed Annani. She knew what was hiding beneath the glamorous appearance. Jasmine was kind, brave, and clever, but most of all, Annani appreciated Jasmine's love and loyalty to Ell-rom.

The Fates had chosen well for her brother.

Ell-rom, for his part, stood tall and proud beside his mate, his nervousness evident only to those who knew him. Annani could see the wonder in his eyes as he took in the crowd, the decorations, and the village that was to be his new home.

She extended her hands to both of them and, with a gentle tug, lifted their conjoined hands, presenting them to the village.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, the sound washing over them in a wave of acceptance and love.

She lowered their hands but did not let go and kept holding them.

"My dear family, those by birth and those by choice. Today is a day of great joy and celebration. We gather here to welcome three very special individuals into our community. My brother, Ell-rom, his mate, Jasmine, and my sister, Morelle, who is still in a coma and has been taken to the clinic."

Annani paused, allowing the crowd's renewed cheers to subside before continuing.

"For many years, I believed myself to be alone, but the Fates answered my unspoken prayers and revealed that I had more family than I realized. My sister Areana, my cousin Toven, and now two more siblings, Ell-rom and Morelle. Each one was discovered through a series of extraordinary events, and I hope the Fates are not done yet. Although, to be perfectly frank, I hope that some of my family members never show up."

There was laughter from the crowd, even though not many knew about the threat of the Eternal King. On the other hand, everyone knew that Navuh was her nephew and that Mortdh had been her uncle.

Annani turned to face the couple. "Ell-rom, my dear brother, words cannot express how grateful I am for your presence here today. You have faced difficult challenges with courage and grace. Your strength, your kindness, and your spirit are inspiring."

She then addressed Jasmine. "And, Jasmine, you have stood by Ell-rom's side through it all, and you have shown such bravery and dedication. We also welcome you into our community, and we are honored to call you one of our own."

Turning back to the crowd, Annani continued, "As we celebrate this joyous occasion, we must also recognize that the existence of Ell-rom and Morelle must remain a closely guarded secret."

At this point, Annani allowed her power to flow through her words, infusing them with the strength of her compulsion. Her voice was being broadcast throughout the village, reaching even those few who had chosen not to attend.

"Each member of this community will keep the existence of Ell-rom and Morelle a secret. You will not speak of them to outsiders, nor will you write about them or communicate their existence in any way to those who are not part of our extended community. This secret is ours to protect for the safety of Ell-rom, Morelle, and all of us."

Annani watched as the weight of her compulsion settled over the crowd, knowing that it would take hold in every corner of the village. The one exception was Turner, who was immune to any form of compulsion but whom she trusted implicitly, and possibly Drova, whose potential immunity was a concern for another day.

With that done, she smiled. "And now, let us celebrate and show Ell-rom and Jasmine the very best of welcome into our community."

As the crowd cheered once more, the sound of their joy filled the air, and Annani smiled, feeling the love and acceptance radiating from her people.

Turning to Sari and David, who stood at the foot of the podium, she waved at them to join her. "My daughter Sari and her mate David have traveled all the way from Scotland to celebrate this joyous occasion with us. Please, give them a warm welcome."

More cheers and applause erupted, and once they subsided, Annani made the introductions.

"Welcome to our clan." Sari hugged Ell-rom and then Jasmine.

David shook Ell-rom's hand. "We are going to be staying together in the Clan Mother's house, which will give us plenty of time to get properly acquainted."

"I'm looking forward to it," Ell-rom said.

Preparing for the surprise that would delight Jasmine, Annani put her hand on Jasmine's arm. "Look over there, Jasmine." Annani pointed with her chin. "Your friends are here to celebrate with you."

Jasmine's eyes widened as she saw Frankie, Margo, and Gabi. With a squeal of delight, she rushed down the steps of the podium, embracing her friends in a flurry of excitement and laughter.

Annani watched the reunion with a warm smile, then turned to Ell-rom and wrapped her arm around his middle, leaning her head against his arm. "It is good to have you here, brother of mine."

Ell-rom's arm came around her shoulders, pulling her close. "It's good to be here."

"Are you ready to meet the rest of your big family?" Annani asked, gesturing toward the village members who were beginning to form a line, eager to greet him.

Ell-rom took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders. "As ready as I'll ever be," he said with a small smile. "I'm just glad that I don't need to make a speech. I was worried when I saw the podium."

Annani laughed. "I would have never sprung such a thing on you. I would have told you to prepare."