Fidelis patiently waited until he felt his father's magical nudge to proceed with his plan. His heart was racing with anticipation. Finally, he could reveal his true self to his beloved. Excitement warred with worry. What if the truth shattered their bond? What if Sera ran screaming in the opposite direction? Would he be able to handle such a rejection?
He shook his head. He couldn't afford to think that way. He sent a magical tendril of summons to Blainel and Sodalitas. He felt their acknowledgement and knew they were headed to the meeting spot. He made it to his father's office in record time.
Pausing outside the door to calm himself, he knocked and entered. His eyes noticed everything in a sweeping glance. Sera froze mid-step, a look of fear sliding into surprised relief.
"Romeo!"
He hid his frown. What or who had she thought was at the door to cause that fear? He'd think about it later. Right now, he needed to get her to the meeting spot.
He held out his hand. "Ready for my surprise?"
She gasped, her eyes widening. She hesitated before sliding her hand in his. Her hand was cold.
"Are you okay? Your hand's really cold."
"I'm fine," she whispered and squeezed his.
"Okay, let's go."
He took her outside, past the courtyard, and toward the alley between his father's building and the empty building next door. He felt the pulse of magic and walked into the space, keeping a firm grip on Sera's hand.
They entered the dimensional space. Waiting there were Blainel and Sodalitas. Both grinned at them. They were happy for him and for Sera. Now, he just needed everything to go well.
"Romeo? Why are Danny and George here?"
"Moral support. Plus, they're my best friends."
"Moral support?" Her questioning tone wasn't lost on him.
Fidelis steeled himself. It was now or never. He fully faced her, taking her hands in his.
"Sera, I've not been completely honest with you about some things."
She stiffened, her hands clenching in his as her emotions flooded their link. Anxiety, fear, and resignation. Fidelis hated all of them. He didn't want her to experience such negativity. He'd better hurry. He wanted nothing but happiness from her.
"It's okay," he soothed. "It's nothing bad, I promise."
He smiled, hoping that it would calm her.
Her eyes were locked on his face, her tense posture betraying her fearful anxiety.
"I'm not who you think I am."
"What do you mean?" she whispered the words, her strained voice poking at his conscience.
"There's no easy way to say this, so I'll just spit it out." Fidelis took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Sera, I'm not human."
His gaze was locked on her face, not wanting to miss even the slightest reaction from her.
Her eyes widened, and her mouth fell open in surprise. He felt her confusion, relief, and guilt. That last emotion didn't make sense. He didn't have time to analyze it before she spoke.
"What do you mean, not human? Romeo, I'm all for jokes, but don't you think you're being a bit much?"
Fidelis chuckled. This was why he loved her. She could be very practical when she chose to be.
He gently squeezed her hands. "I love you so much, you know that?"
She blushed, her eyes momentarily dropping to stare at the ground. He let go of her left hand and used his fingers to tilt her head up to look at him.
"Remember what I said? No looking at the floor. You are not in trouble. I like looking you in the eyes."
He caressed her cheek, grinning when she leaned into his touch. He allowed her and himself to savor that moment before returning to the topic of his humanity.
"I'm not joking. Let me show you what I mean."
Fidelis released her hands and took two steps back. "Sera, close your eyes. Don't open them until I say it's okay."
"Romeo, I…,"
"Please, Sera? Do this for me. I promise you won't be disappointed."
Through their bond, he felt her confusion and a hint of curiosity. That's his beloved's greatest strengths—that thirst for knowledge and desire to improve.
She closed her eyes.
Fidelis nodded to Blainel and Sodalitas. He was going to make sure everyone was revealed to Sera today. No more secrets.