Him calling the Queen of the GodsSeradidn’t pass me by. Sighing, I scrubbed my hand over my jaw. The stubble scratched at my skin, reminding me I needed to shave. “When will he return?”
“I don’t know.”
My hand fisted. “I thought you said he was returning for his daughter. Or was that just an idle threat?”
“If Nektas could, he would be keeping vigil at her side.” His voice was scratchier, and I noticed the blue of his irises brighten. “But he knows there is nothing he can do.”
“Then can you find out exactly whatsoonmeans?”
Reaver turned to me. “And how would you suggest I do that? I may be a draken, but it would still take me several days to travelhome. And I cannot open the realms. Only a…” His features pinched. “I can try to get word to Nektas, but with most of the draken here and not knowing which gods have awakened, he’s guarding the Queen and King.”
“I’m sure they’re capable of caring for themselves,” I argued. “Besides, Poppy is theirLiessa.”
“They are capable.” Reaver crossed his arms over his bare chest. “And whether she is theLiessaof my kind does not apply to Nektas.” One side of his lips curled up. “The same goes for me.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” I demanded.
“Seraphena and Nyktos are…” He paused. “They are family. So are their sons. Our bond with them is greater than magic.”
I didn’t need to ask him why he was here then. I knew the answer.
Jadis.
I’d heard from Kieran that Reaver had located Jadis—or what he seemed to believe was her—a day ago. Maybe it had been two days. I didn’t know. Either way, she was where Ires had said, deep beneath Ironspire, the citadel located in the Willow Plains. The female draken was entombed in stone, much like Nektas had been when we first arrived outside the City of the Gods to speak with Nyktos. According to Reaver, the act was unheard of since it left them vulnerable, and it would’ve taken something drastic for her to self-entomb.
Since Poppy woke Nektas with a simple touch, he believed Poppy could do the same for his daughter. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Poppy getting hands-on with a possibly crazed, self-entombed draken, but that was neither here nor there at the moment.
Reaver stepped back. “Is that all?”
I nodded, my gaze returning to Poppy. My chest clenched as the door opened. “One second.” I looked over at him. He waited.“I don’t understand something about what you said regarding Isbeth’s plans for Malec. If Isbeth never planned to sacrifice Poppy, why did she still need her? And need her to Ascend? What did she want? What does Poppy have to do with Kolis?”
Reaver didn’t answer.
I looked at him. “Is it because he knows she could end him?”
“Possibly,” he murmured and looked away.
The corners of my lips turned down. “Possibly? What kind of answer is that?”
Reaver’s gaze met mine. “The only one I can give.”
In other words, it was the only answer he waswillingto give.
The draken knew something—something he didn’t want me to know.
THE PRIMAL
Darkness surrounded me, but the void wasn’t silent.
I’ve always sensed you,it whispered.You’ve always sensed me.And I am here.
In the darkness?
I’ve been with you since birth.
That didn’t sound right.
I’ve had all your firsts.
