“Cillian—” My words are cut off.
“Will never know unless you tell him.”
“Even if I agreed, the root systems still aren’t strong enough. They don’t go far enough for me to rootwalk us all the way to Varethiel without help. And the portal would notify the Guardians.”
She pouts for a moment. I think she’s going to give up until that gleam reappears in her eyes. “Didn’t Prince Aiden give you some secret way to get to his kingdom?”
When I don’t respond, she claps her hands together. “Great, let’s go!”
“Ophe… I can’t.” I admonish.
“Nissa… you can. You’re thequeen. What good is that if you can’t use your power to figure out who killed Nova?” Her eyes are sincere.
I hesitate. I do want to go, and she isn’t wrong. But this is a bad idea.
“And…” she insists, enthusiasm growing, “don’t you want to know all the information before you confront his family? All of this feels connected.”
“The Vaylors didn’t kill Nova. Her death caused them more problems than anyone else.”
“So they want you to think!” She whispers loudly, eyes darting around the room like someone could be listening.
I shake my head at her theatrics. Manically smiling in my direction, she lets me process, knowing that her logic is taking root in my mind. And it does make more sense the longer I think about it.
“You know you want to,” she sings quietly. Nothing will discourage Ophe once her mind is set.
“Fine.” I stand and straighten my shoulders. “Let’s go.”
Chapter
Thirty-Four
CILLIAN
Blinking my eyes open, I reach out and find Nissa’s side of the bed cold. She wasn’t here after I returned from Ignaria. Or after my shower. She must still be with Ophe, catching up.
But the moon is at its height, and for some reason dread fills me. Reaching out to Nissa through our bond, my stomach churns as it remains unanswered.
I go straight to Niko’s room and bang on the door. Eyes bright with alertness greet me despite the fact that I’ve clearly woken him up.
“Where are Nissa and Ophe?” I demand.
“In bed?” I tense when he stares at me like I’m an idiot.
“Niko…” I question the word slow and full of warning.
“What is going on?” He asks as he goes to grab clothing and his sword.
“She isn’t in bed and isn’t answering when I reach out with the bond.” He nods slowly as he straps multiple blades to his chest and arm before pulling his shirt over them.
“Have you checked Ophe’s room or the Princess’ study?” He asks calmly despite strapping his sword to his back.
I’m still learning to use the magic that has flooded my veins but I reach out to every water molecule throughout the castle looking for my mate. “She isn’t here, Niko.” I bark when I can’t feel her.
To be sure, Niko goes to Ophe’s room and I check Nissa’s study.
We arrive in the hallway outside my study at the same time. Niko looks at me, hopeful, but I shake my head. Nissa’s study was vacant, just as I suspected.
“I’ll alert a unit of Guardians to be on standby,” he says.
