“Let’s go get her.” Marcus stepped forward through the band of wind that faded into warm air.
“I’m with you. Let’s go.” Darius joined him, his eyes fiery with anticipation, flame curling around my hands.
Cadmus suddenly appeared, gripping his head. “Not yet.”
“Not this again.” Darius frowned and crouched in a battle stance, his fists aflame.
“You have to get back to Tanselm,” Cadmus gasped, clenching his eyes shut as he leaned against the couch. “This is all a big distraction. As we speak, the Netharat are planning an attack on —” He sank to his knees.
I rushed to help him, lowering him to the couch.
“So it is him,” Darius said with surprise.
Marcus gave him a look and kneeled by Cadmus’ feet.
“Well, how the hell was I supposed to know?”
Marcus ignored him and gripped Cadmus’ hand. “It’s about time you showed up. Tell us where to go.”
“West.” Aerolus interrupted and turned to Darius. “I think…wait. His thoughts… Samantha’s on the southern wall of the castle with a squad of guards. They’re going to aim the attack there, according to what Benold knows.”
Cadmus added in a weak voice, “And Tessa’s going to be ambushed by two serving maids, Djinn sympathizers and trained assassins. You need to find them before all this unfolds. I’m not sure how much time you have, so hurry.”
I stood and held out my hand, my palm open, facing the wall. Two dark portals appeared as I chanted. “Darius on the left, Marcus on the right. Warn your mother and drag the royal guard to help. She’ll summon the other kingdoms.”
Darius rushed through the portal.
Marcus turned quickly to ask, “What about you?”
“I have to help Aerolus first. Now, Marcus. Tessa needs you.”
Marcus left before I could give him more orders.
After they departed, I closed the gateways to Tanselm and turned to Aerolus. “We need to go to Aelle. I have a friend there who may be of some help.”
“Good, because if you don’t, I’ll kill the Aellei, one by one, until I get my affai back.” Aerolus spoke calmly, but I didn’t miss the violence in his aura.
One that radiated with Light and Shadow entwined.
“Damn, I’m gone for a little while and Aerolus turns into a bloodthirsty warmonger. What else did I miss?” Cadmus chuckled and groaned. “My stomach…” He blinked and stared at his brother. “Wait. Did you say affai?”
“Yes, I did.” Aerolus stared at him in shock, as if seeing something I couldn’t.
I studied Cadmus, concerned.
“What?” he sounded defensive.
“Nothing,” Aerolus said. “Just be glad Arim is so pure of Light he can’t see what I now can.”
“Aerolus? Cadmus?” I stared at the two of them with growing irritation. It still baffled me that these two were so much more difficult to handle than their brothers.
Darius was a hothead, Marcus an arrogant and crafty Storm Lord.
Aerolus, though powerful, had the role of quiet, obedient brother. Cadmus used to be the light-hearted, comic relief.
Why, then, was I having such a headache handling these two?
“I’ll deal with you later.” I scowled at Cadmus then stalked to the center of the room. I grimaced. “I never thought I’d say this willingly, but let’s go to Aelle.”
