Kian and Tristan stand there, their brows furrowed in confusion, scanning the scene before them.
“Yeah, only one day ago you were both ready to tear each other apart,” Kian agrees.
Nix flutters a few feet away, her arms crossed, as Zaria places a tray of steaming tea on the small table.
This is it—the moment to confess all, to spill the beans, to share everything I’ve been holding back.
I clear my throat, the sound echoing slightly in the quiet room, and gesture to Fenris. “We were best friends growing up. It’s not romantic.”
Fenris snorts. “I would never betray my king like that.”
Raiden’s eyes dart back and forth between us, a flicker of uncertainty in their depths.
“He was going to be my paladin, take over from Valric when he was old enough, but then the attack happened . . . ” I fade off. “I remembered Fenris in the arena, that was the memory. He is like a brother to me, a confidant when I was young.”
Raiden lets out a low grunt, his shoulders slumping as he sinks back onto the sofa. “Alright, tell us what happened tonight.”
I have no idea how he finds sitting like that comfortable with his massive wings. Settling beside him, I glance around as the others find their places, the air thick with anticipation. Nix lands on my lap, while Zaria takes the spot next to me. Perched atopZaria’s head, Asrai tilts her head, watching me with those big bright, knowing eyes.
Across from us, Kian settles into the armchair, folding his arms as his assessing gaze fixes on me. Tristan takes the other armchair, his expression unreadable, though I can sense the intensity in his watchful silence.
Fenris, on the other hand, stalks over to the balcony, his gaze directed outward as he stares into the night, his silhouette tense against the faint glow of moonlight.
With everyone settled, I take a deep breath, steeling myself.
“The Witte Wieven told me and showed me what I have to do next." I take a deep breath and repeat what they said. "Through caverns deep and shadows wide, the Skythari Nomads dwell where beasts do hide. To earn their trust, a bond must form, in Ethereal Peaks where magic storms. The beasts will guide your path they know, but only through trust can you truly grow. To reunite with what you’ve lost, seek the creatures, no matter the cost. Shadow’s hand will search in vain, for only the beasts can break the chain."
Everyone is silent, a mixture of expressions flickering across their faces.
“That’s really fucking vague. Did they say anything else?” Raiden grunts.
I bite my lip. “They showed me the snowy mountains and a great white, winged beast, fae with skin so pale it was an icy blue. I think . . . I think I need to find these Skythari Nomads and gain their trust so they can either help us or give the location of these beasts that can lead us to Maxon.”
“What did these beasts look like?” Fenris asks, not turning around.
“They looked like giant white lions, but with massive, feathered wings. Two horns jutted out from their white manes. They were . . . incredible.”
Asrai, who is perched quietly on Zaria’s head, suddenly bursts into flight, her wings a blur as she flits before me, her tiny hands signing furiously.‘Luxaryn!’
“What?” I feel the confusion rippling through me.
‘Luxaryn!’she signs again, emphasizing each letter. ‘Creatures that have wings that crackle with lightning and protect mountaintops from intruders. They’re the Light Bringers, a winged beast with feathers that shine brightly, illuminating dark places.’
“What did she say?” Zaria’s brows knit together as she reaches out to cup the small Willowroot in her hands.
I meet her worried gaze. “She said they’re luxaryn.”
Raiden’s expression turns dark as he leans forward. “The luxaryn are extinct.”
“Or maybe . . . not,” I argue, letting the possibility sink in.
Raiden stands abruptly, rubbing a hand through his hair, his steps becoming more agitated with each pass. “What about before?” he demands, his voice tight. “What else did you see?”
I swallow hard. “Morrigan.”
The name hangs in the air, heavy as a storm cloud. Zaria and Nix suck in sharp breaths, and Kian’s jaw drops slightly, his disbelief visible.
“No way,” he says under his breath. “No one has seen the gods since the dragons left.”
