CeriangripsArisanna’shandas they hurry down the stairs, but whispered voices reach his ears, and he pulls her to a stop.
“What is it?” she asks, and he holds a finger to his lips.
It’s Mother and Father. Grandmera, too.
“If even Tharios’s life magic is struggling, we need to go now before it’s too late,” Mother says.
Her words set Cerian’s heart racing. What aren’t they telling him?
He pulls Arisanna around the corner, and everyone looks up at him.
“What’s really going on?” he asks.
Father sighs, and Mother rubs her brows.
“Your mother received a more understandable message from Viala,” Father says. “She’s fine. Tharios is fine. They just need our help.”
“Then why are you talking about his life magic not being enough? Enough for what?”
“We need to go, Lorial,” Mother says. “Cerian, stay here. We can talk later.”
“But Father said he needed—”
“It is not safe,” Mother says. “Watch over your sister.”
Mother turns down the hallway, and Father looks between her and Cerian before sighing again. “Stay here and stay safe. We’ll be fine.”
Father hurries after Mother, and Cerian turns to Grandmera. “What are they hiding from me?”
“I will not undermine your mother and father, Cerian. You will do as they say. Stay here and keep everyone safe. That is how you help your family today.”
Cerian groans. “I’m not an elfling.”
But Grandmera has already turned to follow his parents.
“Cerian,” Arisanna whispers beside him, and he wraps his arms around her.
“It’s all right,” he says as he pulls her close. “I’ve got you.”
“What’s going on?”
“I don’t know. But you’re safe.”
She nestles against him and lets him hold her.
Perhaps Rominy and Elowyn know more than he does.
“Let’s check on Elowyn, all right?” he says softly, and Arisanna nods.
When they reach Elowyn’s door, Cerian turns the handle, but it’s locked.
“We usually knock on locked doors in Nunia,” Arisanna whispers as Cerian stares at the handle that won’t turn.
“I believe that’s a universal practice. It’s just never been locked before.”
“Perhaps they wanted some privacy.”
“Privacy?”
