Killian settled between us, his little body warm and solid. “Love you.”
“Love you too,” Wen and I said at the same time.
Within minutes, his breathing had evened out again, already back asleep, safe between his parents.
I looked over his head at Wen. She was watching me, a soft smile on her face. We didn’t need to say anything. This was perfect. I fell back asleep with my son’s small hand clutching my shirt and my wife’s fingers intertwined with mine over Killian’s sleeping form.
Whatever challenges came next, whatever threats Igryside posed, we’d face them together.
All three of us.
Always.
13
— • —
Wen
Every morning since the ritual, I’d woken up feeling like I’d been hit by a carriage. Every muscle ached. My head pounded. But we had what we needed: Tyreen’s location.
Mal was already awake, sitting on the edge of the bed watching me. “How do you feel today?”
“Like death warmed over. But functional.” I pushed myself up despite my body’s protests. “I think it’s time.”
“We do not have to do this yet We can wait until you are fully recovered.”
“No.” I shook my head. “We can’t wait. We need to move now.”
An hour later, I was standing in the strategy room with our core group. Mal stood beside me. Casimya was on the other side ofthe table, studying the map spread before us. Sorcha stood near the window, arms crossed. Aurion leaned against the wall with his usual casual grace, and Torin stood at attention near the door.
A map of the seven kingdoms covered the wooden table, Noctherion woods marked with Casimya’s tracking spell. The ink glowed faintly, pulsing like a heartbeat.
“Tyreen is deep in Noctherion woods,” Casimya said, her finger tracing a path to a spot that looked concerningly far from any established roads. “Depending on where the portal leave us, we might have merely hours of journey, or maybe a few days. We need to prepare accordingly.”
“We’ll need guards,” I said.
Mal nodded. “A small unit. Too many will draw attention.”
Torin stepped forward. “I will accompany you.”
“No,” I said. “I need you with Killian.”
His face flickered with surprise. “Your Majesty?”
“You’re loyal and Killian trusts you. I need you protecting my son while we’re gone. No one else will do.”
Determination replaced the surprise. “It would be my honor.”
Then Sorcha asked the question we’d all been avoiding. “Where will Killian stay while you’re gone? Here is not safe if Igryside attacks.”
“Earth.”
Mal turned to look at me. “Earth?”
“Think about it. Igryside can’t track him there. I know the realm. My friends will help.”
Aurion spoke up from his position against the wall. “They are formidable. I have met them.”
