“Klyn, the boys went to River. I had no knowledge until it was done, and the boys showed up in WesterLea.”
Klyn’s focus shifted from Octavia tome.
“You did this?” he asked me and then looked back at Octavia. “It was bad enough that this was done, and not even byyou.”
Klyn grabbed the front of my shirt and pulled me closer to him. He was a mix of emotions; anger and concern. I honestly shared his concern, though I would not admit it. Ever since I became aware that Sean had two nightmares that were both of sins I had taken, I had worried that I made the wrong decisions. But, I was bound to these boys now. They were part of my responsibility to see to it that they werealright.
“The boys are loyal to Queen Octavia. They insisted on helping. They love her,” I said toKlyn.
“Love makes people do irrational things, River,” Klyn said under hisbreath.
“I agree. Look at what it has done,” I countered and gave him a moment to think about the situation we were in because of love. “Octavia loves you. So, here we are. We were on our way to Stonewald to save your ass. And I will tell you what I told Octavia. Those four young men changed their lives to help her save you. Their lives are forever changed. You owe them a nod ofrespect.”
Klyn took a deep breath, released my shirt from his hands, and nodded atme.
“Thank you. I am sure it was not an easy decision for you to make when they came toyou.”
I knew Klyn was still somewhat uneasy, but there really was nothing that he could do about it at this point. It was done. I think his biggest concern now was that I had turned them rather than Octavia. Hopefully, the boys would not suffer odd effects of my venom. I already knew Sean obtained strings of the sins through nightmares. That alone was enough on myconscience.
“We should finish preparing for the Carpe Noctem. Like I said, they are on their way,” Derwinsaid.
Everyone sat around with our bows in one hand and a leather pack of Derwin’s arrows at the ready. Derwin continued to move liquids around with his finger on the iron plate. More time than I would have liked had passed before we heard Merc’s arrow bounce off the metal siding. Everyone moved at the sound, and I leaned forward over the ironplate.
“Do you see anything, Derwin?” Iasked.
I found it rather odd that Derwin had not been able to see them this near. Phoebe seemed to wonder the same and voicedit.
“Why are you not able to see them, and they are?” sheasked.
Derwin looked up at me and then to Phoebe. He looked down at the iron plate, moved liquids around again, and then smiled. He pointed to the plate andgrinned.
“Merc did not see the Carpe Noctem coming. Sean did.” Derwin shook his head and looked at me. “You gave that boy some very impressive vision.” Derwin returned his focus to the plate. “I would suggest we get into position. I do not think we should all be inhere.”
“I agree,” I said as I stood. “Ethan, Michan, Liam, get up in some trees to where each of you can see Derwin’s. Octavia…” I had to think quickly where she should be. I wanted her by my side. However, I did not want her to be with me when I killed Lochlaan. Klyn has been her protector forever, and he has done a damn fine job keeping her safe, but we needed Klyn armed with arrows. “Octavia, stay here withDerwin.”
“No! I can make my own decisions. I am not going to sit idle in here while all of my gentlemen are outside risking their lives!” Octaviarebutted.
“If something happens to you, then changing the boys was for nothing. You need to stay with Derwin,” I said and nodded at Klyn so he would go outside with theothers.
“I will stay too,” Phoebe said and glanced atEve.
Eve looked frail and as if she were barely clinging to life. She was cut from the ice hitting her skin and had been bleeding in places. Eve should not be anywhere but hiding somewhere. I went to Octavia, wrapped my arms around her, and kissed her lipshard.
“Look after my gentlemen out there, River,” she said as we pulledapart.
“Yes, my Queen,” Ireplied.
She placed her hand over my heart, looked me in the eyes, and said, “All ofthem.”
“You have my word,” Ipromised.
I went outside and quickly crossed a small clearing that separated Derwin’s and the side of the woods that I had spent much of my youthin.
“Riv,” Merc whispered my nickname that he used to call me when I was a boy. I found him leaning against a tree looking in the direction ofStonewald.
“Where is Sean?” I asked in a hushedtone.
Merc pointed upward, and when I glanced up, I saw Sean standing on a branch looking towards Stonewald too. The rain began to pour down again, and the fog that had risen as tall as seven or eight feet off the ground had stilled. Merc and I kept our eyes on the front of the fog as we waited for them toappear.
