“Do not harm him!”
Alora ignored her. She knelt in front of Rihan and took his hand. “Do you want to be king one day, Rihan?”
He bit his lip and shrugged. “I don’t know. Mother says…”
“Don’t worry about what your mother wants. Are you ready to rule?”
He shook his head.
Alora smiled gently and brushed the hair from his brow. “Ruling a kingdom is a great responsibility, perhaps not one meant for a young boy. The crown is rightfully yours but allow me to carry the burden until you are ready.”
Rihan’s shoulders slumped with relief as she embraced him. “Will I return to Argyle now?”
“If you wish. But you may return here anytime you want.”
He nodded. “Thank you…”
“Rihan, come,” Delphi said stiffly.“Now.”
But he hesitated, worry and uncertainty clear on his face. Alora picked up her familiar and placed him in Rihan’s arms.
“This is Nexus, my guardian. He is a very special cat who will watch over you,” she said, petting the purring Vareth. “If anyone dares to harm you, Nexus will give them a big bite.”
Nexus flicked his tail, giving a short trill as Alora planted him in Rihan’s arms.
“If you need me, he will let me know.”
Rihan smiled finally.
Her brother carried Nexus away and took his mother’s waiting hand. Caelum escorted them out the door into the dawn and they headed for the Elder Tree beside the cottage. He had learned how to awaken the portal. She watched as Caelum set Tanzanite into the bark, spoke a few words, then the center shone with golden light.
It was usually white when she used it.
Lady Zinnia came to stand beside her, watching as they disappeared through the portal. “You showed commendable restraint today. But take heed, Delphi is not one who yields easily.”
Alora sighed. “I know.”
But that would be a matter for another time. She glanced at Rune where he now sat at the table, and sensed there was more to confront today.
A whisper of silk accompanied Zinnia’s rise, the sigh that followed soft but pointed. “By my arrangement with your husband, no more than three demons are allowed within the Midlands, so long as they disguise themselves and remain near the cottage.”
Alora arched an eyebrow at the unexpected leniency. “And what of the Minotaurs? The Midlands must welcome all fae, regardless of their status or beauty.”
Lips thinning, Zinnia inclined her head in a graceful nod, surprising Alora again. “As you wish.” But she stepped close enough to share breath, her voice dropping to a murmur. “The glyphs of the siphoning array were Hellspeech, goddaughter. Perhaps you should search for your enemies much closer.”
Their eyes locked, Zinnia’s gaze sharp with warning.
Then, with a measured step back, her godmother offered a polite smile. “Well, I take my leave.”
Alora blinked, her thoughts tangling with the implication and announcement. “Where are you going?”
“I must return to the manor and prepare our forces. The Midland Army stands with you, Alora. You will need every blade for the battle to come.”
She frowned questioningly, following her to the door. When Zinnia opened it, she at last noticed the sky. It took her a moment to understand. A red slash had torn across the Heavens like the sky itself had been wounded.
Alora’s breath caught. The air tasted wrong. Magic stirred in her blood like something waking. “What is that?”
Zinnia glanced past her shoulder to Rune. “The God of Shadows holds the answer.”
