“Whatever you heard, it saved your life before I did.”
“Indeed,” I murmured.
Chapter Twenty-Five
As soon as Jath landed, my lovers rushed to me.
“Fadenow!” Xae shouted before he reached me.
“Everyone, get back to the citadel!” Rath added.
“What about the pits?” I asked. “I need to fill them in.”
“We will return for that,” Jath said. “They're right. You need to go before the Corrupter returns.”
“Let him. I'm ready for him now.”
“No, you're not, but he will be ready for you.” Rath finally reached me and instantly grabbed my arm. He yanked me against his chest, and snapped, “Close your eyes.”
It was all the warning he gave me before he faded us back to the citadel. As soon as we reformed, I pushed away from him.
“Damn it, Rath! That was rude!” I stormed out of the arrival chamber.
“You were wasting time arguing.” He hurried after me. Not because he was trying to chase me down but because there would be more arrivals in the chamber soon.
Soon as in seconds. Mere moments after we left the chamber, it was full again. Xae was the next one out, then Keltyr, who ran to me and swept me into a hug. Over Kel's shoulder, I saw Jath exit the chamber with Finn. Jath met my stare, then strode past. Finn and the other Lords who had gone with us stopped to check on me. Rath and Xae had to stand aside while I assured everyone that I was all right.
“We need to speak to the Emperor,” Jath said.
The circle around me broke, and I saw that he hadn't left after all, just gone to stand beside my lovers.
“We'll go,” Rath stepped forward and took my hand.
“I'm still not happy with you,” I whispered to him.
“Get over it,” he whispered back. “I would do it again to save you.”
I grimaced at him as Xae joined us.
“I should like to come as well,” Jath said.
“You don't have to do that,” I rushed to say.
“As I said, I want to.”
“Maybe we should all go,” Keltyr said, looking around.
“No, that's unnecessary,” Xae said. “But it would be helpful if you informed General Ranor of what we encountered.”
“Sure.” Kel swung his gaze back to me. “I'm glad you're all right, Ember.”
“Thanks. Me too.” I looked down at my dirty armor. “Maybe we should change before we visit the Emperor.”
My lovers nodded.
“I'll meet you there,” Jath said, then faded.
I wasn't sure if he had faded to his room to change or gone straight to the Emperor, but I didn't care. I needed to get out of that heavy, hot armor. I faded upstairs with my lovers, and we changed quickly before fading to the Imperial Palace.
