“Elements hold everything, cinder-breath,” Fire said. “We make up everything.”
“Even Death?” Nex shot back.
“We are kin to Death. But not within him. If we were, we could have handled him without you,” Air said.
“Look, I know I screwed up when I gave Death a chance,” I said. “But there was a reason for that. The Goddess allowed it to happen because it was the only way for me to get close enough to him to learn the truth about Aranren. And even as I trained with Death, I had my doubts about him. I was wary. I don't feel that way about the Elements. We can trust them. I'm sure of it.”
“Well, shit,” Graysen said. “It's not like you have a better offer. Why reject help?”
“Because they could be working with Death,” Jath said.
Everyone looked at him.
“But I don't think they are,” he went on. “I have Air Magic in me, and it recognizes the Consciousness of Air. I feel the rightness of this. I say we let Ember train with them.”
I let out the breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.
“See? I told you he wasn't an idiot,” Water said to Fire.
“Yes, we are deeply entwined in all of you,” Air said. “Look inside yourselves for the truth as Lord Jathalion has. It isthere. And not just in the magic. You can feel us in your breath, bones, and flesh.”
The Wraith Lords went pensive, searching within themselves, and soon, expressions of surprise and then ease spread across their faces. One by one, the men gave their consent to my training.
“Well, there's the easy bit done,” Fire said.
Chapter Nineteen
“Hey, asshole,” Graysen said as I approached the table. He got up and hugged me, slapping me on the back. “Every time I come back, it's something new with you. Can you just end the fucking war already?”
“I'm trying,” I said a little too seriously for our banter.
“Yeah,” his tone went serious too. “We all are. And I'm done recruiting. It's time for me to try a little harder.”
“What does that mean?”
“We're done. The towers are staffed. I've accepted a post at the one near Fress. I'm going to be in charge of the tower and that includes training the recruits. The Emperor gave me the rank of captain. Can you believe that shit?”
“You're running the tower near Fress?” I grinned.
He grimaced. “Don't get all sappy. It wasn't about your dumb, ugly ass. I chose it because I've gotten to know those people, and I like them.”
“You mean the young people?” I smirked.
“Hey, the kids are cute,” Gray huffed. “I can't help it. I want to make sure they're all right.”
“They've got me to protect them,” Nex said. “They'll be all right.” He stood up. “Speaking of which; I'm going back. I don't want them left undefended.”
“You mean you don't want to be away from your mate for another moment,” Rath teased.
Nex didn't try to deny it. “Yup. She's got me by the balls,” he said with a huge grin and sauntered away.
As I watched Nex head out of the archway, I saw Vex following. “Oh, no, you don't,” I growled.
“What?” Gray asked.
“Not you.” I waved a hand after Vex. “Vexen and I need to have a talk.” I grimaced at Gray. “Sorry. Can we catch up at dinner?”
“Sure, man. I'm already tired of your ugly face.” He pushed me after Vex.
