“He obviously doesn't know what that means,” Rahu said with a wave at me. The bones in his braids clicked as if chiding Vex.
“My father was not happy when I became a wraith lord,” Vex said. “He thinks it's an admirable path. But not for his heir. He felt that I was abandoning the clan. Not everyone agreed with him. Some saw it as honorable, and a few even followed me into the Goddess' service. I thank her every day that we were all worthy of her. If even one of them had been lost to the trial, I would have carried the weight of their death forever.”
“The other Tiger Ladrin lords? They're all from your clan?”
“Yes.”
“That's why you guys are so . . . clanish. You're like their prince or something.”
He shrugged. “We answer to the General and the Emperor now.”
“Not entirely,” Rahu said. “Tell him the rest.”
“I am getting to it,” Vexen growled.
Rahu sat back and lowered his gaze.
I blinked at that. Processed. Remembered.
Shit. This was why Vex was so upset about me defending myself. He was the son of their leader. They wouldn't have attacked me if he stood between us. And when he said they were his people, he meant it more deeply than I knew. He was responsible for them. And Rahu was his cousin. Maybe that's why he felt as if he could speak to Vex as he had. But Vex had just shut that shit down.
It was kinda sexy.
“We have traditions concerning outsiders,” Vex said to me. “Normally, if you want your mate to be accepted by the clan, you would present them to the clan before mating. This is especially important for our leaders. But my situation is unusual. I gave up my position to become a lord.” His hand went to his chest and rubbed it absently. “I didn't think that rule applied to me anymore.”
“But it does?” I asked, my stare on where he had rubbed.
“Yes.”
“All right. So present me.”
“There is more to it than just an introduction. Because you mated me, the heir, you must be tested. I'm sorry, Ember. I didn't think they'd demand this of you. But, as I said, my father was upset with my choice. He never accepted my abdication. To him, I am still the heir. And so, you must prove worthy of being mate to the heir.”
I took a breath and let it out in a burst. “All right.”
“Really?” Rahu frowned at me.
“Why does that surprise you?” I narrowed my eyes at him. “What exactly does the test entail?”
“You have to defeat one of our warriors,” Rahu said. “The Chief will choose his champion.”
I rolled my eyes. “Of course.” I sighed again. “Fine. When do we do this?”
“Ember, are you sure?” Vexen asked me. “We can just leave.”
“And never come back? That would be the price, right?”
Vexen's face twitched. “Right. But I can do that. For you.”
I snorted as Rahu gaped at Vex.
Vexen scowled at me. “That is not the reaction I expected.”
“It's sweet, but we're bonded now. You have just made a huge sacrifice for me. I'm not going to let you make another.” I took his hand and softened my tone. “I don't have any family left. Even when they were alive, it was just my parents. I would give anything to have them back. Blood is important. You still have your father and your clan. If there's anything I can do to keep your ties to them in place, I'll do it.”
“Ember, I don't want you to kill the champion.”
“I won't. I promise.”
