“Yes, you're right. But you won't let me fight the Garden like this.”
Tiernan sighed. “We'll see how you feel in the morning.”
“Okay.” I looked back at Sever. “I love you. Hopefully, I'll see you soon.”
“I love you too.” Sever sighed deeply. “Seren, I'm sorry I took Miri away. I was trying to be a good father.”
“I know, sweetheart. I agreed to it. You have nothing to apologize for.” I touched the slice of crystal over his face. “Youarea good father. Miri is lucky to have you. We both are.”
Sever's jaw dropped.
“What? I've said those things before.”
“Yes. I just didn't expect to hear them now.”
“Enjoy my clarity while you can.” I winked at him.
Sever chuckled. “I will. Goodnight, both of you.” He looked over at Tiernan.
“Goodnight,” Tiernan and I said together.
I put the phone down and picked up my tea. After taking a sip, I said, “Nope, this isn't going to do it.”
“What do you mean?” Tiernan looked worried.
“I'm starving. I need more than a damn cup of tea.”
Tiernan chuckled as he stood up. “Come along then. Let's see what we can find in the kitchen.”
Chapter Thirty-One
I woke to . . . nothing. All was peaceful. Even Tiernan slept with a soft expression beside me. I stared up at his dome of shadows and smiled. It was nice to know his magic was watching over me. I blinked. Nice. It felt nice. Okay, now to see if something could feel bad. How did I feel about Star? As soon as I thought of him, an image of him sprawled naked in his bed came to mind. Oh, that was very nice.
Nope, not a lick of guilt. And I didn't feel bad about not feeling bad either.
“Seren?” Tiernan waved a hand, and the darkness protecting us vanished, replaced by sunlight.
“I haven't recovered yet, but I feel a little more self-aware.”
He nodded and sat up. “Do you want to go back today?”
I sat up too. “Yes.”
“Are you sure you're ready to face the Garden again?” Tiernan grimaced. “I feel useless.”
“But you aren't. I'll coat our swords in Light again. You and our soldiers can hold off any briar warriors the Garden manifests. Meanwhile, I'll find the Garden and blast it.”
“That didn't work so well yesterday.”
“Today, I'll send Light ahead of me when I take corners.”
“All right.” He was about to say more when my scry phone chimed.
I answered it, expecting one of my husbands, but the crystal remained misty.
“Seren?” Star's voice came through.
Tiernan rolled his silver eyes. “What happened to being confident that she'd come to you?”
