Sawyer nodded. “I don’t know… I don’t know what’s happening.”
None of them did.
Andvari turned to Dakota, who knelt beside them, silent and so very angry.
“You,” Andvari said.
Dakota glanced his way.
“Talk to him. Kindly or I swear to the goddess I will remove your head from your shoulders myself, guardian or not, and my mates will not stop me this time.”
Henry moved his hand to Andvari’s back, a gentle force reminding him that his mates were there with him, that they supported him. Dakota moved forward as well.
“Your messengers wait,” Dakota said. His voice was gruff and low, as if he rarely spoke. Then again, he’d been hiding in the woods for weeks. He probably hadn’t spoken in all that time.
“What?” Sawyer asked.
Dakota glanced to the sky where the ravens still danced. Hundreds, if not thousands of them, gathered above, flying around, squawking and demanding attention.
“Your messengers. Give them a message and release the magic.”
Sawyer still didn’t understand. Hell, Andvari didn’t understand either.
Dakota growled. “Tell them you’re back.”
Sawyer sucked in a shaky breath and turned his attention to the sky. “I’m back.”
“Now release it.”
Sawyer relaxed, and with a sudden rumble the magic popped and began to settle. The earth stopped rumbling and the ravens released a final screech before flying away. “What… what happened?”
He looked to Andvari for answers. Andvari wasn’t sure he had any.
Instead, he leaned forward again with a smile. “You appear to have found your magic. I think we’re going to have to read a lot more books to explain this.”
Sawyer squeezed his hand again. Andvari fought back a wince of pain. He was pretty sure at least a couple bones were broken. But he’d let Sawyer break them all if that’s what it took, even if it meant he could never hold a sword again.
“Sawyer,” Draco said. Their dragon wasn’t in great shape. Andvari moved aside and Sawyer released his hand, only for Draco to take his place.
“Show me,” Henry demanded a second later.
Andvari glanced at him, even as his young mate held his hand gently.
“I need ice,” Henry said.
Cecil ran for the door. Andvari hadn’t even realized he stood there with them. His focus had been so complete on Sawyer.
“Did you see that?” Andvari said softly.
“Yes.”
“The blades.”
“I saw,” Henry said.
“He’s not air,” Andvari said.
“No. No, he’s not.”
