Elex’s face appeared in the rubble.
I saw his face clearly for just a second before the tears crowded in.
“Don’t cry, gorgeous,” he whispered.
“It’s the dust, asshole. It’s in my eyes.”
He chuckled.
At least we still had our sense of humor.
“Kimber!”
Grabbing Elex’s outstretched hand, I turned to see Dorian practically flying over the detritus of his now-former home.
He landed on his knees next to Elex and me, nearly ripping my hands off my arms as he pulled me away.
“Go. You have to go. You have to get out of here.”
“What? No! I have to stay!”
He grasped my hands in his, letting his eyes bore into me. “You must go. This was to kill you, to weaken the temple. Go.”
“Elex—”
“Will be cared for and safe here with us.”
His grip was careful, but firm, and his eyes shown with something new, something…
“Go!”
“Where?” The word tore from my throat and rent the air.
“To the cave. Go to the cave. It is there foryou. It’s meant to shelteryou.Get out of here!”
The urge to lean back and kiss Elex for reassurance nearly broke me, but I managed to pull away.
After just a few steps, my feet found their strides, and I ran like the wind, hoping that I could make my way to the Cave of the Breaking before someone tried to snatch me away.
They needed me safe as much as I need them to be safe.
I would see Elex—and Dorian—again soon.
CHAPTERTHIRTY
~ GWYNNORE ~
I stood before the Council again, barely 24 hours after the Challenge was issued. I had showered and napped before calling them to the chamber.
Nial was sitting back in his chair, flipping through some inane human magazine once more. He had showered as well but had disappeared for a few hours. I’d had to wait for him before I could call the meeting.
“Back so soon, Gwynnore?” Lord Belshazzar showed no emotion.
“I trust you didn’t just gut him like a fish?” Lord Otto was definitely smirking.
“No, my Lords. I didn’t gut them. I resoundingly defeated the Challenge as Lord Cato had issued it.”
“Master Niallan, what say the Monitor of Challenge?”
