Her smile widened. “And the others.”
Are you safe?Madrood snarled in my mind.You seem upset. If someone’s harming you, I’ll blast them with fire.
My laugh choked out.I’m fine. Vera’s here. No one else.
Vera.
Yes, my aunt.
I see.A long pause followed.
Is there a problem?Maybe he knew something about her I didn’t, which reminded me that I needed to be careful with everyone.
Not at all,he said in too jovial a voice.We landed in a big open courtyard in the center of Lydel Manor. I do hope there’s an aerie here and staff to care for my scales. The sea creatures marred them.
I’ll take care of your scales myself,I said.
As you should. You do the best job.
My laugh was still much too shrill.I’ve had plenty of practice.
Why haven’t you joined us in the courtyard? Your mate is looking for you, and I fear he’s going to rip apart this lovely, though overgrown garden to find you. Your friends are frightened. We’ve all been worried.
I’m sorry. I should’ve reached out right away. I’m fine.
“How do I get out of here?” I asked Aunt Vera. I’d climb through a window if I had to. “The others are waiting in the courtyard.”
“Good. You need your friends around you.” She took my hands and linked our fingers, squeezing mine to the point I almost winced. “I still can’t believe you’re here. The time I’ve waited for is finally at hand.”
“What exactly have you been waiting for?”
“For you to claim your inheritance,” she said, releasing me. “For you to free Lydel and restore the balance.”
“You speak of powerless Nullens.”
“Yes, exactly.”
“I want to see my friends, but you and I need to talk soon. There’s so much I have to know.”
“I’ll share what I can,” she said brightly.
“I assume you’ll also hold things back.”
She nodded, biting down on her lower lip hard enough to drive out the pink.
“Soon,” her smile grew, “you’ll set the world on the right path.”
“Another path?”
Her brow narrowing, and with her eyes locking with mine, she tapped her chin. “Who else has used that term?”
“Iasar.”
Her smile fell, and her eyes spiraled wildly. “You’ve spoken with Iasar?”
“I freed him and Amronth from the front doors. Vexxion created fake images to fool anyone who looks that way.”
“I’m not sure that was a wise thing to do, but, as you say, it’s done. I’m sure he’ll get over his anger.” She clapped her hands and pressed for a smile again, though this one didn’t reach her eyes.
