“It was more a mustard yellow, I believe,” Esme said.
“No, it was a bright yellow like the sun!” Kaila stamped her foot. When everyone looked away from her, she said, “Well, bananas and mustard are good to eat so… even if you’re right, it’s still beautiful!”
“Absolutely, Kaila,” Jahara said kindly as she sipped a Manhattan with dark red cherries on the bottom.
“Yes, exactly.” Kaila nodded.
What security measures are you taking while we are gone? Xipil asked.
“My Wise Women guard every entrance into the throneroom. They are backed up by Claw,” Jahara answered.
“Wally is in his rat form and can give us notice if anything is going wrong. Marban and Rose are also patrolling,” Caden added.
“And I will be able to hold off anyone else,” Chione said as she poured herself a glass of sangria from a perspiring jug. “Anything less than the Behemoth is not a problem.”
Valerius smiled at Chione. His heart still felt a little fragile when she spoke of fighting, honestly, when she left his sight. It was getting a little better, but almost losing her had left an indelible mark upon him. Caden felt his anxiety and stroked his thigh. Soon, their minds would not be linked again. He wasn’t sure how he felt about that.
It will be fine. Imagine if they locate Fadel and the others, Valerius. It will be worth it for a few hours apart, Caden reminded him.
My head agrees with you, but my heart… well, we are doing this, Valerius said. I will look forward to the getting drunk part of this evening with you.
Raziel met his gaze in the mirror. I will return, Valerius. Nothing will keep me away.
Valerius nodded. Do not let my fear affect your courage.
You make me braver than I ever was, Raziel said.
Do not have too much fun without us! Lana cried as the Dragon Spirits started to shuffle out.
“We couldn’t, Lana! I love you!” Kaila waved desperately.
All knew the moment that their Dragon Spirits left the lair. Their shoulders slumped. They all looked a little grim. And no one spoke for a moment. Valerius wondered how the Hell Illarion had done this repeatedly by himself. Valerius could not have. It was not as bad this time, because he knew that Raziel truly would be back at a time certain. He set a timer on his phone, but still, there was a bit of grief not having Raziel’s warmth within him.
“Thank you so much for doing this,” Anwar said before draining his white wine and continuing to hold the glass in a white-knuckled grip. “I know--I know--how hard this is. Fadel would thank you forever if he could. And all the others that are lost--”
“Anwar, you need not thank us,” Jahara said as she sipped her Manhattan. “This is an unfinished portion of our fight against the Behemoth. While we dithered with our own individual problems, our people were being stolen beneath our noses.”
“Indeed. If we get them back that is the ultimate ‘fuck you’ to that bastard.” Illarion popped a few cashews into his mouth and washed them down with a large swallow of his martini.
“Hearing that from you, Illarion, makes me realize just how much things have changed.” Mei passed by him to get a shishkabob and a glass of cold sake. She patted Illarion’s shoulder as she went which had everyone--especially Illarion--raising their eyebrows.
“Does that mean I get a dance at the wedding?” Illarion chortled.
Mei bit off a bit of meat and regarded him with narrowed eyes. “Maybe.”
“I could make Adama dance with me if you won’t,” Illarion wheedled.
“I’ve updated his firewall.” Her eyes narrowed more.
Illarion grinned. “I know.”
“I’m debating whether to poke out your eyes with this skewer or dance with you. Both would be excruciating for one of us,” Mei chuckled as she stripped the meat off of the skewer and jabbed it in Illarion’s direction.
“I don’t know whether to be aroused or afraid!” Illarion chuckled uncertainly.
Mei sauntered past him. “Both.”
Esme shook off her malaise. She went over to replenish her drink with the bartender. “Well, I, for one, am going to enjoy this short time without Scylla, because we can talk about all our plans for our Dragon Spirits without them knowing.”
