The void began to tug at me, calling me back. Arran, using the tether to rescue me from the darkness.
Arthur did not reach for me, letting me go back to where I truly belonged.
“We will see each other again, Veyka,” he promised.
Then he was gone. Nothing more than a memory.
68
ARRAN
It was difficult to measure the passage of time enshrouded as we were in the mist. Evander and his Aquarian queen, Mya, disappeared for what might have been an hour or could have been two or three. When they returned, Evander’s face was set in a harsh mask. The puffiness around Mya’s eyes told me that she had been crying.
Percival and Diana sat on the grass, occasionally speaking to one another but mostly silent. A lavender-draped priestess appeared from the mist to offer water and bread. I should have used the time to strategize with Lyrena or to question Cyara about her journey since leaving Eilean Gayl. Instead, I passed off the communication crystal and let the two of them contact Gwen.
I watched Veyka go, and then Ifelther go. Through the void. She did not emerge for a long time. The bond was still intact, still strong, but it was as taut as I’d ever felt it. Wherever she’d gone, it was not in the human realm. My instincts told me she had not gone to Annwyn, either.
Where else… she’d mentioned the succubus realm once. When recounting those terrifying trips through the void, whenher power overwhelmed her at our Joining, she’d mentioned a realm of darkness and death. A smell and chill she later attributed to the succubus.
She would not go there alone, I told myself. Not when she could have taken me with her, when we could have battled together. Not without saying goodbye.
But the longer she was gone, the less sure I felt. She wasbeyond, of that I was certain. The bond was intact but the pressure built in my chest minute by minute. It was almost painful.
I’d never tried to reach her when she was in another realm. I had no idea if the connection between us would reach that far. But I had to try.
Veyka, where are you?
Nothing.
My beast howled inside of me. I tried again.Veyka, come back.
My mind flashed to the temple in Eilean Gayl, when Diana’s mind had floated unmoored through space and time, and Percival had used his bond as her brother to pull her back to him. I did exactly what I’d described to him. I wrapped myself around that golden bond, tugging, an insistent demand.
For a few heartbeats, I thought it wouldn’t be enough. Then I felt her on the other side.
The mist obscured everything, but I knew my mate was near.
She walked on silent feet out of the fog, but by the time she’d fully emerged, everyone in the small circle that Evander held clear was on their feet.
Veyka’s eyes tracked around the circle, holding the gaze of each person in turn. Everyone except me.
No footsteps sounded over my shoulder, but Veyka’s expression told me who had joined us again from behind the wall of mist.
“I am ready,” she said to the Lady of the Lake.
“There is a succubus horde in the valley below Eldermist,” Cyara said. “Humans from five villages prepare to fight in coalition with Elora and the remnants of the Elemental Army. Gwen cannot leave them.”
Cyara’s hand shook around the communication stone.
“Thank you.” She hugged Cyara close. Then Lyrena.
This was unacceptable.
She reached Mya and Evander. She glared at the latter. But she grasped the Ethereal Queen’s hand.
“It is not your decision alone, Veyka. My life is mine to risk,” Mya insisted.
Veyka shook her head. “There is no reason for us both to sacrifice our lives when my soul will do the trick.”
