“Let’s take the sick girl out to the courtyard,” Devryn told the soldier.“She’ll be visible enough to keep an eye on without pulling someone off other duties.”
“Yes, sir.”The soldier nodded to his superiors and quickly exited the room.
“Devryn,” the captain called as the lieutenant moved to follow him.“I don’t want any disruptions from this nonsense.”
“Understood, sir.”
Daya sent her mental voice to Ereven.Let’s go.I’ve seen enough.
We’ve found the darkness.
Undoubtedly.I just don’t know what we can do about it.
Dizziness slammed into her as she separated from Ereven and sunk back into her own body.She kept her eyes closed, breathing steadily until her mind settled.It was a familiar pain that meant they were performing their guardian functions well.
The rain had stopped while they’d been making their observations.If it held, she’d make good time riding home.Nerves tightened in her stomach.The fortress felt wrong.The fact that it had been inhabited for some time was upsetting.
If the mountain agreed this was the source of the darkness, they’d have to find a way to remove them.She’d need time to think and prepare.How in the world was she supposed to drive them out of her lands?And what would she do about the children when she was physically bound to the mountain range, unable to take them to safety?
Daya’s Homestead, Hannelore Mountain, Realm of Eldridge
Itwaslate,dark,and cold by the time Daya had conferred with the mountain and made it all the way home.The mountain’s unsettling words echoed in her head as she untacked Melody.Wait.You will know when.
Her head and heart throbbed in unison as she debated the situation.How could she manage to drive out a large group of mercenaries alone?A few people she could handle, but the fortress had been crawling with soldiers, many more arriving as they had left.
Upward of fifteen men was too many, even with her earth magic assisting her.If she unleashed her power, she could flatten the area, but that would mean sacrificing the children.
Raiden would help her for certain.But with his injuries and the threat of him still being hunted, it would take more than the two of them to remedy the situation and ensure the best outcome for the children.
Ember had warned that the house was sleeping when they’d entered communication distance hours before, so she took care to move silently as she entered her home.The sound of the crackling fire greeted her along with a burst of warm air.A plate of covered food sat on the counter, waiting.
Had she ever come home to a house filled with warmth and care?Continuing into the living room, she found her companions.
Raiden lay on the floor, sound asleep with his head braced on one arm.The flames leapt nearby, casting dancing shadows around him.Neka was sprawled next to him, head bent close to his as if they’d been sharing secrets before falling asleep.Ereven had joined Ember, who slept quietly on her indoor perch near the open window, head tucked all the way down into her feathers.
Setting her pack down along with her sodden boots and coat, she moved to sit in the carved wooden chair near the fire.They looked so peaceful, at home together in the room.Daya wanted to laugh at the unusual sight but found tears pricking her eyes instead.Watching them together hurt in the best and worst way.
A warm hand wrapped around her ankle with a squeeze.Jolting, she looked down to find Raiden’s green eyes focused on her with a sleepy warmth.She flattened her features, hoping the dim room hid her untamed emotions.
“Go back to sleep,” she said softly.
“Not a chance.Come here, love.”
The endearment whispered in his sleep-laden voice made her heart ache.He called her anaiah frequently, when he was both playful and serious.This seemed to slip out of a less intentional place, making her want to curl up beside him.That was a terrible, horrible idea, but she slid from the chair anyway.
Raiden opened his arm and waited for her to lay next to him.His chest was heated from the fire, and his warm, bare skin was the best sensation she’d felt in a long time under her cheek.His hand trailed through her hair with gentle movements as his steady heartbeat began to soothe her.
“Let me help, whatever it is,” he insisted.
Her heart swelled at the offer, but she couldn’t accept.Not yet at least.
It was her responsibility, her burden to bear.Involving him would put him in danger, and he was barely healed.For all that he was a powerful warrior, he had a sweet, joyful soul.His current condition would prevent him from getting the children to safety, and that would tear him up.She didn’t want him to suffer that until absolutely necessary.
“Thank you, but—”
Raiden squeezed her tighter against his chest.“You haven’t even told me the problem, anaiah.How do you know I can’t help?”
Sealing her lips, she debated how to answer him.He was right, but her answer remained the same.
