* * *
Back on Élendium, Leya found herself among the familiar ashy blue and bronze trees. At least they were past Na’Tol and the haunted dead forest. The intense, clammy weather was gone, and a brisk breeze swept past them.
“It’s not humid anymore.”
“No. It’s the calm before the storm season starts.” Aerén looked up at the overcast skies, wan sunlight peeking through the cloud cover. “In a matter of days.”
“Storm season?” Hana asked, gripping her backpack straps. “That doesn’t sound good.”
“It isn’t. Before we leave…” His cool stare met Leya’s. “One important thing to keep in mind. Don’t mention who the Chosen is. My people will guess, of course. But I’ll hold an assembly later and announce the news. I don’t want to make Hana a target.”
“No problem,” Hana murmured, then she grimaced. “I don’t want to put myself in the rebel’s sight. Leya told me how horrible and dangerous they are. I mean, they shoved her through a portal and trapped her in a cave. Damn, Ley. Havta to say, you sure were brave.”
But not brave enough to take a chance with me.Aerén didn’t have to say it, but Leya saw it in his set jaw and flat stare.
No, Aerén.Not when your life is at stake.
He offered his arm to Hana, who held on.
Right. Inhaling deeply, Leya touched his other arm. He clamped her hand around his biceps and bit out in a low, hard voice, “Your flimsy hold will get you killed.” Mouth thinned, he dematerialized them.
Moments later, they reformed in the gorgeous front courtyard of Aerén’s home in Cidéra. The late evening sun shrouded everything with a warm golden glow.
Leya hadn’t yet seen the front of the castle, since Lykon had brought them to the back, now she soaked in the elegant, rolling, landscaped lawn and gardens leading to the circular driveway, her attention settling on a soaring obsidian fountain. Several dancing ebony nymphs held flute-like spouts, as water sprayed into the air before falling back into the pool around it.
The sounds of the cascading water drowned the silence of a world that no longer had wildlife, insects, or children.
“OMG!” Hana gawked, her jaw nearly hitting the paved pathway. “I’ve stepped into a fantasy with a real-life castle!” Her gaze rushed about, taking in the enormous, crescent-shaped caramel castle.
“It is picturesque at first glance,” Leya agreed, clenching and unclenching her tingling fingers. “But you will see the ravages soon.”
“Yes…I do feel the melancholy in this place. Maybe it’s because you already told me what happened.” Hana stared at the castle. “So beautiful and so sad.”
Leya hadn’t sensed it when she first came here, taken in by its beauty. Her sister obviously had more empathy, while Leya possessed all the sensitivity of a rock.
Shutting out her self-deprecating thoughts, Leya pulled off her woolen hat and gloves, stuffed them in her pocket, then unzipped and removed her parka.
Her sister had already shrugged off her parka and the backpack she’d stuffed with theiremergency clothes.
After finding no clues in Dregarus, she didn’t know where to search in this place. Maybe Cidéra would show her something. After all, the nightmare had started here.
Aerén stopped on the wide, circular paved path surrounding the huge fountain and waited for them. They made their way to him, and Leya tried not to look into those cold silver eyes, but he didn’t even look at her.Hisattention was on the rolling expanse of manicured gardens.
Well, she’d asked for this.
The tall, wooden carved front door opened. Haroth stepped out of the castle. “Your Highness, I didn’t expect you back so soon.”
Aerén turned. “Change of plans, Haroth.”
“What the—?” Hana’s jaw dropped. “Are you kiddin’ me?” she hissed, smacking Leya’s arm. “He’s a freakin’prince, and you didn’t think to tell me that?”
“It wasn’t something I thought about.”Not when my life, the happiness I thought I’d have, is shattering.“Yes, he is. The guy with the wings in Exilum is the elyon, their interim king, and Aerén’s brother.”
“Wow. His brother is gorgeous but kinda scary, too, don’t you think?” She lowered her voice. “I don’t mean his scar, just his whole aura. He’s like a keg of dynamite on legs. I wouldn’t want to be in his sights when he goes off.”
“Yes, I sensed that too,” Leya murmured as they reached Aerén and Haroth.
“My lady, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Haroth gave her a half bow. Then the usually stoic male actually smiled at her, making Leya respond in kind.
