As they made their way across the room, Leya pushed to her feet.
Aerén got off the bed, still in his dirty jeans and bare-chested, a wide strip of white linen around his waist covering his remaining wound. But his entire expression had shut down, the grumpy male from moments ago replaced by a cool stranger.
“Thank you for your aid and for saving Leya,” he said, sweeping back his tangled hair.
Lord Sebris remained silent, brow furrowed, arms folded.
Brenna watched them both warily, as did Leya. She could cut the animosity with a knife. She hadn’t felt this uneasy since the bank had threatened to foreclose on the garden center two years ago.
Lord Sebris nodded. “We are at a truce and fighting the same enemy. You saved Leya from the rebels. She filled us in with what occurred, so, no thanks is necessary.”
Aerén inclined his head, but his expression remained tight, either from the pain or the situation he found himself in. “If you can point us to a portal soft spot, I’d appreciate it.”
“My warriors can escort you to the site.”
Taegér, at Sebris’ other side, glanced at her and winked, breaking a little of the tension.
Leya smiled. The man was a flirt, but God knew they needed a bit of an icebreaker here. She glanced back and bumped into Aerén’s flat stare as if she committed a cardinal sin.
Because she smiled at Taegér?
Oh, boy!“Thank you,” she said quickly to Lord Sebris. “I do appreciate all you’ve done for us.”
He nodded, and his pearlescent eyes softened a tad. “Your being here has made my mate happy.”
“You have.” Brenna smiled, and Leya wished she could have spent a little more time with her friend.
Aerén picked up his leather jacket from the opposite bed where Leya had left it, and shrugged it on. No sign of the discomfort or pain she witnessed moments ago.
They walked out of the infirmary and into a wood paneled hallway, their progress a light sound of footfalls as they headed downstairs. Leya remained at Aerén’s side. And as much as she wanted to ask if he was okay, she knew he’d say “fine,” which would irritate her because he wasn’t, so, she buttoned her lips.
They followed the others to the ground floor and into a wide corridor flowing out into a sea of black granite tiles. Crystal orbs brightened the place as they made their way to a massive black door.
Lord Sebris opened the inset panel, stepped onto a snow-covered porch, and into gently falling flakes. Aerén followed, his jacket unzipped. He didn’t seem bothered by the cold.
But heck, the blast of sub-zero air rushing inside nearly had her limbs freezing, and she shivered.
“Leya, wait.” Brenna pulled her back, letting Taegér walk out. “Here, wear this.” She removed a thick, red parka with a fur-lined hoodie from the coat stand, handing it to her. “I have many. Gloves are in one of the pockets.”
“Thank you.” Leya put on the coat gratefully, blocking out the chill coming through the open door.
“I guess we should get out there before anything happens,” she said with a wry twist of lips. “If only they’d talk out their grievances.”
“What do you mean?”
“Long story for another time.” She shook her head. “Oh, one more thing…” Her voice lowered. “If you want to stay a while on Empyrea, you can. I don’t think Aerén would say no if you ask to see his country.”
Leya blinked in confusion. “Why would I—ohhh!”
“He is mandelicious, no?” Brenna cast her a mischievous grin.
She choked back laughter. She’d actually forgotten this playful, romantic side of her friend.
Brenna sobered. “And who knows, maybe the universe will find a way, and there will be peace in our world, and not just because they all want to locate the Chosen.”
Leya made a noncommittal sound. Helping two warring countries and their men find peace was beyond her abilities. Heck, she wasn’t even a Chosen. Still, she hoped they could achieve it.
Aware Aerén waited for her while she dawdled, Leya hugged Brenna. “It was wonderful seeing you again. I’ll never forget my time here.”
