Iyana huffed a laugh as she sat up off Emmeric’s lap. While it was comfortable, and she felt safe, it wastoocomfortable, and there was still a star waiting for her outside of this tomb. A star who had offered her immortality so he could spend forever with her. She did not want to make things complicated with Altair, since he was already insanely jealous of her Kanaliza.
As she pushed herself off the ground to stand, she realized there was something in her right fist. Uncurling her fingers revealed Alessia’s amulet, no longer glowing andagain appearing to be a small token from a loved one. A thin, delicate metal chain was connected to it. Iyana held it out to Emmeric, who handled it with delicate precision. His large, calloused hands were capable of gentleness—she’d watched him whittle tiny pieces of wood for their entire journey—but the contrast struck her as odd and endearing every time.
“Help me put it on?” she asked, moving her hair over her shoulder. Emmeric visibly swallowed, but nodded. Bringing his arms around her, his fingers deftly worked the clasp, and if they lingered on the back of her neck for longer than was necessary, or trailed down her skin for a moment, neither of them mentioned it. Emmeric freed her hair from the chain, allowing Iyana to marvel at the amulet laying side by side with the ouroboros necklace Altair had made her from her grandmother’s ashes. Both lightly grasped in her fist, she took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come next.
“What happened? After you touched the amulet?” Emmeric asked, jarring her out of her thoughts.
“I spoke with Alessia. Although I guess she prefers Les.” Iyana grinned. “She was fantastic. I would love to get to know her better, but I get the sense this was a onetime thing.” If Emmeric thought this was strange, he didn’t comment on it. Recent events had officially skewed their view of the world, and what they considered ‘normal.’
“What did she say?”
Iyana debated how much to tell Emmeric. The fact Les clearly didn’t trust Altair was only going to add more fuel to her soldier’s mistrust. They would need Altair when it came time to face Uther. No, she couldn’t tell him that. There wasn’t any proof Les even knew Altair a thousand years ago. Maybe she only knewofhim and didn’t realize he was fighting on their side. Emmeric lifted an eyebrow at her prolonged silence. She sighed.
“She said the amulet was my birthright,” Iyana finally decided on. But then she remembered what the original Aztia had whispered in her ear, and it was definitely information her Kanaliza should know.
They ate a snack sitting on the floor, leaning against Theo’s sarcophagus as Iyana explained what Les had told her, and then they devised a plan. First, they needed to leave the tomb and gather the others. Once there, though, Iyana would practice withthe amulet, honing her skills. Then they would take the fight to Uther. Hopefully, the emperor believed they’d continue to run and he would eventually catch up to them. Instead, they’d assume Zane was forced to confess to his father they were heading to the Dead Lands. Once back on the continent, they would instead retrace their steps to surprise Uther from behind.
Emmeric stood, hauling Iyana to her feet. “Come on, Mouse. I’m sure they’re wondering if we’ve died by now.”
The journey out was much smoother than the one in. Now there was no threat of dangerous creatures or booby traps, so they were free to chat as they traveled. Iyana mocked Emmeric for having to crawl through the narrow portion of the cave, and he teased her about falling down a hole. Her trusty little fireball followed them, and she prided herself on the fact that she barely had to concentrate now to keep it lit.
This was the most the duo had been able to converse, just the two of them. With no one else breathing down their necks. No Kaz trying to paw at Emmeric. No Altair being super possessive. Although there were times the star’s jealousy would light a fire within her, there were also other times it was aggravating. Sometimes they would be training, and if she ventured too close to Emmeric, he’d haul her away to kiss her senseless—staking his claim on her. Typically, when this occurred, she always meant to bring it up and tell him to get it together, but then his lips on hers would erase any complaints she may have had. Until the next time it happened, of course.
All too soon, the filtered light of the Dead Lands was visible at the end of the cavern. Iyana sensed the sadness radiating through the bond from Emmeric, andshe mirrored the sentiment. This had been a mostly pleasant experience, other than pitching herself down a hole, and Iyana felt it draw her and Em closer together. Glancing over at him, she saw him staring at her unabashedly, heat and longing in his eyes—the emotions filtering through the bond, thin intertwining threads of red lust and blue yearning. In another life, she easily could have been caught up in this man.
Emmeric’s head whipped up and towards the entrance, and then he was running. Iyana raced after him, but he threw his arm out to stop her before they passed through the magical barrier.
Pure chaos was raging outside the tomb.
Chapter 50
Iyana
Uther had caught up to them.
Facing overwhelming numbers, Altair, Talon, and Kaz fought as best they could. They’d all been separated and engaged several opponents at once. Kaz was in her black leopard form, blood dripping from her maw. Altair again had his sword of fire and was also utilizing other aspects of his magic to take down his enemies. Talon, as the only human, was doing amazingly. Multiple bodies were scattered around him.
But the wild card was the wailers. There were four of them taking part in the carnage, drawn in by the sounds and blood. The creatures didn’t care who they killed so long as they got a meal. Iyana’s stomach soured, threatening to lose her small snack, when she saw the blood coating their ghastly white faces. One even held a severed arm and was taking bites out of it periodically while still slashing at others. So far it seemed her friends were doing well at evading them, always putting one of Uther’s men between themselves and the wailers. They wouldn’t last forever, though, and needed Iyana and Emmeric’s help. Badly.
She took a step towards the glittering, magical barrier, ready to aid her friends. Emmeric grabbed her and turned until she was gazing into his deep blue eyes instead of the bloodshed only feet away.
“Iyana,” he murmured, “please stay here. Behind the veil, where it’s safe.”
She shook her head. “I can’t. Please don’t make me promise that.”
Emmeric’s face screwed up in concern, pleading. “Please, you can’t fight with weapons, and you only just put on the amulet. You haven’t been able to practicewith it at all.” He glanced back towards their friends, anxiety written across his features. “Altair would want you to stay here.”
Iyana frowned. That was a low blow, and he knew it too, judging by his slight wince. “I’m going out there, Em. I won’t let you all die while I cower here in safety.”
He sighed, squeezing her shoulders. “If things go sideways, please promise me you’ll run back here. Uther won’t be able to cross the barrier.”
“Okay,” she whispered.
They both knew she was lying.
“Stay safe, Mouse.”
“You too, Sully.” Before she could talk herself out of it, she raised up on her toes and placed a chaste kiss on Emmeric’s cheek. Without looking to see how he’d reacted, she rushed out into the melee, pulling free the dagger Emmeric had given her ‘just in case.’ Iyana heard him curse behind her. Although she knew she really shouldn’t lead him on, given his feelings for her, Iyana did love him in her own way and wanted to give him a small token of that love and appreciation.
