Once they left, Emmeric turned to Kaz. “Stay with me?”
The shifter shook her head, frowning. She placed her palm on his cheek. “I’m not an indoor cat, grumps. Besides, I left home to see the world. It would be a pity to stop now.”
Emmeric then looked over towards Talon and Zane. “Tal?” he asked, hopefully.
Talon glanced at Zane. He had to realize the prince was going on this expedition. Zane steeled his heart against Tal picking his best friend. It was the obvious choice. They’d known each other longer; they were lifelong friends. And Zane was…nobody to Tal. There was potential there, sure, but for now he was nothing.
“Sorry, old man,” Tal said. “Iyana is going to need all the help she can get in the Dead Lands. If she goes down, this whole thing was for nothing.”
Zane sighed with relief. He absolutely did not want to part with Talon so soon.
“I understand,” Emmeric said. The man sat, brilliant blue eyes staring into the fire, for a few minutes. All of them watched him in silence, sad about the parting, but not attempting to change his mind. They understood his reasons. He finally stood and left the room without a word.
Chapter 40
Iyana
Anger ran through Iyana’s veins like wildfire. She found herself pacing, again, in the room she shared with Altair while the star sat in a chair watching her. Again.
Setting something on fire would be a fantastic way to relieve some stress, but Altair had already shot down the idea three times. Something about everything in the library being flammable, don’t want to be responsible for the destruction of an ancient wonder of the world… Iyana needed to get some of the tensionout. Punching Emmeric seemed like a good idea. She stopped her pacing to think on that option more.
“No, astalle,” Altair said, chuckling. “Punching him is not going to solve your problem.”
She glared at him. “Get out of my head.”
Altair held up his hands. “Again, I’m not in your head. You’re just projecting your thoughts extremely loudly.”
“As Aztia, can I force him to come with me?” Iyana sat on the edge of the bed, facing Altair. She hated the idea of Emmeric staying behind. Not only did their bond balk at the prospect but, as loathe as she was to admit it, she was stronger when he was around. But she also hated the idea of being forced to be close to him. The journey to the Dead Lands was a long one, including several days on a ship, and she didn’t know if she could bear the proximity. Was it because she was angry with him or because she was worried he meant more to her than she wanted him to?
Nope.
Iyana knew she shouldn’t walk down that road. She had to remind herself the bond was the only reason she felt any type of connection with Emmeric outside of friendship. Besides, she had Altair. He’d told her helovedher, and she returned the sentiment.
“I don’t think you should try to force him, love,” Altair said, snapping her out of her spiraling thoughts. His golden eyes were warm and gentle, and she wanted to fall into them.
“You don’t think he should come?”
Altair frowned. “As much as I dislike him, I would feel better if you had your Kanaliza nearby because you’d be safer. That being said, he could be a liability if he doesn’t want to be there, and wedoneed information on the astmina. Plus, you’ll have me, a powerful shifter, and two highly trained swordsmen at your side.”
Iyana sighed, sitting in a chair and looking away from Altair. “I hate fighting with him. It always gives me an ache in my chest. And I know we need to get along. I still need to practice, and he should really practice fighting while I’m pulling from him. It’s just this fucking bond—it won’t let me be.”
“Iyana…” Altair stood from the chair and knelt between her legs, taking her face in his hands. He used her real name too, so whatever he was going to say must be serious. Iyana braced herself. “He’s in love with you.”
She drew herself out of his grip, an incredulous laugh bursting from her. “What? No. Attracted to me, maybe, but in love with me?”
“Astalle, he said ‘I want you’ during your argument today. Or did you not hear that?”
Iyana shook her head. She didn’t remember that exact line in their conversation; she’d been fixated more on the fact that Emmeric didn’t trust Altair. “No…” she whispered.
Altair raised an eyebrow. “Ask anyone, my star. They’ll tell you the same.”
“I’m sure you’re all mistaken.” She waved her hand in dismissal. “Besides, does it matter if he does? Other than making working with him more awkward?”
The star’s eyes flashed. “Depends. Hypothetically, if he loved you, would you return those feelings?”
“No,” Iyana said without pause. But something inside her whispered,maybe. She shoved it down. “I loveyou, Altair.”
“I love you too, astalle. Never forget it.” He placed a gentle kiss on her lips before pulling her to the bed and curling around her body. They needed to get some rest and take advantage of the warmth of indoors before leaving. Gods only knew when they would next sleep in an actual bed.
