I tried to assure her that she didn’t owe him anything and that I would keep her safe. It’s hard to tell whether she really heard me when she hasn’t lifted her eyes any higher than her own boots since this morning.
Distraction didn’t even work. I tried to draw her into a conversation aboutthe Goddess Tears. After what happened when I took her necklace off, I’m itchier than ever to find out more about them.
The Mother Priestess said she thought the Tears had been lost to the Siphons. So… does that mean we might finally find our answers in Astreona? Maybe the Astreonans will know more about the metal that makes up the now-broken Dire Blade, too.
Or even… my bracelet.
But even these normally thrilling mysteries did nothing for her.
Reaching up, I gently adjust a strap on Saela’s travel pack. “Are you okay?”
She shrugs and stares toward the horizon.
Everyone else assembles and mounts their direwolves—Venna and Noemi. Siegrid. Hannelore, who is coming along to the handoff as extra muscle. And, of course, Stark.
Who still won’t look in my direction.
Apparently, I am a very regrettable lay. The pain of rejection has subsided, and now his gorgeous, broody face provokes annoyance alone.
I’d be burning with humiliation if my sister weren’t trembling like a leaf in front of me.
An hour later, we meet the Siphon delegation outside the agreed-upon meeting point outside Grunfall’s ruins.
The Siphons are clustered around Ruby’s tall, graceful form. With dismay, I notice they’re onhorses. Siphons can move at impossible speeds, though it stands to reason that they can’t run long distances and need some form of transportation.
But horses are soslow.
I’m already bristling with agitation as the midday sun warms my leathers, and I urge Anassa toward the Siphon half of our cute little abomination of a group.
“Whatever you do, don’t eat any of them,” I tell her aloud as we approach.
Anassa sends a current of annoyed amusement back my way.
Venna scoffs as she draws up beside us. “Are you reminding Anassa or yourself?”
I laugh. “Both of us, obviously.”
When we’re close enough, Ruby half-heartedly bows and cranes her neck to look up at me.
“Queen Sturmfrost, this is Elias.” She gestures to a Siphon man who steps out of the gaggle of Ruby’s attendants. He’s tall and bronze-skinned and has that recognizable Siphon beauty. His hair is dark and shiny, cut short to his neck and exposing the dangling flash of an earring in his left ear. “He will be your guide through Astreona.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say. I only barely manage to get the words out without stumbling over them because another figure emerges to stand before our wolves.
It’s my so-called father, and I’mmadall over again.
Saela instantly recognizes him. How could she not? She must see herself in him—in his hazel eyes, his dark hair, his strong nose. And she’s trembling slightly.
For a tense moment, no one says anything.
My father’s presence settles over us, suffocating and unwanted. He takes a hesitant half step closer as his eyes move over Saela.
I quickly rest my hand on her shoulder, and she leans into the touch slightly. Her fingers are deep in Anassa’s fur, scratching through it as if she’ll find what she’s looking for buried somewhere within.
“I’m…” He clenches his jaw, and his lips press together. He seems to be struggling with this, but thankfully he gets a hold of himself and attempts an approximation of a smile. “I’m Fredrich, your father.”
Saela makes a small sound, halfway between a confirmation and a squeak of confusion. Anassa and I both immediately bristle with protective instinct, and I squeeze my sister’s shoulder to tell her I’ve still got her.
“Hi,” she says. Then she ducks her head somewhat shyly and focuses on Anassa’s fur.
