"So, what are you saying?" Ronan barks. "We just abandon Eris to her mother's cruelty, and the blood staining Astrea's hands goes unpunished?"
"Easy, Prince Ronan," Thrane says in a tone used to soothe angry children. "I didn't imply we would shrink from the Hydrans. I merely suggested we not send ships for her to destroy."
"Then what is your suggestion?" Uncle Soren leans forward, rooting his elbows to his knees.
"Kamari and I will fly to Hydra. If we remain above the clouds, we won't be detected until it's too late." Thrane glances at Kamari who bobs her head in agreement. "If we time it right, we can land in the dead of night and rescue Eris before anyone knows we're there."
"And what of Astrea Talay?" Ronan growls. "What will be done about her?"
"Eris is our top priority," Uncle Soren says. "Get her back safely. We will deal with Astrea when we have regrouped."
"That is your decision?" Ronan's eyes widen, revenge ripe in his face. "Leave her for another day?"
"We cannot fight two wars, Ronan," Uncle Soren slams his fist down on the armrest of his throne. "Once we have dealt with thedemons, we will turn our sights on the Talays. But for now, we rescue Eris and bring her home. She is one of us. We will not abandon our own."
Ronan shrinks, his shoulders hunched.
"Take me with you." A voice from behind echoes, drawing our collective gaze.
My mother marches through the doors, stone-faced despite the dried tears staining her face.
"Soraya?" My uncle's eyes widen. "What are you doing?"
"I will go with Thrane and Kamari to rescue Eris," she says plainly.
My heart thunders. "Where is Finn?" I ask, my voice trembles.
She turns to look at me. A mother's fury. It's streaked across her face like warpaint. "The doctors are caring for him as best as they can. Your father will remain by his side until I return."
I swallow hard, pain ricochets through my ribcage. "Is he…?"
"He will fight." Her face hardens and I don't dare ask another question.
"Soraya," my uncle says softly, drawing her bloodshot gaze. "You should be with your son – "
"With all due respect, Soren." Her voice slices through the room and everyone stills. "I am going to bring my daughter home. They fucked with the wrong mother." Her brow furrows and I can't recall my mother being this angry. "I've sat by and watched far too long as cruel things happen around me. I'm done waiting for someone to ask me to fight. I am here. I am not asking for your permission, nor your blessing." She shoots a look to Thrane. "Take me with you. A fire-wielder like me will be an asset."
Thrane doesn't even cast a glance my uncle's way. It seems this decision no longer concerns him. He smiles and nods. "Welcome to the team, Lady Soraya."
"Let's get one thing straight," she holds up a finger. "None of that Lady shit. I'm Soraya. And I am ready to bring Astrea to her knees."
Thrane's smile couldn't be wider even if he tried to squeeze another inch out. "Oh, I like you."
"When do we leave?"
"Soraya – "
My uncle's protests fall on deaf ears. But Thrane isn't nearly finished.
"Might I also request Ronan accompany us as well?" the Frost King asks and it sounds more like a demand than a request.
"I'm to travel to Durne with the Dwarves to reconstruct a portal to Orabelle," Ronan reminds him, a grumpiness in his voice.
"I believe Professor Riggs is more than capable of assisting the Dwarves considering what's happened," Thrane suggests.
I'll hand it to him. The Frost Elf always seem to be a couple steps ahead of the rest of us when it comes to strategy.
"We haven't the time for arguments." My mother throws her weight around. "We will need all the help we can get if we're to infiltrate Hydra without Astrea knowing."
