Cal’s lips tilted up. “It is,” he said. “It is helpful…because I think I know how to bring forth your magic. For good, this time.”
That rocked through Mariah. Her fingers tightened around Andrian’s as she swayed slightly on her feet. “Really?”
The god nodded. He rubbed a finger across his jaw, thinking. “There are places in Leuxrith where the veil between this world and that of the gods is thin. Perhaps the thinnest it is anywhere on the continent. The people here call them thestaor. It is why even when our physical bodies slumbered, the people of this kingdom could still communicate with me, should they wish to seek such guidance.”
Mariah nodded slowly. It did explain the strong religious fervor she’d noted in Leuxrith, stronger even than in Onita. She supposed it was also why these people hadn’t been overtly surprised by the arrival of their god bearing the form of a dragon.
Perhaps these people knew more about the gods and their secrets than any other. She tucked that information away, along with a mental note to ask someone if Leuxrith kept formal libraries of any kind. While they were here, they might as well look for what she truly sought.
Callamus continued, “I think visiting one of these places will give your magic what it needs to reemerge. It is clearly there, and responsive”—his gaze slipped to Andrian— “and a visit to thestaormay just awaken it for good.”
Mariah’s chest swelled. Finally, some good news. “Great,” she said, straightening her shoulders. “Let’s go now.”
Callamus shook his head, chuckling softly. “No. We cannot go yet.”
Of course, they couldn’t. The god smiled at the annoyance she knew was spreading across her expression.
“It will be best if we wait until shortly after the Summer Solstice. Just as in Onita, there is magic that comes through onthat night. It will fuel thestaorand allow any journey you make into it more fruitful.”
Mariah swung her gaze to Andrian, eyes wide. Her surprise was reflected in his face.
The Summer Solstice. She’d almost forgotten, even though she’d been watching the moons wax fuller every night. For some reason, the meaning of that had escaped her. So much was different from the last Solstice; so much had changed.
And yet…Andrian’s hand was warm against hers.
They were changed, irrevocably altered, but they were still here. They still stood.
Together.
That had to count for something, didn’t it?
“When is the Solstice?”
Callamus smiled. “Next week. There is a celebration planned. We will leave for thestaorthe morning after.”
Mariah nodded, looking out over the cliff and the lake below. Dreamed of wings spreading out from her, of leaping off and letting the winds embrace her.
Soon, she promised herself.
Chapter 40
Arustling in the jungle wrenched Quentin from sleep.
Fuck. He must’ve dozed off against the wagon. He cursed to himself again; he was supposed to be on watch. Quentin sat forward, blinking away his sleep. The fire had burned to quiet embers, and the oil lamps were blown out. A muscle in his back twinged.
He grimaced. He woulddefinitelyfeel the effects of his uncomfortable sleeping position for a while. What he wouldn’t give to be back in that Vathan feather bed right now.
The darkness moved again. Their mule, tied to a tree, brayed softly and stamped a hoof. Quentin pushed off the wagon and landed in a crouch. He pulled a knife from his baldric, scanning the jungles.
Leaves rustled. He could almost imagine it was the wind brushing through the boughs high above them.
Almost.
Until he heard the growl.
It was low and guttural, rumbling through the deep night. The hairs on the back of his neck rose, the anticipation of a fight settling over him like a familiar blanket.
The wagon jostled. A wide-eyed Delaynie emerged into the night, her auburn hair mussed from sleep. Her usual polished appearance had fallen away, replaced by a softness he so rarely saw on her.
