I didn’t know how I knew this, but something told me that the safest place for Zola right now was with Shaw.
Idris glanced at me and flipped her eyes back at Shaw with a skeptical glare as Adohan jumped behind her in the saddle. Two riderless pegasi swooped down on the earth, their neighs alerting us to the ever-approaching mist that held more nalusa falaya ready to attack if we didn’t retreat soon.
With a wave of Adohan’s hand, loose pants appeared across Shaw’s bottom half. “Stop arguing about this. We need to get to safety.Ourfight is far from over tonight, my mate,” Adohan growled as he took hold of the reins.
“I swear on my life she’ll be safe,” Shaw said with absolute clarity.
I tried to sit up to find my beta, but my vision swirled, unable to focus. I had depleted my magic reserves, and I was on the brink of a shifter’s sleep taking me under.
“It’s time to go, Spitfire,” Daxton said as he mounted one of the pegasus with me in his arms. “Idris, hand Zola over to Shaw. We need to get out of here now.”
Idris released her friend into Shaw’s outstretched arms as he dashed toward the waiting pegasus.
“Let’s get out of here!” Astro yelled as he ignited a wall of fire between us and the approaching mists. “I’ll be faster riding alone. The rest of you go. I’ll follow.”
Adohan gave his son a nod, and then the rest of us flew toward the safety ofCrimson City.
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Skylar Cathal
As Daxton and I walked down the hallway from the healers’ quarters, I couldn’t help leaning into him as he draped an arm around my waist.
Once we safely landed inside Crimson City walls, Daxton refused to release me from his hold and promptly carried me into the healers’ quarters.Thankfully, the healers agreed that I was suitable and simply needed rest and sustenance to recover. They gave us a delicious broth-like remedy to help replenish our stamina and magic.
I immediately started asking questions about what was in it. They kindly obliged my ramblings, not giving all their secrets away, but they did tell me they utilized the red healing waters in their recipe that gave Crimson City its name.
Staying true to her mysterious nature, Zola miraculously awoke once we landed, seemingly unharmed.
Thank the Gods above.
Zola promptly jumped off the back of the pegasus, marched to her room, and slammed the door shut behind her. Not even Idris was permitted entrance to speak with her, which surprised all of us.
Shaw remained close by my side. He gladly accepted the red-broth remedy from the healers but remained distant and oddly quiet.
“Sky, mind if I venture into the city and have some space from everyone?” Shaw asked. “I-I need to clear my head.”
“Yes, of course. Anything you need.”
“Thanks.”
“You sure you want to be alone?” I asked.
“Yes, unless you need me for anything else?”
“No, go ahead, Shaw, we’ll see you soon.” I granted him leave, knowing I was safe with Daxton.
The encounter with the fallen had shaken him, and instead of prying, I decided to give him space.
“I’m not letting you out of my sight,” Daxton said with a piercing gaze.
My mate wasn’t entirely convinced I was out of the woods just yet and watched over me like a newborn babe, but I didn’t mind. For once, I relished in his attentiveness. I needed Daxton to be near me. I craved his presence, to touch him, see him, and at the very least, simply hear his voice.
Gods, there would never be enough time with him.
After a few more hours rest and a hearty meal, the night was well upon us. Dax and I walked toward the center of Idris and Adohan’s home. I could still hear the echoes of Adohan’s rage while we were in the healers’ quarters. He was furious at Idris for charging mindlessly into battle. But then, in the end, his roars of madnessturned to ones of passion, and we all knew the argument was settled for now.
Turning down the familiar corridor, the gathering area came into view with the Ekon family in the center. Fae lights illuminated the space with the gleaming moon and twinkling stars overhead. A fire peacefully roared in the center of a raised iron pit, warming the area despite the cooler night air, painting our surroundings with crimson and gold hues. Idris and Adohan were seated on one side of the cushioned seats with Ember cradled safely in her mother’s arms. Astro stood behind them, affectionately gazing at his sister with love only a sibling could give.
