I scanned the bright green canopy, watching for the silver wings of pixies or the golden, glowing eyes that appeared last year on the Awakening. The tingling disappeared with the arrival of a soft breeze.
My heart leaped into my throat as my ears picked up the subtle scratch of a branch overhead. The Obscura bucked, darkness running down my veins and merging with the Transcindiel to form my shield as a tall, lithe elf swung down and landed before us in a crouch.
Lida’s tawny eyes narrowed. Her gold and brown streaked hair was tied tightly behind her head. Bayne’s ex straightened as she slung her bow over her shoulder. My shield siphoned back into my palms as I noted the shimmer off Isla’s already formed barrier.
“FUCK, Lida!This is not the group to sneak up on,” Isla admonished, releasing her shield with a swipe of her hand.
Lida smirked as she scanned our small group. “You seem to be the ones sneaking,” she countered, cocking her head.
“You have us there,” Isla continued, gesturing to the path. “We needed to land somewhere we wouldn’t be swarmed by War Slayers. We need to speak with Bayne. It’s urgent.”
“Good luck with that,” Lida replied, a bitterness riding her tone as she turned to join us. “I’m not sureHis Majestyhas time for anyone.”
My stomach clenched, and I felt Lida’s eyes cut to me. I kept my gaze forward, noting the flowering vines trailing up the trees and hanging from the arching canopy overhead. It appeared Lotrennia thrived once again.
Hours later,our group waited in the grand entry hall of the Gilded Fortress. The strange dewdrop lights glistened on the thin branches that twined above, and little reflections bounced off the stone and root floor sprawling beneath.
Isla’s arms crossed as she paced, her ebony brows furrowed in annoyance as she glanced at the archways leading to various halls.
“Someone is taking their time,” she grumbled.
Vulcan grunted his agreement as he leaned against one of the thin, golden trees stretching to the enchanted ceiling.
A light-haired servant finally appeared at the end of the hall and strode to where we stood, dipping his head in a quiet, serene greeting. He stretched out a carefully folded correspondence as he reached us.
Isla snapped it from his hands and handed it to me. “Thank you. Now, please tell His Majesty, we’re ready to speak with him.”
The servant remained pensive. His bright eyes darted to the note in my hands. Isla huffed a breath, and I tore open the correspondence, my brows narrowing as I read out loud.
“‘Welcome back to the Land of Light and Life. His and Her Majesties will receive the Bonder and the Conduit at a private dinner to discuss your arrival. The two attendees shall proceed to the dressing rooms. The rest of you are…’”
I paused, and my eyes darted to Isla as my stomach clenched.
“‘Dismissed.’”
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
LYVIA
Existing magical bond must be in place before beginning.
– Forbidden Whispers of Persuasion, Restricted Root Level, Living Library.
Lyvia – Ayla, Lotrennia
“Dismissed?” The word left Isla’s lips in a deadly hiss. Her amber eyes were wide, and her brows hiked to the mystical ceiling. She snatched the correspondence from my hands, skimming the note before shaking her head.
“Who does he think he is?” she snapped, barking the question at the empty hall as if Bayne could hear her.
“Likely the king of Lotrennia,” Vulcan muttered, seemingly unfazed.
“The king of myass.” Isla bristled.
“It could be from the queen,” Drystan signed, his dark brows narrowing.
Isla’s eyes softened on his as she paused.
Four servants shuffled through the nearest archway, their smooth leather garments reflecting the soft glow of the lights above.
