Ryker hummed, but said nothing else. He felt proud, though.
“Thanks,cousin,” I deadpanned. “You’re so kind.”
“It’s the truth.” Dax shrugged. “You two are intimidating, especially together. This task needs finesse.”
I huffed a laugh. “You’re impossible.”
“The best at it.” Dax grinned.
He might have been leaving, but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t spend every possible second with him while he was still here, so Ryker and I escorted him out of this frozen tundra I had a feeling Dax had grown soft for.
I also had my own mission on this short voyage.
The Blood Brotherhood army was still camping on the rim of the crater, catching the last of the Northern deserters. Ryker had thought it best not to bring the troops inside the crater.
After all, another traitor could be hiding among those ranks and the fewer people knew about the entrance to Solkar’s Reach, the better.
Still no sign of Beren and Nadya, but the immediate threat of an attack had been totally annihilated.
The army was getting ready to return to the Capital and I wanted to come face to face with the Dragon before they did.
We hadn’t exactly had the best introduction. But if I wanted to conquer Aquila, I needed all the support I could get.
IfI could leave the crater.
“Tell the truth,” I said as we walked toward the crater’s entrance, which was still one menacing dark wall that towered over us, the sun barely peeking on the horizon. “You refused our offer because you wanted to fly there.”
“You got me.” Dax rolled his eyes. “I can’t wait to squish myself against a mountain, like a bug.”
“I wouldn’t put it past you,” Ryker grumbled. “But for the sake of family unity, it would be best if you didn’t.”
Family.
Unity.
Ryker caring for Dax’s wellbeing and almost saying it.
It was a bigger miracle than us surviving a war and an attack.
“I also hope you don’t get murdered in your sleep,” Dax said primly. “Don’t forget to light a candle for Vylkor from me when you visit the crypt.”
“I already told you I would.”
I shook my head, a smile playing on my lips.
Danger still nipped at our heels, waiting in the shadows, but these small moments filled me with hope.
And, gods, we needed hope to face whatever was coming our way.
Despite my best efforts, my heart still trembled as I stood in front of the entrance which had denied me passage.
How would I ever be able to reclaim my throne if I couldn’t leave?
“The war is over,” Ryker said, his thumb drawing gentle, calming circles on my wrist. “You’re safer now.”
Safer didn’t mean safe. “The crater might disagree.”
“We’ll find a way.”
