I keep that thought to myself.
“I can’t thank you enough for being there for her. I know you’ve been the most perfect Valtrue member.”
The scowl on Sevryn’s face falters and my smug ass makes a noise so he knows I caught that.
“Shall we?” Doren ushers his hand toward the entrance, then halts. “Oh, I apologize once again. That was rude of me to assume you’re here to help. And proper introductions haven’t been made. I’m making a mess of this, aren’t I?”
Nero, who hasn’t said a word, shakes his head.
“No mess at all, Doren, but perhaps introductions can be made on our journey, if Ms. Godrun and her Valtrue are going to be so kind as to help us.”
I hold Nero’s gaze. I’m not confused or surprised by his formal, almost diplomatic tone. Kyzen does a little switch in the way he talks as well, depending on who’s around.
It’s his attention being placed on me that’s confusing.
Why not Creed? Or any of the others.
None of my men chime in, so I clear my voice and give him a nod.
“That’s what we came for.”
“Splendid. Then off we go,” Doren cheers, racing right toward the barrier.
With a slight bow, Nero follows right behind.
My nerves spike and the reality that I’m really about to walk in there settles over me like stone. For everyone’s benefit—even my own— I’ve been trying to keep the tone and mood as lighthearted as possible.
I probably should’ve grown more serious before now.
A tremor vibrates down my soul, and I’m too slow to even attempt to throw a knot in there. Four pulses respond and my men step closer to me.
“I’ve got you.”
I know you do, my sweetling.
Thayla
16
The warmth of the barrier welcomes me in, and rightness washes away the nerves that were crawling under my skin on the other side.
A hot, humid breeze smacks me in the face as I glide free, and shock takes hold of my mind. My feet stumble to a stop, and I peer over my shoulder, only to find that the barrier doesn’t shimmer on this side.
It’s just stone.
I lay my hand against the cold wall, searching for that steadiness once again.
Vibrations spread through me, as does reality.
My fingers flinch before I snatch my hand back, and I choke down my gasp.
Gods…that’s my power, not the barrier.
Holy shit.
That’s my power of Boundaries responding to the same power source.
I’ve felt this sensation quite a few times. When we were in the Abandon…
