‘Sure.’ I tried to imagine the younger River and his mischievous ways. ‘So you were a troublemaker?’
‘Well… I wasn’t exactly known to be calm and collected.’ He gestured toward the plate before me and dug into his food. ‘Enough about me.’
I smiled and kept eating until the plate was empty. It wasn’t an elaborate dish, but it was delicious, and the fact he made it for me was precious. But we had too much to focus on to dwell on stuff like this. ‘River, we should get back to searching, right?’
‘We will. But finding the Crones is just a milestone. We need to think about the bigger picture, Ava. Like what happens when your mother comes back or if the blood witches decide to attack.’
That made sense. ‘What are you saying?’
Interlocked fingers of his lay on the marble top between us as his forehead creased before explaining, ‘You need to be able to protect yourself. You have an arsenal of flames at your disposal, but using them in battle efficiently requires training. Not that I ever want you near one, but I have to know you can protect yourself.’
It made sense. My fire was reactive, but I’d never used it in a fight. ‘So what do you have in mind?’
‘You seem to have your flames in good reins, so we can skip that part of the training. We could go straight to defence and offence. If you’re comfortable.’
Huh. Was I? ‘I just don’t know when I’ll find the time, honestly.’
‘Don’t worry, small steps. It won’t take long. Some of what I’ll teach you, you can practise while we search. It will also sharpen your awareness, so you’ll need to stay alert to everything around you.’
My eyebrow arched. I used to be a danger magnet. ‘Fine. Just be careful. You know what they say about the pupil surpassing the master.’
River bit his lip. ‘I’m looking forward to that.’
‘Masochist,’ I blurted, glaring at his satisfied grin.
‘Never claimed otherwise.’
Chapter Thirty-Three
Avari
Aportal journey, a short hike to the car park, and a long drive—the perfect way to describe our day. The road stretched endlessly before us, disappearing into the distance. The climate here was different too. Much like the Volcano Lands, where River’s grandparents lived, the air was hot and humid, making each breath feel heavier.
The air conditioning did a good job of masking the heat, but I couldn’t resist cracking the window open just enough to slip my fingers outside. Hot bursts of air wrapped around them, reminding me of Ortensian summers my sisters and I were forced to spend in the tropical forest.
That castle was nothing like the one mother had chosen for her base. Surrounded by vegetation so lush I could spend days analysing it, with palm trees tall enough to cast shade on unbearable days, it had once felt like my version of paradise. Especially since my socialite sisters left me alone, and something about the place seemed to keep our mother away. Most likely her own mother.
The topic of grandparents seemed to cling to River and me lately, and it was hard not to compare his upbringing and family ties to mine. The contrast was jarring, though I couldn’t complain about Grandmother Alyssa too much. She never really bothered me and let me do as I pleased.
Perhaps that was why I loved the place.
‘Are we far?’ I asked River whose yawns had become more frequent.
My question seemed to snap him out of his thoughts. ‘Yeah, the place the second riddle might refer to is fairly secluded. Want to stop somewhere and get some rest?’
His eyes roamed over my face as though I were the one who needed a break. Something tight flickered in his gaze before he masked it, and I knew he wouldn’t stop unless it was for my sake, even though I’d already had several naps.
‘Yeah, I’m kind of sick of driving, to be honest. But is there anywhere to stop in this desert?’
The sand dunes stretched for what felt like an eternity, perpetual sunlight scorching them into a vicious trap of heat. One bare step would probably burn the skin from my feet, yet something still compelled me to dig my hand into the sand whenever we stopped.
‘We passed various towns; the next one isn’t too far from here,’ he said, slouching a little.
The drive there didn’t take long, and River wasn’t particularly chatty. I never drove, but from the looks of it, it was tiring.
I wondered if flying was worse. Anya’s back wasn’t nearly as well cushioned as the car seats, that was for sure.
‘Next time we fly, I will rub myself in poison ivy. Let’s see if that makes it any better for you, princess,’ she screeched in my mind, and I giggled.
