‘Do you know what it might be?’
I shook my head. ‘I found a crystal as well. It’s bewitched.’
‘What are witches even doing here? This is so far from the border with the Gem Fields… I’m sorry, Ava, but we need to head back. I think I need my army on this. And I need to speak to the Air Queen; she might know more.’
‘Of course,’ I said quickly, hating the way discomfort spread through me at the mention of contacting the queen. Everyone spoke of her beauty. ‘Why would she know more?’
His attention drifted somewhere far away. ‘The women I overheard said it happened a couple of times in her kingdom already.’
Gods.
‘Do you think it’s some sort of invasion?’ I asked, keeping my voice low as though it might somehow make the threat less real.
‘I seriously hope not. Because then the war might expand to half of Medeis.’
The drive back felt endless. Worried and on edge, neither of us could focus on anything else. There were moments when I thought River might pass out from exhaustion, but he held on.
I fought off sleep until my head started lolling forward again and again. Eventually, River reclined my seat and made me rest.
I didn’t object; I didn’t have it in me. Though I did mumble, a little accusatory, ‘Why wouldn’t you have any portals installed across such a vast stretch of land?’
‘We only install them for communities that want easy access to the court and other lands. They could have one if they wanted, but they don’t,’ he said, running a hand through my hair. ‘Sleep. By the time you wake up, we’ll reach the portal.’
‘You won’t rest?’
He smiled. ‘I’m used to running on very little sleep, Ava. Close those pretty eyes and dream of me.’
‘Just twenty minutes, okay? Wake me and I’ll keep you company.’
Light tapping woke me in the stationary car. It was dark outside; I didn’t even know what day it was anymore.
We hurried through the portal to the Fogoyan castle, and Maddie met us on the other side. ‘Michael and Miriam returned shortly before you,’ she said. ‘They’re waiting in your office.’ She offered me a small smile before disappearing.
I seriously wished I could shadow-jump us upstairs. The sprint from earlier had turned my legs into something soft and unreliable. Clutching the balustrade for dear life, I caught River biting back a smile, so I punched his shoulder.
‘Physical exercise was never my strong suit,’ I whined as he chuckled.
‘If you ask me nicely, I can carry you.’ He looked far too pleased. ‘Offer me something better, and I might even do the bridal style.’
‘The whole white dress and getting carried isn’t really my style anyway,’ I shot back, which earned me a sharp eyebrow raise.
‘What is your style then? Because I know it isn’t running to the altar,’ River laughed, and I considered pushing him off the stairs. He probably wouldn’t even break anything.
‘Nah, I will arrive on Anya and have her burn anyone who laughs at my sore muscles to cinders.’
Something playful flickered in his eyes. ‘Vengeful. I like that. Just know I can’t be killed by fire. You might have to adjust your plan.’
‘She could just stomp you to death.’ A wicked smile curved my mouth. ‘She has pretty kick-ass claws too. She could tear you to shreds.’
‘Huh. Looks like you gave it some thought?’ His words came out as a soft purr. ‘I would rather you pin me down instead, princess. Let’s not get your scary beast involved.’
Anya huffed in my mind at what she assumed was praise.
‘Interspecies mating suddenly isn’t your thing?’
‘Interspecies? You’re at least part fae. And I can assume you have… familiar parts.’ River winked. ‘With all due respect, I’m not quite sure that I would rise to the occasion with your dragon.’
‘Oh no. Is that an age thing?’
