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“Because they’re always welcome here. And those that remain haven’t decided where to go next. They lost everything. Lost their loved ones as well. They’re welcome to stay as long as they wish. They’re safe and cared for.”
“Is this what you wanted me to see?” I whispered, looking up to him to find that he was already looking at me.
He nodded and I felt a great sadness, for him and his people, wash over me—as well as shame.
“This is who we’re protecting. We’re fighting the Gods’ wills to keep them safe. I wanted you to see them.” His words caused a pang in my chest.
I thought of my people as well, and how I wouldn’t put them at risk if I could help it. He grabbed my hand and smiled sweetly. He kissed the back of it and tugged for me to follow.
“Come on. I want you to meet them too.”
I talked with nearly everyone. Ryker greeted every single one of them by name and introduced me. I tried my best to remember them all but that wasn’t my strong suit.
He went off to help someone and I continued to listen to the survivors’ stories. They told me of the ones they lost, their torments and troubles, and I listened intently. If I was able to help them in any way, I would. I understood them, their pain of being torn from their home by the Glaev—not that I shared my story with them. It wasn’t about me.
I hadn’t paid attention to what Ryker was doing, but I was constantly aware of where he was. I gathered blankets that needed to be washed with some of the women, held and read to a small child on my lap so that his mother could havea moment to herself. Even though they had little to nothing, they smiled and laughed. I swept and cleaned and gathered more food and water.
And it wasn’t enough. Not near enough. I needed to do more. My heart tore for them.
I stood back by the table, getting a drink of water and wiping the sweat from my forehead with my sleeve. I found Ryker in the bustle of people as I watched them.
I needed to stop this from ever happening again—to stop the torment from happening to any more of Oryn’s people. I needed to stop the Glaev.
Ryker and I made the trek alone to meet with the Sage, Deres. I had attempted to bring Malina and Nikan with us, but Nikan only grumbled sleepily from behind the door saying that Malina didn’t come back the night before. Ryker had gone to collect Mavris and Hakoa, but he returned alone as well with a smirk, saying that they were hungover from the night before and weren’t alone in their rooms. Since it was just the two of us, he lifted me into his arms and flew us to the temple on the southern end of Voara.
The temple was small in relation to other temples around the continent. This one was simple and welcoming, cozy even. Its taupe-colored stone exterior had faded after centuries of weather and the wooden doors creaked when we entered. The walls, while worn from age, held a feeling of antiquity that was to be honored. The air was heavy with the feeling of an otherworldly presence that was comforting.
It reminded me of Hylithria.
The dais, at the other end of the temple, held a table with several bowls and burning incense. I had never really understood what the Sages did or why—I had never really cared.
“Deres?” Ryker called out.
A few moments later, a male came through one of the inner doors, wearing the typical Sage robes with the sash across his waist. He was tall, very tall, at least a head taller than Ryker. He had dark skin with matching brown eyes. But it was his hair that caught my eye the most as he approached. It was completely grayed, which was very rare among fae, and it indicated that he was exceedingly old.
“Kya,” Ryker’s voice brought me back and I snapped my mouth shut, not realizing it had fallen open as I rudely stared. “This is Deres. Deres, I’d like to introduce you to Kya, my—”
“Mate. And a Worthy, chosen by the elusive Kleio herself!” His deep booming voice echoed off the stone walls. He smiled widely.
I offered a smile in return before my brows scrunched together. I looked down at my arms, my skin hidden underneath my sleeves.
Deres chuckled. “I don’t need to see your marks to sense the strong bond between you. The Spirits have granted you great powers.” He looked at Ryker. “Possibly greater than yours even.”
“I have no doubt, Deres.” A look of pride crossed his face as he glanced down at me.
I smiled awkwardly at the comments, not really knowing what to say in response.
“So, what brings you all the way down from the palace? I’m sure you two are very busy. Well,” he paused, looking between us. “Notthatbusy.”
My eyes widened. “You can tell that we’re not mated? Without seeing our marks?”
“Yes. Any Sage that is attuned to the spiritual balance can. We can feel the shift when mates seal the bond.”
“You were right then,” I said quietly, glancing at Ryker. “Vicria would know if it happened, if we completed our mating.”
“Yes. Vicria has a deep enough connection to the Spirits that she would be able to sense it. Specifically you two, though? I wouldn’t know about that. It’s possible. Your bond to each other is powerful.” He stepped forward and held out his hands in front of me. “May I?”
I glanced at Ryker and he gave a subtle nod. I looked back to Deres and gave a tentative nod of my own. He placed one hand on my head, his thumb pressed to the center of my forehead and the other over my heart and closed his eyes. He stayed like that for several moments before he opened his eyes and removed his hands. He took a step back, wide eyes sparkling with intrigue.
