I laugh. “Oh, you of little faith.”
After picking out a handful of books and scrolls, I bring them over to one of the study areas. Kian joins me, and we spend all afternoon looking at maps and trying to find references to other books that might have images of what I’m searching for. It’s tedious work, and Kian looks like he is about to claw his eyes out, but the research gives me life. I’m just grateful he’s willing to help, even though I’m sure he’d rather be sparring with Alex or literally doing anything else.
“Aha!” I shout excitedly.
Kian looks up, bleary-eyed, from where he was reading about different vegetation found on the isles. “Please tell me you found something good,” he says.
“I found something good.” Relief and excitement course through me, knowing we’re one step closer.
“Brilliant.” He grins. “I’d say that’s cause to celebrate.”
“Definitely,” I agree. “But don’t you want to know what it is first?”
There’s a ravenous look in his eyes as he picks me up and sets me on the edge of the table. “I’m rather hungry, love. I think I need a snack.”
I clench my thighs together, a wicked thrill going through me at the thought. The tension between us is thicker than ever, but we have yet to take that final step. I sigh and shake my head. “As much as I’d love to be your snack . . .”
Kian pouts.
“Anyone could walk by at any moment, and I need to show you what I’ve found!”
“Fine. But you owe me.”
I wink at him, my stomach flipping in anticipation. “I’ll make sure to pay up.”
I scoot off the table and grab the book. “This might sound completely crazy, but I recognize this place,” I say, pointing at the picture. “It looks exactly the same as in my dream.”
“Well, that’s definitely a start,” Kian says, adjusting his pants.
“But here’s the other reason I think I’m on to something.” I pull out a larger map of the continent and isles. “I know this map.”
“Well youhavebeen staring at it all day,” Kian jokes.
“Seriously, though,” I insist. “My father—Cary—has a map just like this in his study, and I remember him having it open to this isle. I think there were markings on it too. There are vague memories of me asking him about it, but he’d always deflect or distract me with something else.”
Kian’s posture perks up, and he studies the map more seriously. “And you think that because he knew your real father, he might know where he is?”
“Exactly,” I say.
“Why don’t we just ask him?” Kian asks.
“I tried, but he was so close-lipped, constantly saying he was just trying to protect me. I don’t think he would willingly give up the location.” I bite my lip. “I can’t explain it really, but I just know in my gut that this is where we should look.”
“We?” Kian raises a brow.
“What, you think I wouldn’t be going?” I scoff. “I’m the one having the dreams.”
“It could be dangerous though.” Kian frowns. “I wouldn’t forgive myself if something happened to you.”
“I’m a demi-god, remember?” I smile. “I don’t think I’m that easy to kill.”
“Easy enough to poison,” he grumbles.
Oof. “Yeah, I should have known better than to accept strange drinks from people I hardly know.”
Kian bristles. “I still have half a mind to throw him back into the dungeon.”
“And risk enraging your father?” I remind him.
