Rathyn bows his head. “I agree. I believe this has something to do with Prince Jyrion, but I am being watched very closely. I’m not sure there’s much I can do.”
“But perhaps you know someone who can. Eissa,” I try.
Rathyn lets out a low hum, then nods. “Yes. I believe he may be able to find someone to assist. Perhaps a reassignment, or at the very least, he can ensure they are fed long enough to survive until their release.”
I breathe a little easier for that. “I do not wish to cause you and Everest any more trouble?—”
“No,” Rathyn says quickly. “You were being loyal, and I am now profoundly aware of how unfair all of this is. I will take the risk, and I know my Everest would insist that I do.”
“There is one more thing,” I tell him.
He gives me a curious trill, ears perked. It is odd. This is not the high commander that I served, and yet, it is. It is still a wonder to me how one human could change everything.
Then again, I have also been changed by my Dante. He has taught me that I am deserving of family, comfort, pleasure, and joy.
“I wish to keep the portal key. My brothers, left behind in the village, I would like to bring them here. I will speak with Quilliyn about accommodations for them, but I cannot let them suffer alone.”
Rathyn looks uncertain, but after a beat, he nods. “Yes. So long as it does not trace back to me, and you must agree to destroy it.”
My eyes widen. “That is your escape with Everest.”
“It is, but once the guards find them missing, they will put a portal tracer in the area, and it will alert them to our travel. It will no longer be safe for my Everest and me to travel there.”
My ears sag. “I cannot accept this, then. I will not ruin your one way home?—”
“It is not my one way home,” Rathyn reminds me. “Everest is my companion and can travel to the capital with me. And wewill find another way for moments of peace on Erethar. This is more important.”
Part of me still wants to refuse, but I also know I cannot leave my brothers there. I promised them I would come back for them, and I will not let them down.
“Do you think they will search for Zynath and Alvayn here?”
Rathyn sighs. “No. I do not wish to sound cruel, but they are Outerlanders. They will not look for them so long as there is no disturbance on Erethar.”
My fangs sink into my lips, then I say the thought in my head. “Perhaps there should be. This suffering is not right. The humans can be cruel to each other, but we are no better.”
Rathyn lays a hand on my arm. “I know. And Everest has encouraged me to see that change must happen. Others see it, too. But you must be patient.”
I can be patient. That is the one thing I am very good at. “Thank you,” I eventually say.
Rathyn smiles, and he must send a message to Everest because he appears a second later with the wine in one hand and the other holding Niaus as she lies curled up in the crook of his neck.
“I want one,” Everest says as he approaches a horrified-looking Rathyn.
“No. I do not want some strange creature in our home,” Rathyn says immediately.
“You’re no fucking fun. We are so getting a dog someday.” Everest grins as Rathyn makes another noise of protest, and then he hands me Niaus, who curls up to sleep in my palms. “Rathyn also filled me in on everything.” Everest taps his temple again. “I hope that’s okay.”
I nod. “Of course. You are friennnd.”
Everest leans over and steals a one-armed hug short enough that it does not irritate Rathyn, though his eyes still narrow at the places his VySytheh is touching me.
“Thank you,” I say in Eretharian.
“You are welcome,” Rathyn says back in English. “I will do everything in my power to ensure everyone stays safe.”
“No more suffrrr,” I say.
Everest squares his shoulders and turns to look at Rathyn. “You swear you’re going to do everything you can? Enough people have been hurt, dude.”
