Zoran’s eyes opened wide as it hit him—images, sensations, voices in a rush.
Phoenix. A portal. The map. The plan. The laughter. The chaos.
And then—shattered light. Threads connecting the cosmos together fracturing. The world spinning out of control.
He staggered back a step, blinking hard. Hopelessness boiled beneath his skin. But beneath the fury… disappointment struck like a blade between his ribs.
He had trusted Zohar.
Trained him. Guided him. Loved him.
And still, his son had run headlong into danger without a second thought.
What were you thinking, Zohar? he thought with dismay. You’re supposed to lead one day, not disappear chasing wild adventures without a thought for those who look to you.
His hands curled into fists.
Maybe I’ve been too lenient. Too soft. Maybe I’ve let him believe there are no consequences.
He turned away from the others and crossed to the wide window overlooking the gardens below. The wind tousled his hair. A flock of night birds scattered below as a branch shifted in the breeze.
Behind him, the others exclaimed and raged as the dragon lords finished getting all the information they could from their symbiots and came to the same conclusion.
“Yes, they’re not on Valdier,” he said. “They’ve gone on an adventure.”
The room fell into a disbelieving and outraged silence.
He turned and met his brothers’ and friends’ worried gazes.
“Unfortunately, this is one where we can’t follow. Not unless the Goddesses themselves open a portal to another world. They’re... somewhere else.”
A long silence followed.
Creon stepped forward and rested a hand on Zoran’s shoulder. His voice was steady, but there was a haunted look in his eyes.
“We’ll get them back,” he said. “They’re together. We were just like them once—too brave, too foolish, too certain nothing could ever hurt us. Testing boundaries. Believing we were invincible.”
Zoran swallowed hard. “I should have taught him better.”
Creon’s grip tightened. “You did. That’s why I know we’ll get them back. We’ve all worked with the kids. They’re smart, and Goddess knows they are resourceful!”
“I just…” Zoran trailed off, then looked down at the floor. “Zohar should have known better than to do something this irresponsible.”
Trelon stepped in. “I agree with Creon. As long as they are together, they can do anything. I have to believe that or I would have gone crazy years ago.”
“They’re strong,” Kelan added. “All of them. This wasn’t just Zohar’s decision, Zoran. When you get them together, they can be reckless. But they’re also brilliant.”
Ha’ven nodded. “Screw this, I’m not giving up. If we need to talk to a Goddess, then I’ll damn well talk to a Goddess!”
Vox grunted. “That’s it; Roam is grounded for the rest of his life. Forget the long lecture.”
“We need to find them before the women find out. Forget grounding, lectures, or anything else. We are the ones going to be in hot water. If I have to get on my knees and beg, that’s what I’ll do to find a Goddess,” Adalard agreed.
That drew a rough, reluctant laugh from the group.
Zoran’s gaze returned to the garden. His hands curled on the frame, knuckles white.
“Okay, we’ll… try,” he said quietly. “And we’re going to do it before the women return.”
