“Now what?”
“Let’s see if Leena and Kost have returned. Then, we’ll check on our forces and make sure they’ve begun preparations to march.” I let go of his hand and crossed the room, pushing open the double doors into the keep’s hallway. We descended to the ground floor side by side, our booted feet thudding against the stone floor in unison. Charmers rushed all around us, barely offering nods or hurried apologies if they bumped into one another—a good sign things were moving along as I’d instructed. When we exited the keep into the surrounding gardens, we stepped into a world of flurry.
Not only Charmers, but Rhynelanders and assassins rushed from one end of the clearing to the other, breaking down camp and barking orders at one another. A litany of beast realm doors groaning open and closed was the backdrop to it all. Beasts helped carry trunks and crates as Charmers joined in, organizing belongings under the watchful gazes of Kaori and Raven. They stood on the outskirts of it all and helped direct where they could, though Ozias and Calem had a good handle on our brethren and Isla’s forces were as orderly as Lendria’s Sentinels.
“There you are,” Raven said the moment we approached, a slight scowl on her face. “Skipping out on hard labor?”
“You caught me,” Gaige said. “Any news of Leena or Kost?”
Kaori trailed the mercury veins on her wrist. “No. Nothing yet.”
My stomach knotted several times over. They should’ve been back by now. While we hadn’t set an exact time frame, hours had passed since their departure. Every minute that dragged by was an opportunity for Varek or Yazmin to find them.
Assuming they’d even made it to Wilheim to begin with.
I winced, unwilling to consider that outcome. “They’ll be back.”
“Yes.” Gaige’s face was ashen. “They can handle themselves.”
Raven swallowed audibly. “Well, we’ll be ready to move when they return.”
“Good. Lendrian troops are waiting for us at Midnight Jester to join our cause, thanks to Kost.” Even saying his name brought about a wave of panic. Shifting from one foot to the other, I scoured the assassins in search of Calem and Ozias. Maybe they’d heard something.
“Oh?” Raven’s brows arched. “That’s wonderful.”
“Enough men to turn things in our favor?” Kaori asked. She glanced at the Charmers rushing around us. We’d been surprised by how many had come to our side and pledged to fight in the war. But there were still those who couldn’t take up arms or who simply didn’t have the beasts to do so.
“Certainly more than I expected, but only a small fraction of Varek’s army.” I rolled my neck from side to side, stretching the tight muscles coiled there. “Have either of you seen Calem or Ozias?”
“They’re with Isla, helping her soldiers pack,” Raven said.
“Got it. Thanks.” I was making a move toward my brethren when a sparking, white portal crackled to life before us. The air surged with energy, and the hairs along my arms stood on end. Two figures stepped out of the glowing abyss, followed by a Telesávra, and the portal immediately disappeared. Kost. Leena. My heart soared at the sight of them. Beside me, Gaige visibly sagged as anxiety fled his frame. He let out a huge breath, uttering a soft “thank the goddess,” and tipped his head skyward.
I rushed toward them, my hurried gait eating away at the distance between us in no time. “You’re okay. You’re both okay.”
A bit harried but otherwise unharmed, Leena took one look at me and flew into my open arms. “We’re fine.”
I held her tight for a moment and dipped my head to the crook of her shoulder. The faint aroma of lilac and vanilla teased my nose, soothing my frayed nerves. After a long, steadying breath, I craned my neck upward and spied Kost. Only when I yanked him into our hug did the last of my fear ebb away.
He broke away, a faint blush touching the tops of his ears. “Honestly, did you think we couldn’t handle this?”
“It was never a question of your skill.” Gaige approached slowly, as if fighting the urge to rush over like I had. “It was dangerous. We’re glad you’re alive.” Raven and Kaori nodded their agreement as they joined our side.
Kost shifted uncomfortably, but his gaze held none of the anger or frustration it had this morning. Instead, there was a rare softness to his expression as he regarded Gaige. “Yes. Well, we were successful.”
Leena nodded as she gripped my hands. “We found them.”
“What happened?” I asked.
“Can we have everyone gather in the throne room? All the Charmers deserve to know what we found.” Something dark clouded her eyes, and she flexed her hands.
“I’ll gather everyone immediately.” Kaori left without another word, snagging attendants as she went and urging everyone to head for the keep.
Leena watched her leave. “It worked, though. We can get to my parents, and Kost made it there with me.”
Kost righted his glasses before giving an affirmative nod. “It was a touch uncomfortable on my part, traveling through the beast realm door, but manageable.”
“A touch?” Gaige’s brow quirked upward.
