The bombardment wouldn’t stop.
Stranger after stranger practically fell at his feet, praising his name, thanking the Mother for his return,worshippinghim. Isobel had not prepared him for the onslaught, and the wine she’d given him had long since burned away, leaving him jittery and certain they had the wrong guy.
This couldn’t be his life now.
It was a comedy of chaos.
Bonfires dotted the forest as far as Sean could see, and figures danced around and around to the pagan music. His senses filled with drums and strings and haunting voices that would caress his dreams later that night.
Before his head had stopped spinning, Sean found himself facing a tall, thin man, with slick black hair and gold light at every edge.
“Caden Sidera,” he said, bowing deeply, tapping his temple twice.
“I prefer Sean,” he replied automatically.
The man returned to his full height. “I am Nish. Council leader.”
Sean’s stomach fell.
“I was hoping to have a word?”
“Oh, um—” He glanced backward in search of Isobel, but she was deep in conversation with someone else. Beyond her, Cole and Anna talked and laughed.
Everyone was at ease.
Everyone but him.
Nish took Sean’s elbow and guided him away from the thickest crowds. Deferential bows followed in his wake, but the man barely acknowledged them.
Once they’d reached an area more conducive to conversation, Nish faced Sean, smiling. “I cannot say how thrilled we are at your return,” he said. “When your mother absconded with you, we thought all hope was lost.”
“She thought she was doing the best thing for me,” Sean felt the need to point out.
Nish’s mouth tightened, a bare hint at irritation. “No matter. You are here now.”
He merely smiled.
“The other Council members are eager to make your acquaintance. Has your father discussed your role?”
“I—”
“You will sit on our Council as every Sidera has done before you.”
“O-okay,” Sean said.
Nish grinned, gazing at him like a trinket he’d thought lost forever. “We look forward to your presence when next we meet.” His attention caught on something behind Sean’s left shoulder, and his smile widened. “Ah. Lady Isobel.”
Isobel crept up to Sean, looping her arm around his.
Nish practically melted. “Fate finds a way, does it not?”
She dipped her head. “Indeed it does.”
Sean struggled to keep the smile on his face. He gripped Isobel’s hand too tightly, begging for an out. “Would you please excuse us?”
Before Nish answered, Sean dragged her away. He kept a vice grip on her acidic wrist as he strode from the fires,heart slamming in his chest. The darkness of the forest enveloped them, nothing but Luster sparking silver in the night.
He kept moving until the revelry faded, then whirled on her. “Why are they acting like that?”
