Page 40 of Ever Dark Academy, Vol. 7

How long do you think it will take Fiona, Charlie and Tanis to get to Seeyr, Grayson? He sent to the bird that glided ahead of them.

He’d already sent the location of the swamp and Grayson was unerringly headed there, able to see farther in his bird form than he and Khos could see on the ground. Truly, he was using his nose to “see” where they should go. But he was grateful that Grayson’s keen eyes were confirming the miasma of muck was coming up soon.

More time than we’ll likely find comfortable with Legion on our trail, Grayson admitted. Since we cannot attack them.

There was definitely displeasure there at the thought of not attacking. Ryder lifted an eyebrow. Was it just the heightened emotions of being newly turned that had Grayson sounding a little bloodthirsty? He hoped it wasn’t his blood that was causing it. But he pushed that away. Demos, Siban and many, many others were good in Weryn. Peaceful. More in control than any other Vampires he knew. So it wasn’t that.

We know they live to fight another day, Ryder reminded him gently. I gave them their last hunt.

I know, Grayson admitted, sounding a little shamefaced. Then with a breathy laugh added, I’m jealous!

Of what?

Of Legion! Who else? Like I said, they thought they were the Childe of your Heart. They think it now, Grayson admitted. I rather resent that and want to make it clear to them that they are not.

But you know that’s not true already. Legion is mad. They will not give us that foul idea. Not even in the end did they give it up, Ryder scoffed.

In fact, it had been that very fact that had allowed Ryder to trick them into their Second Death. It had been the right thing to do. They couldn’t have been allowed to go on. But he was surprised at the slight pain it caused him. He was glad it did. Killing someone–even someone like Legion who must be killed–should always weigh heavy on him. It was when deaths had no effect at all upon him that the trouble had started.

Actually… He could picture Grayson mentally biting his lower lip, I rather think they are.

What?! No–

Your heart was broken after what happened to me. You wanted revenge. You wanted destruction. Legion was born of that, Grayson told him.

I… I suppose that is actually true. I did accept that when I took them on the hunt. They are mine. A Childe born of my rage and pain. The blackness of my heart. But you are my heart, Grayson! The healed version. The version that beats true and clear. You know that, don’t you? Ryder crooned to his beloved.

Yes, I do, but I admit that I am feeling a little protective and possessive of you right now, Grayson said with a sigh. I remember feeling this way about my fledglings. I guess I feel that way about my Master now, too. It’s quite the same thing. Actually, it might be stronger.

I am well-loved and protected then, Ryder said, feeling absurdly pleased with Grayson feeling so strongly about him in ways that were as deep as their romantic love. As Ashyr, his beloved had always been a little distant, keeping part of himself separate. Like a cold star.

Yes, I thought I was doing what was best back then by keeping myself apart like that, Grayson said, reading that last thought easily. But I wasn’t. I was merely protecting myself from feeling the full consequences of my actions.

You’ve always had to make hard choices. I don’t blame you for that, Ryder said.

I do. I’m glad I’m trying something new now. Though I think it will be harder still, but more rewarding as well, Grayson said as he rode the thermals happily.

You are doing so well in your bird form, Grayson! I have to admit I am impressed, Ryder said.

Didn’t you expect me to fly this well? Grayson teased.

I did. I knew you would be a natural, but still, you are being more than an overachiever, Ryder said, feeling proud, but a little worried. Grayson was so new and he was having to expend a lot of energy.

I’m all right, Ryder. You truly fed me well, Grayson assured him. And soon we will be back in our time where it is safe and you can feed me for ages. We won’t leave our bed for weeks!

Ryder chuckled. Promises, promises, Grayson! But I know you. You’ll want to be out and about, making sure everything is going to plan. Introducing yourself to the humans–

All right, all right, I admit I may want to take a gander at some of Daemon’s plans for humanity and whatever this secret project Arcius is on, Grayson admitted.

I knew it! But still, I will pamper you. But I know you love nothing more than working–His words were cut off as he heard a howl that was not from a human or animal throat suddenly echoing through the air around them.

Ryder glanced over his shoulder. He could see in the far distance the gate they’d slipped through out of Solace. Legion’s massive bulk filled it and they weren’t alone. There were two other shifters with him. Two lions shifters. A lion and a lioness, in fact. The two of them were so familiar to him that Ryder couldn’t quite fathom what he was seeing, because those two shouldn’t have been here, shouldn’t have been together, not for thousands of years.

And yet…

And yet…

The lion with its massive mane bumped against the female, their tails entangling for a moment. How many times had he seen them do the exact same thing?