Page 94 of Elysian

Liadan rubbed the top of his hair. “Saints,” he muttered.

I held no words back. “All of you would have been dead if not for me. In honesty, I would have rather joined my wraithling in death.”

Morak flinched.

“That pain is indescribable. An agony that should never be felt.” My voice lowered with emotion. “Nothing is left for me.” I shrugged. “If offering myself saves us all and ends the council, I will do what is needed.”

“But he’s a monster.” The soft voice reached past the silence. The woman behind the Duke poked out from around him.

I could not deny that. Cassiel was casual cruelty and icy resolve.

“But I have a conscience,” I said. “I will continue to keep him in line.”

“Why does he listen to you?” she asked, eyebrows furrowed.

“Because I am his bondmate.” Silence and shock came from her and the Duke.

“Liadan explained much of what you told him. The Lore of Old and the truths that come with it. What if he is fooling you?” Morak moved forward and dropped onto the seat before the desk. The Duke returned to sitting behind the desk.

I almost spoke of the wraithling bond, and him replacing Piper’s spot, but I held my tongue.

“Well, we will see, but as for me, there is no reason to doubt my intentions. I want the death of the council. I know Cassiel wants the same. The rest can be dealt with after.”

The Duke’s smirk caught my eye.

“You are not quite what I expected,” he mused. “When I saw you at the Solstice ball, you were a timid thing, shuffling at the back of his feeders.”

“I know time and place,” I said, meeting his eyes. “My lord.”

“Dev is fine,” he said, leaning back. He paused a moment. “On second thought, the Warlord seems a bit possessive. My lord will do, Lady Draven.” Humor danced across his features.

“It is very clear His Highness held himself still today. And it was clearly because of Miss Amara,” Liadan said, directing it at Morak.

“I see it,” Morak grumbled. “I have never seen that monster so . . . still.”

I stiffened.

“Look at how she tenses in his defense,” Morak said. His haughtiness was not necessary. I defended him not out of care, but because the alliance must hold.

“He does not have to be here. Yet he is. We must all put aside the squabbles and focus on the true enemy.” The argument spilled from my lips, flirting with anger. “Liadan, may I have a word?”

“Of course.” Liadan crossed to my side. I bowed the slightest bit and turned on my heel. Liadan matched my pace. “You put Morak in his place.” A wry smile crossed his face.

“Is he always so contrary?” I murmured.

Liadan went quiet and sighed. “His family was slaughtered at a Harvest—the Reliquary.”

I met Liadan’s eyes. They were shadowed by sadness.

“I am sorry,” I breathed. I had let my temper run away with me again. “His concern is justifiable.”

“Well, yes, but you were not wrong either.” He patted my shoulder. “Now, what did you need to mention?”

I stopped near the foyer where dawnlight spilled through the curtains. “You recall when we parted ways. You stated you would be retrieving an item?”

“To cross into the Kingdom of Oro.”

“What was that object?”