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“Jaakobah’s mind won’t be able to conceive of such a thought. And if it does, then the threat will be immediately dismissed. Jaakobah’s right about one thing: my family’s name holds weight. He’s just underestimated that that weight can be used against him.” Head twisted so he could see Vi and Blu, Keir’s voice was low and without inflection when he said, “There’s a reason why the Montenegro line has controlled our flight for so long. It’s time Jaakobah was reminded why.”

Pride filled me. This gryphon was truly spectacular and more than a worthy mate. I would respond in kind. I would not fail. One did not threaten a wyvern’s chosen and live to tell the tale.

Thirteen

Keir

“I don’t like this,” Eldon said, mirroring earlier conversations. “It’s my fault. I should be the one that⁠—”

“It is not your fault, Eldon. You were young when I left. Young and impressionable. Too young to have been forced into a role where you had to make such weighty decisions.” I sat there, combing Eldon’s damp hair. Day by day, Eldon got a little stronger.

“I’m not certain,” Eldon whispered.

“Then I’ll be certain enough for the both of us.” I eased Eldon back against the pillows, propping him up. “I need you to stay here. Stay and heal. No matter what happens, you’ll be safe here. Jaakobah can’t get through the barrier surrounding the compound. No one that means you harm can pass.”

Eldon remained silent before finally saying, “As long as I stay here.” The context was clear. If I failed, Eldon couldn’t leave, not if he wanted to remain safe.

My shoulders slumped. “I know. It’s a sacrifice.”

“I can’t fly.”

I considered his statement. “To a degree you could. None of us are certain how far the barrier can stretch. It’s possible its breadth is larger than we think.” We hadn’t had time to test the theory or range. Did one have to intentionally want the barrier to follow them? Was it automatic? I needed to speak with Lazarus and ask what he noticed when he flew Eldon’s tracking chip away.

Head tilted down, Eldon’s gaze found me through too-long hair in need of a good cut. “He’s strong, Keir.” Eldon swallowed hard. “And he’s vicious. Jaakobah will do anything and everything he needs to beat you, and not just beat, but destroy. He will try and rip you to shreds—not just physically, but emotionally too.” Eldon shook his head. “You can’t let him get in here,” Eldon tapped his temple. “If you do, you’ve already lost.”

I hated the hurt lacing my brother’s voice. I hated even more that his warning came from a place of personal knowledge. “He won’t,” I promised. “I won’t let him. I’ve got too much to lose.”

I’d meant my words to comfort, but Eldon cringed. “That’s what I’m afraid of. That’s what he’ll use against you. You can’t let him, Keir. You have to be stronger than that. You won’t win through physical strength alone. You have to be smarter than Jaakobah.”

I took a moment to fully digest those words, allowing their weight to ground me. “I won’t let you down,” I answered.

This time, my words did the trick. Eldon’s body relaxed and his smile was soft. “You’ve yet to let me down, Keir.”

My breath caught, my heart hammering. All the times I’d thought I’d failed my brother, my family… That was not Eldon’s perspective. “Thank you, brother.”

“I should be the one thanking you,” Eldon answered.

“No thanks are necessary,” I said before pressing my lips against Eldon’s brow. “Rest now. I’ll come check on you later.”

I closed Eldon’s bedroom door with a soft click. Lazarus was in the living area. Vi was on his shoulder and Blu was on his lap. Their little claws sank into Lazarus’s shirt, gripping tightly while they flapped their wings. I noticed they did that a lot. When I’d asked Lazarus, he said they were strengthening their shoulder and flight muscles. Lazarus informed me they’d be flying before long and we’d wish they were still grounded. I wasn’t so certain but agreed to take his word for it.

“How is Eldon?” Lazarus asked as Vi lost her balance, began flailing, and managed to smack her tiny fist into Lazarus’s cheek. Lazarus just helped her reposition and didn’t even mutter an expletive.

“Better,” I answered. “At least physically. I’m not sure about the mental part.” I leaned over and snatched Blu. Helping hold onto her clawed feet, I raised and lowered my arms, mimicking tossing her into the air. Blu madly fluttered her wings and trilled with what I’d learned was happiness. Little puffs of frost filled the air as she threw her head back and trilled even louder.

A grin stretched across my face, pulling my cheeks as I chuckled. Despite everything that was going on, when I was with Vi and Blu, I felt lighter than I had in months. Their simple joy radiated, spreading to anyone close by. Thankfully, I was one such individual who was almost always near enough to latch onto that happiness.

Flopping into a nearby chair, I settled Blu on my belly and watched her dance back and forth. “Goddess, they are cute,” I said.

“You say that now,” Lazarus warned. “Give it a few weeks and they’ll be into everything.”

I shook my head. “I don’t care.”

“Again, you say that now.”

Most likely Lazarus was correct and I’m sure I’d soon be at my wits end. Even still, I couldn’t help but marvel at Vidia’s offspring.

“Thalia contacted me.” Lazarus interrupted my happy musings. “For what it is worth, you officially have the support of my thunder.”