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Quieting the rage, I focused on the issue at hand and considered Keir’s words. Whatever Jaakobah was sending could be a thing or an individual. Perhaps several of each. If it were an individual, then who? “Your father?” I asked.

Keir tilted his head, fingers cradling his chin as he considered my question. “Doubtful. If Eldon is to be believed—and I do believe him—Father is in no condition to travel, let alone plead Jaakobah’s case.”

“Someone else from your flight then?” I didn’t know enough about the remaining members of Keir’s previous flight to hazard a guess.

“Maybe… Although I can’t imagine Jaakobah giving anyone else that kind of power. He came on his own before for a reason.”

“True, and he wouldn’t send your sister.”

“Agreed. That would be far too risky. Especially now that Jaakobah knows about the barrier. It would be too easy for me to grab Phina and pull her to safety. That is, assuming he hasn’t already corrupted her into meaning any of us harm.” Keir’s face drained of color. “Goddess, do you think that’s it? He’ll send Phina because he knows she won’t be able to cross the barrier?”

While I wasn’t certain, what I did know was that sitting around and speculating wildly painful theories wouldn’t do anyone any good, especially Keir. “Even so, I still think it would be too big of a risk. He’ll likely keep Saraphina on tight lockdown. As you said, if Jaakobah can’t bond with you or Eldon, your sister is his last hope for legitimacy.”

The tension drained from Keir’s body. “I don’t know if I think that’s better or worse.” Keir cringed. “Worse. Definitely worse.”

I finally rose from my seat, reaching for Keir’s hand and pulling him up with me. Wrapping my arms around Keir’s solid body, I held him close, nestling his face into the crook of my neck. It was a vulnerable position, one that I’d never allowed anyone else access to. Keir’s deep inhale and relieved nuzzle brought us both much-needed comfort.

“Come to bed,” I urged, already moving that direction.

Keir balked. “I’ve already slept so much. I need to⁠—”

“You need to rest while you can. You need to keep your mind sharp and your body ready. Stressful worry will only deplete your natural resources further. I am uncertain if Jaakobah is intentionally using this tactic. Whether it is intentional or not, the outcome is the same.”

Reluctantly following, Keir said, “I don’t think I can sleep. My brain is too full. My thoughts are racing.”

I slipped my fingers to the back of Keir’s neck, tugging his head away so I could rest our foreheads together. “That sounds like a challenge.”

Keir’s cheeks flushed. “I think that’s a stretch.”

My grin was wide enough to make my cheeks ache. “Oh, my dear Keir, one thing you need to learn about wyvern is that we are competitive creatures and love turning anything into a challenge.” Licking my lips, I whispered, “And there is no sweeter challenge than successfully fulfilling a mate’s needs. By the time I’m done with you, your mind will be wondrously numb.”

Keir released a needy gasp. “But you said we’d need to wait, that we needed more time to⁠—”

“And I stand by that statement, but there are so many other ways of pleasuring you until you are blissfully sated, and I intend to explore each and every one tonight. Give your body and mind to me. Allow me to carry your burdens for this short time. Allow me to give you a glimpse of our future together. Let me give you something more to keep fighting for.”

“Oh,” Keir whispered on a heated breath. “How can I say no to that?”

“I doubt anyone sane could.”

“Confident, aren’t you?”

“No reason not to be. Not when this feels so right. Not when I’ve been gifted with such a magnificent mate.” I pressed my lips to Keir’s temple, peppering his skin with kisses as I worked my way to his jaw. Head tilted, Keir greedily allowed me access. This time, when I whispered, “Come to bed,” Keir’s earlier hesitation was long gone, replaced by eager desire.

Fifteen

Keir

Sometimes, there was reason for confidence. Turns out, Lazarus’s cocky self-assurance wasn’t misplaced, and I woke up feeling both boneless and weightless, as if the past few months were little more than a bad dream—washed away and replaced by sunny skies, cool breezes, and delicate bedding. And the amazing thing was that Lazarus and I hadn’t even engaged in anything sexual.

Intimacy. I’d never truly considered the word and what it meant. Lazarus taught me the meaning last night. The evening had been a revelation that started with ghostly tender touches, stolen kisses, and skin-on-skin closeness, proceeded to a full body massage, and ended with me lying in Lazarus’s arms, his body cradling mine. I couldn’t remember a time in my life where I’d felt so safe. Perhaps I’d had a similar feeling when I was a child. If so, the memory was so distant as to be nonexistent.

Lazarus made every atom within my body vibrate with the simple joy of being alive. And then he’d taken that joy and molded it into contented bliss. It was like opening a release valve in my brain, allowing the worries to drain until the well of discontent was dry. The space hadn’t been filled. It had been allowed to sit there and heal. The cracks had been patched, the torn edges mended. I had no idea if the patchwork fixes would hold, but it was a start and there were no words to express my gratitude.

This deep underground and with no windows to the outside world, it was easy to lose track of time. I stared into the darkness and allowed myself to simply be. It was a luxury I hadn’t allowed myself in… I couldn’t exactly remember how long. The moment was a gift, and I was determined to hold onto it for as long as possible.

“I’d hoped you’d sleep longer,” Lazarus said, his voice a low baritone just coming out of a sleepy haze.

“I’m glad I woke up,” I answered, voice equally soft, as if speaking any louder would alert Time itself and restart its relentless onward crawl. “Otherwise, I might have missed this moment.” I inhaled, loving our mingled scents filling the room. “You were right before. I’m glad time didn’t stop in that hallway, otherwise I would have missed this. I think it could stop now and I’d be okay with that.”