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Ekateni shook his head. “Cynon can influence dragons, yes, and that’s dangerous on its on. The real danger, though, is if he finds a vessel, a vessel through which he can come back to this realm. We need to prevent him from doing that. That’s our priority.”
“The vessel could be in Aluria.” There was a tension, a warning in Leah’s voice.
“A human cannot be a vessel,” Ekateni said, “even those of you who have magic. It doesn’t work, it’s not compatible. And that process would need a lot of contact with Cynon’s energy. We’re talking months, years maybe. It has to be someone among the Boundless, someone who’s been influenced for a long time. And they also need anchors, objects infused with Cynon’s magic. You wouldn’t have those in Aluria. Once the vessel finds these objects, they could open a portal, but you still need to be in a place with dragon magic, so it can’t be in your land. Also, the process is thankfully quite complex.”
“Couldn’t it be a white fae?” Fel suggested.
“Unlikely.” Ekateni exhaled, seeming annoyed. “I promise, I will go to Aluria, and then we can discuss all of that, but you have to leave now unless you truly want to give the Boundless time to catch up. I’ll open a ring for you, to fly through. It will take you to an archipelago near Aluria, slightly to the north of it. There are no dragons in that region, and you’ll be safe. Even then, make sure you hide. I’ll come and find you.”
“How?”
“Tzaria knows a way.” He swapped into his dragon form, then made a fire circle in the air. “Go. Quick.”
Leah was safe on Fel’s back, and he flew through the ring, a thousand questions still on his mind, and yet aware there was no point trying to figure out anything when they had enemies so close after them.
Indeed he came out of the ring over some islands, and he thought he could see Aluria far away, in the distance.
“How are your wings?” Leah asked.
“Better.” He felt he could get to Umbraar, and he was going to try it. Something she said came to his mind. “You didn’t tell me about voices.”
“I didn’t have the chance to tell you anything, Fel. There’s so much.”
“I’m so sorry for all you went through. I was so stupid, Leah. The moment you showed up in my room, I should have held you and never let you go.”
She leaned over him. “We’re together now.” After a moment, she asked, “Where do you want to go? In Aluria?”
“I need to find my sister.” This was one reason he’d been wanting to get back so desperately.
“Where is she?”
“It’s a long story—but I think she’s in Umbraar now, and…” It was odd to say it. “I’m worried about her. It’s as if I can feel a hint of her pain, her fear, her worry. Something bad’s happening to her, Leah, and I need to find her.”
Fel could feel Leah resting her face on his back, her arms spread around him, in what felt like a soothing, calming hug, even if she couldn’t even reach the sides of his body. His wings felt better and better, and he was on his way to Naia. After that, they would need to figure out what was going on in Aluria—and try to find a way to save his and Leah’s kingdom, perhaps even the whole land.
None of that sounded easy.
* * *
Naia awoke with a start.It was night, and someone had a hand on her shoulder. She was about to scream, when she realized it was River. Her relief exhale got stuck in her throat when she recalled what he had done. The blood, the deaths, and then his harsh, hateful eyes.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, trying to sound calm.
“I… woke up alone.. and came to find you.” This was the sweet River she knew well—or thought she knew. He was still wearing the earrings and the fancy garb, including the daggers strapped to his belt, but had a black, clean shirt on, and apparently had washed the blood from his hands. It didn’t erase it from her mind.
“Right.” She didn’t even want to ask him how he had found her. And how come it was night already? Had she slept that much? When they had such few days to plan anything against Ironhold? She got up. “I’m… going to the Royal Fort. I’m sure you’ll be busy in the Ancient City.” She wanted him to leave her alone for a while, give her the space to stop and think and do everything she had to do.
He frowned, seeming confused and worried. “Naia, what’s wrong?”
A day before, she would have yelled at him and his stupid question. Right now, she was too uneasy to confront him, so she made an effort to smile and look relaxed. “Nothing. I mean, everything. There’s so much to do. Or try to do.”
He stared at her. “Are youafraidof me?” He sounded concerned, not angry or anything.
Still, a nervous laughter escaped her. “You think so?”
He touched his horns and seemed confused. “Something happened. Wait.” A golden circlet made of entwined threads appeared out of nowhere around his head. “Why am I wearing this?”
“You’re askingme?”
