AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Had he noticed the change yet? Or perhaps this wasn’t a change at all, but a regular occurrence. Nava hadn’t been in the city long enough to fully understand its customs.
“He’s with Gavin and Violet on Pearl Island. Violet needed to go there to research something about how to prevent the drafts of children for the armies—I think.” Her friend hadn’t been exactly specific about her aims, and Nava hadn’t asked too many questions. “Cameron wanted to go so badly and see the largest library in Caztian. We were in Willowbrook for so long. I didn’t want to force him to stay behind with me—but I also couldn’t just leave Aristaeus.”
“He’s always wanted to be a librarian,” Arkimedes said, his eyes turning glassy, right before he brought his hand to his head with a grunt. Another headache, perhaps? “I don’t know how long it will take for the letter to reach him, Nava. I understand why you want them to know, but it’s risky. It could be intercepted.”
She knew that, and still, she didn’t regret sending it. “We can’t go up against the Zorren and not tell Cameron he might lose the only family he has left. I also needed to tell Gavin and Violet that I released Devon, so they know not to return with my little brother, just in case Roman gets any ideas. Devon hurt all of us, and not everyone is ready to forgive.”
“I heard that,” Devon said from behind them.
“It’s not untrue.” Nava huffed. A part of her would forever be unhappy at having released him—not continuing to hate him like she should.
But she now also understood the other side of the story. How desperate Devon had been to locate Arkimedes at any cost. How angry and betrayed he’d felt when he discovered Ark alive and well, hiding in the forest.
She couldn’t forgive him for what he’d done or how many people he’d hurt… but she understood him. And now she had to explain her reasons to Cameron and her friends, just in case the emissary won.
“I didn’t know the kitten had a baby brother. What a revelation.”
Arkimedes glanced over his shoulder and shot Devon a sharp look that would quieten almost everyone. “Don’t say another word.”
“You two need to lighten up and stop treating me like I’m the villain. I’m heading into a pirate lair with you because I want to help.” Devon’s face lacked any of his usual mischief. He was serious now. His black eyes met hers, and he placed his hand over his heart. “I would never betray your brother’s existence to the Crows if that’s what you’re concerned about.”
Strangely enough, Nava wasn’t. Not now that he was aware of what the Society had done to his family. “Devon, to earn our trust, you’ve got to work for it. Not so long ago, you went against our request and asked the Vulcan the wrong question.”
Devon’s cheeks flushed as he averted his eyes and shoved both hands inside his wine-colored coat. It matched the striped pants he was wearing.
Leela had been fussing over all of their clothes for the better part of the morning. Little did she know they would have to change into less elegant attires soon enough.
Arkimedes placed a large gloved hand over hers. “Have you considered what might happen if Cameron, Gavin, and Violet come here before we defeat the emissary?”
Nava chewed her bottom lip. Her insecurities grabbed her in a chokehold. “Then we will ensure his safety.”
If only she’d mastered her long-distance transfer before all of this. She could have simply visited Pearl Island and spoken to them there. But she’d just begun to hone her skills, and it was impossible for her to travel to the forest in one trip, let alone to an island far across the world.
“We’ll work it out,” Arkimedes said. “It would be nice to see them again.”
“Even Violet?” she teased with a grin that widened as his expression sobered.
“No, just Cameron and Gavin. Violet can stay there for all I care.”
They crossed a large bridge made of worn stone. Aged copper railings lined the sides, painted in green and white shades that matched the turquoise water in the canal below. A trading vessel was crossing beneath it right now, sporting impressive gray sails.
The seagulls squawked in the skies, circling the bridge and flying too close to their heads for comfort in their search for food. This part of the city differed from all the other areas Nava had visited. The road led them to an open plaza with the biggest fountain she’d ever seen, sparkling right in the center of the square.
Although breathtaking, it wasn’t the beautiful sights that called to her. It was the flags hanging from every streetlamp and balcony above a shop. A black tree rose against the golden yellow background, framed by white trim. The fae walking about were all dressed in similar colors, and they were heading toward a stage right next to the fountain.
Was that the queen’s tree? Were they wearing masks? Was this another celebration, like the solstice?
They approached cautiously, sneaking through a crowd surrounded by the loud chattering of people as they awaited the play.
“What’s this celebration?” Nava asked Arkimedes, taking in every detail—from the street seller waving golden feather masks, to the small children in white, waving bouquets of equally white flowers.
“Not sure…” Arkimedes whispered, but his emotions were tumultuous. Which meant he was lying at least a little bit. Even if he still claimed that he couldn’t.
Three-foot-long banners were draped over either side of the stage. In the center of its wooden deck, a table stood, covered with white linens. A fae sat on a throne, dressed in white and wearing a golden mask. He had huge black wings—evidently fake, as they hung crookedly over his shoulders and didn’t move.
The fae’s costume was eerily similar to what Arkimedes had worn on the night of the masquerade ball during the summer solstice. Nava remembered it vividly. Especially after she’d removed every item of clothing from his body during their mating heat.
Her throat went dry at the same time that Arkimedes stiffened beside her. This was a reenactment of that night. She knew it like she knew her own name.
