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From where the Temple was positioned. I could see beyond the tips of the trees to the bumpy, uneven hills dotted with darker shades of green that led to the sandy dunes Kolis had spoken of.
There were large outcroppings of dull white rocks there, some long and slender, and others rounder. They didn’t look like bones to me, but as my gaze lifted to the sparkling blue waters of the cove, I saw ships. Dozens of large vessels, their black sails down. Movement to the right of them caught my eye. On the bluffs on the other side of the cove, another black and brown draken lifted its head. Was that Crolee? Ehthawn and Orphine’s cousin? I hadn’t seen the other draken since I’d first arrived in the Shadowlands.
My gaze lowered to the dunes below, focusing on the deep shadows under the bluff. I squinted, seeing movement. Every so often, something silver glinted in the sunlight. Armor. Soldiers.
I rose and turned, swallowing a gasp.
Saion was right in front of me, bowing deeply. “Consort, we’ve missed you.”
My grin turned wry. I didn’t think he lied. I liked to believe that Saion and I had moved past the threatening-my-life part of our relationship, but the only thing the gods had probably missed was the absence of the drama my presence caused.
“We are also glad to see you here.” Rhahar joined his cousin. “We knew Nyktos wouldn’t return without you.”
“More like she wouldn’t return without me,” Ash corrected, having appeared beside me in that silent, quick way of his.
Rhahar’s brows lifted. “Is that so?”
“It was she who took Kolis down for the count,” Bele chimed in, having hauled herself up onto the stone base. She was carving a…where had she gotten an apple? “Not our esteemed, fearless leader.”
My lips pursed.
“Damn,” Lailah murmured, her hand resting on the hilt of her broadsword. Eyeing Ash, her smile spread. “I’m going to need details.”
“She also freed me,” Ash told them. “I stand here because of her.”
“As do I,” a quiet voice added.
Kars turned, stepping to the side to reveal Rhain as he said, “I don’t think many of us would be standing here if not for you.”
Feeling like my face was likely the color of Rhain’s hair, I shifted from foot to foot as I heard several shouts of affirmation.
“That is still something we all have questions about,” Kars stated.
My gaze shot to Rhain. He hadn’t told them about the deal? My grip tightened on the diamond as relief swelled inside me. Rhain hadn’t been conscious when Kolis made his demands, but it would take no leap of logic to work out what it likely entailed.
“It…it was nothing,” I said, unsure of what I was responding to or whom. “I only did what any of you would do.”
Rhain nodded as he looked away. My gaze snagged on Ash. He watched me in a way that further confirmed my belief that he knew.
“Okay. I think we need storytime. Oh!” Bele swallowed a piece of apple. “Still haven’t found any boots. Not a lot of opportunities around these parts.”
“It’s all right,” I told her.
Ash’s head cut to the right. “Storytime will have to wait.”
“Got to be Attes,” Bele said, frowning as she eyed the horizon. “Feels like more than just him.”
My stomach dropped as Rhain asked about Attes. All I caught of Ash’s response was that he could be trusted. I should’ve been listening, but I…I couldn’t feel Attes.
There was no hum signaling another Primal’s arrival.
I could still feel the essence thrumming faintly inside me, but that was probably a bad sign.
“Sera?” Ash questioned softly.
Inhaling deeply, I fixed a smile on my face and I looked up at him. Before anything could be said, Ehthawn pushed off the roof, sending plumes of dust falling as he took to the sky. On the horizon, I could make out the shape of wings—large wings stretched wide.
Rhahar and Saion stepped forward as a unit, both reaching for their swords.
