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Isaiah contemplated the situation. “You’ve always said Gideon was the strongest of you. That he communed with the Earth in a way no one else had. Why should that change now?”
There were no immediate answers, only more questions.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Ontheeveofthe fourth week, Isaiah teleported back to his territory before light shone over the horizon. Derikles, having known he’d re-entered Utah, joined him on his rooftop. They watched the sun rise over the rugged terrain from the vantage point of Isaiah’s terrace.
Derikles clasped his hands behind his back. Isaiah watched the quiet man that’d been his constant for the last four centuries, overcome with sentiment. As the first rays of sunlight dawned, he spoke what was on his mind.
“Thank you, Derikles.”
Isaiah’s second threw him a perplexed look, the deep green of his eyes glinting like shattered emeralds. “For what?”
Isaiah held his tongue while he formulated his thoughts. How could he put into words what Derikles meant to him? How could he convey the depth of his appreciation for the other man—the support his second had constantly shown him throughout the ages?
Derikles had been his loyal friend for centuries, receiving little in return.
“For everything, Derikles.” Isaiah turned to him, pensive. “You’ve been a good friend, and I’ve given you very few reasons to continue.”
Derikles chuckled genuinely, the features of his face lighting up. “Of course you have. Whenever I need an ear, you’re the first person I go to. Ever since you became our sovereign, it’s been that way, second or not. Believe it or not, you’re easy to talk to and honest, and I’ve spilled my guts to you more than anyone else I’ve ever known.”
Smirking, the other Raeth continued. “And damn if I didn’t say you’re the best sparring partner I’ve ever had. I’m a far better warrior now than before you arrived.” He paused, sobering. “Just because we never acknowledge it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.”
Overcome, Isaiah looked back into the sunrise and sighed. “In any case, I appreciate you, Derikles.”
A soft smile briefly touched Derikles features before he turned back to his sovereign in question. “How is your mate?”
One ebony eyebrow rose in amusement. “As well as could be expected, I suppose. Every person in the compound has been on the edge since we heard his heart beating.”
“I can only imagine.”
Shaking off the strangeness of the times, he cleared this throat. “Sia’s rank is to be adjusted.”
A pregnant pause from the man on his left. “I don’t blame you.”
Taken by surprise, Isaiah shot Derikles a look. “For what?”
“For promoting her to second.” There was no animosity in his face, only tempered resignation. “She is far more experienced than I, and you’ve known her since you were a youngling.”
Isaiah grunted in humor, a smirk crossing his lips. “I think you misunderstand me. You’re still to be my second. Nothing will ever change that, Derikles. I’m merely giving her the same position in the hierarchy as Jaeda.”
Blatant shock ran rampant as Derikles took a startled breath. “You honor me.”
“You’ve done far more than earn your stripes.” Isaiah sent a mental ping to Sia before he turned to Derikles with a hard stare. “Just don’t ever let me convince you that I want to seek the Light.”
Derikles straightened and dipped his chin. “You have my word. I’ll happily watch as Rukia waterboards the nonsense out of you.”
“Delightful.” Isaiah grinned as Sia’s presence registered behind them. “Now get off my roof before I throw you off.”
Chuckling, the tattooed man took to the ledge and saluted mockingly before jumping down to the ground three stories below. He landed stealthily in a crouch before strolling into the township with lazy grace.
Sia came to stand beside him, her feverish anxiety practically electrifying the mental bond between them. “Sovereign.”
“Rest easy, Sia, I won’t throw you off the roof, either.”
Her body language loosened only microscopically, but she said nothing in response. Anticipation crawled through their mental bond, the undercurrent of fear ebbing as the Raeth female tried to settle herself. As with any sovereign-clansman psychic link, Sia knew that Isaiah could feel the echo of her emotions and would most likely be cursing herself for the display of weakness.
He decided to put her out of her misery. “Your rank will now be equal to Jaeda’s in our hierarchy.”
