Born of Blood and Ash

“I would target you in battle,” I said. “If I knew someone on Kolis’s side had just Ascended into Primalhood, I would go after them. Not only because they would be vulnerable but because it would make others vulnerable. We would seek to protect you. That’s why Saion ca

Lailah’s mouth opened, but after a moment, it closed.

“I know it’s hard not to be out there when your brother and those you care about are.” I held her gaze. “Just as it is hard for Aios, Ione, and Penellaphe. And if you hadn’t just Ascended, we would have you out there instead of Bele.”

Bele scowled. “Rude.”

“However, as Nyktos said, we need to do everything we can to lessen the impact on the mortal realm,” I told her. “That is why we seized the other Courts. Not just to gain more numbers but also to prevent the Primals from fighting and adding to the harm that we—that I—have already caused.”

I could feel Ash’s gaze on me as I watched Lailah. Seconds ticked by, and then she finally exhaled heavily and nodded.

The meeting continued. Further plans were established. Draken blood had been drawn and sealed in the basalt vials. The bone chains were already deep underground in Oak Ambler, and once we were done with our discussions, I spent the better part of the day with Reaver and Jadis, soaking in as much time as I could with them while practicing finding Nektas’s imprint and communicating with him.

I was sure after about fifteen minutes he wanted to throw me out a window.

Then we all had di

Our children.

Each other.

Our future.

Those we cared for.

Everything.