Total pages in book: 362
Estimated words: 347293 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1736(@200wpm)___ 1389(@250wpm)___ 1158(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 347293 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1736(@200wpm)___ 1389(@250wpm)___ 1158(@300wpm)
Eather lashed through Ash’s eyes as our gazes connected. “As would I, liessa, but as much as it would please me to rearrange his internal organs, we just discussed making no moves until we know who our potential allies may be.”
“We know Kyn isn’t one,” I stated.
“Agreed. But should your first act as Queen be one of violence?” Ash asked.
When it came to Kyn? Yes. But as I tore my gaze from his and focused on the sunlight beyond the balcony doors, I thought about the conversation regarding the entombed gods. Kyn was a different story. But would the other Primals understand that? Or would they view me as just another violent, monstrous ruler?
“Gods, now I’m going to be logical,” Bele said as if it were something contagious. “You are a fledgling Primal, just like me. And you know how much I hated having to lay low, but I did it. I’m still doing it, until there’s no other choice but to take the risk.” Her gaze met mine. “I want nothing more than to take my revenge on Kyn in any way I can, but I know doing so right now is too risky.” She exhaled heavily. “And yeah, I hate having to be logical about it. You may be stronger and stuff, and able to take on Kyn even now, but why risk it over that piece of trash?”
My lips pinched as I sat back. She’d made her point. “Okay. I get it.” I turned to Ash. “But I don’t think you should go alone.”
“I can go with Nyktos,” Lailah offered, drawing a look of ire from her brother and my rabid curiosity. “And make sure they both—”
“Behave?” I suggested. “Like two misbehaving toddlers?”
Now, it was Ash’s eyes that narrowed.
“I wasn’t going to use those exact words.” Lailah rested her clasped hands on the table. “But Attes will be reluctant to allow things to escalate with me there.”
“You have far too much faith in him,” Theon snapped and fisted his hand on the table.
“I can agree with that,” Ash murmured.
“And you never had enough faith in him,” Lailah shot back at Theon. “He’s not like his brother.”
“I can agree with the last part.” I tossed in my two cents, because why not when it felt like the meeting was about ten seconds from descending into chaos?
“Sure, he’s not like Kyn—thank the Fates.” The essence brightened in Theon’s golden eyes. “But he’s no benevolent being. Every time he’s near you, he spends each moment attempting to seduce you.”
I opened my mouth then closed it while Bele and the cousins watched with avid interest. Rhain, however, appeared as if he wished to sink through his chair and maybe even the floor.
“That’s not true,” Lailah hissed, her eyes turning luminous. “And do we really think this is an appropriate conversation to be having right now? On second thought…ever?”
“We have no problem with it,” Saion remarked. “Please, continue.”
Propping his elbow on the arm of his chair, Rhain drew his fingers over his brow with a sigh.
“Lailah is welcome to join me if she wishes,” Ash cut in. “And while she makes sure I behave, I will do the same when it comes to Attes.”
My head just about spun off my shoulders as I turned to him. “You will only do that if that is what Lailah wants.”
“Of course. If that is what she wants,” Ash amended. “Which I imagine she would, considering how levelheaded she normally is.”
Sitting back, Theon huffed as he crossed his arms. “Yeah, real levelheaded when it comes—”
“I swear to the Fates, if you finish that statement,” Lailah warned, “I will knock you from that very chair and into the Abyss.”
Theon’s jaw clamped shut so tightly I almost expected him to snap his fangs in half.
“So, it’s decided?” Rhain dropped his hand onto the table. “Ash will speak with Attes to summon the other Primals.”
Those at the table nodded in agreement. Even Reaver.
“We’ll want to ensure Attes is in Essaly first,” Rhain suggested.
“Essaly?” I questioned.
“It’s a city in the northernmost portion of Vathi. Where Attes resides. You were there briefly,” he reminded me.
At once, my mind conjured up the memory of rolling hills covered with lush pines, snowcapped mountains, and an ivory-hued Rise. I had been there when I’d brought Thad, the young draken Kolis had forced me to kill, back to life.
“He’s likely at his residence.” Nektas smoothed a hand over Jadis’s back. “But we can have Ehthawn check first.”
“I want him to wait until nightfall,” Ash said. “In case any of Kyn’s draken are in the sky. If Attes is home, I’ll leave in the morning.”
I felt my stomach drop a little. I knew that Kyn wouldn’t sense Ash unless he was in his lands, but I still worried for Ash and Lailah. “What if Kyn learns of your arrival?”