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)
I winced, guessing that had been a result of Hanan’s death.
“There was also what appeared to be a bad lightning storm,” Ezra added, her brows drawn. “One that seemed to linger only over the Dark Elms.”
That was likely when I Ascended.
“You could see more of that,” I continued. “Maybe even earthquakes and landslides.”
Ezra swallowed and then did what she always did. She pulled herself together and nodded. “That will be unfortunate.”
“Very much so.” I curved my hands over my knees. “I want you all to be prepared over the next couple of weeks—maybe even months.” I shifted my focus to Marisol. “I know this isn’t easy to plan.”
“It’s not.” Marisol took Ezra’s hand in hers. “However, we won’t be blindsided. We can prepare by upping our food storage and moving faster on our plans to improve the tenements.” Her gaze met Ezra’s. “They would be most at risk in the event of an earthquake.”
“And we can begin creating temporary shelters,” Ezra said slowly. “Winter is only a few weeks away, and while it will not be freezing like in the north or east, the people here aren’t used to anything but hot and humid weather. They’re enjoying things now,” she was quick to add. “But winter…”
Winter, even a mild one, would be difficult for those unused to it.
Marisol’s gaze swung back to mine. “What about the other kingdoms? Can we warn them?”
“We can send the missives all at once,” Ezra said, lifting Marisol’s hand to press a kiss atop it.
I had to fight my smile as I stared at them. They weren’t just thinking of themselves but others—people they had never met and likely never would.
“Are we allowed to do so?” Ezra asked.
I glanced at Nektas.
“You’re the Queen,” he replied. “You can do as you wish.”
“You sound like Nyktos,” I muttered, shifting my attention to the two before me. “I don’t see why not, but I would advise against going into a lot of detail or bringing up Kolis. He can be very vindictive, and I do not want anyone catching his attention unintentionally.”
“We won’t,” Ezra assured, slipping her hand free of Marisol’s. “But what of you? Will you be okay?”
“Yes,” I said. Not just because I didn’t want to worry her but because I would be, damn it.
Ezra exhaled heavily. “Thank you for warning us.”
“I wish I could do more.”
“I know. And I also know that you must leave soon. But I do have one more question.” Ezra clasped her hands together. “Though it’s not for you.”
I glanced between her and Marisol. “Okay.”
Ezra’s head turned to the rounded archway of the door. “You are not a god, are you?”
My eyes widened slightly.
“I am not,” Nektas said.
“How did you know he wasn’t a god?” I asked.
“His skin,” she explained. “When we were in the dining hall, I saw…ridges appear in his flesh in the shape of scales.”
“You’re too observant for your own good,” Nektas remarked.
“I do not believe one can ever be too observant,” she countered, and I saw the corners of Nektas’s lips rise. “Are you a draken?”
Marisol gave a full-body jerk, and for a second, I feared she might end up on the floor like her mother.
“I am the first draken,” Nektas stated.
Ezra’s mouth formed a perfect circle.
“Okay. Well, that’s enough for today.” I rose, knowing there were likely a hundred questions forming in Ezra’s mind right now.
And I was right. “But—”
“I will return,” I interrupted. “As soon as everything is settled. You can ask all your questions then.”
Ezra huffed out an irritated breath. “You swear?”
“Did I not promise that I would return the last time?”
“You did.” Ezra rose. “Do not break the promise this time because I will have a written list of questions ready for you.”
I laughed. “You likely will.”
“Your laugh.” Ezra stepped toward me and then stopped. “I have never heard you laugh like that before.”
“Really?” I felt my cheeks warming.
Her eyes glimmered. “You and Nyktos? He called you his wife.”
“He did.” Now my cheeks were really burning. “We are married.”
“And you love him?”
“I do.”
Ezra smiled. “That is lovely to hear when he’s clearly besotted with you.”
Then Ezra shocked me.
She reached between us and took my hand in hers. I experienced a rolling tremor as I felt her warm skin against my palm.
“I am happy for you, sister.”
Sister.
“Thank you,” I said hoarsely.
She released my hand, and I turned away, still feeling her skin against mine. I said goodbye to Marisol, or at least I thought I did. I was in a state of shock.
Ezra had touched me and had done it so casually. I could count on one hand how many times she had done that in the past.
If she had only done so because of who I was now, I didn’t care. It didn’t matter.
“Seraphena.” My mother rose in a quiet rustle of silk. “May we speak? In private?”