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)
“That’s not…” My lips pursed. “Okay. You’re completely right.”
Ash smirked, looking back at the paintings.
“Thank you.”
“Not necessary.” He tipped up his chin.
But it was.
It was sweet and thoughtful of him to ensure that no one spoke about my wild run through the courtyard and beyond. I probably shouldn’t think him threatening others was sweet, but he was protecting me, even if just from words and speculation.
And gods, that made me feel like I wasn’t worthy of him—not in a self-deprecating way, but in how it made me want to be better in every way.
And I knew how to start.
I’d always known.
Taking a deep breath, I looked up at him. I needed to talk to him. Ash watched me, the glow of eather vivid behind his pupils.
His mouth opened, but awareness throbbed through me, and a few seconds later, I saw that he felt it. “A Primal has arrived.” He glanced at the door. “Do you know who it is?”
Clearing my mind took a few moments, but as I focused on the fading throb of awareness, the hazy image of the Primal of Accord and War formed in my mind. “Attes.”
“Correct.”
“Huh,” I murmured. “So, that’s how you know who it is before seeing them. That’s shockingly easy.”
“It is if you give yourself time to pay attention,” he remarked.
I snorted. Meaning it would require a conscious effort from me.
“I’ll see to him,” Ash said, then hesitated. His gaze flickered over my face. “I’ll find you afterward.”
A hundred different things rose to the tip of my tongue. It was all of that being-better stuff, but Ash dipped his head and pressed a kiss to my cheek.
Then, he was gone.
CHAPTER FORTY
Ash went to meet with Attes, who likely wanted to update him on what he’d found in the Undying Hills, but I didn’t leave the library. However, I wasn’t alone for long. This time, I heard the footsteps nearing the chamber.
“Sera?” Bele’s voice floated in from the hall.
I turned, seeing both her and Aios in the doorway. “Hey.”
“What are you doing in here?” Bele asked, drifting into the library.
I shrugged. “I was looking for something to read.”
The Primal’s eyes narrowed on me. “You…are so boring now.”
“Bele.” Aios sighed, smoothing a hand over her peach tunic. She brushed past Bele, her eyes filling with concern. “Are you feeling unwell?”
“I’m so glad you asked that.” Bele crossed her arms. “I was wondering the same, but figured I’d get yelled at for saying you look like you haven’t slept in a week.”
My stomach twisted sharply. Had they heard about my wild, late-night run? Other than Rhahar, I hadn’t seen anyone else. They must have. Guards had seen me, and who wouldn’t talk about a large silver cave cat sprinting across the courtyard? “I shifted into my nota late last night and ended up running around for…” I trailed off, noticing both goddesses were gaping at me. “So, you didn’t hear about that?”
“No.” Bele drew out the word.
“I thought maybe you hadn’t gotten much sleep because of the attack,” Aios stated.
Gods, I wanted to smack myself. Somehow, that had completely slipped my mind. Still, I was surprised they hadn’t heard.
“What is your nota?” Bele demanded.
“A cave cat.” My head cocked. “Yours?”
“An owl. Just like Hanan.” Her eyes rolled. “What the fuck am I supposed to do with that?”
Aios placed a hand on Bele’s side. “Be a beautiful, wise huntress.”
“Owls are creepy,” I said.
“No, they’re not,” Aios insisted, shooting me what could only be described as a look of desperation. “They are wonderful creatures.”
“I don’t know about that,” I went on. “How they turn their heads is weird.”
Bele looked like she wanted to do more than give me the middle finger.
“Thanks,” Aios grumbled.
I fought a smile. “What are you two up to?”
“I’m taking Aios to Sirta. That’s where we were headed when I saw you standing in here, being all weird.” Bele took Aios’s hand and started backing up. “I would ask you to join us, but I’m mad at you, so I’m not.”
Worry rose as I glanced between the two. “Is it safe for her to be there?”
Bele stopped, her dark brows rising. “I wouldn’t take her there if it wasn’t.”
I winced, realizing how that had likely come across. Guilt prodded at me. “I’m sorry. I know that. I’m just…a worrier.”
“It’s okay,” Aios was quick to say. “We appreciate the fact that you worry.” She looked up at Bele. “Don’t we?”
“Yeah.”
That didn’t sound convincing at all. “Wait. Why are you walking past the library if you’re taking her to Sirta? Wouldn’t you just shadowstep to your Court?”
“I don’t like shadowstepping between Courts when I’m inside a building,” Bele answered. “It’s weird.”
My brow furrowed. “Why is that weird?”
“I feel like I’m going to accidentally step through or into a wall.” Bele shuddered. “And get stuck in it.”
I stared at her. “That is…actually the weirdest thing.”