Page 83 of King of Fire and Flames

“Without a doubt,” she agreed.

Pointing at the knives strapped to the Sayeeda’s hips, I stood up. “Azarn really does think you’re harmless, doesn’t he? We need to kill Nukala. The verse in the old Talnian text made me certain of it.”

“That may be so, but for now, we must be patient. Watch me carefully.” Ari disappeared, reappearing a heartbeat later as her laughter soothed my anxious heart.

“Melaya’s block doesn’t work on you!”

“I am the Storm Court’s bonded reaver elf, the sister of the Zareen. I’m made of stronger stuff than a mere fire mage.”

“Then we can use your invisibility cloak to get Orion out of the fire cave. Did Arrow tell you what Azarn has done to your friend?”

Fury twisted her features. “Yes. But if I have my way, Orion won’t be there much longer.”

“I’d give nearly anything to escape Taln,” I said. “But I’d rather stay here forever if it meant I could get Orion out instead. I can’t bear that he’s suffering because he helped me.”

Ari patted my arm, comforting me. “My cloak can cover up to five others if they stay close to me, but we need a fire fae to help us break the spell of the pyre.”

“Not just any fire fae, either. It must be a member of the royal family,” I said. “Will you ask Estella to help?”

“Leave it to me. The less you know for the moment, the better.”

Three soft raps sounded at the door.

“That will be Arrowyn,” said Ari.

“Just a moment,” I called out. “I’m not dressed.”

“Fine with me,” Arrow murmured, laughter in his voice. “Azarn’s guards are cowering some distance down the stairwell.”

“I’m still with Ari, gossiping about Raiden. Give us a minute?”

Arrow grunted, likely worried we were talking about him—which we soon would be.

I reached for Ari’s arm, tugging her close and hitching my chin toward the door. “Why did he bring Zaret to Taln? We both know he’s not fond of humans, especially gold addicts.”

“Thanks to Arrow, Zaret is now an ex-addict, and he refused to stay at Coridon with Ildri and Stormur, who are his foster parents. Many times, he has heard the tale of how you made Arrow promise to take care of him. Leaf, Zaret would die to protect you.”

With my heart melting, I got up and opened the door, flinging myself into Arrow’s arms. “Thank you,” I said, peppering his face with grateful kisses. “Thank you for keeping your word.”

Laughing, he walked me backward into the room and kicked the door shut. Strong arms banded my waist as he lifted me off my feet, dangling me in the air for a moment. “Tell me straight away what I’ve done to deserve this spontaneous affection so I can repeat the action several-hundred times a day.”

“Ari just told me what you’ve done for Zaret. I’m so grateful, Arrow. Thank you.”

“Zaret is a good man. He reminds me of you, Leaf. Uncompromising in his opinions. Never afraid to criticize me when he disagrees. In your absence, he has acted as my conscience.”

“Because you don’t possess one?” I teased.

“I’ve always had one,” he said, strolling over to embrace his Sayeeda and kiss her cheeks. “But after the death of my family, it took a tiny human spitfire to remind me how to use it.”

He stalked forward and guided me to the window. Dropping into the seat, he tugged me onto his lap and wrapped his arms around my waist. “So what did I miss?”

“We were speaking of Orion,” said Ari. “About getting him out of the cave.”

Arrow gripped my chin and turned my face toward his. “Leaf, it is an extremely dangerous task. One I’d prefer you not to be involved in.”

“No. Promise you’ll include me. It’s my fault Orion is suffering. I need to see him released.”

Arrow’s sigh ruffled my hair. “Fine. We may need to use the orchid petals that made you invisible the other night.”

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