Page 143 of Alien God

“Nothing, really,” I said, wanting to calm the turmoil in my husband. “He danced with me and asked about the humans’ ability to travel through space.”

“Typical,” he scoffed. “He’s getting desperate now that his star map has gone dark. He’s probably looking for any other way to travel now.”

He sighed harshly, running his hand through his hair and gazing steadily at me.

“I’m taking you back to Sionnach. Where you’ll be safe. Then, we’ll reconsider our next move.”

“We can’t reconsider,” I cried. “We have to get you on that council as soon as we possibly can! We have to find Skalla and be strong enough to face him when we do!”

“That can wait-”

“It can’t!”

I panted as Wylfrael watched me with searching eyes.

“It can’t wait,” I said again, taking a deep breath. “Because Skalla’s mate is human.”

CHAPTER FIFTY

Wylfrael

With my bride in my arms, I stepped through the sky door. We had not returned to Sionnach, as I’d originally wanted to.

We’d come to Heofonraed.

Torrance would not accept any more waiting now that she’d learned from Sceadulyr that Skalla’s mate was human. “What if it’s one of my friends?” she’d cried, tears a veil over her eyes. “What if she’s hurt, or needs help?”

Or dead.

I hadn’t said that part out loud, though I thought it rather likely. If Skalla was even half as mad and strong as he was when I’d last fought him, a human woman would not stand a chance. I’d grown to learn by now that the human spirit was strong. But that strength was not matched in body.

I hoped, more for my wife’s sake than anything, that Skalla’s mate was not dead. Torrance had lost enough, she didn’t need to lose this, too.

Torrance in my arms, I touched down on the shining white stone of Heofonraed. The two giant Eaforswynne eyed us closely, and Torrance cringed into my side.

I would rather have left her on Sionnach. Many of the council’s brides chose to stay on their own worlds, but all stone sky gods were required to bring their bride to witness the vote that would either help them gain entrance onto the council, or reject them.

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