Page 154 of Consort of the Dragon King

“It doesn’t feel like enough,” Auslin said in a pained voice.

“Your goodness will support far more than Kitsuki in this fight. You need to trust that.”

Auslin sighed heavily after a long pause. “I’m sorry if my reaction is inappropriate.”

“You do not need to apologize for fearing for those you love. It is what makes you so remarkable. Never lose that.”

“Is it true Ishibiya is still alive?” Auslin asked. “I thought all the necromancers died in the war.”

“The Justice Power always keeps things in balance,” Kizoshi said. “All the unicorn shifters were killed, so all the necromancers died.”

Auslin’s eyebrows furrowed. “But Fersen is still alive.”

“Which would mean what?” Kizoshi prompted.

“That one necromancer is still alive.” Auslin’s eyes went wide. “But why would Ishibiya lie low for millennia, only to reemerge now?”

“Because despite being the harbinger of death, he values being alive,” Kizoshi explained. “If Nasume is foolish enough to make a deal with a demon, he deserves whatever happens to him.”

“And what about Maseo?”

She chose her words carefully. “He will have an important role to play in the downfall of his father.”

Auslin toyed with his lower lip. “I can’t shake the feeling something awful is going to happen to him. Please tell me he’ll be okay.”

“He will survive,” Kizoshi assured him. “Your paths will cross again soon, as long as you remember to follow your instincts about him.”

“I did, but nothing happened.” Auslin frowned. “I left a message for him in Barlatan to find us in Sybir, but we didn’t see him.”

“There is a reason for that. Your instincts were not wrong.”

Auslin was silent for a long moment. “Do you promise everything will be okay?”

“You have my word,” Kizoshi swore. “But I must return to continue helping them strategize. Will you be okay alone?”

“I need time to get my thoughts in order.” He looked at her with sincerity. “I know it doesn’t seem like I’m very appreciative, but I’m grateful for your help.”

She squeezed his shoulder again. “Be strong, Auslin. Have faith in your mate. Remember that your hidden ally will help you both change Talwyn for the better. Everything will be as it is meant to be. There is a happy future waiting for you all.”

Kizoshi left him on the optimistic note. She didn’t dare burden him with the truth about the hell they would have to endure before they were rewarded with the ultimate happiness and love.

Chapter 77

Auslin

Time passed unnoticed as Auslin sat on the veranda outside of their room. He blankly stared at the beautiful garden in front of him as he petted Hibiki. His mind was a mess as he tried to come to terms with what was about to happen. After having time to calm down, Auslin regretted not asking Kizoshi more questions about what the upcoming future held, including her cryptic comment about him finding a hidden ally.

Kitsuki entered their room, distracting him from his thoughts. His mate sat down next to him, then reached over to give Hibiki a scratch under the chin.

“So it’s decided, then,” Auslin stated in a dejected tone.

“Yes, we will begin the journey home tomorrow to make preparations,” Kitsuki confirmed.

Their beautiful afternoon at the waterfalls felt like a distant dream. “Am I making a rift to take us home, or are we stopping along the way to ask allies to join the fight?” Auslin asked as he continued petting Hibiki to keep himself calm.

“Kizoshi said we were to travel back without a rift.” Kitsuki frowned. “When time is of the essence, she was strangely insistent about us making the long journey home.”

“Perhaps it is because we are supposed to find our hidden ally on the way,” Auslin suggested. “Kizoshi mentioned we’d find someone who was critical to the success of defeating Nasume.”

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