Page 294 of A Flame of the Phoenix

“You bought us time.”

Reylan made it back to the reception room the others were last in. Nik, Tauria, Nerida, Jakon, Tarly, and Nyte were still here.

His anger flashed at the sight of Marvellas’s son.

“What happened?” Nik demanded.

Reylan lay Faythe gently on the chaise, sweeping back her hair as her eyes struggled to remain open. Nerida immediately assessed Faythe, even though she had no magick, she instructed to be brought her medicines and Nik called for a guard to fetch another healer.

With her in safe hands, his distrust and anger over Faythe’s condition got the better of him. Reylan moved fast and sudden, gabbing Nyte by his clothing and slamming him to the wall.

“Marvellas is in the castle. She’s heading for the ruin,” Reylan informed the others. He kept his eyes piercing into Nyte, his accusation not subtle.

Nyte said, calm but warning, “Remove your hands from me before you find yourself without them.”

Reylan held on a little longer, testing their battle of dominance. He’d be a fool to underestimate what Nyte was capable of, even without his own body.

He released him roughly, pacing back to Faythe.

Nyte said bitterly, “Honestly, I couldn’t care less about any of you. I would have left if my way home was sure, because frankly, aiding people who continue to doubt me is pissing me off.”

“You’re the son of the person who began this war. You appeared out of nowhere, only half here at that. You can’t expect us to trust you,” Reylan seethed.

“The irony is…your distrust is what risks making a greater enemy out of me. So make your choice, because the next one to question me turns my wrath on all of you. Perhaps myunfinished businessis not to help you but to make sure you fall. And make no mistake, I would have no hesitation in doing so.”

“You only prove why we should keep our guards up,” Tarly said.

Nyte shrugged, reiterating, “It is your choice.”

“I trust you,” Tauria said. When she met the wary stare of Nik, she added, “We are not our parents. From what we’ve heard, what he’s done for us so far, we owe him this trust.”

“I agree,” Nerida said. “I don’t think we would have made it out of Lakelaria without his help. I trust him.”

“Good,” Nyte said. “Be glad you have the sharper sense of your mates to guide you.”

He crossed to Jakon in a few quick strides, and everyone tensed. Nyte paused, casting a flat look over them all for the reaction contrary to Tauria and Nerida’s words. Nyte swiped the dagger from Jakon, who protested.

Nyte used it as a pointer as he spoke. “Did you plan to pass this around yourselves until the unfortunate soul last holding it in front of Marvellas was the one to sacrifice their life?” No one answered. They hadn’t addressed that dire fact. “Luckily for all of you, I’m here. Without a body that’s mine, and with someone who can transfer a consciousness.” His eyes fell to Faythe with that. She was hardly present in the conversation, but her brow twitched, seeming to understand what Nyte spoke of.

“So you’re going to kill your mother?” Nik hedged.

“When Faythe is in full health to make sure my mind doesn’t die with this body, yes. Right before the body dies from the power, if we have another vessel, Faythe should be able to transfer me into it.”

Maybe Reylan was feeling an inkling of guilt for how he’d treated Nyte, given he might turn out to be their savior, but he wasn’t going to give him full merit yet.

“It’s brilliant,” Nerida said with wonder.

“We need to stop Marvellas retrieving the Light Ruin from the Dresair,” Nik urged.

“I’m going with you,” Tauria said.

Reylan knew all too well the conflict that passed over Nik’s face: knowing she was capable and her magick was invaluable, but fearing to be with her in the face of great danger. The king nodded at his mate.

“I can still wield a blade,” Nerida said. “You’ll need all the help you can get.”

“I’m not much use, but the wolves are,” Tarly said.

Just then, the two white beasts entered the room as if they could manifest from Tarly’s mere thoughts.

---