Page 357 of A Flame of the Phoenix

“Who is that?” Theron asked from behind her.

Kyleer’s gaze narrowed on Theron. “Who areyou?” Kyleer said it like an accusation. But then his face relaxed, realizing… “Elaina and Ragnar Osirion had two sons…but you…you’re supposed to bedead.”

“I’m glad I’m not.”

Kyleer rubbed a hand over his face. “What is going on?”

“He thinks he knows who Mordecai might have turned to for an alliance,” Zaiana explained.

That shifted Kyleer’s entire demeanor. He straightened, and his face firmed, tuning in to the commander as if Theron had just announced an impending war.

“Where?”

“Salenhaven,” Theron said.

A muscle in Kyleer’s jaw worked, and his eyes shifted to her. “When are we going?”

Zaiana shook her head. “You’re not coming with me.”

“Like shit I’m not.”

“Ky—”

“When. Are. We. Going?”

“It sounds like you two have to work this out. I’m going to find a tavern to sample Ungardia wine after all this time away,” Theron said. “Find me when you’re ready, Zaiana. My Phoenix, Azarra, should be easy enough to spot.”

When he left, Kyleer wore a calculating look as he stared off to the side.

“It’s been getting rather dull around here anyway. Rhyenelle is doing well. Faythe and Reylan have had little instruction for me. They’ll understand my leave for a while.”

Her teeth ground. “I don’twantyou to come with me.”

Kyleer tried to hide his hurt, but she saw it. However negligible, she always saw his pain and felt it as if it were her own. Though he was a master of pretense.

“I’ll save you the torture of admitting youdowant me with you. I’ve been dying to see Salenhaven after discovering the Phoenixes have migrated there and beyond. Faythe is going to be so jealous.”

Internally, she groaned. Zaiana knew there would be no dissuading him, and maybe…

Maybe she wanted his warm company for one last perilous quest. For when the wrath of two storms would meet, only one would make it out alive. Father or daughter.

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