Page 79 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

“You could never kill me.” Finnian wrinkled his nose derisively.

“I’m concerned.” Finola flew slightly ahead, the skin around her eyes tight. “The last island was huge, but the only village theyhad was located where we all lived. Why would they separate and spread out here?”

Good question. “Maybe to distribute their magic so it doesn’t concentrate in one area?”

The sun rose over the water, and we angled ourselves toward Gleann Solas, my wings moving a little faster. Though it’d been mere hours, it felt like an eternity since I’d seen Lira.

“There are many possible reasons.” Struan shrugged. “We won’t know unless they tell us.”

“Either way, the placement is strategic for them. They can’t be caught off guard as easily as they could on the other island.” Brenin pursed his lips. “We need to have this discussion with our royals as well, so let’s wait until we arrive home.”

Unfortunately, thewhydidn’t matter. We had to account for that advantage in our plans.

Our group fell silent.

An hour or so later, Aetherglen lay before us just as alarm that wasn’t mine churned through me.

My mouth dried.I’m almost there, Lira. I can see the mountains of Gleann Solas.

Then you should come quick. Father has asked us to meet him on the dining hall balcony, and I don’t know why. However, he hopes you are close since he wants you here for this.

“Something is happening. We need to hurry,” I barked, pushing myself faster than I thought possible after how tired I’d become.

The others kept up, and I didn’t bother attempting to cloak us. My magic was too low, and I didn’t have any strength to spare because I needed to reach my mate.

The villages we passed looked empty, the fields of the sunberries devoid of workers. Guards were lined up acrossthe land, watching the edges of the kingdom as if they were expecting a threat.

What could be happening? We hadn’t seen a dragon pass by.

We soared over more mountains, and the Aelwen River in front of the castle came into view.

Every fae we hadn’t seen stood in the opening of the village under the castle, looking up where Lira, King Erdan, and Queen Sylphia hovered above the balcony in front of the dining hall.

Fae only gathered around the castle for one thing, and I hoped that I wasn’t wrong.

27

LIRA

My heart pounded against my rib cage as I flew slowly down the hallway toward the dining area. Sorcha had knocked on my door about twenty minutes ago. She informed me that my parents wanted me in the dining hall as quickly as possible, and to dress like a princess.

I’d selected a pale-blue dress, wanting a color that could pass as both Seelie and Unseelie. Though frost blue was a tad lighter, this blue wasn’t quite as bright as the sky, landing somewhere in the middle. I’d glamoured my face with subtle makeup, not wanting to take too long preparing. I wanted to know what was so important that they’d woken me this early.

Nightbane kept pace at my side, staring at each person we flew past. Unlike last night, the Seelie castle workers didn’t glare at me but rushed past, trying to get away from my beast.

“Why have you brought the nightmare with you?” Sorcha scowled over her shoulder. “He’s causing chaos.”

I landed next to Nightbane, tangling my fingers in the nape of his neck. “I’m not leaving him in my room alone after what happened last night.”

When we turned into the dining room, both of my parents were standing at the opening to the balcony. The sun rose over the mountaintops, declaring a new day. This was the day that everything changed.

By tomorrow, Eiric would be back, no longer a captive, and I hoped like hell that I would be in Cuil Dorcha with Tavish.

Nightbane huffed, and Mother turned, her sparkly blue wings fluttering. “Oh, sprout. Did you sleep well after the attack?”

I smiled at the tenderness etched on her face. “I slept fine. I hope it’s okay that I brought Nightbane. It’s just, after last night—”

“Of course he’s welcome.” Father half smiled. “The cù-sìth is loyal to you, so I have no objection to him being here. Besides, the whole castle learned about your return and the huge animal staying with you after the guards retrieved Gaelle and brought her in for questioning.”

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