Page 53 of A Song of Air
Iona hadn’t liked him on sight, but her sister’s eyes lit up when she mentioned him, like he was some savior. She supposed he was. And maybe Iona could like him, if only for saving her sister. But there was something slimy and suspicious about the man that she couldn’t seem to get past, regardless of whatever good he’d done.
“We’ve been here ever since. Training, helping others like Arlo helped us.” Malika shrugged. “We’re a community.”
A community.
Iona didn’t feel that way with the Resistance. They were more than a community. They could never be something so simple.
They were friends.
Family.
“So, how did you come to be a part of... the Resistance.” She gestured with her free hand, indicating at the rest of the Fae gathered around the fire, each in their own conversations for the night. Except Julius. He was off to the side, trying hard to pretend like he wasn’t eavesdropping on their conversation.
“It’s a long story...” But it brought a smile to her lips and tears to her eyes.
“We have nothing but time,” her sister said, leaning back. “Tell me everything.”
Iona opened her mouth to do just that, but a shadow suddenly appeared on silent feet. She sighed, looking up at Weylyn as he loomed over the both of them. He glared down at Iona, and a shiver almost slid up her spine at the glare he sent her way.
She’d never seen him look so unhinged. When he wore a smile, he looked mischievous and deadly. The frown was worse somehow.
“Yes?” she snapped.
His eyes flicked between her and her sister, and the mouth hidden behind a well-groomed beard and mustache smiled a cruel expression. No, she thought, the smile was definitely worse. “I need to speak with you,” he demanded. “Now.”
Iona rolled her eyes. “I’m in the middle of a conversation, as you can see.” She released her sister’s hand, keeping her fist at the ready. She’d already punched him once for invading her mind and being a total asshole. She had no qualms about doing it again.
From the side, she saw Julius tense as he glared between them. She didn’t doubt he wanted to punch Weylyn as well. She gave a subtle shake of her head in his direction, though the little smirk on Weylyn’s lips let her know he knew what it meant.
“I don’t care,” Weylyn said, barely sparing her sister a glance.
Malika rolled her eyes. “I’m Malika, nice to meet you.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
Weylyn gave her a once over, assessing, and cruel, as if deciding how he should feel about her. He just as quickly dismissed her, turning back to Iona.
“You will come with me.”
Iona quirked a brow. “Or what?”
He flashed his teeth. “You will not like the consequences.”
Rather than being threatened, Iona felt curious. What had caused him to resort to obvious threats? Usually, Weylyn slithered in the shadows like a serpent. While she didn’t doubt he was capable of going through with threats—there was just something in his eyes—she wanted to know what it was he wanted.
With a sigh, she stood. “I’ll be back.” The words were directed at Malika and Julius. Her mate didn’t object. Not like he’d dare to when he knew she could take care of herself.
Weylyn walked forward, leaving dust behind him. Iona had to nearly run to keep up with his pace until they were hidden behind a cluster of trees where no one could overhear.
He whirled on her, his long braid flying with the sudden movement.
“I need your help.” There was a crazed look in his eyes.
Her brows rose, she was definitely curious. “With what?”
He toyed with the rings adorning his fingers then smoothed down his braid. Iona wondered if it was his way of grounding himself.
“It’s Bryson.”
“The Elemental?”Of course, Iona, what other Bryson was there?She mentally berated herself. Then she frowned in Weylyn’s direction. She knew of his proclivities for invading everyone’s minds and wrenching out their darkest secrets. If he’d done the same to Bryson and wanted to tease her like he had Iona, she’d punch him straight in the dick. “If you want me to help you hurt her, so help me Mana, Weylyn, I will—”
