Page 116 of Crown of Storm and Silence
"Good morning, lovebirds! Rise and shine because we have a problem!"
Kaan groans, pressing a kiss to my temple before rolling away to pull on his robe. "Enter," he calls reluctantly.
Banu flutters in with unusual urgency, her green eyes sharp with concern rather than her usual mischievous sparkle. "Sorry to interrupt what I'm sure was a very touching reunion, but Erlik wants to see you both in the courtyard. Something about departure arrangements that apparently can't wait." Her expression grows more serious. "And your brother is already there, looking about as cheerful as a funeral director."
I tighten the blankets in my hand. "Zohan has been very subdued." Not that I blame him.
"Subdued is one word for it," Banu agrees grimly. "Though I'd go with 'shifty.' Very shifty behavior from Prince Goldilocks. He's been having some very interesting conversations with certain demons when he thinks no one's watching."
"What kind of conversations?" Kaan asks sharply, his shadows beginning to coil restlessly around his feet.
"The kind of conversations that definitely aren't for little fairy ears," Banu replies, waggling her eyebrows dramatically. "Very secretive. Very whisper-y. The sort where people lean in close and exchange meaningful looks while discussing things that would make even demons blush. Which, let me tell you, is quite an accomplishment."
"We'll be down shortly," Kaan says, already moving toward his wardrobe with purposeful efficiency.
"Right then, I'll flutter off and let you two get... presentable," Banu announces, making exaggerated shooing motions with her hands. "Though after the acoustic performance you gave last night, I'm not sure why you're bothering with modesty now. The whole palace knows exactly what the Shadow Lord's bedroomvoice sounds like." She pauses at the door, grinning wickedly. "Quite impressive range, by the way. Very... commanding."
I bury my face in my hands as laughter bubbles up despite my embarrassment. "Banu!"
"What? I'm giving constructive feedback! As a fairy of sophisticated musical tastes, I appreciate good vocal work when I hear it." She flutters toward the exit with theatrical dignity. "I'll be outside, practicing my scales. Try to keep the encore to a minimum—we have places to be!"
The door closes behind her with a decisive click, leaving me dissolved in helpless giggles while Kaan looks torn between amusement and mortification.
"She's terrible," I gasp between laughs.
"Absolutely terrible," he agrees, but he's fighting a smile as he helps me into a simple traveling dress—deep blue silk that accommodates my growing belly while still maintaining some semblance of diplomatic elegance. His own attire is more formal, the ceremonial leathers and midnight cloak that mark him as the Shadow Lord returning to his domain.
"Ready?" he asks, offering his arm with courtly grace.
"As ready as one can be to leave hell," I reply, accepting his support.
We find Banu and Emir waiting in the corridor, Banu perched on a decorative sconce while Emir stands at attention. His expression is carefully neutral but somehow carrying the weight of unspoken concerns, while Banu looks like she's been entertaining herself by making faces at the gargoyle carvings.
"My lord, my lady," he greets us with his usual unwavering accuracy, though there's something subdued about his demeanor. "The portal preparations are complete."
"You seem quiet, Emir," I observe as we descend toward the courtyard.
He glances at me, then away, his jaw tight with something that looks suspiciously like suppressed anxiety. "Demon realms have that effect," he says diplomatically. "I'll be glad to return to familiar territory. Very glad."
But there's something in his tone that suggests his quietness has less to do with our surroundings and more to do with whatever he's observed during our stay. The way his eyes keep darting to the shadows, as if expecting them to move wrong. Another piece of the puzzle that doesn't quite fit, and the wrongness in my chest grows stronger.
We gather in the palace courtyard where our departure portal awaits. The obsidian columns stretch toward a sky that never quite achieves proper daylight, while gargoyles perch overhead with expressions that suggest they're disappointed to see us leave.
Erlik appears with his usual theatrical timing, his presence making the very air feel heavier. He's dressed in ceremonial robes that cost more than most kingdoms' treasuries, every inch the proud patriarch seeing off his family.
"My dear children," he says, approaching with that dark satisfaction that's been lurking beneath his false paternal warmth throughout our stay. "Departing so soon? And here I was hoping we'd have more time to... strengthen our family bonds."
The way he emphasizes '’family bonds'’ makes something cold settle in my stomach. Through our restored connection, I feel Kaan's matching unease.
"The ritual is complete," Kaan replies carefully. "The poison is gone. There's nothing more to discuss."
"Oh, but there's so much more," Erlik purrs, his dark eyes fixing on our joined hands with disturbing intensity. "Bonds forged in Kara Cehennem are... special. They carry the essence of this realm within them now. How delightfully permanent." Hissmile widens, showing too many teeth. "Like a signature written in your very souls."
"What does that mean?" I ask, though I'm not sure I want the answer.
His smile is all sharp edges and hidden meanings. "Family is forever, my dear. Blood calls to blood, shadow calls to shadow. Distance matters so little when the connection runs deep enough." He pauses, tilting his head as he studies us both with the satisfaction of a chess master who's just achieved checkmate. "You'll find that what was joined here cannot be easily... severed. By anyone. Ever."
The words settle like ice in my veins. There's a threat there, wrapped in paternal warmth, but I can't quite grasp its shape.
