Page 88 of Rose and Shadows
Sylas nodded along. “Ryker can only siphon a limited amount and only temporarily. Lazriel mentioned that he saw Ryker struggling when he siphoned from that Dark Fae contingent at Halrow’s home.”
“His ability to do that can be used as a sort of key to open the door to the process, though,” Ketheron explained. “But we need to see to the black magic aspect with this larger scale notion in play. When Ryker siphoned from those beings, he was protected with a temporary spell from his father, Gabriel Morgan, who blocked the black magic also infused in them fromentering Ryker’s system. That can’t be done on a much larger scale, like that which it will take to drain all Celestial magic that exists in the hands of our enemies.” He growled. “Thanks to that despicable monster, Corvin.”
“Ambrose,” Sylas said. “He can function as that barrier.”
“You believe he could ingest that much black magic, block that much?” Ketheron asked.
“I’m sure of it. I’ve seen him do some crazy-ass things over the years when we’ve crossed paths.” He went stock-still. His eyes flamed. Then a devious smile played on his lips. “That’s it.”
“What is?” I asked.
“I’ll reach out to Ambrose. I may have a way to track Morien—through him.”
“Very good. Reach out. In the meantime, while we’re waiting for him to respond, you will take that break.”
He looked between us more than a little suspiciously. “What does thisbreakyou’re pushing for entail exactly?”
“A special surprise!” Ketheron exclaimed, unable to contain himself a moment longer with his excitement. I’d honestly been surprised that he’d managed to keep it in as long as he had—days since we’d been immersed in it. Ever since it had been discovered that my little shadow was with child.
Sylas’ gaze flicked to mine.
“A positive surprise that I believe you’ll take well to,” I assured him.
His gaze softened, his developed trust in me over all these months coming through. “Well, we could all do with some of that.”
Yes, we very much could.
The three ofus rematerialized in the familiar ravine surrounded by weeping trees.
The converted watchtower just a few feet ahead stood tall, built into the hillside, all weathered stone and wood.
Solumira.
The home to Ariana Martel, Kai Hunter, Vorzyr Titanus, and Nyx Laryn.
“Thisis the surprise?” Sylas asked, looking between Ketheron and me.
“This is the gateway to the surprise,” Ketheron answered.
“The current location. For now,” I added.
I gestured for him to follow as we made our way around the picturesque home, rounding the porch steps and heading to where Nyx and Vorzyr had told us they would be with Velra and Lazriel once we’d collected Sylas.
Sure enough, they were all gathered around a fire pit.
Nyx and Velra roasted marshmallows, while Lazriel and Vorzyr were discussing what appeared to be… shifter business? Hmm… rather interesting from Lazriel’s perspective. That could definitely prove a good fit for him once he graduated from Wraeven Academy.
While they talked, Vorzyr eased a rolling bassinet back and forth, peering inside every now and then, most definitely on edge, yet trying not to demonstrate that fact.
Ketheron and I watched Sylas taking everything in, just before Lazriel spun from Vorzyr and leapt to his feet off the ornate twisted wrought-iron patio chair, and then flung his armsaround Sylas. “You’re here! I didn’t think they’d be able to drag you away—at least not without using Celestial force.”
“I would never do such a thing,” Ketheron interjected.
Lazriel kissed Sylas’ cheek, as Sylas stroked his hair. “Just fucking around, Keth.”
Ketheron’s lips quirked. “Ah.”
Satisfied, he strode over to where Nyx and Velra were sitting on rocks around the fire pit with their backs to us. Nyx chuckled as Velra blew a wisp of frost over his marshmallow, putting it out.
