Page 140 of Rose and Shadows
I was going to imbue Kai with a protective Celestial shield. While his power was immense, he required his to be focused on the spell only, not split between that and protection.
The true danger would be if Sylas accidentally unleashed Risen Reckoning.
The could not be stopped by anyone, any magic, other than that necromantic in nature. Although it was unlikely, the possibility still did exist. So we’d called in somebody who could temporarily withstand its effects.
Sure enough, as we stood awaiting Kai’s arrival from just outside in Solumira where he was finishing up in his lab, the being in question swept on through the Rifted Cradle entrance.
Remnant.
Having to pass through Ariana, Kai, Vorzyr, and Nyx’s home and territory of Solumira was a risk with him being the Commander of The Shadowed. Although Ryker had covertly authorized the creation of Requital—a bridge between The Shadowed and the Guardian Movement’s efforts in the supernatural world, Remnant was still technically an outlaw, as most definitely was his organization. Ryker couldn’t have a direct working relationship with him, or be seen as an active collaborator in any way. Thus, Remnant was still at risk of repercussion and even apprehension.
Complex didn’t quite cover it.
Supernatural politics at its finest indeed.
His eyes shone at his son through his mask and he walked to Lazriel and they embraced.
“Thanks for checking in while you were out there during this insanity with The Shadowed trying to track those fuckers down.”
“I made you a promise. I’ll always ensure you know I am well.”
“And Mom? I texted her on my way back here from that subterranean crypt, but I didn’t get a response yet, and being inside here… we don’t have cell reception within this Rifted Cradle yet. It’s the next thing to put in place.”
“She is well. With Jaxon needed elsewhere, she is taking temporary command of the Shifter Stabilization Unit.”
I smiled to myself at Lazriel’s aweandrelief.
His mother was certainly more than qualified.
With her slated to head Vyrn Hollow Shifter Habitat, she would finally be back in her element after so long on the sidelines and living as a recluse.
They embraced a little longer, then Remnant went to pull away to come to us.
But Lazriel resisted letting him go, grasping his arm.
“I will be well,” Remnant assured him. “You have witnessed me enduring a highly-concentrated blast of Risen Reckoning itself from Morien Morgrave and I walked away intact.” He turned to Velra. “Your healing was much help also.”
Velra smiled out at him. “Well, I’m here now as well. If you need—”
“Nope. Not happening,” Kai’s voice sounded, as he pushed through into the Rifted Cradle, carrying a black box the size of a jewelry box like the one Velra had in her dorm room for all her completed pieces she’d created with her jewelry-making hobby—something I hoped she would return to doing once all of this was said and done, something that gave her a sense of serenity and creative accomplishment.
Before Velra or Lazriel could get a word out, Kai went on, “If Risen Reckoning is unleashed, you both take off instantly. Lazriel will vamp-speed you the hell out of here the moment we see any sign of that happening.”
When Velra moved to protest, Kai cut in, “You’re both here as support for Sylas, not as active participants. With what’s coming, take the rest. There’ll be plenty of active participation coming down the line.”
“While your bedside manner could most definitely use some work, your point stands,” Remnant spoke.
Kai lifted a shoulder, then strode over to Sylas and me. I saw him note Sylas’ state of sparking magic and restless pacing with concern.
“We are nearing the end of this madness,” Remnant told Velra and Lazriel. His gaze dipped to Velra’s belly. “Protect what matters—the future we all fight for, not just in ourselves, but in the next generation.” He laid his hand on her shoulder. “Rest assured, though, you will have your day in the coming battle. Protection will be in place for your unborn child through your own power. What we are doing now is different—there is no protection against the worst should Sylas unleash.”
“I wouldn’t sayno protection,” a voice sounded, and then black tendrils wove through the portal, an eruption of ebony power, and Ambrose Wisteryn manifested.
Remnant turned. “Protection that is not fully viable then.”
“Better,” Ambrose returned with a lift of his lips.
“We thought you left,” Velra said.
