Page 7 of Prisoner of Steel and Shadow

Lukas shook his head, disgust etched on his features. “My men would have never let you through the door if they’d known who you really were.”

Ronan glanced at the bodies littering the ground. “What men? And as I recall, I’d made it through the door without ever having to introduce myself, so your argument is flawed.”

Effie stepped forward then, her voice gentle but firm. “There will be time to goad him later, Ro. Time is of the essence.” She shifted slightly, her expression softening as her gaze landed on her mate. “Luc, can you escort our new friend back to the Palace? Helena’s expecting him—”

Guilt clawed its way through Ronan at the mention of the woman he’d vowed to serve. “How does Helena already know about this?”

Effie shot him a look he had no trouble interpreting.Are you really interrupting me to ask methat?

He supposed it was among the more stupid questions he’d asked. As the Mother’s Vessel and Voice, respectively, the two women were in near-constant contact. If Effie wanted to send Helena a message, it would be done as easily as a Guardian opening a portal. Feeling foolish, Ronan wisely shut up and waited his turn.

Lucian sheathed his sword and came to join them, pressing a quick kiss to Effie’s forehead. “Well done, fledgling. Your casting is nearly seamless.”

“Nearly?” she scoffed. “Did you see how quickly I transformed that fireball into a cage? The poor bastard never saw me coming.”

Lucian’s expression was tender, his voice soft as he ran a hand down Effie’s spine. “No one ever does, love.” Then he looked to Ronan, dipping his chin in greeting. “I’d say it was nice to see you again, Shield, but...”

Something that felt a lot like shame swirled beneath Ronan’s ribs. It was an unfamiliar sensation, one he did not remotely enjoy. It sent him instantly on the defensive. “If you’re expecting gratitude—”

Lucian held up a hand. “I wouldn’t waste my breath or my time. You and I both know I’d long be dead before such words ever passed your lips.”

“Funny, considering you’re an immortal.”

“That was the point.”

Ronan grunted. “Glad you’re finally starting to understand me. Only took you, what, five years?”

Instead of rising to the bait, the look Lucian shot his way was brimming with understanding. Taking a step closer, he wrapped Ronan in a one-armed hug, his voice pitched low. “I know what it is to feel that you’ve lost everything. Do not lose hope, Shield. It’s not too late.”

Ronan stiffened, wondering what the hellthatwas supposed to mean. With his ties to the Keepers, surely Lucian had already heard the news about Reyna? So why would he urge him to cling to futile hope?

Before he could ask, Lucian turned to face the cage of dancing flame, his eyes glowing a blinding bronze as the fire surrounding Lukas was extinguished. Then he stepped forward, grabbed the prisoner by the wrist, and opened another portal. The fluidity and ease with which he executed the maneuvers spoke to his centuries of experience.

“This will only take a minute. I’ll be right back.”

Effie nodded, her and Lucian sharing a meaningful look before he yanked his prisoner through the glimmering air. The others who had come through the original portal left with him, leaving Ronan and Effie alone in the now silent chamber.

Not sure what to say or what her vision had already shown her, Ronan scrubbed a hand down his neck. “It’s been a while, Efs.”

“Don’t. Not with me.”

The gentle chastisement had him feeling like a boy caught stealing sweets. It had been a long time since he’d had a reason to feel small in the face of a loved one’s disappointment. Ronan glanced away, his earlier misery and grief cresting like a wave at the reminder of why he—and consequentlyshe—were both here.

“Well, let’s get it over with then,” he said gruffly, unable to meet her gaze as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“Get what over with?”

“The tongue lashing.”

“Is that what you think I’m after?”

“Isn’t it? Why else get me alone if not to scold me?”

“Ronan.”

He stubbornly refused to look at her.

“Ro, I know why you came here.”

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