Page 61 of Wings of Snow

He tapped his chin. “Let me have a think about this. Do you plan to stay in the capital for long? I’m hoping to have some ideas for you within the week on the best way to pursue answers.”

A surge of rage pulsed into me from Norivun’s end of the bond. My eyebrows drew together as I gazed at him questioningly.

“We won’t be staying here for the week, but we’ll be back.” The prince stood, and since the food had recharged my strength enough for me to stand unassisted, I joined him.

Ryder, Sandus, Nish, and Haxil crowded around us, all of them looking to their prince.

“Very well.” Bavar nodded. “I shall see you in a week’s time then, hopefully with some ideas on how to tackle this unfortunate event.”

“Thank you.” I brought my fist to my chest and bowed, while continuing to wonder what had made Norivun so angry. “We appreciate anything you can do for us.”

Bavar bowed as well, then showed us to the door. “It is my pleasure, and I must say I’m hopeful our shared alliance will only lead to further friendly relations in the coming years, or as you Solis sayfull seasons.”

The king’s nephew led us back through the labyrinth of halls and stairwells until we reached the tall doors lined by two sentries.

Once outside, I gazed up at my mate. “Why are you so angry? And where are we going if we’re not staying here?”

Norivun’s expression turned glacial. “We’re finding Drachu and putting a stop to his control on you. After seeing what he’s capable of, his tether to you ends now.”

CHAPTER 18 - NORIVUN

Once outside of the palace and back on the capital’s streets, thatched-roofed houses, gleaming walkways, and shops filled the view.

Ilara peered up at me with anxious eyes as she shielded her gaze from the bright sun. “How will we find Drachu? If he truly knows when we’re coming, like he did when I mistphased to the Glassen Barrier Islands, he’ll be impossible to find. Won’t he? Since he’ll always know our movements in advance and be able to flee?”

I ushered her carefully forward, mindful of her steps since she still appeared weakened from Drachu’s attack. “We’ll have to scry for him and hope he’s distracted enough by whatever caused him to steal your powers. With any luck, he won’t see us coming.”

Her brow furrowed. “Scrying? What does that entail?”

“Magic, blood, and an item belonging to the fairy you’re trying to find.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Do you know how to scry?”

“I do, and I’m pretty good at it. I know I’ll be able to locate that bastard, but we need to act quickly and hope he’s still distracted.”

“But how will that work? Do you have anything of Drachu’s?”

I smiled wickedly. “Of course. I make a point to keep an item that belongs to all of my enemies.” I withdrew a purple shell from my pocket.

She stared at it blankly, then her eyes widened. “Is that a shell from Drachu’s house in Vockalin?”

“Indeed.”

“But...how did you get it?”

“I took it when we went there searching for you. I knew if I wasn’t able to find you, then my only option would be to scry for the king and hope that he knew where you were.”

Her eyes widened. “Is this something you do often?”

“Take items from random homes? Not usually, but when it comes to my enemies, yes, I always keep an eye out for the opportunity. This isn’t the first time I’ve swiped something from Drachu. It’s always best to be prepared.”

Her lips curved at my wry words, and some of the worry in me eased. She was alive and recovering, and I had a potion in my possession that would help her should Drachu try to take all of her magic again. Still, my affinities rumbled inside me, threatening to rise and swell. The Lochen king had hurt my mate.Retribution is coming for you, Drachu.

Taking a deep breath, I encircled Ilara’s waist with one arm to support her weight more. “Come, we need to find an inn or somewhere quiet and private for you to rest and me to scry. It’s imperative that I’m not interrupted.” I led Ilara through the cobblestone streets, my guards following us. It was a downhill walk since the palace was at the highest point in the city.

Nolus fae were everywhere, along with the occasionalotherspecies. It felt so strange to be in a land like this, where so many mixed supernaturals mingled and lived in harmony. In a way, it made me question again why our continent was so reclusive.

Shoving that thought aside, I gestured toward a building down the lane. It rose two stories from street level and had a small, vibrant garden filled with blooming flowers gracing its front lawn. Its thatched roof shone in the sun, and its wooden siding was a bright, cheerful yellow. Hanging suspended over the main door was a sign readingCrystal Inn.

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