Total pages in book: 401
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
“Cas,” she whispered.
Gods.
Every time she called me Cas was a miracle.
I cleared my throat. “I prayed to her, and she answered. I don’t know how, but I know she did. You woke up not too long after that.” I smiled. It came easier this time. “If she was displeased with you, why would she have answered my prayers?” I took her hand in mine, the one with the imprint. “And if I’m wrong? Then fuck her.”
She blinked, then stared at me as if I’d lost my mind. “Fuck her? You’re speaking about the Queen of the Gods.”
“And?” I brought her hand to my lips and kissed the golden swirl. “If she holds you responsible for what you had no say in, then she isn’t worth the dirt under a pile of horse shit.”
She just stared at me with wide eyes.
“I’m speaking the truth…” I paused, sensing Kieran nearing the Solar. “Sweetheart.”
That earned me a soft laugh. “You’re right.”
“Of course, I am.”
She rolled her eyes and then let out a soft breath as she glanced down at herself. “I should change.”
I could tell she was still worried, and I could only hope—for all our sakes—that Reaver was right.
“It feels grossly inappropriate to be in only a robe while meeting the Queen of the Gods.”
“With its shit ton of buttons,” I said, “it’s a rather fancy robe.”
Poppy sent me a look of doubt as the Solar’s main doors opened. Kieran appeared, looking like he’d either slept in the tunic he wore or hadn’t slept at all.
“That draken said you needed me,” he said, his gaze darting between us before returning to me. “He also said you shifted.”
Before I could say a word, Poppy sprang off the bed. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me!”
“Well—”
“Especially when I was holding his fur!” she yelled. I was actually grateful I hadn’t told her.
Her anger was distracting her from her worry.
“I figured he would want to tell you,” Kieran replied.
“Likely excuse,” Poppy huffed and then spun. “You’re lucky I need to get changed.”
Kieran leaned against the door. “Is this why I was summoned?”
“Did Reaver not tell you?” I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees as I watched Poppy disappear into the closet.
“Are you seriously asking me if that fucking draken was clear and helpful?” he countered.
I snorted. “The Queen of the Gods is coming.”
Kieran pushed off the doorframe. “Come again?”
“You heard him right.” Poppy’s voice reached us from the recesses of the closet.
“You’re talking about her? Seraphena?” Kieran said, his voice lowering.
I sent him a look. “Why do you always whisper her name?”
“I don’t.”
“You do,” Poppy shouted.
Kieran stared at me. “You two aren’t shitting me?”
“We’re not,” I confirmed.
Kieran took a step and then staggered back one.
I straightened. Fuck, was he going to pass out? I mind-linked with him as I glanced toward the closet, hearing what sounded like a hanger hitting the wall. You all right over there?
Kieran’s entire body jerked. Clearing his throat, he nodded. Just wasn’t expecting you to say that.
Join the club.
“Damn. Okay—” Kieran paused. We both looked at the closet when a little growl of frustration came from within. His brow furrowed as he turned his attention back to me. “You shifted?”
“Reaver let himself in. Caught me off guard.” I loosely clasped my hands. “I recognized Poppy instinctively but not Reaver or Emil.”
“As I said before, it would probably help if you shifted, went for a run, and spent some time with that side of yourself. It’s the only way you’ll learn control.”
I nodded, wondering exactly when the fuck we were supposed to find time for that. Besides, what I’d said to Poppy before was true. I wanted to experience that with her.
I wanted to experience it with both of them.
You’re concerned. Kieran’s voice reached me through the link. And don’t tell me you’re not when you clearly are.
I let out a quiet, dry laugh. It’s fucking annoying how well you know me.
Kieran just pinned me with a bland look.
Dragging my hands over my face, I quickly told him what Aydun had shared.
He clenched his hands at his sides. You really think that’s a valid concern? That they think Poppy will become a threat?
You did, didn’t you?
Every muscle in Kieran’s body tensed.
I exhaled slowly. But regarding what Aydun said, he didn’t mention Seraphena directly. Just said ‘they,’ but… I glanced toward the closet, hearing Poppy moving about. I’m likely more of a concern to them than she is.
Kieran snorted.
I looked over at him. He was staring straight ahead, his jaw tense. Fuck. My attention returned to the closet. I hadn’t needed to get that jab in.
You’re wrong.
My gaze returned to him. About?
I never thought Poppy would be a threat. I never did, he said. That’s not why I made the promise.
I frowned. Then why did you?
You should ask her.
The subject of our conversation strolled out of the closet, wearing breeches and a gray vest over an ivory-hued shirt. It was the closest thing to white I’d seen her in since we’d left Masadonia. She carried two shirts—both black.