Page 222 of The Dawn of the Cursed Queen

Samkiel’s eyes bore into mine. “I don’t like the idea of us splitting up. It never works in our favor.”

Reggie tipped his head toward Samkiel in agreement.

“Hey, stay out of this,” I snapped at Reggie, but the fate feigned innocence.

Samkiel shook his head once more. “I don’t approve, akrai. I know you’re strong, but Nismera has been on a rampage. We have already witnessed her setting traps for you at the war camp. This is just another. We will figure something else out.”

“These are weapons we are talking about. We already saw what she did in the East. What if what she is shipping back is something far larger and worse?” I said. “What if we don’t have another chance?”

“Who is to say we will not?” Samkiel asked, growing a tad agitated.

“Think of it as an aalxat’s nest.”

His brow flicked up.

I waved my hand. “Okay, or some other stingy insect from your world. Regardless, she has a nest, and we have kicked it. Now, all her guards are spilling out to find out where that kick came from. We need to act while they are out and before they go back, regroup, and make an even stronger nest.”

The room went silent, and I feared my analogy had gone over all their heads.

Samkiel sighed, his fingers gripping the bridge of his nose. He dropped his hand and glared at me. I bit my lower lip, knowing I’d won.

“If,” he paused as if the words were difficult to get out, “if you do this, you leave before the sun sets tonight. I doubt they will stay at the station for long. You go in, take them, and leave. If it even looks like a trap, come back immediately. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” I smiled, hope beaming in my chest. If these crates had even the smallest form of weapons or parts, it would give us some insight into what she was truly making. The East was floating rocks now, and the nets that had managed to capture me had freaked both Samkiel and me out. If she had the power to make something that large and powerful, enough to cut an Ig’Morruthen into ribbons, I was growing more concerned about what else she had.

He held up a single finger. “No unnecessary fighting and no unnecessary risks.”

I raised my hand, extending my pinkie. “I promise. Besides, I’m meeting Orym and Veruka there. I’m not going alone.”

His nostrils flared. “I mean it, Dianna.”

“Stop clenching your jaw before you break a tooth,” I whispered in his head.

“It will just grow back.”

“I’ll be fine. The first sign of danger, and I’m running straight to you. Promise.” I wiggled my pinkie finger at him, speaking that part out loud.

His eyes softened, and he raised his hand, his pinkie finger wrapping around mine briefly. Still, I felt his apprehension and worry slide into my mind. “I just hate being away from you.”

My heart fluttered, and I watched as he squared his shoulders, finally giving up the fight.

“No aerial flight.” He pointed again, and my smile grew a tad bit more. “I do not trust her not to use those nets at every location. Only fly when I am with you.”

“Okay.” I smiled, knowing how protective he was. It had only increased tenfold since he had gotten me back, and I wasn’t complaining in the slightest. It was nice to be loved, after all.

“And you will keep in contact with me the entire time.” He nodded toward my hand, and my gaze dropped to my ring.

I twisted the precious piece around my finger. “Will it work that far away?”

“It should, as long as you don’t remove it. It is bound to both of us.”

NINETY-THREE

DIANNA

Samkiel watched me until the portal closed, and all I could do was shake my head. Overprotective godly bastard. I loved him.

I crossed the street to the small bakery where I was supposed to meet Orym and Veruka, my boots tapping against the cobblestones. It had the perfect view of the docks. The door opened as I approached, and I waited for the man to exit before I stepped in. The small woman behind the counter nodded to me, but one glance told me Orym and Veruka were not there. I looked out the window toward the docks but didn’t see any ryphors either.

---