Page 31 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

“She can’t spend her life locked away on an island,” Laera snapped.

“Ara would die if she was isolated that way,” Lagina added.

I looked at my mate, the concern in his expression made my heart ache. I knew if it were reversed, I’d ask the same of him. “You know I can’t do that.”

He cupped my cheek. “I know, but I also know what Nyx is like. What she’s capable of.”

“If anyone can survive her, it’s the woman who freed her. She’s got that going for her,” Laera said gently.

I lifted a brow as I turned toward the princess. I’d be less concerned if she was her typical, snaky self. “Don’t go writing my eulogy yet.”

“Well, this is good,” Aspasia cut in. “I had wondered how we’d account for Nyx. Now, Ara will be distracting her.”

“She hasn’t agreed to go yet,” Ryvin said.

“She’s going,” Vanth said. “You know that already.”

“We’ll go with her, then,” Ryvin declared.

“We can’t. This is Ara’s task.” Vanth was speaking to Ryvin, but looking at me.

“She can do this, brother,” Laera added.

“She invited me. And they’re right, I can do this. Whatever she throws at me, I can handle it. What I can’t do is find the sorceress or defend Athos. I need you to help mypeople,” I pleaded.

“I don’t care what happens to Athos,” Ryvin said. “The whole world can burn. None of it matters if you’re not in it.”

“As charming as your mating bond charged confessions of love are, you are losing the bigger picture,” Laera said. “You have a chance to get the gods off your back. Both of you. Nyx can save you both. Well, Ara will be doing it, but you know what I mean.”

“She’s right.” I held up the letter, which had found its way back to me. “It says she gets to determine my fate. If I can prove myself to her, we don’t have to worry about running from the gods or finding a way to eliminate my magic. If we win this war, we can just live.”

“She’s not going to go easy on you,” Ryvin said.

“What’s to stop her from simply killing Ara the second she arrives in Naxos?” Lagina cut in. “You’re all standing around arguing the merit of a half-human woman challenging a goddess as if she has a chance.”

“She has a chance. Nyx is honorable. Unlike you humans,” Iris said.

I’d almost forgotten she was there.

“Nyx owes Ara,” Laera said. “If she wanted her dead, she’d already be dead. This is Nyx giving her a chance.”

“It’s the best one she’s going to get,” Aspasia added.

“You have to trust me.” I clasped Ryvin’s hand. “I’ll come to you as soon as I can.”

“I’ll have a ship here by morning to take her to Naxos,” Iris said, then she turned and left without another word.

“Ara, is this what you want?” Lagina asked quietly.

I nodded. “I can do this.”

“Get some sleep, Ara,” Laera cut in. “You look like you’re almost dead.”

I shot her a look.

“What?” Laera asked. “It’s true. And she needs to be in top form for her visit with Nyx.”

“Come on,” Ryvin squeezed my hand. “I’ll walk you to your room.”

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