Page 153 of Born of Blood and Ash

Through the thick strands of hair, I saw his lips curve.“Okay.”

Grinning, I watched him make his way out to where Iridessaand Rhahar waited. As the doors closed, I sawIridessa tousle the boy’s already messy hair.

“He’s mortal,” Ward noted.

“He is.” I picked up the pitcher and poured the steamingliquid into three cups.

Curiosity filled Ward’s features as he helped himself tosome plain tea. No sugar. No cream. He seemed like the type. “How did he end upworking in the home of a Primal of Death?”

“He was orphaned and living on the streets, pickpocketing tosurvive.” Lifting one of the lids, I used the small spoon to scoop up somesugar. “Which was how he met Nyktos.”

Penellaphe’s brows rose as shewent for the creamer. “He attempted to pick Nyktos’spocket, an actual Primal of Death?”

“Yes.” I grinned.

“That is not something you hear often,” Ward remarked,shaking his head as he lifted the cup. It was…charming to see such dainty teaware held in large hands.

“I imagine not.” Taking a sip of the hot tea, I knocked myfangs against the cup in the process. I peeked over at Penellapheand Ward to see if they’d noticed. Neither appeared to have seen, but Reavereyed me far too closely for him not to have witnessed it. I sighed. “He’s veryshy.”

“I could tell.” Penellaphe satback. “But you’re very good with him.”

I shrugged. “Did Holland know why I tried to summon him?”

She shook her head. “He had an idea that it might have to dowith the prophecy. It is why he asked me to come.”

“Of course, he did,” I replied dryly.

There was a slight tightening to the corners of her mouth.“May I be frank?”

“Sure.” I offered my cup to Reaver, and he turned his entirehead away. Apparently, he didn’t like tea.

“You seem angry that Holland didn’t answer,” she stated.

Catching her sharp tone, I arched a brow. “I was under theimpression that the true Primal of Life could summon the Fates and they wouldanswer.”

“They do when there is reason to,” Ward said.

“You mean having a question is not a good enough reason?” Iclarified.

“What Ward means is that there has to be a purpose, one withmeaning beyond a personal need,” Penellapheexplained. “You summoned Holland when you could have summoned any Fate. IfHolland had answered, it could’ve been seen as him showing you favor.”

My eyes narrowed. So, if I had summoned any old Arae, couldhe have answered? “That is…”

“Ridiculous?” Penellaphe finishedfor me, taking a sip of tea. “Yes. I agree. But he wanted to. Truly.”

She tipped her body toward me, holding the teacup level toher chest. “He would be here if he’d been sure that answering your summonswould not have caused any issues.”

“Then why didn’t he broker the meeting between Kolis andme?” I asked. “It was Kolis who summoned the Arae.”

“You know he’s walked a fine line with you. The others knowthis, too.” A look of sympathy crossed her features. “He’s very fond of you,Sera, and he was overjoyed when he learned of your Ascension. It brought him totears.”

My gaze fell to the muddy tea as I rubbed my thumb along thesmooth porcelain. I pressed my lips together. The sharp sting of my fangsagainst the insides of my lips was nothing compared to the burn in my throat. Ialready knew why Aydun had been the one to handle Kolis and me. I was being abrat, but anger was a much easier emotion to deal with than disappointment andsadness. Still, Holland…well, despite the secrets he’d kept, deserved betterfrom me.

“I know that he cares for me. It’s just that…” The drink oftea I took did little to soothe the burn. “He feels like he’s part of thefamily I had from my life before. And I…I miss them. I miss him.” Shaking myhead, I glanced up. The sympathy in both their stares made me want to throwmyself behind the settee. “Okay. Enough of that.” I blew out a long breath. “Ilearned something about the prophecy while I was in Dalos.”

Penellaphe blinked a few times.“From Kolis? I’m not sure what he could’ve said. He had no knowledge of myvision before—”

“He lied,” I stated bluntly, causing Penellapheto jerk. “Kolis knew about the prophecy before you saw it. He just didn’t wantyou to know that.”

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