Page 183 of Born of Blood and Ash

“We know,” I said.

“And we also know we need more than just that,” Ash said,turning as he slid between me and the dais. He looped his arms around my waist.“But regarding the bones, Kolis has most—but not all—of the stash.”

“He does,” Rhain said, squinting.

“Most of it was in the Carcers,” Attes said. “I doubt it still is.”

“Damn it.” I closed my eyes. “When I destroyed the prisonAsh was being held in, I likely destroyed all the Ancient bones there, too.”

“We wouldn’t need a lot, right?” Saion set his glass on oneof the stone benches. “Enough to make chains and probably some spikes.”

“As you said, Kolis has most of it. But not all. The Primals who’ve stayed in his favor have bone weapons. Ihave a spear. So does Kyn. And I know he has at least one chain. I’m betting Veses has some, too. Maybe even Embris.”

“Are you suggesting we just go to their Courts and take it?”

Attes met my stare from where hesat. “If it comes to that, yes.”

My stomach dipped as I started to respond, but the suddenthrob of an arriving Primal snapped my attention to the doors. The feeling wasintense, meaning the Primal was close. Too close—

“Son of a bitch,” Ash growled, and Attesshot to his feet.

“No,” rasped Attes. “He can’t bethis fucking idiotic.”

The doors to the throne room swung open, and the Primal Godof Peace and Vengeance entered.

CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN

Wisps of shadow whirled around Ash’s legs ashe stepped forward. “If he’s harmed a single guard outside,” he said to Attes in a low voice, “he will not be leaving hereconscious.”

If Kyn had harmed any of our people, he wouldn’t be leavinghere in one piece.

Shoulders tense, Attes nodded.“Understood.”

Kyn strolled down the center aisle. “Don’t worry. I didn’ttouch a single hair on any guard’s head.”

Attes grabbed Rhain by the arm andshoved him behind him as he demanded, “What are you doing here?”

Rapidly fading sunlight glinted off the bronze-and-shadowstone armor covering Kyn’s chest. “I could ask youthe same question, brother.”

“He’s welcome here. You are not.” The air in the throne roomdropped several degrees. “So, you have less than a minute to explain why you’dmake such an unwise decision as entering the Shadowlands uninvited.”

Kyn stopped halfway down the aisle. “I came to demandpayment for what was done to my hounds.”

Anger and disbelief combined, forming a searing knot in thecenter of my chest. “The hounds you sent after Nyktos?”

Kyn’s eather-soaked gaze flickedto me. “I wasn’t speaking to you.”

“You should be,” I said. “Since I’m the one who killed mostof them.”

“Interesting.” Kyn’s steps slowed. “I’ll make sure to letthe King know you’ve admitted to slaughtering my hounds.”

“You go ahead and do that,” I retorted.

That fucking grin of his faded a notch as he looked awayfrom me. And then it completely disappeared when he noticed Thierran,who remained seated, his feet still on the bench in front of him, anklescrossed. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

Thierran cocked his head andraised a brow. “Acknowledging your presence already isn’t worth my veryprecious time,” he said, sipping from his glass. “Let alone answering yourquestions.”

Kyn halted, his flesh thinning until I saw hints of graybeneath. My skin prickled as energy ramped up. He lifted his left arm, eather sparking.

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