Page 192 of Born of Blood and Ash

“We apologize that we were unable to make it yesterday,” Ashsaid. “But thank you so much for making time to see us today.”

“Of course.” Clasping her hands, her quicksilver gaze movedto where Ash’s hand still held mine, and a warm smile appeared. “I am soincredibly relieved to see you again—both of you,” she said. “But especiallyyou, Seraphena.” She laughed softly. “No offense, Nyktos.”

He chuckled. “None taken.”

“You look very healthy and strong,” Keellasaid, her smile broadening. “And so…” Thick, dusky lashes lowered. “So full oflife.”

Something about how she said that felt a little odd, but Icouldn’t quite put my finger on why.

“Come and sit,” Keella offered,stepping aside to reveal a table between two settees displaying an array ofrefreshments. “I must admit I was surprised to hear that you two had sought tospeak with me and not the remaining Primals.”

“We’re in a period of eirini,”Ash said as we sat on one of the thickly cushioned settees. “Until it ends, wewill not be summoning them.”

A flicker of surprise skittered across the smoky,reddish-brown skin of her face. “So, some sort of deal of resolution has beenoffered between Kolis and you?”

“Between Kolis and us,” I corrected. “I do not rulealone. If I am the Queen, then Nyktos is the King.”

A pleased look filled her expression. “I am curious to learnhow the deal came about.”

My gaze swept over the chamber as Ash gave her a shortrundown of the meeting Kolis had initiated. The warm white walls were bare.Past another sitting area and beyond the parted gauzy curtains, I saw tall,violet-hued trees swaying in the sweet, heady breeze that filled the tranquilspace.

“Interesting,” Keella remarkedonce Ash had finished. “I wish I could say more, but I dare not tempt theFates.”

I raised a brow. “Neither do we. So, please excuse ourvagueness about some of what we wish to ask you.”

“Understood.” She leaned forward and picked up a porcelainpitcher. “But I imagine I can guess what your answer will be at the end of the eirini.”

Ash smirked. “I’m sure you’re right.”

“Tea?” she offered.

“Thank you,” I said as she poured three cups. “There are twoseparate things we were hoping you could assist us with.”

“We don’t want to take up a lot of your time or have theFates get the impression we’re doing something we shouldn’t, so I think it’sbest if we get right to it.”

“Agreed.”

“We had a question about the Ancients,” Ash said, decidingto start with what felt like the most important thing. “Other than Kolis, youwould likely be the only one old enough to remember them and the war.”

Curiosity filled her eyes. “Sometimes, I wish I didn’t. Thatwas a time of violence and bloodshed. A time best forgotten but necessary toremember.” She took a sip. “What questions could you have about them?”

“I know that not all passed on to Arcadia,” I said,swallowing. The tea was sweet, just the way I liked it. “And some that couldnot be forced to go were entombed.”

There was a slight widening of her eyes.

“I learned that during my Ascension,” I explained, and shenodded in understanding. I chose my words wisely so as not to violate the eirini. “Ancients are incredibly powerful, more sothan any Primal, so I am curious as to how they were entombed.”

“Especially when it would be difficult to keep a Primal inthe ground for thousands of years,” Ash added. “We thought you might know howthat was done and would be willing to share.”

“For curiosity’s sake,” I added, just in case a Fate waslurking unseen somewhere or the essence itself was listening in.

Keella’s gaze drifted between us,and a slight grin briefly appeared before vanishing. “Yes, for the sake ofcuriosity,” she said, clearing her throat. “I do remember. It was somethingthat took quite some time to figure out, lengthening the war each time one ofthem broke free of the bonds of their brethren.”

So, the bones of an Ancient were definitely involved.

“You see, the bones weakened them, but as you well know, theground seeks to protect us—and them,” she continued. “Neither shadowstone nor bone can block the strength of the eather that fills the very air we breathe and the soil werest in. But there is something that acts as a…” Her nose wrinkled. “A shieldof sorts.” She inhaled deeply and slowly. “Other than Kolis, no other Primalalive today knows of it.”

“What is it?” Ash asked.

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