Page 415 of Born of Blood and Ash

“I’m just thinking about those we miss,” I told him.

He nodded, his small lips pinched. “I think about my parentssometimes,” he said after a moment. “I don’t remember much about them, but Imiss them.”

“Does thinking about them make you sad?” I asked as I ledthem past a group of young godlings with wide eyes.

One of his shoulders lifted. “Yes, but Nek told me once thatit’s a good kind of sadness to have because it means you remember them, andmemories will keep them alive with you.”

I thought about that. Nektas wasright. Ezra, Marisol, and my mother lived on in my memories, even if it hurtright now. And someday, I would visit them and my father. “That is very true.”I glanced over at Jadis, who most definitely had my hair in her mouth. “Yourfather is very wise.”

She chirped but I heard her soft voice say daddy.

My lips curved up as we neared the group of Primalgoddesses. I’d never heard her call him that before. It was adorable.

The drumbeat rose, and the tempo of the music picked up.When I reached the Primals, I saw partnersseparating, forming two lines that faced each other.

“You all aren’t dancing?” I asked.

Bele snorted. “I’d rather not have broken toes by theevening.”

Aios rolled her eyes and foldedher arms over her emerald gown. “I’m not that bad of a dancer.”

“There are many reasons I love you, so’vit,”Bele said as Ione grinned from where she stood behind them. “But your dancingskills are not one of them.”

“I’m sure the same can be said about your tact,” Ionecommented.

“I can agree with that.” Aioslaughed and leaned over to kiss Bele.

Grinning, I met Ione’s stare. She stepped around them so shecould hear me when I spoke in a low voice. “Any luck?”

Ione had been attempting to catch what she called animpression of Sotoria’s soul. We weren’t even sure ifit was possible since it was held in The Star.

She shook her head. “Not yet,” she said, clasping her hands.“I was thinking of entering the mortal realm and seeing if that helped.”

Instinct told me that Callum was likely in possession of hersoul, and it would be wise of him to stay far away from Iliseeum.But how long could he get by in the mortal realm? Thierranhad also been traveling through dreams to see if he could pick up on anything,which was highly disturbing to think about, but we weren’t even sure ifwhatever Callum was could dream. That was something I hadn’tconsidered until Thierran mentioned it.

“Let me know what you find out,” I said.

“Of course.” Ione watched the couples loop arms as they metin the middle.

“I’m not sure if you’re aware of this or not,” Bele saidfrom behind the rim of her glass, “but Jadis is currently eating your hair.”

Ione did such a quick double-take that strands of dark hairsmacked her chin. “Oh, dear.”

“I think she’s mostly nibbling on it,” I said.

“As if that is better,” Reaver said under his breath.

“I agree with that, little man.” Bele winked at him.

Reaver beamed up at her.

“Are you still hungry, honey?” Aiosasked, reaching up and gently tugging my hair free from Jadis’s mouth. Hersilver eyes were still a shock for me to see.

Eyes big and wide, Jadis nodded her little diamond-shapedhead.

I wasn’t sure how she was still hungry since she had eatenat least two platefuls. “Then let us get you back to your father.”

Jadis gave my hair a tug of happy agreement, nearly jerkingmy head off my shoulders.

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