Page 418 of Born of Blood and Ash

He nodded. I knew he wouldn’t need anything. This would bethe last time I spoke to him until…until he was ready.

I looked away from him, catching sight of someone who sent abolt of surprise through me.

Ward stood beside Penellaphe,where she spoke with Ione. I had no idea where Bele and Aioshad disappeared to. I hadn’t expected to see Ward here. I’d figured thelikelihood of him attending was about the same as Holland showing up. Wardlooked over to where I stood, a faint smile on his handsome face.

“I’m going to go annoy your husband by complimenting howlovely you look in your gown.” Attes pushed off thewall, drawing my attention back to him.

I arched a brow. “And here you were, just worried aboutbeing murdered by him.”

“I decided watching him struggle not to throttle me is worththe risk,” he said with a wink.

Laughing, I watched him make his way to Ash, knowing thiswas for the best. He was tired. He needed rest. He needed to heal so he didn’tbecome his brother.

And when he was ready to return to us, we would be waiting.

I stayed where I was as Ward excused himself to join me inthe alcove.

“I hear many congratulations are in order,” he said, theskin at the corners of his eyes creasing with his smile.

I glanced down in surprise. I’d thought the style of gown,how it gathered under my breasts and with its loose waist, had hidden the smallbump.

“It’s not noticeable,” he assured me.

“Then…” My head jerked up, and I sighed. “Holland?”

Ward nodded. “He wanted you to know that he’s absolutelythrilled,” he said. “He would’ve given the message to Penellaphe,but he hasn’t told her.”

“Really?”

“He knows it is wise for only a few to know at this time,”He paused. “And he also knows that Penellaphe will betoo excited not to blurt it out.”

I looked over at Penellaphe,resisting the urge to cradle my stomach, something I found myself doing oftenfor no reason at all. “You really think she will be excited?”

“Of course.” A slight frown appeared. “Why wouldn’t she be?”

“The prophecy.” Since Penellaphehadn’t been there either time when we spoke with Keella,I had filled her in on what we had learned and what Aydun said. “You’re awareof what we discovered?”

Ward nodded.

Something occurred to me then. “If we are somehow unable toprevent Sotoria from being reborn? A viktor will likely be involved.”

The breeze ruffled his sandy-brown hair as he tilted hishead. “I can’t say for sure, but she would usher in great change.”

“She will do more than just that.”

His gaze lifted to mine.

“Holland said that none in my bloodline has ever hungeredfor power,” I said after a moment. “Even those who held power. I imagine thatwill hold true, be they mortal, god, or Primal.”

Ward was silent.

“If she is reborn and given a viktor,I want it to be you. I plan to get a message to Holland to let him know that Ihave requested this. I don’t think he’ll refuse. I feel like he owes me.”

Ward’s sea-blue eyes shot to mine. “I—”

“If not for you, I would not be standing here today. Yousaved my namesake and likely my life in Lotho,” Isaid quickly. “I trust you.”

“You barely know me.”

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