Page 67 of Born of Blood and Ash

“That will ensure the balance is kept,” I said. It finallyhit me that could mean we didn’t need to use Sotoria’ssoul. Hope sparked. “Nyktos will continue as a Primalof Death, and I as the Primal of Life.”

A crease formed between Ash’s brows. “Or until Sotoria can be used. Her soul could be released once Kolisis safely entombed. And then once she is old enough…” Ash sent those around thetable an icy smile. “Then Kolis will be no more.”

Theon smiled tightly. “NowthatI likethe sound of.”

My gaze lowered to Reaver’s as several cheers of agreementrose. I couldn’t blame them for wanting a future that included a dead Kolis.None of them knew Sotoria. They didn’t know what shehad already been through. I looked up, finding Rhain’s gaze on me.

I shifted in my chair and refocused, returning to strokingReaver’s neck. “So, how do we go about summoning the Primals?”I asked. “I assume it isn’t as easy as sending them a missive.”

“No, it is not.” Ash refilled my glass. “You, as the truePrimal of Life, can issue the summons simply by willing it.”

My lips parted at the memory of the painful, reddish-blacksymbol that had appeared on Ash’s palm when Kolis had summoned us. “I don’tthink hurting them is a wise way to start off.”

“It doesn’t have to be painful. What Kolis did was anability provided by the true embers of death. It’s a death mark,” Ashexplained. “But I agree. Forcing them to answer is something Kolis would do.Luckily, there is Attes.”

I raised a brow at that. “Luckily, you say?”

Ash smirked. “Yes. Just this once. He could prove useful andcontact the other Primals.”

Attes had already proven himselfuseful, but I wisely kept that to myself.

Jadis had seemed to grow bored with Bele once the Primalceased throwing her dagger. She rose now, stretching with a little squeak of ayawn.

Either sharing in Ash’s dislike of the Primal or stillharboring distrust toward him, Rhain’s tone was cold as he asked, “And if Attes decides that he’d rather not be useful?”

Ash leaned back, resting the ankle of one long leg on theknee of the other as Jadis’s claws scraped against the table when she crawledforward. “I will convince him that it would be in his best interest to be veryuseful.”

“Wait.” My hand halted on the back of Reaver’s neck. “As inyou’ll go speak with Attes?”

A lock of hair lay against his jaw as he tilted his head.“That would be the plan.”

“I don’t know if that’s wise,” I pointed out, leaningforward to catch Jadis before she fell right off the table.

Reaver lifted his head, eyeing the little one as she mewled,wanting to be on the floor. For his benefit, I placed her on my other side.

“That is exactly why I’m best suited to speak with him,” Ashcountered as Jadis immediately scrambled under my chair, causing Reaver toshuffle back. “I’m the last person he wants to piss off.”

I wasn’t so sure about the plan as I tried to keep an eye onthe two draken. Jadis had grabbed one of Reaver’slegs—thankfully with a hand and not her mouth. “The last thing we need is youhauling off and punching him.”

“I think that is the very first thing needed.” Ash gave ashadowy smile that frosted his eyes. “Besides, he has it coming and knows it.”

“That isn’t going to help us,” I said, relieved to see Jadisplop down beside Reaver…or half on top of him. She managed to get her head onhis back, causing him to peer up at me with resigned exasperation. Poor guy.

“She’s being logical again,” Bele stated. “I’m not sure howI feel about it.”

I shot her an arch look, feeling the awareness of…another draken. But it was different this time. Stronger. In mymind, I saw Nektas. I shook my head, refocusing. “Yousound like I normally run around being illogical.”

“Well,” she drawled, her silver eyes dancing with amusementas a large shadow fell over the balcony.

Sending Bele one more look of warning, I focused on Ash.“Then I will go with you.”

“Now, that wouldn’t be wise,” Ash replied, sippingfrom his glass. “You will remain here.”

His tone and demand stoked my temper like it always did.“You want to know what’s not wise?”

“I’m sure I can guess.” His gaze flicked to me. “You wereabout to say me making demands of you is unwise.”

“Since you know that, why do you think it’s moreunwise for me to go to Attes than you—who wants toskin him alive?”

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