Page 157 of What Lies Within Blood & Heirs

“Perhaps instead of threatening our females in hallways, you should be searching for the Marked One your king allowed over the border.”

Silas dismissively brushed dirt from his lapel, giving full attention to his hand as he drawled, “The matter is handled. I’m certain the High Prince will find himself pleased soon.” And without a single care, turned, offering his back as he clasped his hands and strode into the darkness.

Not two breaths later, Thalon spun Alora to him, face full of holy wrath, simmering over blazing golden eyes. “Unleash Michael, you were told to go nowhere alone.”

Right.The night before Aiden and Thalon were ambushed. But they couldn’t fault her for going after Garrik … who had also flown away …alone.

Miwa pushed from Aiden’s forearm, from the blade dangling in his hand, and curled her lip at him. She stepped towardThalon. Blazen heat regarded him with one quick sweep, like she didn’t find him to be the lethal brute Silas coined him to be. Miwa met his eyes, the ones that burned into her wings, hiked her chin high, and argued, “She isn’t alone.”

In agreement, Alora crossed her arms and cocked her hip. Arching her brow, daring Thalon to speak.

Thalon regarded the female as if she were rotten fish when Miwa spoke again. “You want to have a conversation or leave me to my lady’s needs?” Alora couldn’t help herself from smiling at the way Miwa sneered the challenge.

Her Guardian only grunted,impressedby the female’s backbone, and flashed his attention to Aiden. He pointed with his head to his right shoulder, toward a hallway, before turning to Alora. “Return to the High King’s mountain,” was all he said before he and Aiden, in their battle leathers, walked away.

The tunnels, she realized.Blood. Hope budded inside her as she felt Soulstryker in her leathers.

Miwa hadn’t stopped curling her lip at Thalon’s back. At that shadow following him.

Alora smirked at the image—to see them fighting in the arena together, knowing by the muscles and sharp wit the female had that she would give Thalon a challenge.

Repeating the same words Miwa had used, Alora inquired, “Doyouwant to have a conversation about what you were doing?”

Miwa’s scorching gaze flickered to her and hesitated.

Maybe a new approach. “Whatever it is, you know I will help.”

“The inner dealings of the castle are no matter for a Dragon,” Miwa scolded.

Alora weathered it and began walking toward the cloisters with Miwa as her shadow when she asked, “I saw you, Miwa. Isimply want to help. I can’t imagine that being a servant in this place is easy. And if you need more coin, I’m sure I can?—”

“I need nothing, my lady.”

“Alora,” she corrected and stopped where the spray of the waterfall should’ve blasted her with mist, but the land’s magic kept it from entering the architraves. “What did that cloaked faerie give you? If you’re in danger…” Alora paused, allowing the female a moment to speak.

Her maidservant sighed heavily and produced what was indeed a bracelet from her cloak and held it out, eyes shifting around the cloisters. “One of the wives lost her bracelet. I had a new one made. It meant a great deal to her. I’m only saddened we haven’t been able to locate the original.”

That would’ve been perfectly logical … had Miwa not snuck through the castle.

Alora remained expressionless.

She hadn’t expected a queen to wear something so simple. Not crafted of fine metals or gold, the bracelet resembled crude metal forged with a hammer. Dents on the surface, cracks. And etched on the core was the head of a fox.

“This wife must enjoy simple things.” Not entirely convinced, Alora spoke with an air of skepticism.

Miwa only smiled.

Thinking of Garrik made sleep impossible. The moment her eyes closed, all she pictured was Garrik’s face. On the balcony. How he had been all day in the city. Every flinch and tug of his tunic.

She didn’t know how many hours had passed. The amethyst moon had shifted enough in the skylight to know it had been some time since she’d returned to her rooms.

Sleep, she decided as she watched raindrops patter the glass, was pointless.

An ember ignited in her palm?—

Alora jolted upright, almost knocking down the candle she intended to light on her bedside table.

Something dark waited on the floor by her door.

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