Page 91 of King of Tides

“Kenji would face severe consequences for its loss if he were to be responsible for its discovery. All of those we have trusted to guard them take the role with the utmost respect and regard.”

“That’s all you had to do, Ardan. I’m really not hard to deal with. I just don’t like feeling like I’m the problem or like …”

He kisses my forehead again. “Or like you’re not wanted. I am very sorry I made you feel that way. I should have thought a little more carefully.”

“No, I understand now. You always have a lot to deal with. If I do decide to resign from my job, I don’t want to lie around all day doing nothing. That’s not me.

“I want to help where I can and learn to use my magic for the good of our people. I’m sure I can use my detective skills in our world.”

He gives me a grin. “I don’t expect you to lie around and do nothing. I’m sure you will find something to take over once things settle. Come, we should go. Dracon and the others will meet us downstairs so we can transport together.”

“Should I pack anything?”

“No, I will be able to get you anything you need once we’re there. Or I can show you how.”

Arrival

My stomach rolls and my head is still spinning even after we reach our destination. Ardan places his hands on my hips to steady me as he murmurs in my ear.

“Just breathe. The first time going long distances can be a little jarring. That’s it. Breathe in, breathe out.”

“Queen Billy,” my name is sung as I try to catch my bearings.

I look up to find the little titans rushing toward me. They have gotten taller since I last saw them. Their hair is longer too.One has large blond curls that are bouncing as he runs at me. The other has his locks pulled back into a ponytail.

I squat down just before they reach me and hold my arms out. They throw their little bodies right into me. I squeeze them as hard as they are squeezing me.

I realize how much I’ve missed them as their ocean-breeze scent fills my nose. One of them nuzzles my cheek and sighs deeply. I palm the back of his head.

“I’ve missed you,” he whispers in my ear.

I pull away, thinking it’s Beck, only to find it’s Bourne. He’s the one with the ponytail. His blue eyes sparkle as he looks back at me.

I cup his round cheek and lean in to kiss his forehead. He gives me the brightest smile ever. My heart melts.

“We have to tell you all about Master Kenji. He’s the best. We have so much fun here. All the ladies help us with our training and the food is amazing,” Beck says.

I look up at Ardan questioningly. He gives me a knowing smile. I go to mind-link him, but three others enter the room.

“Ah, you have arrived. Welcome. It is an honor to have you all here. I wish it were under different circumstances, but my home is your home,” one of the men says as he looks around at our group.

I’m assuming he’s Kenji, but he and the other man look as if they could be twins. Ardan mentioned Kenji’s great-great-great grandson—or maybe a few more generations would be here as well. He’s from New York too.

He looks around at the men who have come with us and gives a nod. Ardan has brought along six men. They were all waiting in the basement when we arrived to transport here—each carrying a small bag.

“Your things will be taken to your rooms. Ardan, my warriors will brief those you have brought with you to give them the lay of the land,” Kenji says.

“Dracon, Hudson, you will run point. All of you follow them. Once you are briefed, return to me for your post assignments,” Ardan commands.

The man who spoke looks me in the eyes and smiles. He then bows. I take him in, noting all the details about him.

Ardan mentioned before we left that Kenji takes many forms but upon meeting him, he would take one of two. He would either reveal himself as a smaller, meek old man. Or he would show his true self.

I believe this is his true self. He has long white hair—it looks to be flowing down his back—and a handsome face. He puts me in the mind of that Japanese Instagram model with the long hair and beard. I just can’t think of his name right now.

To be a being as old as dirt, he doesn’t look older than a thirtysomething. He’s well-built and tall as well, maybe six-five, six-six.

He’s wearing loose-fitting black pants and a black wifebeater tank top. It looks as if they just came from training or something. The other male has a bit of sweat dewing on his forehead.

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