Page 18 of Blood Feast

Just keep me fed, and I’ll manage.

You know I’ll never leave you hungry. But this is not what I want for you. You should have more time to come into your power.

I can come into my power right in the Collector’s face. My fear is that it will be too hard for you.

It will be,he confessed.But I think we must do it nonetheless.

Then we’ll make Kallikrates rue the night you gave me fangs.

He kissed her one more time, feeling the sharpness of her canines against his tongue, before he lowered his veil spell.

“We’re coming with you,” Lio announced.

They turned to find themselves facing a fearsome red-haired obstacle. Rudhira crossed his arms over his chest. “Have you forgotten you require my permission to join my forces?”

Uncle Argyros raised a brow, his dark gaze at its most intimidating. “And mine to resume your diplomatic mission to Tenebra.”

“Orthros Abroad is no place for a new Hesperine,” Rudhira said. “Even one who brings your experience and skill into immortality, Cassia. I suggest you develop your power before you and Lio go errant again.”

A suggestion from their prince was not, in fact, a suggestion. Cassia’s frustration rose in their Grace Union. One of the potted ferns in the library popped out a few new fronds in protest, and Rudhira gave her a pointed look.

“I would love nothing better than to keep Cassia here,” Lio said, “but her magic, and mine, are necessary to stop the Collector. We have information about his plan that you need to know.”

At the mention of the necromancer, the temperature in the room seemed to drop. Even Lio shivered at the elders’ dangerous magic. The Collector had made enemies of the only beings as immortal as he.

Solia was the one nova of heat in the room. “This is what you needed to tell us? It sounds as if it can’t wait much longer.”

“No,” Cassia said. “It’s the reason Lucis and the mages are baiting Hesperines.”

Rudhira and Uncle Argyros exchanged a look.

“Lio,” his Ritual father said, “I will allow you to come with me—for now. While you assist me with the evacuation, you may tell me what you know and make your case for why you and Cassia should remain involved in the war.”

“I will need to be informed as well,” said his uncle. “Cassia should stay here with me and ensure the diplomatic service is prepared for what is to come.”

The fern gave a threatening rustle, its pot nearly invisible under the outburst of new fronds. But Cassia’s mind voice was controlled, matter-of-fact.It’s a sound plan.

Lio’s arms tightened around her new body. The form he had helped the Goddess make for her. Now he was not only her Grace but also her Gifter. The need to keep his new Hesperine safe turned his already fierce protective instincts into something feral.I don’t want to leave you.

I’m not fond of the idea either.Panic edged her thoughts.But we don’t have much time, and we’re needed in two places at once. It makes sense to split our forces and communicate with Grace Union.

Everything within him resisted the very thought of being so far away from her.

“It’s time to go,” Solia said, almost gently. “Are you coming with us, Lio?”

Rudhira stood with her, ready to step. Nike clasped his arm, exchanging a veiled farewell with her Trial brother.

You are doing this for us,Cassia reminded Lio.So we can get that necromancer out of our lives and go back to our tower in peace.

For that, I can find the strength to leave you—briefly.He pressed a kiss to her forehead and made himself let her go.

“I’m with you,” he said to Solia.

“I know there’s no persuading you otherwise, when you’ve made up your minds.” Solia held Cassia for a long moment.

“When will I see you again?” Cassia asked.

“Soon, I hope,” her sister answered.

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