Page 349 of Heat of the Everflame

“I heard you killed the Fortos King,” he said.

“And his High General. Not to mention releasing most of their prisoners.”

His brow furrowed. “The Crowns are going to kill you for that.”

“Actually, if my plan works, they’re going to pardon me. Mother, too.”

“How in the world will you talk them intothat?”

I groaned wearily. “You can’t imagine how much has happened since I left, Tel. There’s so much I need to tell you.”

“What’s that on your neck?” He squinted as he leaned in. “There’s something glowing...”

I frowned and dipped my chin, realizing I’d been absently tugging at my scarf, trying to get some air into my too-tight throat. The scarf fell away, and the room flooded with an intense light.

Teller shielded his eyes. “What is that?”

I started to explain as I reached to touch it—then stilled as my fingertips brushed against blazing hot skin. It hadn’t felt that intense since...

My heart plummeted.

Ophiucae was coming.

Chapter

Sixty-Seven

Ibolted to the door and threw it open.

Luther whipped to me, his eyes growing as he spotted the glowing mark at my throat and realized what it meant.

“Find Doriel,” I told him. “Warn them.Hurry.”

“No—I’m not leaving you.”

“That’s an order!” I shouted.

His jaw ticked as he fought his instincts to stay at my side and protect me, but a moment later, he took off through the greenhouse.

“D, what’s going on?” Teller asked.

I spun to Perthe, who had been waiting beside Luther at the door. “Take my brother and find somewhere to hide. Someone’s coming—someone dangerous.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. I’ll keep him safe.”

“Diem,” Teller snapped. “Who’s coming?”

“My birth father.” Teller recoiled, and I threw him a stricken look. “There’s no time to explain. Stay with Perthe. And tell everyone you see to hide.” My focus shot to Perthe. “He’s coming to kill Descended. Don’t take any risks—for Teller or for yourself.”

He nodded sharply and saluted.

Whatever terror lay in my eyes, it scared off the last of Teller’s lingering resentment. I threw my arms around his neck, and he squeezed me tightly, gripping my back like he was afraid to let go.

“If anything happens to me,” I whispered, feeling his muscles tense beneath my hands, “follow the Ring Road to the Montios border. The Guardians are hiding in the trees. Tell them to take you to Mother.”

When I pulled back, the blood had drained from his face, though it was firm with Bellator resolve. “We’ll be fine. And so will you.”

We shared a final, loaded stare, then I ran out of the greenhouse. I burst outside and nearly buckled at the wall of power that crashed against my skin—almost as potent as it had been in the Forgotten Lands.

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