Page 363 of Heat of the Everflame

They circled the city—and then they were gone.

Chapter

Sixty-Nine

“Iowe you my thanks for saving my city,” Doriel said, strolling beside me. After confirming Teller was safe, I’d joined them to survey the damage and check on survivors.

“I don’t deserve the credit,” I said. “You risked your life to lead Ophiucae away, and your guards fought bravely here.”

Their smile had a touch of pride. “I haven’t had a chance to speak with them yet, but I’m happy to see our losses were few. I suspect I have you to thank for that, as well.”

I held my tongue. Doriel might not be so grateful once they found out the full story of what I’d done with Vance and the surviving rebels.

“I’ve sent a messenger hawk to Umbros to recall the army soldiers I sent away,” they said.

“Good. I’ll stay until they arrive, in case Ophiucae returns.”

“I was hoping you would say that.” Doriel winced. “It’s not an easy thing, as a Crown, to admit that I can’t keep my people safe on my own.”

“You know, many of your citizens joined the fight, too. I can see how much they care for this place. They were willing to die to defend it.”

“Even the mortals,” Luther added from a pace behind us. “When they realized the insurgents wouldn’t hurt them, several came out to protect their Descended neighbors.”

Our eyes met, and Luther’s lips quirked up in his usual subtle, secret smile. My heart squeezed at the painful reminder that I might have never seen it again.

“There aren’t many places in Emarion where mortals and Descended would fightforeach other rather thanagainsteach other,” I admitted. “You’ve done more to safeguard them than you think.”

Doriel’s eyebrows rose. “So you no longer believe we only bring mortals here to kill them?”

I cringed. “I owe you an apology. I spoke to my brother. I still have concerns, but I realize now there was more to the story than I knew.”

“I suppose I owe you the same apology for my accusations.” Their gaze ticked briefly above my head. “There’s more to you than I thought, as well.”

My muscles tensed. I’d forgotten to hide away my Crown after Ophiucae pulled it out of me. If anyone knew what the Crown of Lumnos wassupposedto look like, it was Doriel.

They clasped their hands behind their back. “I’m sending messenger hawks to the Crowns this evening.”

“Good idea,” I said brightly, trying to mask my nerves. “We must stay on our guard for more attacks.”

“The message I’m sending isn’t about the attack. It’s aboutyou.”

I stopped still. “A warning?”

“A summons.” They turned to me. “To complete your coronation. With this man coming after us, it’s too great a risk to let the Forging magic continue to break down. I can’t promise the Crowns will agree to the pardons you seek, but you’ll at least have the chance to make your case.”

“And will you vote in my favor?” I asked hesitantly.

Slowly, they nodded. “I will. And I’ll try to persuade Meros, as well.”

“Doriel, thank you so much. Truly. I—”

“Don’t thank me yet. I have one condition.” Their expression hardened. “I’m going to ask you a question Diem, and if I don’t believe you’re telling me the truth, I’m rescinding my offer, and you’ll get no vote from me.Ever.” The tension between us struck up anew. “If I send hawks to Montios and Fortos... those messages won’t reach their Kings, will they?”

My shoulders fell with a sigh. “No. They won’t.”

Again, their gaze rose above my head. “But their Crown will be at the ritual, won’t she?”

I swallowed. Nodded. “She will.”

---