Page 78 of Kiss of Magic

“Apart from all this, have you been well, father?”

“You mean, have I managed to survive without you at home?” His lip curled. “Strange as it may seem, I have.”

“I didn’t mean to imply you couldn’t manage, I was just asking how you were.”

“Daughter, we have more important things to worry about than my well-being.”

“I only wanted…”

“Evenyoumust realise that now isn’t the time for personal updates.”

“Why do you always do that?” she burst out. He turned his silver gaze on her, genuinely surprised.

“What do you mean?”

“Why can we never have a straightforward conversation? Do you dislike me so much that you can’t even bring yourself to be civil?”

Salaq was at a loss. As far as he was concerned, he wasn’t speaking to her any differently than he had for most of her life.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Morenna. I merely don’t have time for small-talk.”

“It’s not small-talk to ask your father how he is and if he’s well and whether he might be missing you!” Ren clamped her mouth shut. She hadn’t meant to say that last part. There was a long silence.

“I think we should concentrate on the matter at hand,” Salaq said eventually. “We can talk when this is over.”

“Fine.”

She studied the horizon again, cursing herself and her impetuous tongue. Her gaze snagged on something.

“What’s that?” she pointed.

Salaq squinted. His expression hardened.

“It’s moving fast. There’s another behind it.”

“Two of them? Are they… are they demons?”

“Get behind the battlelines. Now.”

He wheeled his horse in a tight circle and Ren followed, both of them flat-out galloping back towards the soldiers.

“They’re coming,” yelled Salaq. “Ready the weapons!”

They crossed the line as the first of the weapons spat its fire towards the demons.

Thirty Six

The Forbidden Zone

Night fell. Nat touched Beast’s shoulder gently. He hadn’t moved in over an hour, just kept staring fixedly at the entrance to the Haven.

“Beast, speak to me. What is it?”

“I don’t know. I just have this feeling…” he gave himself a shake and turned to look at the slayer. “Is everyone settled?”

“Yes. I’ve moved the families deeper into the forest. The faeries are keeping an eye on them, they have food and water for the next few days.”

“Do we have enough supplies beyond that?”

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