Page 241 of The Sins of Silas

I smiled at his kindness. “Igon told me that…that I would be the savior of our kind,” I said with a slight flush to my cheeks. “I’m feeling quite lost, understandably. So, I appreciate any help you’re willing to give.”

His eyes remained on mine, and after a brief silence, Lucretia said, “You all must be exhausted. I know some of you had a more troublesome time in the Valley of Awakening. It can be hard to readjust after.”

My eyes flared, and I felt Silas tense beside me.

Merrick cleared his throat. “You can tell when someone's in there?” he asked cautiously.

“Oh, yes. When someone passes through, they're passing through our defense system.” Her eyes raked down him, then slid beside him to Erabella. She said nothing else on the matter.

“Let me guide you all to your rooms,” Valter offered, stepping down. When he reached our group, I noted he was around the same height as Silas. “Our beds are incredibly comfortable. You'll all probably sleep like babies.”

We were led down the pristine hallways, down an outdoor passage taking us to a separate region of the palace. Once again, I found my eyes drifting off to the sea, gazing upon the Sea Nymphs who swam along the current. There weren't very many, at least from what I could see up here, but still.

I almost felt enraged, knowing we could've been living peacefully here. How long had Igon known about this place?

We continued ambling forward, Valter leading the way.

I supposed this Chamber of Time would give me some answers.

Entering another hallway once back inside, Valter stopped. “All of these rooms are free. Take whichever you like.”

As I went to step forward, Valter gently held out his hand. “Supreme, your room will be a floor higher than the others.” He offered me a warm smile. “I can show you there.” His eyes trailed over our group. “Will anyone be joining you?”

My eyes found Silas's.

I wish.

“Nope. Just me.”

“No invitation,Ginger Snap?” Roland pouted.

I chuckled, giving him my middle finger, and followed Valter up a flight of steps.

“Don't like him much?” Valter asked over his shoulder, an easy smile on his face.

I laughed through my nose. “I love him. I love all my friends.”

When we stopped in front of an ornate, white door, Valter bowed.

“Now, rest up. Dinner will be brought to you in a couple of hours. You'll get to explore the city tomorrow, and in the evening, a ball will be thrown in your honor.”

“A ball? That isn't necessary—”

“Nonsense,” he interrupted, his bright green eyes shimmering against his dark skin. ‘As you will come to see, we like to be extravagant with our celebrations. And you being here is a celebration indeed.”

Heat flooded my cheeks at his compliment. I inclined my head. “Very well.”

Valter departed, and gladly so, because the gasp I released upon entry to my room would've been embarrassing for him to hear.

Purple mage light was glowing throughout the room. On the back wall rested a massive bed stacked with multiple pillows and a thick comforter that was calling to me. But the most impressive sight was to my left. Water trickled down the stone wall into a bubbling bath of sorts, large enough to hold multiple people. Blue mage lights were under the water, illuminating the tub.

Iset my bag beside my bed, removed my armor, and stepped toward the bubbling water. Kneeling down, I dipped my hand in. It was pleasantly hot.

I grinned, removing the rest of my clothing.

Gods, did I wish Silas were here—

Just as I was about to release my hair from its braid, there was a knock on my door. I quickly grasped one of the white towels beside the bath and wrapped it around my body. I rushed over to open it, expecting Valter to be here telling me something he had forgotten.