Page 130 of Shrine of Fire

“Kalahar?” I stood up, though my knees were threatening to buckle.

“What was that?” The Ember King pulled himself into a sitting position. “What in the seven hells was that?”

“A spirit, you moron,” I snapped. “What I’ve been trying to protect you from. But you would rather call me names than protect your kingdom.”

I wobbled around the room, looking for Kalahar.

“Nova…” Cuan started, holding his hands out. “Honey.”

Fear doused the warmth inside me. “No.”

“Honey.”

Stefan froze, and I followed his gaze.

To the side of the throne was a large pile of ash.

I shrieked, a wordless wail, so similar to Hella Mora it made me flinch.

I ran to the ashes, but Hashir grabbed me. “Darling, no. He’s back in the spirit world.”

“But I loved him.” I wrestled in Hashir’s grip, not sure why I was fighting him.

“We all do,” Cuan said. “He’s in the spirit realm, but honey, he will come back.”

I stilled at that. “How do you know?”

My entire body seized up. It wasn’t worth sealing Hella Mora away if I had to give up Kalahar in the process.

I wanted to take it back.

“He’s a phoenix.” Cuan pulled me against him, and my pack surrounded me in a hug. “I will travel through the spirit lands and find him.”

“You’ll get lost,” I whispered, tears falling bitterly. “I can’t lose you too.”

Cuan touched the bird pendants, the family icons. “Kalahar still has his. It might take some time, but he’s also well motivated.”

“We could try the Spirit Oasis, too,” Stefan added.

I let out my breath and tried to soothe my panic. We had to finish taking care of things here, and we were all at our limit. I was so tired I could have slept a hundred years.

I stomped over to the Ember King. “Stefan and I are getting married. And then you will abdicate the throne.”

He tried to scowl at me, but fear still rolled off him in waves.

“Did you want to suffer the consequences of your nobles turning on you?” I turned to face the throne room. “Your king tried to turn you over to a primordial spirit. The Crown Prince and I have been working to seal her away for months. But if we are not welcome here, we can leave you to your fate.”

“No.” The Ember King glared and looked at Stefan. “It is time I retired.”

I looked at Stefan. “Sounds good?”

Stefan grinned. “We have a Shrine to fix, and a wedding to have, and then we’ll take over.”

Lord Baylin stepped up. His hair was mussed, and his face wet from tears. “If I may offer some assistance…”

“You can retire with His Royal Highness.” I glanced at the Ember King. “He’ll need someone to help him arrange supplies from the private island where he will be residing.”

“My Princess, if I have offended you, I apologize.” Lord Baylin bowed low to Stefan. “I was only trying to help.”

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