Page 22 of Shrine of Fire

Everyone, including the phoenix, looked at me.

I spread my hands out. “I’m not just a pretty face! I assume we don’t want anyone else to find out there’s a primordial spirit trying to break free of her prison to drown us all in her grief?”

“It’s brilliant.” Nova looked at Stefan. “Right? We’ll be able to keep your father happy while researching what we need to complete the seal.”

“I’m happy,” Zara said. “I was wondering how we were going to pick up spirit omegas with such a small crew. This way, I cover the places you aren’t going to, and we can split the territory in half.”

“I do not have time to wait.” Kalahar sipped some water. “I must go to the Library of Souls now.”

Zara cleared her throat. “It would give you a chance to heal. And we don’t want the rest of the world to know you’re a spirt, not so soon after the Faceless One.”

Kalahar looked at Zara, then at Kivai, and then finally at Nova. “I would be welcome on this trip?”

“Sure. We’ll say you’re one of the suitors.” I gave Kalahar a plate of food. “It’s the perfect cover.”

I ignored Nova’s blushing cheeks and winked at the phoenix. “Hella Mora can’t get out right away, and we need to be prepared to do what couldn’t be done millennia ago.

The room fell silent at that sobering thought.

“Very well,” the phoenix said. “I will accompany you.”

I kissed Nova’s cheek. “After this, we’re taking a long vacation. I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t planning on saving the world again so soon.”

Nova smiled. “Such is the hero’s fate.”

I smiled back. When she looked at me like that, I wanted nothing else in the world.

Now I had to make sure there was a world for us to live in.

“And here you go.” Zara handed me a bundle of food. She’s given me most of what we’d made. I didn’t say it, but it made the Shrine of Everlasting Fire feel homier now that the basalt halls smelled like baked goods. “You’re not eating enough.”

I sighed. “I’m trying.”

Zara pulled me into a hug. I rested my head on her shoulder.

“You’re up for this?” Zara patted my back. “I can stay with you and come along on the tour?”

I shook my head, stepped back. “No. I’ll be okay. I’ll have Hashir, Aki, Stefan and apparently a phoenix of legend.”

“A gorgeous phoenix of legend.” Zara winked.

A blush heated my cheeks. “Stop.”

“I’m just saying.” Zara didn’t look sorry. “Maybe finding your spirit guide won’t be an issue after all.”

I shifted my weight, looking at the staircase. Zara was getting ready to leave with her pack, and then we would head out soon after for the Royal Palace. The engagement ball was a few days away.

“I don’t know him. He’s ready to finish the job and go back to the spirit realm.”

“I know it’s hard, especially after your pack…” Zara put her hand on my shoulder. “Don’t be afraid to live, okay? And I’m a mirror glass message away.”

“Right.” I let out a breath. “Good luck with trying to find omegas with spirit magic.”

“I have a few places to start.” Zara grimaced. “Just when I thought I could live in the Shrine and have amazing sex with my pack all the time, I have to go work.”

I laughed and shook my head. “Soon. Soon you will have more than earned your rest. In the meantime, be safe.”

“Back at you.” Zara gave me one last squeeze and headed down the hallway.

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