Page 52 of Pieces of Halves

Pumping my hand into a fist, I attempt to shake away the burning sensation under my skin. The feeling has been tapering off slowly since the fight, but is not going away. Sofia is dead, but she left a clue – a powerful bloodline. A major library will have an archive, I just need to do some digging.

I’m not dead yet, I’ll figure it out. Loosening my fingers, I catch Adrain watching me with his eyes narrowed. The asshole is observant.

“The fire fay want the root of Tartus to be put back where it belongs, and they will offer their help in finding some of Sofia’s followers,” Jona says and leans back in his chair.

As expected, the fire fairies are upset that Sofia forced them to give her the root. She had the youngest princess of the fay kidnapped and threatened to kill her if they did not do as she wished. The fairies are protective of their own, of course, they gave the root to Sofia.

“What do we know about its location?” Adrian asks, his expression, like always, moody.

“She hid it somewhere in the cascading mountains,” I state and sigh. “In one of the small villages on top.”

It took two days to hike up there, and that was using my power. It’s a good spot to hide and hard to get to. I could’ve gone into the town, but the followers could’ve spotted me and gotten spooked. Because of how difficult it is to get there, visitors are sparse. I snooped around the outskirts as much as I could. Based on the number of demons and witches coming in and out, I am certain the root is there.

“With a few more days of scouting, we can find it and convince the fairies to help. It will make it a lot easier if the Fay and werewolves took our side on this.” Adrian looks around the room, his gaze falling on Rosie. She appears a little more tired than usual, but I suppose growing a person will do that to someone. “I understand that Isabella may not want to take over her father’s kingdom,” he directs his look at me, “but if she chooses to, it will solve a lot of problems with the vampires.”

That castle is full of bad memories for her, I would never want to put her through that. At the end, it is her choice.

“I could claim it, but only long enough to establish and find someone else to take my place.” I hear Izzy’s voice, and I turn, jumping out of my chair.

Her eyes immediately land on mine, and her lips tilt up a little. She looks healthy and well-rested, her face no longer pale. Without missing a beat, I run to her. Before she can say another word, I take her face into my hands and kiss her. I meant it to be slow and tender, but she deepens it by wrapping her arms around my neck. My eyes shut, and I get lost in her, inhaling herlike air. She slept for four days, I missed her touch, eyes, and voice.

A loud cough brings me back to reality, forcing me to pull away from her. Her cheeks turn a tinge of pink when I nuzzle my nose against hers, but I can’t seem to move away. Sliding my fingers through hers, I walk us to the table. Adrian is rolling his eyes, but everyone else seems to be hiding a smile. Izzy sits down next to me, and I havea strong urge to place her on my lap just so I can have her closer.

Izzy clears her throat and continues, “I can claim it, but I will need guidance and assistance.” She looks at Adrian and Rosie. “And maybe after a year or two, I could hand off the throne to someone I trust. I just don’t think ruling is for me.” She looks down at her hands and then up at me.

There is uncertainty in her eyes, but I can tell she is doing her best to help and be reasonable.

“Jorgan.” Adrian looks at the man with a knowing grin. “Are you up for a challenge?”

Jorgan keeps his relaxed pose in his chair and smirks at Izzy.

“Of course, Your Majesty.” His gaze is directed at her. “If you trust me, that is.”

“I do.” Izzy nods and exhales.

She just woke up from a major event. I am itching to get her all to myself just so I can hold her, but this is important. I slide my hand over to hers and squeeze it, supporting her in the best way I can. This decision is hard for her, but she is doing good at staying strong.

The conversation continues around finding a way of luring the rest of Sofia’s followers into one place. Getting the fireFay to cooperate would be ideal, but there always needs to be a backup plan. So far, letting them think that Victor’s kingdom is undefended is the best we have.

The meeting cannot come to an end fast enough. We all come to a consensus, yet Adrian keeps talking about the same thing in different ways. Jorgan gives the asshole a side glance and smirks, but I’m starting to think that the shit of a king is doing this purposefully to mess with me.

“We should find someone to go see the fire fairies,” Adrian says, his words slow.

We already talked about this!I clench my jaw. My foot is tapping against the floor, the only thought on my mind is being alone with Izzy.

“Alright, I think we all understand what needs to be done.” Jona gets up with a grunt and chuckles.

Finally.

Everyone files out slowly, but Jona pauses in front of Izzy and engulfs her in his arms dramatically. Disabled, her arms dangle at the sides as he lifts her.

“I am very proud of you,” Jona says as he sets her down.

I am tempted to roll my eyes. The man is a thousand years old and an angel. When will he start acting like it? Instead, he acts like a giant stuffed bear.

“Thank you,” Izzy responds casually.

I can tell by the way her face lights up that those words mean a lot to her.

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