Page 87 of Of Blooming Embers
She gave him a sympathetic look, completely oblivious to his charm. “Well, it’s my job as an astral guide and all. But new astrals have a look about them. Confused, lost children. The lot of you.”
Kaden’s mouth fell, and he coughed. “Ah, yes. Well, we’re looking for lodgings for the night.”
She giggled, her image flickering like a translucent mirage. My eyebrows rose. “For the night? I’ll do you one better. How about forever? You fresh ones slay me. Come this way. My name’s Wren, by the way.”
As the guide turned, I tucked my lips inward, suppressing my humor, and shared an amused look with Breena. She grinned, holding her finger to her lips.
No one bothered to tell our guide that we weren’t deceased yet.
“Nice try,” I teased, bumping my shoulder into Kaden.
He gave me a halfhearted smile. “Bit rusty, I guess.”
I gave him a side hug, and he tensed. My arm dropped, letting the awkward silence creep between us as we walked.
Wren led us to a tucked-away courtyard nestled between a circle of buildings. “This is a community space, so feel free to enjoy it whenever you please.”
She waved her hand to the back corner where a wide, golden table overflowed with colorful foods and drinks. “Eat if you wish. Most astrals still enjoy mortal comforts. And why not, I say.”
My gaze roamed over the dream-like space, a gentle peace settling over my shoulders. Was Yaya here? “Excuse me, but have you heard of a woman named Neoma Nightshade arriving in the last days?”
Marek stepped forward, head tilting and tongue running over his teeth. Wren looked up at the sparkling, clear sky. “No, I don’t believe so. If I hear any news of her, I will let you know. Family?”
My hands fisted. “Yes.” If Yaya wasn’t here, there was still hope that she hadn’t been executed.
Stay strong, grandmother.
With a kind smile, she crooked her finger at a young male with wings, standing by the food table. He straightened instantly and hurried over, placing six gold decagon-shaped coins in her palm. She smiled, and his cheeks flushed as he bowed and went back to his post.
“Here are your room keys. Just slip them in the door and in you go.” She pointed to the building to our left and then placed the metal, engraved with a number, in each of our hands. Gavrel’s room was next to mine.
“If the rain doesn’t bother you, there’s a beautiful ceremony tonight at Morpheus’ citadel celebrating Selene and the Budding Moon. She did so love the rain. Said it reminded her of renewal and new beginnings.” Wren sighed.
“You knew the Moon Ancient?” Rhaegar asked, his tone full of wonder.
“Of course. The Ancients used to visit Aion regularly.”
My eyes widened. “They don’t any longer?”
“No.” Our guide paused, eyes narrowing. “But it’s widely believed that they went into hiding and are staying close to their realms or sources of ember as a way to preserve themselves. When the mortal realm was cursed, more and more mortals stopped believing or died off. And without acolytes to worship them”—she snapped her fingers, her body flickering between solid and see-through—“Ancients cease to exist.”
“I’ve heard that Ancients can’t wander for very long away from their ember source. What would happen if, let’s say, a mortal were trapped in Surrelia … in their physical form?”
Wren’s eyes rounded, her pert nose crinkled. “What an odd one you are. Luckily for you, that isn’t an issue. Because if you were here in your physical form … well, you’d have about a month before the aether claimed you. Kosmos has its limits, and neither mortals nor Ancients can outwit it.”
I guessed as much from what Phantasos had said. We’d have to find a way out of here before Khaos destroyed us all.
34
COUSIN
SERYN
Unbothered, Breena slapped her thighs. “What a bloody travesty. Well, I’m going to freshen up and nap before I cease to exist. Toodles.”
“Wait a moment. I’ll come with you,” I stated, rummaging through my belt satchel until I found the last vial.
Turning to Kaden, I put the powered tonic in his hand. “This is for you. Mix a drop of your blood in and drink it within the next couple of days. All your memories from previous Dormancies will come back, but it’ll knock you out for a bit.”
