Page 16 of The Dark Rises
Cormal: We’re on our way to meet up with Sika and Ren. No news yet.
Meri: How is that possible? Did you check the underground city where they were living?
Cormal: They’re not there. Holed up somewhere else.
Meri: I haven’t heard from Madoc. Is he okay?
It occurs to me that I’m worrying about two of the most dangerous men I know, and all I can do is shake my head, but just because they’re powerful doesn’t mean they’re invincible.
Cormal: He doesn’t know how to text. He’s here with me.
My eyebrows rise. I wonder if they tried to kill each other.
Meri: …
Meri: Do I need to get a healer?
Cormal: That’s been resolved. Peacefully. He’ll explain. Have to go. Stay at The Abbey.
Resolved. Whatever Madoc told Cormal, it completely eased his mind, which intrigues me. He was dead set against him, and it takes a lot to satisfy his cynical mind. I can’t wait to hear what Madoc has to say.
I tap my finger on my lip. Where the hell could the Phoenix have gone? I try to remember all the bits and pieces I heard, but it’s not much.
Theron was able to reach Oryn last night, but he wasn’t at the dark Fae palace. He promised to ask around when he got back. I nodded my thanks, but I’m concerned it will be too late for Rivan.
I did notice Oryn’s reply rattled Theron. He doesn’t show much emotion, but he kept tapping his fingers on his thigh. Arden asked him if he was okay, and he told her Oryn was hunting down information but wouldn’t say anything else over the phone. It’s unlike Oryn to care about anything enough to make an effort.
The rune on my hand pulses. Arden added a spell to temporarily enhance it but said only I would be able to tell if it works. I peer down at the tattoo on my palm. Flames with a heart in it and the clarity rune inside the heart. Every time I look at it, it reminds me of Rivan and the time we spent together. I clench it tight. We need to find him.
Cormal: Madoc is on his way back. Tell him Ren has a lead. Mer people chattering about activity in the Forbidden Sea. Going to check it out.
Where is the Forbidden Sea? I close my eyes and try to visualize a map of the Light Fae Kingdom. I can see the land but can’t recall the waters around it.
Meri: Is Solandis up for a visitor? I need information.
Vargas: Yes, she’s much better, thanks to the doctor.
Meri: On my way.
Minutes later, I’m at their door. When I walk in, Solandis is eating breakfast and does indeed look a million times better. She’s dressed to perfection and smiling again.
I lean down and kiss her cheek. “You look fabulous. Feel better?”
She pats the chair beside her. “Like a princess. Vargas tells me you need information?” Her turquoise eyes are clear and bright this morning.
“Do you have a map of the Light Fae Kingdom? Cormal said there is activity in the Forbidden Sea, and I can’t quiteremember where it is,” I tell her, snatching up a strawberry from the bowl in front of her.
“That’s because we removed it from most of the maps a long time ago,” she replies in a serious tone. “Are you quite sure that’s the location?”
With a frown, I show her Cormal’s text. “Why? What’s there?”
She leans forward. “Call Cormal right now. Tell him to pull his men back from there. It’s not safe.” Her tone is unusually sharp.
I immediately call Cormal, but he doesn’t answer. “It’s going to voicemail.”
Someone knocks at the door, and Vargas opens it to find Madoc.
Instead of his usual ferocious scowl, Madoc’s face goes blank when he sees Vargas. “I’ll wait for you in your room, Meri.”
