Page 156 of Between Soul and Vessel
“When immortal souls are retrieved from the Miyakai River, all that information is logged by the Ashamori. If you could gain access to their system, you might be able to track down what became of your child. However, because you can reincarnate, your child could possess the ability as well. Which means they could have reincarnated anywhere, with any family—which, as you know, there is no log for.” She stopped for a moment, considering something. “There is a third possibility as well—your child might have chosen to reincarnate within you, and they are waiting for a new vessel to be formed. In some cases, if the vessel is split in the early stages, it will result in twins.”
Silence lingered as I reflected on what I had been told. Essentially, if our child was alive, they could be anywhere,including within me. I suppose that gave me a place to start, which was better than nothing. “If their soul has decided to reincarnate within me, how would I know?”
Naia’s face grew weary. “There are two ways. The first is far from foolproof, and the second, although it will give you a definitive answer, is something I do not recommend.”
“What are they?” I asked, moving forward in my seat.
“Well, the first would be to become pregnant again. After the baby is born, you could take them to a soul worker and see if the child’s soul is the same as before, although, I will warn you to be careful, as there are a lot of fake soul workers out there, looking to capitalize on the desperate.”
“That would take months, and if it isn’t our first child or the soul worker is wrong, it would mean they could still be somewhere out there,” I said, shaking my head. No, that wouldn’t do. “What is the second option?”
She hesitated for a moment, then answered, “A visual inspection of the womb.”
Von bristled beside me.
“That doesn’t sound pleasant,” Kaleb stated, reminding me that he was still here. That they all were. I had been so fixated on what Naia had been telling me, I had tunnel vision and forgot about everyone else.
“It’s not,” Naia warned, the caution in her voice still present. “As Sage is an immortal, she would have to take an elixir to prevent her immortality from healing her. A chirurgeon healer would then cut into her abdomen, into the womb, and visually inspect it through a special glass that allows one to see souls, no matter how minuscule.”
“I don’t have the ability to heal so that wouldn’t be an issue,” I said. “Where can I find a chirurgeon healer?”
“There is one who resides within the palace,” she answered.
My heart leapt in my chest. “That’s great. When can they—”
“Sage,” Von cut me off, voice razor-sharp. “Can I talk to you for a moment?”
“Of course,” I answered, turning to him. A sharp, spicy taste emerged on my tongue, like I’d taken a bite out of a pepper. I eyed him. What was that? Anger? Passion? Why did they taste similar?
He looked at Naia. “Is there somewhere we could speak in private?”
“Of course. It’s getting late anyway. Perhaps we should pause this conversation until tomorrow morning?” Naia asked.
“That would be good,” Von replied with a single nod, his eyes shifting to mine.
“Wonderful,” she stated, shooting a glance over to one of the servants. “Please show them to their rooms.”
The servant dipped her head and then gestured to the doorway leading back inside. “Please, if you would allfollow me.”
Von
Iloved my mate.
I loved her more than anything.
Butsometimesher carelessness was like a spark to my veins, dry as tinder—causing an inferno of frustration reducing patience to ash. Sometimes, her total lack of self-preservation made me want to lock her in a tower, or a cage, or anywhere else she couldn’t put herself in danger. She was just like every other hero out there—filled with that incessant need to put others before herself.
Well, damn her. Damn her and her selflessness.
Yes, I wanted to find out what had happened to our child, but not at her expense, not if it compromised her safety. There had to be a line, and that was where I drew it. I would allownothingto harmmywife, not even herself.
I stalked into our designated chamber, Sage trailing leisurely behind me.
My shadows connected to every crevice within the large, dimly lit room, ensuring no dangers awaited us. I scanned beneath the king-sized bed, behind the window curtains, throughout the bathroom—searching for anything that would have me grabbing Sage and flying her the fuck out of here. Naia might be going against the empress’s laws, but she was still her sister, and who knew how deep her loyalties ran. I did not trust the Goddess of Knowledge. Then again, the list of people I trusted was rather small—and right now, Sage’s spot on it was becoming questionable.
She closed the door behind her.
I ran a hand through my hair in a bid to cool my temper—something which lasted all of one second before I saidfuck it, turned, and strode toward her. I grabbed her by the chin and guided her backwards—
