Page 31 of To Ashes and Dust
“So, you can’t be mated unless Calista’s father approves of it?” I asked.
Zephyr nodded.
“That’s bullshit,” I said, looking between them.
“It’s an outdated law, but it’s the law nonetheless, and her father doesn’t like me,” Zephyr said.
God, I wanted to strangle this Tobias. “Why? You’re a warrior and second in command of The Order. Wouldn’t that be abeneficialmating?”
“It’s because I’m lowborn,” he said.
I frowned, and I couldn’t understand why the term raked against my skin. “Lowborn?”
“Not of the aristocracy,” Calista explained. “Impure in the eyes of the high families. He belongs to House Thiríon through ability only, as he was not born of nobility.”
Anger rose in my chest. Zephyr was an exceptional person, kind, compassionate, powerful. His birth should have no sway in who he was mated to. “How do we change the law? Women—er females should have a say in who they’re mated to.”
“The council has to vote on it, but it hasn’t been a priority with the possibility of war in the air,” Zephyr said.
“I’ll talk to Damien. Surely, there’s something he can do. The council sent him a letter this morning, requesting a meeting.” Perhaps I could do something to help them and all the females caged by this misogynistic law.
“I know. I’ll be there,” Zephyr said.
I sighed. “Damien’s not looking forward to it.”
“He never does.”
Silence stretched out, filled by music playing from the jukebox and the chatter from the bar. My mind wandered to what was to come; the Council, the aristocracy, war.
War.
There was so much to focus on, so much to do. While I wanted so badly to help Zephyr and Calista, to live my own life, Melantha was out there, building her army. She’d remained hidden since we learned of her existence, and we’d been unable to find the darklings’ nest, despite the teams tasked with searching. I’d been exhausted after my first hunt, even with all the training I’d undergone. I couldn’t imagine fighting that many darklings at once, not to mention facing their powerful leader.
Damien wanted us to take time to celebrate, to not lose ourselves in the war, but it was difficult, knowing war was creeping up on the horizon. What would become of my home, the people I love, both human and immortal? How could I possibly protect my parents? Kat? I wanted to help them, wanted to change the laws, wanted to protect everyone, but could I?
I took a deep breath. “Well, letting it ruin the night won’t change anything.” I stood. “You guys wanna join us at the bar?”
Calista’s brows rose at the informal offer, but she stood to accompany me. “That would be lovely.”
Damien watched cautiously as we approached the bar. I gripped his hand in reassurance, kissing his cheek. “Sorry for the way I acted earlier.”
“No apologies needed. I should’ve told you.”
Damien’s gaze shifted to Zephyr as he approached, his body tensing, and I whispered into his ear. “Zephyr promised he’d relax.”
He smiled. “Only for your sake would he manage that.”
I frowned, confused, but Barrett threw his arm over Damien’s neck before I could ask.
“Round of shots for the brothers!” Barrett said, and Semele brought over the shot glasses. My cheeks already felt flushed, my skin tingling from the buzz of my first drink.
I lifted my hand. “I probably shouldn’t—"
“Awe, come on, spitfire! One more!” Barrett said, hopping off of his barstool, and I let loose a breath.
I hadn’t been having any issues, hadn’t had any signs of an attack... Just tonight. One night of drinking wouldn’t hurt.
Semele handed me a shot, different from the ones she gave the others, but I didn’t question her as I took the shot glass.
