Page 150 of Blood Sanctuary, Part Two

“The Sun Temple at Solorum,” Nephalea said, “a place steeped in more Anthrian magic than anywhere else in Tenebra. They hid us in the crypt.”

“You were right there all along?” Cassia cried. “I went to temple right above you! If only I’d realized—”

“You were my talisman the whole time, Cassia. There before me in the crypt, I beheld an astonishing monument to hope—the tomb of Solia, which I knew to be empty. Then I sensed your aura in the temple. Not even layers of Anthrian spells could prevent me from recognizing you in Union. Feeling how powerful and kind you had grown in the years since we met, I never lost sight of what all Hesperines errant are fighting for. The real good we are able to do in this world.”

“I was doing everything I could,” Cassia explained, “to prevent war, to keep all our Hesperines errant safe. Especially the three of you.”

Nephalea’s eyes shone. “Alkaios and I have now heard a great deal about your deeds. You have done us all proud.”

Cassia swallowed. “Is Nike—?”

“She was not one of the Hesperines errant in custody,” Lio answered.

Nephalea laughed. “Not in the wildest dreams of that green crop of Aithourians. She was leading our efforts to free the prisoners. The three of us decided I would allow myself to be captured, while Iskhyra and Alkaios remained on the outside. It led me right to the missing Hesperines errant, leaving Iskhyra and Alkaios in position to rescue us all. It was a good plan. Until it took longer than we intended. The Aithourians had secured the temple more effectively than we thought. We soon realized a Gift Collector had assisted them.” She looked at Alkaios, gripping his hand.

“When I agreed to remain with Ishkyra, I accepted the risks. Our Grace Union was the best way for you to pass us information. I only wish I could have gone in your place.”

“We needed a warder on the inside. I only wish you had sought healing in Orthros sooner.”

“I led two members of the Dexion’s war circle on a merry chase, though.”

“You cut my work in half. I only had the other two to dispatch from within. Ishkyra made sure their replacements never arrived. The Tenebran mages were of no concern when she infiltrated the temple and freed us. The Charge arrived just in time to escort us home safely.”

Cassia smiled. “Time and experience usually break the spell of our imaginations and reveal those we admired are mere mortals. But you three are every bit the immortals of my childhood memories. Where is Nike? Can I see her?”

Lio sighed. “She is still Abroad.”

Nephalea nodded. “When she realized the Charge was coming for us, it spared her a return to Orthros to deliver us.”

“I don’t understand,” Cassia protested. “Doesn’t she want to come home?”

“Her work is not done,” Nephalea replied.

“What is she working on?” Cassia asked.

Alkaios looked at his Grace. “The day I met Nephalea, I came to her family’s keep to collect my brother’s life price from hers.”

“My brother refused,” Nephalea said, “as I’d known he would. He was bred, born, and raised to carry on the feud. I was made to mourn. Most of all for Alkaios.”

“After Nephalea’s brother was done with me, Iskhyra found me on the battlefield. She asked me if I wanted revenge. I told her I wanted Nephalea. Ishkyra saved me, and armed with the Gift, I was able to save Nephalea from her family.”

“Iskhyra gave us more than the life we thought we could never have. She gave us eternity.”

Alkaios smiled at Cassia. “That is what she is always working on. Alkaioses and Nephaleas. Cassias and Solias.”

Cassia bit back her disappointment. “I should not have needed to ask.”

“But I have to wonder,” said Lio, “is her work ever done?”

“No,” Cassia answered, “but perhaps one night, she’ll decide it is enough.”

Alkaios wrapped her hand more securely around the pendant. “Rest now. We’d best do the same. We aren’t supposed to stay out of bed too long. Annassa Soteira’s orders.”

Nephalea blushed. “We’ll never live down the healers having to feed us each other’s blood. Certainly not the reunion I had in mind.”

Alkaios grinned, getting slowly to his feet. “We’ll soon enjoy our first Grace Dance here in Orthros. We’ll make it a real celebration.”

“That’s right,” Lio said. “The Queens have postponed the Festival of Grace until everyone is well enough to dance.”

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