Chapter 27
Tap
Seir greeted us the moment we stepped back into the hall, his normally jovial expression serious. He forced a smile. “I’m glad you’re back. A new doorway directly to the Dread Forest? She does like you. Did you have a good visit?”
Phin glanced between us and excused herself. “I’m going to go freshen up and get to work.”
“You don’t have to—”
She waved her hand, already walking toward the living area. “It’s alright, it will be good for me.”
Seir looked at me. “It went well?”
I shook my head, unsure what the appropriate answer to his question was. “What is it? Why do you have that look on your face?” I asked.
“Three angels were spotted outside the glade,” he replied, expression grave.
I glanced over my shoulder, glad Phin hadn’t lingered.
That was probably the very last thing she needed to hear right now.
“They were on the same road that Hailon and I took when we fell into the ruins. Coltor said they looked as though they were searching for a break in the wards, like they could sense they were there.”
“When?”
“This morning. Coltor was late coming back from patrol. Hailon filled me in just a little while ago.”
“They’ve moved on though?”
“Yes. They continued north on the road, never stopped, and didn’t turn back. He followed them to be sure. Coltor said they seemed confused about how they’d wandered into a village in the Emankor Valley, but the magical boundary did its job.”
“So did he,” I confirmed. “Do you think it’s possible they showed up there by accident?”
“I don’t know, but them showing up anywhere she’s been feels like more than coincidence.”
My gut churned. I agreed. “Was there any sign of Ramsey?”
“No, but Coltor was watching them, not what might be coming up behind them.”
“Phin didn’t have her bracelet yet when we visited,” I mused as I turned the ring on my index finger, thoughts spinning like they were trapped in a whirlwind. “Did you warn Rylan and Magnus to be watchful?”
“I’m headed there next.”
“Good.” As he turned toward the doorway to d’Arcan, I heard the high-pitched whine of the gate activating and put my arm out in front of him. “Wait.”
Vassago and Greta stepped through, both dressed in heavy coats but looking perfectly thrilled to be going on a little excursion.
“Welcome,” I greeted them.
“What’s the matter?” Vassago asked, immediately noticing our expressions.
“Angels were spotted outside the glade,” I said. “Seir just finished telling me about it.”
Vassago swore.
Greta lifted her hand cautiously. “Sorry, but which way to Phin? I need to speak with her before we continue on to Vincara.”
“I’ll show you.” Seir hustled away with Greta on his heels, leaving Vassago and I staring at one another in the hall. “Would you like to sit?” I gestured toward the living area, and he followed. Seir joined us shortly after we’d gotten settled.
“Is it possible they’re tracking her?” Seir asked.
“I don’t see how.”
“Where is your new mirror?” Vassago asked.
“Here.” I gestured to the low side table beside my recliner.
“Good. Keep it close. I’ll test it from the village. If it works from there as well, I’ll try to fix your original on our way back.”
“I’ll go ahead to d’Arcan and fill Rylan in,” Seir offered, not hesitating to make for the portals. “Bring me back some flowers, would you, Vago? As many white ones as possible.”
“For you? Or for Hailon?”
Seir’s grin finally appeared. “Hailon, naturally.”
“Of course. For her.”
Seir scoffed and was gone.
Vassago glanced around. “What a strange place this is, brother.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the way he cringed into himself, as though the space around him was offensive in some way.
“I’m wounded. You spent decades in a sarcophagus below a monastery and now live in a magic school, but my home is strange?”
He sputtered a laugh just as Greta reappeared. “Fair enough. Did you get what you needed?” Vassago asked her.
“Yes, I’m ready now.” She pinned me with a stare that told me she wasn’t overly happy with me. I wondered what all she and Phin had shared in the short time she was gone. “The libraries are fantastic, Tap. I can understand why Phin is so happy here.”
“That’s very kind of you to say.” The compliment struck as deep as her glare, and I barely stopped myself before asking her if Phin had actually said that, especially after our morning. Her happiness mattered as much as ever.
Vassago got up, and I walked them both to the doorway they needed to access the little village.
“Should we bring back a bouquet or two for Phin as well? Since you may not get out for a bit?”
“Alright.” I was disappointed in myself that I hadn’t thought of it first now that he’d mentioned it. Something like that would probably make my impending apologies go a little further.
“What flowers does she like best?” Greta asked.
“I don’t know,” I admitted, stomach rolling unhappily. “Though she seemed quite happy with the wildflowers that Merry gave her in the glade.”
“We’ll choose a few. Maybe she’ll tell you once she has some in front of her to select from.”
Greta spun on my brother, mouth open. “You sneak. Is that how you did it with me?”
He chuckled. “Perhaps it is, Dragonfly.”
“And here I thought Belmont somehow clued you in.”
“I should let you continue to blame the bird,” he joked.
“But I also have a habit of following you around the markets. So really, figuring out your preferences—especially before Grace can—is an ongoing challenge I happily accept.” He drew her close and kissed her temple, her frustration melting away.
Their dynamic was so warm and natural, it was easy to feel a bit envious of their bond.
“Is there anything else you need?” Greta asked me.
“Not that I can think of, thank you.”
“Of course.” Greta waved just before they stepped through.
I did a quick check of the portals, the unique hum each of them made registering in my mind as I walked past. Activity as a whole was low, which should have been a relief, but instead felt suspicious.
Seir still hadn’t returned and I was restless, so once I’d completed my rounds, I made a tray of tea and finger foods for Phin and carried them into the library.
Nearly the whole table had been cleared, and I could see that she’d arranged a system on the long, bare tabletop for more efficient sorting.
Her brow was furrowed with focus as she paced back and forth along the far side of the table, tossing contracts in their corresponding crates.
Normally, I’d just leave the tray and go, but something drew me to stay.
“Shall I pour it, or leave it in the pot?” I asked. She was frowning, muttering to herself. I wasn’t sure she’d even noticed I was in the room with her. “Phin?”
Her head snapped up. “Sorry, what?”
“Tea?” I gestured to the tray.
“Oh, yes, thank you.” Her head dropped, and she scooped up another armful of paperwork, pacing and whispering to herself.
I prepared two cups, and pulled out one of the chairs for myself, watching as she continued without pausing for two more stacks.
“Phin,” I said her name gently, worry beginning to claw at me. I’d watched her work before, but this was unlike anything I’d ever seen her do. After what she’d learned this morning, I couldn’t help but feel responsible for her distress.
She collected and distributed another stack.
Then another. At the third, I stood and walked over to her, realizing as I got close that her face was dotted with sweat.
As she hesitated, reaching for another pile of contracts, I rested my hands on her shoulders.
“Phin. Stop.” Her breathing was erratic, and she shifted as though she might try to pull away.
All at once, her body sagged, and I stepped back and braced as she fell into me, wrapping my arms around her to balance us both.
I stilled, the shake of her shoulders indicating that she was crying.
“It’s my fault,” she gasped. “They’re in danger because of me.”
I gripped her harder. “What? Nonsense, everyone is fine.”
“The angels nearly found the glade! Greta was here, and Seir said—”
“Coltor noticed them straightaway and made sure they kept their distance. He’s been guarding the ruins of Emankor Castle, which is right next to the glade, for ages. He’s very good at it. There are powerful wards around the whole area. Seir and Hailon are there, and Merry—”
“They could all be hurt because I went there. The angels were looking for me. Imogen said they’re making swords specifically to fight angels.
That’s my fault.” She hiccupped and my heart slammed against my ribs.
“Maybe Father Morton’s approach to all this was just fine.
” She sniffled and looked up at me, eyes rounding.
“I’m sorry.” I held fast as she tried to pull away.
“No.” The word came out as a growl, and she stiffened.
I gentled my tone. “His approach was suffocating. A punishment when you did nothing wrong.” I took a deep breath and tried to clear the red from my vision and the fire from my lungs before continuing.
My mate was distressed, and I was fully prepared to take on whatever opponent I needed to in order to soothe her, to convince her that this wasn’t her fault.
Even if that was me. “Nothing and no one would get through without someone noticing, is my point. Merry alone would have every creature in the glade alerting her. Jacks is there as well, and he’s not exactly a regular animal.
Do you trust me, Phin? Despite what happened this morning, what you learned.
Can you trust me a little while longer?”
Those bright violet orbs shimmered as she blinked. “Yes.”