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Darkness. Night.
…How do I find it? You already know…
The riddle.
I pulled back from him, and we sat up as my thoughts and memories continued to pour into his mind. Ryker gasped when he finally understood. Kleio had provided me with everything I needed to complete her task. I looked back to the sky and followed where the river constellation led.
“What direction is that?” I asked.
“Southeast. It leads right to…” He sighed. “Right to the Rip.”
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Kya
“What does that mean?” Malina asked.
Theron had taken us to Hakoa’s barrack at first light, and we were now in his sitting area. Ryker and I were sitting next to Mavris, sipping on hot tea with Malina and Hakoa across from us, both of which were still dressed in what they had been sleeping in. Malina was wearing loose pants and one of Hakoa’s shirts, and Hakoa wore only pants, leaving his tattoos on display. While they rubbed the sleep from their eyes, we told them what we had discovered about my magic and how everything was coming together to stop Daegel once and for all.
“What does what mean?” I leaned back against the couch and Ryker put his arm over my shoulders, pulling me against his side.
“The star river and the Rip. What does that mean?” she asked again.
“We think it’s leading us to Daegel’s location.” It was the only reason we could think of, at least. And I hope we aren’t wrong.
Malina’s eyes widened, darting between Ryker and I. “You are seriously not thinking of going after him, are you? Fuck,Kya. Look at what he did. He captured Nik. He destroyed Voara and tore down the palace for Nox’s sake.” She glared at Ryker. “You’re really going to allow her to confront him again? He killed her Spirit. He’s after her. What makes you think he won’t kill her? He already tried to with her Kiss laced arrow.”
“Which I doubt he knew was poisoned. No fae would die from just a simple arrow,” I added.
“That’s not the point. He tried to kill you, and your mate is going to just take you right back to him.”
Ryker’s arm tightened around me. “This is her decision. I won’t stop her. And if she is going, you can damn well expect that I’m going to help her in any way I can. Regardless if I’m happy with it or not.”
“You disagree that I should go? I’m the only one who can stop him.”
“No, little gem, I don’t disagree. But that doesn’t mean I like it.”He kissed my temple.
Malina just stared at me for several moments. I could see her mind working. Running through scenarios and variables. Until finally coming to the conclusion that it was better that I have as much help as I could get rather than no help at all.
“Well…shit. Then I’m going too,” Malina said.
“So am I.” Hakoa crossed his arms.
“Ayen’s ass…” Mavris pinched his nose. “Yeah, me too.”
“No,” I stated. I would not put any more lives in danger than was necessary. I knew that no matter what I couldn’t keep Ryker from coming, he’d just find me anyway.
“Excuse me?” Malina barked. “Why the fuck not?”
“Because you don’t need to be there. I’m not putting you at unnecessary risk.” And I didn’t want to worry about her. She could handle herself just fine, but against Daegel? I wasn’t sure she’d be any help.
“Don’t,” she said through gritted teeth, and everyone stiffened at her tone. “You think that just because Nik is gone you have to be like him?”
I met her stare before announcing to the room. “Can you give us a minute?”
Everyone quickly stood and went outside, closing the door behind them and leaving Malina and I alone.
“I’m not being like Nik. This is completely different,” I said trying not to get worked up.
