Page 87 of The Edge of Darkness

I winced. “Nivelle offered some insight into Aremis’s power. And . . . let’s just say, it’s not ideal.”

You’ve made progress with her? Niall asked into my mind.

Apparently more than I expected.

Good. He nodded.

“We can fill you in during our trip east later today,” Aremis said.

Nivelle was quick to inquire of our plans. “What’s east?”

“Answers to our questions about Niall’s power—we hope,” I said, taking my mate’s hand. “It is rumored that there is a wraith living in an ancient cave system, and⁠—”

The witch interrupted me abruptly. “A wraith!?”

Both Roirdan and Maeson’s heads jerked in our direction at the intensity in her voice.

“Is there a problem with that?” Niall asked.

“How long has a wraith been living amongst you?” Nivelle hissed.

“No one knows,” Aremis answered. “It’s more lore than it is certain truth.”

“So you are searching for a wraith, based on lore?”

“My ancestor kept a journal,” Niall explained. “He struggled with the same power I possess, and he and his caretaker logged those struggles and the lengths they went to during their quest for answers. They mentioned journeying to a place at the eastern point of our mountain range.”

“As for the wraith being there . . . that’s speculation,” Aremis added. “But the place he described fits the legends. And if legends are right . . .”

Nivelle shook her head in doubt. “The odds are slim that the legends hold true. Any wraiths that came with Torin from Skotos should have died long ago. But, if you are going to go, then I must caution you. Wraiths are notoriously devious creatures who care only for their own needs.”

Across the patio, Roirdan’s voice echoed. “Why am I the only one eating?”

None of us replied, but Maeson made her way to the table and took a seat next to him.

“Would you be willing to go with us?” I asked Nivelle. Niall and Aremis didn’t object.

She pursed her lips in a show of contemplation, but I had a feeling she had already been thinking of how she could accompany us.

“On one condition,” she answered. “There is a plant that I require as part of my diet.”

Niall’s brows furrowed, but I quickly explained. “She doesn’t eat meat.”

“Ah.” He nodded. “Does the plant have a name?”

“Zaldora,” she said. “The entire plant will do, roots and all.”

“The Zaldora plant thrives near the coast,” Niall pointed out.

“And it is a delicacy on the isles,” Nivelle stated. “We have traded with sea merchants for it in the past, but those journeys have been few and far between, and I have a longing to taste it again.” She tossed him a dry smile. “You’re the High Lord. I’m sure you can acquire it rather easily.”

He lifted a brow at her emboldened attitude. “I’ll see what I can do.”

I knew that he would have Maeson see to the request. If there was anyone who knew how to get their hands on rare plants, it was her.

A deep voice announced from behind us, “If you all aren’t at this table in the next thirty seconds, I can’t guarantee there will be any bacon left.”

I couldn’t help but grin. “Coming,” I called over my shoulder.