Page 120 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

Her gasp is instant. She snatches it up, inspecting it like it’s treasure. “It’s the prettiest one ever. You always find the best ones.”

Ryker's face softens as he looks at Clara, the lethal, bored prince mask he’s been wearing lately vanishing entirely. For her, he is Anders—the brother who finds the prettiest shells and makes the world feel safe. It’s a reminder that beneath the masks and the sharp quips, there is a man who loves so fiercely it terrifies me.

“Clara,” Ryker says with softness, brushing back her wild blonde hair. “I’m sorry, but Raea and I have to go. We have to go meet with some people, and we can’t be late.”

Her face falls. “Are they going to help us get home?”

“We’re training so we can protect everyone,” he explains. “The Veil is gone, remember? So we have to learn how to fight better.”

She nods, still pouting, but lets him lift her into his arms.

“Let’s go see if Trysten’s awake.”

Once they leave, I head for the bathing chamber.

We meet Riven in the gardens, Carys beside him in full warrior regalia—armored leggings, silver breastplate, and a heavy cloak. Compared to her, I feel almost delicate, even in my fur-lined boots and leather-trimmed vest.

“Ready to go?” Carys asks, looking between us.

We nod.

“Caelus has summoned us. After, we can head to the training grounds.” She turns, and with similar movements that Brynna made yesterday, she opens a gateway. It’s barely sunrise, but through the gateway, it’s bright—probably midday.

Without another word, the four of us step through. I have to admit, this kind of travel is much quicker, but I do miss being in space. There’s a freedom up there that can’t be experienced anywhere else. I miss the familiar hum of the transports—the freedom to choose my destination, to fly past planets and moons as they blur and warp into flashes of light.

The gateway seals behind us, leaving us on a chilly mountain.

“We have to walk from here,” Riven says, taking the lead.

There isn’t much here but a barren dirt path and frozen ground. Above, there are thick clouds heavy with snow. Ryker puts me in front of him. I have no point of reference, no idea where we are going, but I trust they know the way.

After an hour of hiking, a tall structure comes into view. The walls are a deep red, polished and reflecting the barren landscape. There’s nothing else as far as I can see. I’ve not seen another person, animal, or any other life form.

“There.” Riven points. “It’s the temple. From there, we can travel to Caelus.”

“And where is he?”

“We’ll find him at Ilythara. It’s the peak where the aether is said to be the thinnest. The temple is the gateway,” Carys replies.

I’m out of breath when I say, “Okay.” I could really use some water right now.

We continue our hike until the towering structure looms over us. Riven opens the large iron door, holding it for the rest of us. Carys leads us inside. It’s dark, and I can’t see much, but ahead there are quiet prayers and candles. Our footsteps feel loud as we enter the larger space. None of the priestesses here looks up from their books or their prayers.

Riven leads us to a table, passing us a waterskin before strapping one to his back. “You’ll need to drink to replenish your strength. The altitude and the magic—” He shakes his head. “You’ll see. This water will help stabilize your system. The priestesses make it for those who are willing to travel.”

I take a sip, wetting my tongue. A sweet flavor blooms in my mouth. I take another long pull. Ryker does the same, placing a quick kiss on my lips. The open affection in front of strangers makes me blush.

Carys and Riven share a smile, and I don’t miss the way their fingers brush.

I tilt my head, studying them. Of course. It’s obvious, how did I miss it? “Are you two…together?” My lips part, curling into a smile.

Riven pulls his hand away, his expression snapping into that unreadable warrior mask I’ve come to recognize. But the longing in Carys' eyes is a fire that won't be put out. “My father won't allow it,” she whispers.

Ryker scoffs, his arm a possessive weight around my shoulders. “Kings have a habit of forgetting the heart doesn’t answer to politics. My father tried the same. I suggest you stop asking for permission.”

Riven looks like he’s trying to fight the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, but when he takes Carys in, he relents. His smile spreads across his face, and I don’t miss the effect it has on her.

Carys reaches out, locking her fingers with his. “Maybe.”