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“You know it’s true,” Lulabelle argued. “Xavier’s had a hard-on for Jaakobah since the day he met him. Probably earlier. I’ll bet he’s got a computer file filled with photos that he gets off on every damn day.”

Grandmother didn’t appreciate the image any more than I did. “I do not wish to contemplate what Xavier does in the privacy of his own room.”

Lulabelle sighed and answered a brief “point” before turning her attention back to me. “You really think Jima can find Saraphina?” Lulabelle pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, gnawing worriedly. “That seems like a big ask of such a small guy.”

I understood her concern. “We need a little finesse. Brute strength isn’t what’s required when it comes to finding Phina.”

“I agree.” Grandmother offered her support. “And if Keir believes this is the correct path, then I’m inclined to agree. After all, in many ways, this is what you’ve been doing these past few centuries, is it not?”

Grandmother wasn’t wrong. “It is.” I’d planned different operations and picked the council member or members that were best suited for the job. Taking my personal feelings and worries out of the picture and looking at the situation from a practical standpoint, Jima was a good choice. The best choice.

“Then that is what we will do,” Grandmother said. “As Lulabelle so colorfully implied, prompting Xavier into this trip will not be difficult and I can think of half a dozen viable reasons to explain his travels. That is the easy part.” Grandmother eyed me again. “Is it safe for Jima to confine himself to Xavier’s travel case?”

I had to take Jima’s word for it and answered, “He says it is, and I trust Jima.” That wasn’t a lie. Neither was admitting that I trusted Jima’s judgment far more than my own. Jima was right. If I couldn’t count on myself, then I needed to lean on those I could trust, and Jima was at the top of that list. I couldn’t allow myself to get bogged down in the what-ifs and uncertainty of the future. Besides, Goddess forbid something did happen to Jima, I got the feeling Helios would end me before I had much time to mourn Jima’s passing.

It was a consideration. Not a comforting one, but a consideration all the same.

Grandmother inhaled deeply, as if steeling herself against her decision. “Then we will see it done.” Attention changing to Lulabelle, Grandmother said, “I trust you to take care of this matter.”

Lulabelle’s nose scrunched in distaste. “Desperate times and all that.”

“Indeed,” Grandmother answered with a touch of amusement. “We must all do unpleasant things when the situation calls. That is the burden of leadership.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know.” Before slipping away, Lulabelle reached for me and squeezed tight. “We’ll find Saraphina and slaughter anyone that threatens her. You have my word and my promise.” Declaration in place, Lulabelle turned and walked outside the silencing barrier I’d activated and through the door, leaving Grandmother and me alone.

When I glanced her direction, Grandmother’s face was soft with fondness. “That girl is joy and mayhem all rolled into one. She has the makings of a great flight leader. One day, she will take my place. That thought brings me comfort.” Softness fading into sharp edges, Grandmother’s golden eyes bored into mine as she said, “Your father has three such offspring—all worthy of succeeding him. How did Jaakobah manipulate Hunapo so thoroughly?”

I had no answer beyond the disease slowly killing him. “Perhaps the Wasting started earlier than any of us know.”

Grandmother didn’t appear convinced. “Perhaps,” she slowly answered before pushing away her thoughts with a head shake. Changing the subject, Grandmother said, “Tell me of this Verona. How much trouble are we in if she comes for Lazarus?”

My earlier meal threatened to return. “Her nature is acid.”

“Goddess,” Grandmother whispered, eyelids slipping closed in silent prayer. “The worst kind.”

After seeing the damage Verona did to Lazarus, I couldn’t disagree. “The scars you see on Lazarus are her doing.”

“I am surprised he survived.” Grandmother moved to the window overlooking the lush garden we’d walked earlier. “We’d lose many in such a fight.”

Grandmother’s flight could be decimated if they fought alone. “Lazarus is sufficiently healed. He will fight her.” If the fight started fair—one-on-one—then Lazarus had a lot better chance. If, however, Axios was no longer lying dormant in a field of snow and ice, all bets were off. “Thalia is close as well. It wouldn’t take her thunder long to arrive.”

“I do not doubt Thalia’s integrity, only how many will pay the price as we await their arrival.”

I couldn’t argue that point and said as much. “It is a risk. We can leave. Lazarus may be her prime target, but I helped protect Vi and Blu. I kept the eggs from her just as much as Lazarus did.”

“And you have told me what that protection could have cost you and the rest of your council.” Turning from the window, Grandmother closed the distance between us. Her fingers found my biceps and held on tightly. “Humans believe pride to be sinful. I have no such qualms. My pride in you knows no bounds and continues to grow and expand with abandon. I am pleased to be able to say so. Your noble actions are a testament to my daughter. Lavinia regretted the day you left. Even before complete realization came to her. Perhaps pride truly is a sin, for I believe it was Lavinia’s pride that kept her from reaching out to you and healing the seeping wound left within her heart.”

My own heart sank. “I shouldn’t have left. I⁠—”

“No.” Grandmother shook her head, loosening her coiffed hairdo. “You did what you had to do. Lavinia understood that. She never blamed you, Keir. She blamed herself, and rightly so.”

“I’m not sure that makes me feel better.” Whether it was my direct doing or not, my actions had still hurt the mother I loved.

“I did not believe it would. But it will help you understand, and one day, the knowledge will allow you to process your grief and place it in the light it deserves, not shrouded in misconception.” Grandmother gave my arms a final squeeze. “Now, I believe some rest is in order. When this ordeal is over, I will be sure to send my gratitude to this new director of the Warlock Council.”

“Nikodemus Holland,” I offered even though I thought Grandmother already knew his name.

She nodded her understanding and released me. “Go now. Gain strength and clarity from the wyvern you share your bed and heart with.”