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Aruan’s voice reaches me both from the ledge and through our bond.“Elsie!”

I hurry to say, “I’m fine.”I help Maeva to her feet.“We’re fine.”

I don’t want Aruan to storm to me, which is exactly what he wants to do.I can feel his intention.However, I have a bigger problem than dealing with my mate’s anguish right now.It’s vital that we cross over quickly because Betty is getting tired.

“Come on,” I say over my shoulder.“We have to hurry.”

We make it across in a few more strides.

The moment my feet hit solid ground, Aruan is in front of me.I let Maeva go and move aside to make space for the others.They stumble onto the ledge, falling down on their knees, crying.When Vitai clears the bridge with Eucabeth in his arms, I release Betty and Ducky.

Ducky heads toward the waterfall and perches on the ledge to rest.Betty lands a safe distance from him.I sigh with relief, my heart still beating a mile a minute.I don’t even want to think about what would’ve happened if Vitai hadn’t fixed the ropes.In my mind’s eye, I see them give and the bridge swing through the air before crashing against the rockface, splintered wood flying everywhere.But we’re here, safely, thanks to Betty and my new friend.

Aruan locks his hands around my waist and stares into my eyes.Everything we’re not saying but thinking passes between us.He’s both relieved and furious.Alarmingly so.

I blow out a shaky breath when he pulls me closer and wraps me up in his arms, soaking up the warmth and the feeling of safety until he kisses the top of my head and whispers in my hair, “We’ll talk about this in my quarters.”

I push away, picking up on something else that worries me—a thought that’s not my own.

Someone tampered with the bridge.

I go cold, searching Aruan’s eyes for confirmation.Yes, that’s what he thinks, what heknows.The bridge didn’t collapse from wear and tear.Why would it?The Alit would never be so negligent as to let the sole access to their palace deteriorate.

This was no accident.Someone cut the ropes and loosened the boards.Why?Because one of us is a target, and it’s not Vitai or the people from Earth.

It’s me.

First the poison and now this.I almost got seven people and myself killed.

“No.”Aruan’s voice is unrelenting.“You’re not responsible for someone else’s actions.”

Maybe.Either way, now is not the time to argue.I put my hand on his cheek.“What happened to you?”

He cups my hand, pressing my palm against his face.“Nothing.”

“That’s not nothing.”I pull my hand free and trace the cut on his lip.“Someone hit you.”

“It was nothing I couldn’t handle.”

Quoting his earlier words, I say, “We’ll talk about this in your quarters.”

He doesn’t protest when I walk to the two pterosaurs, though the surfacing of his power comes through our bond.He’s being cautious, ready to melt them just in case.

“Good girl.”I pet Betty when she lowers her head to nuzzle my hand.“You did great.”Going over to Ducky, I give him a scratch under his chin, which makes him close his eyes in bliss.It’s insanely cute.“You too, buddy.Thanks for your help.”

I become aware of Karl and the women staring at me.They’re quivering on the ledge, looking at me strangely.

Right.

I sometimes forget how frightening the sight of a dinosaur is.

I say goodbye to Betty and Ducky, giving each a last caress.When I return to the others, they pretend to be studying the remnants of the boards that lie scattered far below.

Betty and Ducky stretch their necks.Their piercing cries reverberate through the valley.The mist has evaporated.A brilliant sun shines over the black sea.The pyramid mountain with its foaming waterfall and moss-covered cliffs stands out against the backdrop of the green jungle.With the rainbow colors of the pterosaurs perched on the ledge, it makes a striking picture.Maybe it’s just the thrill of having escaped with our lives, but I don’t think I’ve seen a more beautiful scene.

What happened must’ve attracted the other royals and Aruan’s parents because they come rushing through portals into the Great Hall.

Not appreciating such a big audience, Betty and Ducky launch into the air.They spread their wings, turn west, and take off over the sea.