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“Not just that, but I'm sorry I ever brought you into this. When I found Renya again, I shouldn't have come back to the Snow Lands. I should have hidden her somewhere, taken her away where she couldn't be found. This is all my fault. I'm the reason Jurel is dead, I'm the reason we're trapped in here.”

“Grayden, I think we would have ended up here, regardless of our choices.”

Grayden leaned against the wall, the cold seeping into his muscles. His shoulder would be bruised for days, but the coolness of the wall brought him some relief. “You know, Renya said something like that.”

“She did?”

“Yes, when we were at the Twilight Kingdom. She said the prophecy was proof she would vanquish the Shadow Queen, because it was foretold. It gave her strength and assurance, I think. She said she felt like every move she made was the right choice, leading her to do whatever she must do.”

“She's very wise,” Selenia said, and then she jerked her head up, listening. She sat up suddenly, her eyes wide.

“What is it?”

“I can hear Phillippe,” she said. “Hush!”

Grayden sat quietly, watching her facial expression. She stood completely still, eyes closed. She finally opened her eyes, and looked at Grayden.

“He was talking with someone, but I couldn't make out anything.”

“Maybe it was the woman that was in here?”

“Maybe,” she answered, looking at Grayden. “But it sounded like it might have been a man.”

Grayden frowned, hoping Phillippe was okay. Then, from across the room, a flash of gold shone and three figures slowly spun around, becoming more and more substantial by the second.

His jaw dropped. “Sion?”

Sion and Phillippe were standing in the room, along with a man that looked vaguely familiar. Another golden circle spun, and the elderly woman appeared again.

Grayden wasted no time before rushing up and giving Sion a hearty hug. He pulled back, looking into his friend's face for injury, before asking about Renya.

“She's fine, Grayden. Unharmed and becoming more and more powerful with her magic.”

Relief poured over Grayden like rain during a thunderstorm. He released a loud breath, as if he hadn't properly breathed since Renya left him. “Really?”

“Yes, really.”

Grayden eyed the other man beside Phillippe, trying to place him.

“Grayden, this is Cyrus,” Sion said, gesturing to the man.

At once it clicked. The picture in the locket. The piercing blue eyes. He looked much older now, far older than he should, given Renya's age in the picture, but there was no doubt about it. This was Renya's father. If he was with Sion, did that mean he was imprisoned as well?

Grayden's heart raced as he took in the man before him. This was the father of the woman he loved, a man who had sacrificed everything to protect her. A mixture of respect, gratitude, and apprehension swirled within him.

“I take it this is the man you serve?” Cyrus said, peering into Grayden's green eyes, taking the measure of him.

“He is. Cyrus, this is Grayden. Your daughter's...mate.”

“And fiancé,” Grayden added, growling slightly. He didn't want anyone else to forget it.

“A little possessive, are we?” Cyrus laughed as he clapped Grayden on the back. “I've been there!”

Grayden was momentarily taken aback, realizing that he was now in the presence of Renya's father. “I guess I should have asked you for her hand, and I would have, if I knew you existed. Does Renya know you're alive?”

“She does, my boy,” Cyrus replied, holding out his hand to shake Grayden's. “And I did you a favor before leaving. I broke her blood promise.”

“You broke the promise, and then left her there?” Grayden said, irritation and admonishment in his tone. His protective instincts flared, overriding his initial awe at meeting Cyrus.