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Ari said nothing for a moment, merely kept his arms folded over his chest, and faced the room, shoulder to shoulder with me.

Then, “I’m ready now.”

I didn’t know how to respond, so I said nothing.

“Whenever you are,” he went on. “I’m ready.”

Cautiously, I turned to face him. “For?”

“Oh, for us to discuss the lovely bond we share. Or did you think me so dense that I wouldn’t realize you are Wraith—the man who walked me through a damn fae sleep. If you thought such things, that’s rather foolish. You know me well enough to understand I am too impressively sharp not to notice.”

“I do not recall much sharpness, but I recall an aggravating tongue.”

Where I hoped to offend enough that he might leave so I could hide the trepidation in my stance, my tone, my damn face, the Golden King failed me. He was neither offended, nor keen on my disquiet. Well, if he was, he did not let it stop him.

Ari laughed. “Such a somber sod you are. Why do you not speak to me? After all that happened in that sleep, I face you here, yet you say nothing.”

I stared at my hands. “Dream walking is not the same as the waking world.”

Ari’s face softened. “Where have you been, Silas?”

“You recall my name?”

“Do I recall your name?” Ari didn’t look at me with the fear of some. He didn’t even pay mind to the hint of the scar on my face. “You are the man who saved me. You brought me back to my wife, to a daughter. To life. I would be lost if not for you.”

“I revealed a few truths.”

“Ah. Another modest hero, I see. Someday you bleeding fools will learn to boast your strengths and feats instead of claiming them as menial tasks. Let us not diminish what you have done, what I know you did.”

“And what did I do?” My eyes narrowed.

“I know you fought to find me again when Davorin overcame me in that sleep. I don’t know how, but you were distressed when he appeared. I’m certain it was you who found a way to keep us reeling, to keep him away from me long enough to survive it. So, yes. I remember your name. Though, I do like Wraith. It’s rather intimidating, don’t you think?”

As they often did, words failed me.

I closed my eyes when Ari placed a palm on my shoulder. “Where have you been?”

“Here,” was all I could say.

“With the hidden Rave?”

“With silence.”

He hesitated. I didn’t want pity, but when I looked, it wasn’t there. Only understanding, perhaps a touch of sympathy was written on his features, but not pity. “I see. Not really, but I’m sure I will see soon enough. I’m guessing you haven’t had much company all this time, though.”

Gods, I almost smiled. Like an instinct. “A few ghosts.”

“Explains why such a crowd seems to frighten you more than battle. Since this is the case, I’ll make you an offer: should you have something to say, but do not wish to speak, then you tell me. As you know, well and good, I am marvelous at speaking for others. Over others. Around others. Really, anything you ask of me, I’m sure my tongue and voice can handle it.”

Ari winked, clapped a hand on my shoulder, then returned to his seat beside Saga.

By now, all eyes were on us. Most followed Ari as he traipsed with all the arrogance I remembered of the man, then like one head, gazes landed on me.

“I’ll just say it,” Calista said, waving her hands. “That way none of you sods will be so brazen like this fool—” She opened a palm to Ari.

“Check your words, Cal,” Ari said. “I’m no fool. Merely the boldest of us all.”

“Or the greatest pest.”