Page 195 of Lana Pecherczyk

Unsettled. Still.

Fuck it.

He had to see her. Just a little fly by past the nesting van. Ash won’t even know. Two seconds later, he swooped and landed in the muddy field where they’d played Blake’s game. Cold air bit his cheeks and nose, but it made him feel alive. Or maybe that was what being near his mate did. Without pausing to wave at his father chatting with Salvatore on the deck of their van, he jogged to the nesting van and frowned at the still-open door. Two steps and he was inside, breathing a sigh of relief.

There she was, head down on the table, cheeks flushed. Face smooshed on crinkled papers. Lightly snoring. Fast asleep.

Thank fuck.

He considered moving her to the bed, but that might wake her. He settled for closing the door. To ease his heart further, he checked that the proximity stones were still active around the roost.

No change was good, he supposed.

At least she was resting.

A tingling on his forearm announced an incoming triad message. Ash’s scrawl appeared:

I’m waiting outside the pavilion. Where are you?

Oops.

On my way.

With a renewed sense of purpose, River launched back into the sky, picked up speed, and aimed for the tribunal pavilion at the center of the settlement. Colored flags and emblems of different family crests adorned the fabric segments, making it easily identifiable. As he descended, he almost clashed with another crow taking flight.

“Watch it!” River barked, but the floater didn’t even look back, let alone hand-sign an apology.

Must have had an unfavorable tribunal outcome.

Ash stood outside the pavilion, arms folded, glaring at River’s approach. The tent’s entrance flap opened, and Carlotta and Ravi rushed out, almost bowling into Ash.

“Ma.” River grabbed her shoulder, tugging her out of the way.

“What are you doing here?” Her eyes widened at him, then at Ash.

“We’re here to put in a good word for the Cardonas at the hearing.” River glanced at Carlotta. “And Cloud.”

“You were?”

“Don’t look so shocked.” His smile dropped immediately when he realized her pale face had nothing to do with not expecting his aid. Ice trailed fingers down his spine. “What’s wrong?”

“The tribunal hearing has been postponed,” she replied. “It was supposed to begin over a turn ago, but Cloud never turned up.”

Chapter

Sixty-One

Cloud remained beneath a dripping bough, surrounded by the scent of wet pine and decaying leaf litter. He silently tracked the bird-faced bitch, watching her intimidate vendors, cheat, and demand.

He watched, but his mind kept drifting to the things River had said.

When you’re ready to face the consequences of your betrayal…

I would have followed you anywhere…

Pushed you into love, pushed you high, then watched you fall…

I’m sorry…