Page 85 of Lana Pecherczyk

“Don’t worry about a thing.” Talo gave Ash a conspiratorial wink. “We’ve got it all sorted.”

River’s gaze darted between them. The movement made his vision swim. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” Talo said, his usual jovial tone softening, “that your mother and I won’t let another chance at happiness slip through our kettle’s fingers. Not after…” He glanced toward the Cardona settlement, his wings rustling with unease. “Well.”

River’s jaw clenched. “Lark and Tommas.”

“We suspected they were meeting at Lover’s Roost.” Talo sighed. “Would have been a perfect match. Your sister’s healing gift, his strength. But perhaps our flocks aren’t as compatible as we thought.”

“I can’t believe the Donna changed her mind about the match.” River’s fingers curled into fists on his lap.

Talo’s eyes sparked. “Violence begets violence, son.”

“Not according toPeacemaker.” He scoffed.

“There are better ways to seek justice.”

“Like what? Turning the other cheek? Living in peace and harmony while our kettle remains at the top of the amphitheater?” River gestured at their elevated position, hisarm feeling unusually like jelly. “Face it, Dad. Your ‘make love, not war’ philosophy hasn’t worked out for us.”

“Hasn’t it?” Talo’s gaze settled meaningfully on River’s glowing marks. “The Well chose you as a Guardian. It blessed you with a mate. That’s not nothing.”

Talo smoothly changed the subject and launched into unsolicited tips on improving stamina beyond two pumps so that River’s new mate was well looked after in the bedroom. Ash mimed explicit suggestions when Talo wasn’t watching. River wanted to throttle them both, but … not really. The moonshine made it hard to get riled up, which he suspected was his father’s intention.

It had been too long since River had seen Ash laugh and enjoy himself.Crimson, it had been too long since River had done so either. This past day with Blake, he’d laughed more than he cared to admit.

Ash suddenly cut off mid-sentence, tensing as his gaze snapped to the air above the inner amphitheater. Alert, River instinctively reached for mana, preparing for battle. The sudden movement made his stomach lurch. Had the kelpie returned?

Chapter

Twenty-Seven

When the Faelins crested the ledge, River almost wished it were the kelpie returning.

“Yoo-hoo, cousins!” Reed Faelin called, landing with an exaggerated limp that his wingmate, Skye, fussed over. “I heard you’re having a healing observation tonight. I wouldn’t mind Ravi looking at my knee. I’m hoping to be in perfect shape for tomorrow. Hope we’re not intruding.”

Talo sprang to his feet, grinning. “Not at all, Faelins. Our roost is your roost. Come on in.”

“We brought a gift.” Skye handed over something small and sparkly, which Talo accepted graciously with a dark look sent River’s way—a silent dig at the shitty “rocks” River had brought as gifts for his family.

In River’s defense, he’d been a little distracted.

“Perfect timing,” Talo said. “We’re about to dish up a feast like no other! Ravi’s got something special in store tonight. Won’t you join us?”

River watched them walk toward the long table, their figures growing hazy in the twilight. Bioluminescent mushrooms had been cultivated to grow over the tree trunks and boughs. Their light complemented the soft atmosphere that manabee lanterns provided, gently swaying from branches.

Music started somewhere—percussion on wood and the intricate plucking of a lyre’s gut strings. The Faelins had brought their instruments, and Sera began to sing in her low, haunting way. Lark conversed with another couple who had recently flown in.

Wait.

If they were there, then where was Blake? Should he find her? What was the protocol?

River turned back to find Ash staring into the amphitheater’s abyss, specifically toward the Cardonas.

“You think he’s over there?” River asked, his tongue feeling oddly thick. He tipped his moonshine back and gulped down the last of it.

Ash shook his head but didn’t elaborate.

So many thoughts warred in River’s mind: righteous payback, guilt over his potential happiness, and Blake’s prolonged absence. The feud. In the end, all he could muster was, “This bullshit with Cloud sucks.”