Page 147 of The Dragon's Gambit

You know me.Reiya smiled.I love you. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be okay. I’ll see you soon.

I love you Reiya, my sweet fairy. Please … be safe.

I will be.Reiya began to tremble slightly from the energy drain.See you soon, my love.The connection abruptly ended with her fading strength. Reiya pressed herself against the cool, rough stone of her room’s wall, savoring the sensation on her back. She could feel the tiny tingles in her fingers, a reminder of the emotions coursing through her body. With her eyes closed, she let out a shaky breath and felt a single tear escape down her cheek. Bringing her hand up to wipe it away, she vowed to not let any more tears fall at this moment. The room around her was silent and still, save for the gentle sound of her own breathing. She steadied her breaths, willing herself to find calm despite her inner turmoil.

A new, seething anger rose inside her, something she’d never felt before. She couldn’t feel sad. Feeling sad would mean that there was a chance she wouldn’t get Lee back. That wasn’t an option. There was no room to be sad right now. She was determined. There was still something she could do, and she was going to do it. She didn’t care what dangers she would face. She was going to get her mate back.

Hell yes we are!Lumi agreed in her mind.

Will we be recharged enough to leave in the morning?Reiya asked Lumi, knowing how much that communication had drained them. They must have pushed through an intense magical barrier for it to drain them that much.

We’ll be good enough. We’ll be ready for the merrows or demons or anything foolish enough to cross our paths,Lumi growled angrily. She was just as livid about her mate being kept away.

Right.Reiya opened her eyes and looked at the door to her room.Time to let Brody and Chelsie know.

She opened the door back to the main room. She could tell that everyone was worried, knowing she would be nervous about Lee. They had no idea.

She took in a deep breath and met with their gazes. “Lee … Lee isn’t coming back.” She leaned back for some support from the wall. Her energy was really drained.

“Wait, what do you mean?” Xander asked with wide eyes. “Are you all right?”

“I had to use a lot of energy to reach him. I’m okay. But he’s been sealed.”

They all looked down with very solemn faces. They thought this was the end, that there was no getting Lee back. Everyone except two other faces. Chelsie and Brody were staring at Reiya. She smiled and looked at her two guardians.

“Brody, Chelsie, get your things packed up. We leave at first light.” Reiya watched the two of them nod, both smiling in support.

“Where are you going? You don’t have to leave because Levi’s gone. This is still your home.” Xander looked up at Reiya, not understanding why she would leave. He didn’t want them to leave. They were his family, and they belonged there.

“Xander, I’m not moving out.” Reiya giggled. “I’m going to get my mate back.”

Xander looked at her and frowned. “How? How will you be able to get him back? You can’t fight the deities.”

“There’s someone I have to go and see to get something that will force the deities to hand Lee over.” Reiya watched Xander narrow his eyes at her.

“Is it dangerous?” Xander looked at Brody and then back at Reiya.

“Does it matter? It’s the only way to bring Lee back.” Reiya answered with what was most logical. It didn’t matter. What mattered was this was the only way for her to be with Lee. She wouldn’t live without him.

Xander sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “Fine. I’m coming too, then.”

“Xander, I’ll have Chelsie and Brody. You can’t leave your kingdom, your guests, and your mate.” Reiya shook her head in protest.

“I’m coming, Reiya. We’re stronger together. It’s safer for us to be together. I’ll leave my kingdom in their hands.” Xander pointed to the other lords. “Lila will be safe here. They can all take care of things here. I’m coming.”

“Yes, Xander will go with you,” Lila spoke up, siding with her mate. It would be safer to have Xander with them.

“So, where are we headed?” Xander smirked, not letting up.

Reiya sighed and offered him a smile as she gave in. Honestly, she was glad Xander was going with them. They were stronger together, and right now wasn’t the time to be weakened. “We are going to visit the Queen of the Merrows. She has something I need.”

Chapter 90 Night Before

Mason rubbed his chin as he worried about the dangers that might be awaiting them. “How are you going to travel on foot with demons everywhere? It would be best for Xander to fly you.”

“We can’t all fly there. Not for that long. Xander is strong, but it’s too far. Besides, that would almost make us a big beacon to the demons, and they would know where we’re going. We’re going to have to try our best to go unnoticed by them. Get there and get back.” Reiya was hoping they would be able to sneak out without anyone noticing they were gone. “You guys will have to do your best to make it seem like Xander is still here.”

“I’ll stay out of sight while you guys are gone. Then they’ll just think Xander and I are bonding. Same with you and Leviathan. They won’t know he isn’t here, just that he’s spending time with his mate.” Lila walked up to Xander and linked her arm with his. She didn’t want to be separated from him, but she wanted her new friend to be safe, too. The two of them were safer together, and that made him going with Reiya a no brainer.