Page 13 of The Keeper of the Kingdoms

“What do you mean nobody knows? How did you get it back here?” My breath caught.

“After we dealt with the ambush, I spotted this one running into woodland. My first thought was to catch it so it couldn’t warn others or report back to whoever controls it. So I sent the rest of the flight to check on the various security points before returning to the palace and told them I was going to scout for any sign of others from the air before I returned.” Something flickered in his eyes. Shame? No. It was more complicated than that. He didn’t regret it, but he knew he did wrong. “I tracked him through the woods, hoping he might lead to more of them or whoever is controlling them. But he was just running aimlessly. He had no idea of direction, then he ran into a hunter’s net and was trapped. I flew in to destroy him, but—” Nyx rubbed his forehead, clearly doubting hisdecision with due cause. “He was suspended in a tree, all wrapped up. I knew we might never get another chance to examine one, so I took the opportunity, and I swept him up. I flew in from the west, bypassed the city, and used a tunnel entrance. Managed to get him down here without being seen. With Octavian gone, I’m not sure anybody even knows of these cells. We won’t be disturbed.”

“And Zaria? Where was she in all of this?” I demanded.

Nyx pinched the bridge of his nose and drew in a deep breath. “We rode in together, of course. But none of this is on her. I didn’t consult her. She tried to stop me. But once we had him here, she was more concerned about anyone seeing what I’d done, so she helped me secure him. And now she is not speaking to me.”

Jaxus let out an indignant laugh. “At least she has some sense.”

“Nyx,” I groaned. “What were you thinking? Surely, if Zaria tried to talk you out of it, you must have known it was idiocy.”

“Oh, trust me, Zaria has made that point abundantly clear.”

“And where is she now?”

“Probably warding our rooms against my entry, I imagine.”

“Oh, Nyx, go fix that. We’ll—” I looked between the creature and Jaxus, realizing I had no idea what we’d do.

Nyx shook his head. “I’ll stay here and guard. She needs a bit of space right now. I don’t want to die today.”

“We’ll take shifts,” Jaxus said with an authority I hadn’t heard from him before. “We can’t let it escape.”

Nyx simply agreed.

“Okay,” I said, scanning my mind for ideas. “Well, I don’t have a clue where to start, but I will have to tell my father. He can be trusted,” I continued before Nyx could interrupt. “You know he can. We have the healer’s oath. He trusts me to work for the good of the kingdoms in whatever capacity that is. But I’ll have to tell him what I’m doing so he can cover for me, and theGoddess willing, he might even have some insight that could help.”

“I would feel better if Kiera had some assistance, Nyx, I don’t want her working on this alone. And she’s not to be left unattended with this creature under any circumstances. Do you understand me?” Jaxus wouldn’t let it go, and Nyx must have understood.

I turned to Jaxus and had to fight the urge to bite my lip. He was even more striking when he was riled. Smacking my libido back down into her cage, I focused on the fact that he thought to dictate to me.

“I’m not to be left alone?” I challenged. “Who are you to make such demands?”

His eyes went steely with determination, and he all but growled. “I am your—” He paused, seeming to bite back his own anger. He took a measured breath before continuing. “You are my ryder. I must protect you. You will understand that once you accept me as your flyer, you’ll feel the same way about me. I promise you.”

I barely bit back an indignant scoff. “This is not the time to have that discussion. We need to deal with this.” I gestured to our snarling, spitting friend.

“I agree, this matter is the priority, but make no mistake, we will be having that discussion, and it will be very soon. You can’t fight the Goddess’ will.”

We held each other’s stare in an intense standoff for a moment before Jaxus looked away, addressing Nyx, who had stood by awkwardly during our stare-down. “I’ll take first watch. Go take care of your domestic situation.”

Nyx looked genuinely afraid at the idea and Jaxus barked a laugh.

“Oh, come on. Surely you must know a way back into your mate’s good graces? Go and fix things, get some rest, and makesome excuse as to why I’m not at the morning briefing. Then, once it’s done, come and take over.”

Nyx’s shoulders slumped. “If she decides to end me, it’s been an honor.”

Jaxus patted his shoulder in mock sympathy. “I hope your family jewels remain intact.”

I rolled my eyes.

Males.

SEVEN

JAXUS

Kiera returned to the cells laden with books and other articles, along with a heavy-looking bag slung across her body.