Page 182 of Wicked Bonds

Something he discovered not by prying into her mind but from the feelings emanating from her.

Relief.

Confusion.

A hint of fear.

And a healthy dose of trust.

The emotions on the island had been overwhelming her, but it seemed Stark’s appearance helped calm her mind.

For that alone, he approved. But he’d revisit the how and why of that bond later.

Balthazar moved on to search for Sethios or Caro, finding Sethios as quiet as Jayson, but Caro loud and clear. Pride radiated from her, tainted with a hint of fear.What does this mean?she wondered.What will the council do to her when they find out?

An excellent query.

Balthazar returned to his oldest friend, curious to hear his final assessment, and frowning when he heard a lack of surprise in his thoughts.

We need to go to Luc,Balthazar said slowly.Can you mist us to his house?

Leela didn’t ask why, just engaged her ability to fly and took them to Luc’s living room.

His old friend stood at the window, observing Stas and the three kneeling Seraphim in the grass. Mateo and Jacque flanked him on either side, their gazes on the events outside.

From the mental chatter of the other Hydraians, there were two more Seraphim kneeling on the beach in a similar pose, utterly captivated by whatever trance Stas had woven through the air.

But Mateo and Luc didn’t appear all that concerned, their stances relaxed. Jacque was the more vigilant among the group, his silver eyes finding Balthazar as soon as he arrived. His lips curled, relief shining in his features.

Balthazar winked at him, pleased to see him well, too. Owen’s thoughts were nearby, suggesting he was also in the house.

Not surprising.

The two had clearly taken their friendship to a new level. It was still in the early stages, so he wouldn’t press. But he absolutely approved. Those two Hydraians had been dancing around each other for decades. And that was before Owen’s supposed death.

While Jacque clearly didn’t appreciate being kept in the dark, he wasn’t going to let the opportunity slip by him again.

Although, some residual anger remained in his aura, suggesting the two men were still working out a few details.

“Good to have you home, B,” Luc said without turning around. “And just in time, too.”

“Some would say I’m late,” Balthazar replied.

Luc nodded. “Yes. But you’re safe and alive. That’s what matters.”

“I’m surprised you’re still here,” Balthazar hedged, aware that his old friend had a few secrets in that head of his.

One being the fact that he’d anticipated this response from Stas.

Because Osiris had mentioned the capability of it.

A fact that startled Balthazar more than he cared to admit.

Since when are you openly conversing with Osiris?he wanted to demand. But he’d spent over three thousand years trusting Luc. If he was speaking with Osiris, he had a very good reason for it.

“I wouldn’t leave Hydria in these conditions,” Luc replied, turning to face him. “They needed a leader.”

“A king,” Balthazar corrected.