My mind slipped back to the number of trolls I killed in that fight. Too many. Did Yera and Ekon hate me for what I did? I wouldn’t blame them if they had secret plans to murder me for it.

  “Thank you for not delaying us,” Yera said, taking the seat closest to the door.

  “Time’s kind of important here,” I replied. “I don’t want to waste any.”

  “Are we to assume our people cannot be one of the Dionadair?” Ekon asked, jumping right in.

  “No.” I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. “I mean, yes, you’re being considered. The elementals won’t select someone with witchcraft, which I hear some of your people excel at. They also won’t mix with arcane magic, but I think that’s more the elves.” I shrugged. “I’d welcome suggestions if you think of someone who could easily work with the other races and accept a few voices in their head.”

  “There are voices in your head?” Yera asked, her grin spreading around her tusks. I still thought they were the coolest things ever.

  “You have no idea.” I stopped myself from putting my hands in my hair. “Each Dionadair will have four elementals bound to them. One for each element. The easy part of the transition is learning to integrate their strengths with your own. The hardest part is having them attuned to your thoughts.” I bit my lip, not really wanting to explain, but knowing I had to. “They hear everything I think. I’m betting it’s just as hard for them. My brain never seems to stop and never stays on the same track for more than two minutes.”

  Lodron and Ronquil both laughed, and I shot a scathing look at them.

  “But knowing they hear all of my craziness is a little unnerving. They don’t judge me, normally, unless I ask them to. They also don’t reply to my million and one rhetorical questions unless I ask them to.”

  “So you have a mutually respectful relationship,” Ekon concluded.

  “Yep.”

  “Do you hear their thoughts?” Yera asked.

  “Nope. And I’m so grateful for it,” I replied. “I have enough shit—stuff—going on in my head already.”

  The two trolls looked at one another. Ekon’s long, bony finger trailed one of his tusks. Yera nodded. Was that silent communication between them?

  “We’ll think on it and send a message to Princess Coral,” the female replied.

  “Thanks.” I stood, and they did as well. “I hope we can find one of your people to join us.”

  “You surprise me,” Ekon said. “You don’t fear us?”

  A sharp laugh escaped me. “Maybe a little,” I admitted. “But you’ve done nothing to make me fear you. You’ve been respectful and understanding.”

  “Our size and appearance don’t scare you?” Yera asked.

  “Your tusks are fricking awesome!” I blurted out, feeling my face flush. “And everyone is bigger than me. It’s nothing new.”

  Laughter filled the room, and my entire neck, face, and ears burned with embarrassment. I didn’t mind though. It was a good kind of embarrassing.

  “Thank you for your honesty, Alisandra,” Ekon said, still smiling. “Who shall we send in next?”

  “The witches would be best, then the mages and shifters,” I replied.

  “Not the elf?” Yera’s thick eyebrows rose towards her dark hair.

  “Hell no,” I snapped. “He can wait. I need a level head to talk to him.”

  They laughed again and left the room.

  “I don’t know why you think you need me to lead,” Ronquil said from his seat across the table.

  How did I explain my selfishness to someone who didn’t want to see it?

  “When we fought Sabina’s warriors in the desert, and my shield failed to protect everyone from that bastard’s spell, I froze. I was too scared to see who died. Terrified it would be someone I…cared for.”

  I stuttered on the words, remembering the pain and fear that threatened to paralyze me. I also remembered my nightmare of Sabina’s throne room and the same sense of helplessness.

  “I ignored everyone else and followed my elementals to the enemy commander,” I continued. “A real leader doesn’t do that. A real leader evaluates the battle, sees the loss but doesn’t cave under it. A real leader can set aside their emotions, organize their people, and keep fighting.”

  I glanced at Lodron and regretted it. The hard set of his jaw said he knew I was talking about him. He and Jesenia were the ones who took control and kept fighting.

  “I’m the backup gal,” I added. “The one who does stupid shit when the boss says not to.”

  Lodron grunted and pulled his eyes away from mine as the door opened again.

  I expected the witches, not Kellen and the rest of the mages, and certainly not Victor and Matt, who were right on their heels. Elaine slid into the room behind them, and I frowned.

  “The witches send their apologies,” Kellen said. “They knew their magic wouldn’t mix well with the elementals. They’re enjoying an extravagant meal with King Nardan instead.”

  “Oh.” My lame reply didn’t even begin to express my relief and disappointment. I didn’t want to tell them they’d already been taken off the list, but I did want to chat. I knew nothing about the witches’ covens.

  My friends found their seats across the table from me. Kellen smiled, and I returned it.

  “I hate the only time we see each other is when stuff gets stupid,” I said. “We need to plan a dinner date or something. I still haven’t met your new partner.”

  “I agree. I’ll ask Jaime to set something up for us.” His smile widened. “How about the restaurant in Salt Lake City where you proved I was an unworthy asshole?”

  I chuckled, remembering the restaurant well. “It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

  “Can we plan for next week? Maybe Wednesday?” Kellen glanced around the table. “I might even be able to reserve one of their private rooms for all of us.”

  I followed his gaze, taking in the people who’d started this journey with me. Sure, Victor and I didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but he was fiercely loyal to his people. Matt was so easy to be around. Even when I treated him like shit, he was great.

  Elaine had become a really close friend. I hoped she and Luria would get time together today. Elaine hadn’t been back to the island because of the closed barrier. I had my suspicions about Luria convincing Coral to let her sneak out, though.

  I didn’t know Hettie well, but she’d always been good to me. It surprised me to see her here. She wasn’t a fighter, but she had amazing organizational skills. She and her team were integral in putting together the party at King William’s castle in record time.

  Zahur and Fadil’s presence didn’t surprise me. They were both at the battle against the vampires months ago, and they’d helped Kellen get organized for our first fight with the dark fae. Seeing Zahur’s awed expression when I floated into his estate in Niyol’s arms still brought a smile to my lips. Now that I thought about it, he was one of the first to call me a goddess. I shook away the memories.

  “Works for me,” I replied, “as long as nothing crazy happens between now and then.”

  “If we’re done with the pleasantries, I’d really like to know more about the Dionadair,” Victor said, bringing us back on task.

  “I missed you too, Victor.” I grinned at him and was rewarded with a small smile. “You’re already familiar with the elementals and their connections to the mages. Which will probably make this a whole lot easier, now that I think about it.”

  I pointed at Kellen, and his dark eyebrows rose to his hairline.

  “I bet the elementals have already selected a mage,” I said. “With their connection already established, they can see who’ll fit and who won’t. The mages will probably have the easiest transition since they’re used to having the elementals’ magic.” A wave of relief swept over me. I wished I’d thought of it sooner. “The shifters might be in the same boat.”

  “That doesn’t explain what will be expected if one of mine are selected,” Victor stated.

  “You’re right, sorry.” I gave him the same speech as the trolls about the elementals’ being in my head. It was easier to say the second time around.

  “It sounds like the chosen individual will have no choice but to be honest and forthcoming about their intentions,” Elaine murmured. “If the elementals know everything running through your mind, they’d know if you planned something nefarious.”

  I hadn’t thought about it like that, but she was right. Which led me to Dusha’s comments about Maldrius. The elementals bonded to the elf would keep him in line.

  “You’re brilliant, Elaine,” I said. “I hadn’t thought of that, but it makes me feel a whole lot better about some of our other choices.”

  Her ears turned red as she looked away. “Whatever.”

  “I’m in!” Matt declared, not even trying to contain his excitement.

  “We’ll talk about it,” Victor corrected, tossing a glare at Matt before turning back to me. “When do you need a decision?”

  “As soon as possible?” I replied. “It’ll take time for everyone to go through the bonding process, then adjust to their new role. Sabina won’t wait for us to get comfortable.”

  Victor grunted. “No, she’ll try to catch us off-guard. At least, that’s what I would do.” He glanced at Matt again. “I’ll have an answer for you tomorrow.”

  “Thank you, Victor.” I let my eyes drift to Elaine and raised an eyebrow at her. She shook her head and looked away. I could see it in her downcast eyes. She didn’t want someone in her head. I didn’t blame her. As much as I wanted to have her by my side, I wasn’t forcing the issue.

  “Will you also be part of the new Conclave?” Hettie asked, drawing my attention. She’d been quiet this entire time, and I wondered again why she decided to join this little group.

  “I don’t think we’ll be official members of anything except the Dionadair,” I replied. “But it’s in everyone’s best interest to work together.”

  “I understand.” She glanced at Lodron, then Ronquil, blushing furiously. I tried not to smile. I was used to their crazy good looks, but she clearly wasn’t. “Whatever you need from us, don’t hesitate to ask.” She cleared her throat. “I’m very good at coordinating resources. My team takes care of all the mage resources in North America. My services are at your disposal.”

  “I’m sure we’ll take you up on that,” Lodron said.

  The door opened behind the mages and shifters, who all turned at the interruption. Maldrius waltzed in and sat down in the nearest empty chair like he’d been invited. I bit my tongue and ignored him, wondering for a second what happened to Tannivh.

  “I look forward to Wednesday night,” I said to Kellen. “Have Aviur or Qeb stop by to give me the details, and tell them they better not come empty-handed. I’m mad at both of them for avoiding me. Chocolate would be an acceptable gift.”

  Kellen grinned and pushed away from the table. “Will do. See you soon.”

  The mages and shifters said their good byes, leaving me, Lodron, and Ronquil alone with the elf. I really was disappointed in him for bursting my fangirl bubble.

  Maldrius leaned his forearms on the table and pierced me with his pale gray eyes. He opened his mouth, but I spoke before he could.

  “The elementals will only accept an elf without any arcane magic,” I said. “And with the proper disposition.”

  I leaned back in my chair and crossed my arms over my chest. His fingers drummed on the table, and he glanced at Lodron, then Ronquil, who both remained silent.

  “There are very few elves without magic,” Maldrius finally said, his voice harsher than normal. “They are relegated to being servants or other menial jobs.” The corner of his lip rose into a sneer.

  So the non-magical elves were treated as outcasts. It made me wonder how he ended up in such a prominent position.

  “But not all?” I prompted.

  His eyes snapped back to me with a hint of surprise and a lot of suspicion. “There is only one of us who would be eligible to serve as a Justice. The others are weak and timid. They would crumble at the first sight of blood, especially their own.”

  “The Dionadair are not Justices,” I corrected, then took a deep breath. I was about to call him out and wondered how he would react. “And your king will allow you to step out of your current role?”

  “He will understand the benefit of having me here rather than there,” Maldrius replied slowly. “How did you know?”

  “You’re not the only one with connections,” I replied, uncrossing my arms and leaning forward to mimic his pose. “But I’m not gonna lie. I don’t see the benefit of having you on the team. All I see is an arrogant asshole who will undermine the decisions of whoever’s in charge at every opportunity.”

  I took a deep breath, giving him an opportunity to defend himself. He just glared at me.

  “Exactly,” I said, waving a hand in his direction. “We need a team who will support each other without prejudice. We don’t have time for drama.”

  He stood without pulling his eyes from mine. “You’ll have my king’s decision tomorrow.”

  Without another word, Maldrius stormed out the door. I exhaled loudly and dropped my head on the table.

  “What was that about?” Ronquil asked.

  I didn’t lift my head. It hurt, and my stomach rumbled, reminding me it was time for lunch.

  “Just before this”—I waved my hand above my head—“Dusha told me to consider Maldrius because he was one of the few elves without magic. I’m having a really hard time even thinking about working with him, though. He’s such an ass.”

  “Despite his lack of magic, he’s extremely intelligent and one of their best fighters,” Lodron said.

  I pulled my head off the table and slowly turned towards him. Surely he wasn’t defending the elf?

  “You think we should let him join?” I asked.

  “He’s definitely difficult to work with, but as Elaine said, the elementals bonded to him would keep him honest.” Lodron pushed back the unruly hair falling across my forehead. “His knowledge alone would be an asset.”

  “I’m glad it isn’t my decision,” I mumbled.

  Ronquil shook his head. “No, you’re trying to dump that on me instead.”

  I chuckled. “I’m not denying my efforts to pass off leadership, but it won’t be your decision either. The Elemental Council will pick and choose who they want. We’re only making suggestions.” My stomach growled again. I needed to get some food. “I’m sure the individual elements who are chosen to be tied to us want some say in their own torture. I’d want to be able to pick whose mind I had to listen to for the next hundred years.”

  I stood up and headed for the door, the two fae right behind me.

  “I hadn’t really considered the elemental’s side,” Ronquil said, holding the door open for me. “It can’t be fun for them to have to endure someone else’s thoughts on a constant basis.”

  “I think they can tune me out when they want to. I haven’t heard from them today besides Dusha.” I crossed the short hall to the main dining room, drawing in the smell of fresh bread and—was that soup? My mouth watered at the thought.

  Ronquil grabbed my elbow, preventing me from crossing the threshold into the dining room. I stopped and looked up at him, not finding the scowl I expected.

  “I’ll have an answer for you tonight,” he said.

  I really hoped he’d say yes. “I’m meeting with Vince and Blaire after dinner to introduce our elementals. You should join us.”

  His eyes searched my face, probably looking for something to make him say no, or maybe yes. I had no idea.

  “I will.”

  “Good.” I grinned. “Now let’s go eat. I’m starving.”

  Chapter 9

  AJ, where are you?

  I choked on the spoonful of delicious chicken and vegetable stew I’d just put in my mouth.

  Dylan! I’m so sorry. I got distracted. I’ll be right there.

  I’d totally forgotten about meeting Dylan at Sage’s for lunch. Hopefully he hadn’t been waiting long.

  “I gotta go,” I muttered, taking one last bite. “I forgot I promised to meet with Dylan.”

  Lodron grabbed my arm as I stood. “Do you want someone to go with you?”

  “Nope, Dylan’s easy.” I grinned, and Lodron frowned. “You know what I meant.”

  I gently pulled his hand from my arm and stepped away, briefly wondering about his reaction. Very briefly. I didn’t want to think about his feelings or encourage them. I’d already done too much.

  Sage’s herb garden greeted me a few seconds later. The smells mingled together, creating a relaxing aroma. I drew it in, then circled her restaurant in my quest to find Dylan.

  It didn’t take long. He and Gabby occupied one of the outside tables. My heart dropped. I couldn’t ask him about joining the Dionadair in front of Gabby. She was already struggling with the adjustment to her prosthetic limb. Dangling a new job in front of her—knowing she couldn’t do it yet—would be awful.

  A smile spread across her face when she noticed me. I rushed over and wrapped my arm around her shoulders before she could get up. Dylan stood and gave me a quick hug as well.

  “I really miss you guys,” I said, dropping into the seat next to Gabby.

  “It’s only been three or four days since we last saw you,” she said.

  “It feels like it’s been a lifetime.” I sighed dramatically, draping my arm over my face.

  Dylan’s laugh mingled with Gabby’s giggle. “So, what brings us all the way out here?” he asked.

  I glanced around at the other tables desperately trying to come up with some excuse to talk to them both. I leaned forward and they leaned with me.

  “I need to pick your brains about the attack on the vampires,” I whispered. “Lodron isn’t sharing.”

 

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