Page 14 of Up In Flames
With his words, I realized that he had let me be for a full day, allowing me to enjoy my time with Taroc. In fact, I hadn't heard from him since I'd told him to leave me alone. I felt kinda bad about that. He'd only been trying to comfort me.
Or had he? I kept wavering about Death. He had proved his intentions several times, but I still didn't know for sure that I could trust him. As I continued to stare at the mountains that circled the Wraith Lord Citadel, my gaze wandering down to the ravine far below, I saw none of it. A plan was forming in my mind, whirling and twisting. Something that would make it all clear. And maybe even end the war.
“I've decided to trust you,” I said to Death.
You've said that before,he said.
“We will continue our lessons.”
And will you tell your lovers?
“No, not this time. I think they're hindering my progress.”
I agree.Death went quiet for a second, then asked,Shall we meet early like this? Perhaps up here?
“Yes, I think so. But first, tell me what you think of Caleb?”
Caleb? The human?
“Yes. Taroc thinks there is something wrong with him, that I shouldn't trust him.”
Death snorted.Freshly mated Tytra suspect everyone of trying to steal their mate.
“Really?” I hadn't considered that. “I know shapeshifters can be touchy in a new mating, but I didn't know it went that far.”
Oh, yes. But this is an unusual situation. Taroc is among men he views as brothers. He isn't threatened by them.
“But Caleb isn't a Wraith Lord.”
Precisely.
“So you don't think there's anything wrong with Caleb?”
Wrong in what way?
“I don't know. Taroc thinks Caleb is playing on my sympathies to seduce me.”
Death chuckled.
“So, you think he's just jealous?”
It's likely, but on the other hand, a Tytra's instincts are nothing to scoff at. If he had said this to you at any other time, I would advise you to trust his impression of the human. Right now, it is suspect. But it wouldn't hurt to be wary, Ember.
“Thank you for the advice.”
My pleasure. Now, would you like to get back to your lessons?
“Yes, I think it's time.”
Chapter Eight
An hour later, I was down in the dining hall when my lovers joined me. They came straggling in—first, Rath and Xae, then Kel and Taroc. I grinned at them as they sat down with Nex, Finn, and me.
“Good morning,” I said.
They returned the greeting, then Rath asked Nex, “Why aren't you eating with Evina?”
“I got up early to work on the house,” Nex said.
