Page 30 of Awakening Storm

He wound his way through the intricate halls of roots, down into the catacomb of knowledge. If there was a way to get to Riam without Theodora’s “help,” Custos would know.

Aidan sat on slab of polished wood. “I need your help, my friend,” he said to the tree. “We need to bring Rhianna back to this dimension.”

“That may not be possible. However, Theodora must be stopped,” the tree’s voice echoed, mixing with the sound of leaves rustling in the wind.

“You have knowledge of all the universe,” Aidan said. “What can you tell be about Riam? How can I get there? How can I bring Rhianna back?”

Custos sighed. Aidan sensed the tree’s hesitation, but he didn’t know if it was the tree searching for the answer or trying to decide whether to help or not. One thing Aidan had learned over the years, though, was that one didn’t rush a Divine Tree. So he waited as calmly as he could, hoping that Rhianna was unharmed and that he could soon find her.

It had seemed like hours had passed when the Divine Tree finally spoke. “Guardian, there is only one way to enter this universe, and that is to have Theodora transport you there, just as she does all her targets.”

Ah shit.He scrubbed his face with his hand. “Why would she take me, though? How can I make her?”

Custos gave a dry laugh. “You must use cunning with her, not force.”

Aidan growled low in his throat. “And to return?” he asked.

“You must relieve her of her power sources,” Custos said. “What Theodora wants is more people and more property. Although the latter she can’t actually do anything about. She’s driven by greed and power. It bothers her that her world is so small compared to life on earth.”

Aidan closed his eyes and examined his heart to determine if this woman was truly worth this journey.

Yes. Dammit. Yes.

“You rang?” Seth asked from behind Aidan.

Aidan flinched and spun around. “Must you sneak up on people?”

Seth chuckled, shrugged, and tucked his wings to his sides. “It’s fun.” His dreadlocks flipped forward over his shoulder.

“Right.” Aidan stared at him, catching a whiff of garlic. “Geez, where have you been? You reek.”

A smile split Seth’s lips. “Brandt was having a party. That Brazilian food?” He kissed his fingertips and let them fly from his lips. “Mmm, so good. Now what’s up?”

“I have a sorceress who’s getting too big for her britches. Will you guard the tree while I get her back under control?”

“Well, I don’t know. I have a manicure scheduled on Tuesday.” He made a clicking sound in his cheek.

Aidan’s glare bore into the angel. “I’m serious.”

Seth crossed his arms. “Why now?”

“With the AOA upon us, we need to keep evil being under control, don’t we?” Aidan said, not wanting to admit the truth.

“There’s also a woman,” Custos added with a raspy laugh.

Okay, so Aidan wouldn’t have to admit it himself.

Seth gawked at Aidan. “Not you too.”

“No, it’s not like that,” Aidan said with conviction. His brothers Venn and Ian had recently taken mates so he understood Seth’s reference, but his situation was entirely different. This woman was in danger because of his island.

Holding up both hands, Seth backed up a few steps. “Okay. I’ll watch the tree while you’re away. Just don’t be too long.”

Aidan nodded. “Gotcha.”

Seth raised a brow. “Gotcha? Really? You’ve been watching too many movies.”

Waving off Seth, Aidan asked the tree, “Custos, is there anything else you can tell me about Riam?”