Page 71 of Guardian of Exile

“I missed you too, Mother.”

When she finally let him go, he went over to Evra’s side and Kaden stepped forward, silently handing Amelia Drahl the two bags he’d gone shopping for in Dead Earth.

“I told you to stop spoiling me years ago,” she said, her voice a mixture of exasperation and affection as she accepted the bags and set them aside. “Come here and let me look at you.” She took his hands in hers, peering into his eyes, her expression growing troubled. “Oh, child,” she said softly, and then she pulled him into a hug too, albeit a slightly gentler, much briefer one than she’d given Morgen. A mother who knew her second son could only handle so much affection. “Your sister is out with Alara, but she should be in soon. Your room is as you left it.”

As Kaden nodded and left without a word, his mother’s attention fell on Nyx next. “And you must be Nyx.” There was something weighing in her gaze. Not harsh, not judgmental, but cataloging, as if she could see through Nyx’s exterior to all of her internal flaws. But her smile, when it came, was still kind. “I am Amelia. It’s good to finally meet you. I have heard quite a few things.”

Behind Nyx, Tristen was a force of barely contained energy.

“I’ve heard a lot about you, too,” Nyx said. “And I'm looking forward to talking to you. But first, there’s something we need your help with.” She gestured Tristen forward. “This is Tristen.”

“Hi, nice to meet you.” Tristen's jitteriness had hit new heights, his words coming out one practically atop the next. “I don't suppose you know anyone on the verge of death, do you?”

“What he means,” Nyx started, but Tristen cut her off.

“Shaman here, excess magic, would really love to save a life.”

“And to keep the Shaman part from getting out,” Nyx added.

“Yeah, that too.” Tristen looked like he was about to split open and start emitting golden light. He didn’t look like he had the slightest concern for his anonymity.

“I see,” Amelia said. “I believe I⁠—”

“Mother?” a voice called from the hallway to their left, a flash of red hair making an appearance. Maruca stepped into the room. She wore a gauzy green dress Nyx never would have pictured her wearing, though it suited her, and her red hair was unbound, cascading over her shoulders in soft waves. “Have you seen—” Maruca broke off when she saw who was in the room. “Morgen!” Her mouth split into a wide grin and she dashed across the room, flinging herself into Morgen’s arms.

He laughed. “Good to see you too, Ruca.”

Nyx didn’t think she would ever get used to the happy, unguarded side of Maruca Moor that occasionally made an appearance. The woman stepped back from Morgen, her sunny expression dimming when she noticed Nyx. Then it settled on Tristen and her confusion was evident, before she looked him over again and the expression cleared.

“This is Tristen,” Morgen said. “Tristen, my sister, Maruca.”

“Hi.” The slightly awestruck tone in Tristen’s voice made Nyx snap her gaze to him. He’d stopped fidgeting like he was about to explode, and the only thing the dreamy expression on his face was missing was his jaw literally hanging open. Nyx poked him in the side and he jerked, startled.

“Hi,” Maruca returned, a trace of amusement in her voice.

Amelia’s face took on a speculative expression. “Maruca dear, could you escort Tristen to the burn ward? He has some excess magic to burn off. Though I understand discretion is important, so do borrow one of your brother’s desert cloaks for him on the way.”

“Of course.”

“Your younger brother’s,” Amelia clarified. “He’ll want to see you.”

Maruca’s head swiveled to Amelia comically fast. “Kaden’s here?”

Amelia nodded. “In his room.”

“She’s Kaden’s sister?” Tristen asked in a whisper. “Adopted also, or…?”

“Adopted by Amelia, yes, but she’s Kaden’s twin.”

“Come on.” Maruca gestured impatiently to Tristen, clearly eager to see Kaden.

Keeping her voice to a low whisper, Nyx said, “I’m not sure going with her is the best idea.”

“It totally is,” Tristen whispered back. Louder, he said, “Lead the way.”

“Bring him back in four hours,” Amelia said. “We’ll have a nice family dinner.”

“Tristen,” Nyx tried again, but he was already walking after Maruca, the two of them disappearing down the same hallway Kaden had taken earlier. “Does no one else think that’s a terrible idea?” Nyx asked. “She hates Shamans.” Maruca had very nearly died after they’d all come back from Nethrayne, and she’d refused to let Tobi heal her.