Page 134 of Griffin Food

Master Pugstone’s throat works. Violet’s tears have dried, and I sense her complete focus.

The Sundial Chamber illustration reels me back in. But it is not the picture of the empty room that is in my mind’s eye, but the one that Master Pugstone showed me before.

“You believe this will help Rafe?”

“It may,” Master Pugstone says bluntly. “What we are talking about is merely a theory. And one not without risks.”

I swipe my hand down my face, aware that Violet’s eyes are on me, and glance down. Reflected in her face are many days of worry—it has taken a toll. I wish I could take her pain away. Could bear it for her. I wish that life did not involve tragedy, but the truth is that it does.

I must be strong for her.

“You want to try this.”

She exhales slowly. “I don’t know what I want, except for Rafe to be whole. The road to that is complex. Master Lychen and his apprentices have read many books about late alpha transitions over the past week. We all have. We have discussed it at length. Some patterns are clear. Rafe is particularly mature to be going through this.”

My hand trembles as I use my thumb to brush a fresh tear from her cheek.

“We are entering dangerous territory,” she says. “He has transitioned many times. We cannot know when it will be one too many. He is strong of heart and mind. He is also only a man. I am terrified for him—” She falters.

Gods, the burden she is under breaks me anew.

“There is a risk in trying this,” Master Lychen says quietly, “But there is also a risk in doing nothing. If he were to rouse naturally after twelve transitions, he would be the first documented case to have done so. That is not to say it is impossible…”

“But it is highly unlikely,” I finish.

He nods. I understand the facts presented to me. But I also see the weight upon Violet’s shoulders. She wants to do this, but I cannot let it be her decision, for if it is the wrong one, she will be broken enough.

No, this decision must be mine and mine alone. The amplification effect of the Sundial Chamber may be Rafe’s only hope. And perhaps the final step in true resonance will complete his transformation.

“I believe we must do this for Rafe. And not only him, for our situation is desperate…three griffins are gravely wounded such that they are unable to shift and heal. The dark fae come in great numbers, as do the kings and queens of Hydornia. They come, not merely to pillage our people of gems and wealth—but to claim our very lands.” I turn to Violet and cup her cheek, seeing the strength of purpose there that is enough to bring me, a Pride Leader, to his knees. “We shall do this. For Rafe. And for all.”

I love this woman, completely, wholly. The truth? I do this because I would do anything for her.

Chapter Forty-Five

Atlas

“How much time do we have?” I ask.

I’m asking how much time Rafe has. How long until his body begins the transition process again?

“Not long?” Master Pugstone says, turning to Master Lychen. “A week ago, it was as much as a day between. But that has accelerated.”

“It has been four hours since his last transition,” Master Lychen confirms. “I believe it will be less time than that.”

“Well, that is no time at all,” I growl, rising with Violet still in my arms.

“I have alerted Darkan, Galeor, and Lark,” Aldric informs me. “I was sleeping during the reign of Arimeed, who was not even valiant. But my instincts tell me that all griffins should be at the eyrie. We have no active engagements.”

Just another layer of risk.

“Bring them all back. Ensure our other forces and the other eyries are alert to our absence.”

I address the room, calling forward the head servant who waits by the door.

Rafe must be moved. The Sundial Chamber prepared in accordance with the lore. Darrion, Fenix, and Lark are to report the moment they arrive. Our ground forces are to be notified, as well as the other eyries who have pledged their support.

With Violet in my arms, I stride from the room.