Page 94 of Griffin Food

The growling immediately stops.

The seal ring is tucked back into the drawer. Then Atlas explains about the attack on the village, and how Lark recognized a fallen man—one of the raiders—who wore it around his throat.

My lips quiver. “My sister is here,” I whisper. My eyes flash to meet Rafe’s, finding his expression solemn.

“We do not know that for certain yet,” Atlas says. “But men bearing her seal are.”

“Does she…” I cannot make my jumbled thoughts into words. “Why is a man bearing her seal here?”

“I do not have the answers to that either,” Atlas says. “A part of me very much wants to shield you from this trouble. But to do so would be an insult to your intelligence and integrity. I do not know what shape the threat will take. But I would treat you as an equal as we face this together.”

Tears pool in my eyes, although now is not the time for weakness, and I steel myself to be strong. “She’s my sister. This is my fault. Let me go to her—to her people.” A dreadful premonition settles in my gut. “Maybe I can make her see sense.”

“Not a fucking chance I’m letting you face her alone,” Rafe says. “And you do not know Atlas if you think he would agree to it either.”

His tone is sharp. It almost makes me smile. It reminds me of the times when we were traveling, and our decisions did not align… and those few occasions when he put me over his knee and spanked me.

He is not so different from Atlas, on reflection, at least in ways pertaining to my care. And Rafe has always cared for me, ever since the start.

Goddess weep, I was so blind where he and Lark were concerned.

As I glance across at Darrion, all serious, and Fenix, all brooding intensity, then Lark with his ears pricked up as though he can listen to what we say—although I do not know if he can—I feel their quiet presences and steadying influences, a barrier between me and danger that is steadfast in its intent.

“Fine. It was a foolish notion that I might be able to persuade Elisa to do anything sensible.” In my heart, I already know she is here. I glance at Rafe, feeling his silent support.

I don’t feel worthy of him, nor any of them, yet they offer it to me without reservation, and regardless.

“My sister is a bitter woman,” I say into the waiting quiet. “She thrives on conflict and misery. A chance to wage war upon distant lands for glory before the eyes of the High King? That would be something she would do. Life has embittered her. She was not always so. At least it did not seem obvious in her younger years. But her cruelty has grown over time. She is capable of anything. Even this. And worse.”

“I cannot bear the thought of her cruelty touching the good people of the eyrie, those few I met in Acton Trussell, or any other village or community under your watch.”

“Some people are just intrinsically bad. Some people thrive upon chaos. I am sorry to say my sister is one such person. Elisa is like a scourge, an infection spreading, a presence that leaches the joy out of life. And she needs to be stopped.”

“She will be,” Atlas says. The words carry such conviction that they set the little hairs along my skin to attention. “If it is truly here and seeks trouble, she will meet the full force of the Cairnborn Pride.”

“I have ever been drawn to griffins,” I say, unable to tear my eyes from his pretty, whirling silver ones. “An obsession, if you will. I believe the Goddess herself brought me to you, that you might finally rid the world of my sister’s threat… I bring change. I bring a terrible burden to your home and people. And I am so very sorry. Whatever it is you need from me—counsel, words, action, anything—I will gladly, and without reservation, help.”

His eyes seem to whirl faster. His hand covers mine before he entwines our fingers. “You are the furthest thing from a burden the Goddess put on this earth. And if she brought you to me that I might rid the world of a terrible, cruel queen, then so be it.”

He says my words back to me, and they slay me.

“Agreed,” Rafe says.

“Agreed,” Darrion echoes.

“Agreed,” Fenix adds.

From his place beside the door, Lark offers a low rumbly purr.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Violet

Preparations have begun. Darrion and Fenix are to patrol. I’m still not quite sure what’s expected of me, so I’m surprised when Atlas sets me to my feet, rises, and takes my hand. He motions for Rafe to join us, and we walk together down the corridor into a part of the eyrie I have never been to before. Lark pads along at the side of us, silent in his beautiful direwolf form.

Rafe and Atlas continue conversing, discussing my sister’s military forces, about which I have no opinion and can offer no advice.

My eyes keep sliding to Rafe, who is on my left, and back to Atlas on my right, holding my hand.