The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

showered him with carrots and fresh, green hay. A heartbeat
passed, and then I felt the whisper of Kieran’s voice. We are
tired but okay.
I shivered at the unnerving sensation of feeling his
words. You all will rest, I sent back to him. It wasn’t a
question, more a demand. I had a feeling they would all
remain on guard with the Ascended near.
We will. His presence retreated briefly, and then I felt
the brush of his thoughts against mine. Meyaah Liessa.
My eyes narrowed.
“Are you communicating with one of the wolven?”
Casteel asked as he slid an arm around my shoulders, his
gaze following mine to where Kieran playfully nipped at
Lyra.
“I was.” I let him steer me toward the east corner of the
Stygian Fortress. “I wanted to make sure they rested and
didn’t patrol.”
He squeezed my shoulder as we walked under the
covered breezeway, past several closed-off rooms. “I’m
extremely envious of that ability.”
“You’re not worried that we could be talking about you
without you knowing?” I teased as we neared the terrace at
the end. It was as I remembered, the chaise lounge and lowto-the-floor
chairs inviting.
“Why would I be?” Casteel opened the door, and the
scent of lemon and vanilla greeted us. “I’m sure you only
have amazing things to say.”
I laughed at that. “Your confidence is an extremely
envious ability.”
He snorted as he closed the door behind us. “You should
rest until food arrives.”
“I can’t rest.” I walked through the familiar sitting area,
easily able to see Alastir seated there on the couch. I
stopped at the entrance to the bedchamber, and for a
moment, I was swept back to the night that felt like forever