35. Kerry

Chapter 35

Kerry

A fter Nevarn left, I asked the gods to prepare a late lunch and took it and my drink out to enjoy on the deck overlooking the sea. Molly scampered along with me, flopping by my feet to soak up the late-day sunshine.

I couldn't believe this would soon be over. We'd stay a few days after, but then we'd travel together to the Celedar Clan. I was eager to see my new home and settle into Nevarn's house with him. Imagine, living inside a tree. Would it smell like fresh wood or . . .? Soon, I'd find out.

I'd asked for a simple dish of vegetables and grains, and the gods delivered. The meal had a light spice unlike anything I'd tasted before, and I gobbled most of it up, tossing a few bites Molly's way.

She snatched each bit of vegetable from the air and held it in her little paws, munching while her whiskers wiggled.

"You're such a sweetie," I cooed as I lowered my empty plate to the stone deck surface. I didn't even gulp when it was absorbed into the rock. How long before I took the gods' intervention in our everyday lives for granted?

"Thank you," I told the gods. "That was delicious." Praise was a small price to pay for a good meal and nice clothing.

I sat back in my chair and propped my feet up on the railing and dozed. Nevarn would be here soon, and I couldn't wait to hear how the confrontation went. To think that—

Molly yipped, and with her eyes blazing, she scrambled off the deck, flinging herself into the room.

My heart flipped over. I leaped to my feet and started toward the room.

A male Zuldruxian jumped off the roof, landing on the stone between me and safety.

Gilard, Weela's father, latched onto my arms and shook me. "You're coming with me," he growled. "Your mate will stop asking questions about Weela's death when I kill you and he's accused of murdering two mates."