Chapter Seven

I was still remembering what Taroc said later that night, while I lay in bed between Rath and Xae. Kel had joined us for some sex, then went to sleep in his room down the hall. Taroc had bowed out altogether, going to his room after we returned from Myar. He, like Kel, liked his space but still wanted to be nearby. So, he'd moved up from the fourth floor and into a room next to Keltyr's.

He's a fake. The words kept circling my brain. I wasn't worried about Caleb seducing me. To be plain, I wasn't interested and never would be. But the thought that a man I had once been intimate with and now considered a friend might be playing on my sympathies to get me into bed made me sad. I had become friends with a few of my old neighbors while they'd been living in the citadel but they were light friendships. Caleb's friendship wasn't light. He was someone I wanted in my life. I had intended on keeping in touch with him even after he had moved back to Fress. But if Taroc was right and Caleb was pretending to . . . no! He couldn't be that good of an actor. Taroc was still upset because of the time he had overheard Caleb talking about me and it had come between us. Yes, that was it. Jealousy could do terrible things to a person.

I went to sleep at last, but I slept fitfully and got up way too early the next morning. After sliding out from between my men, I showered, got dressed, and went up to the roof to watch the sunrise. I rarely got to be alone, and I wasn't about to waste the opportunity.

The lavender sky transformed before me, slowly lightening to red, then orange, and, at last, the sun rose and turned the world gold. It made me feel small in the best way. As if my troubles were insignificant. The sun would rise tomorrow whether or not I made my boyfriends happy. It would set if we killed the Corrupter and set if we didn't. The sun knew nothing of us. It just shone, burning and granting its light to everyone equally.

Maybe I should learn to live in light as well.

Contemplating the world? Death asked.

With his words, I realized that he had let me be for a full day, allowing me to enjoy my time with Taroc. In fact, I hadn't heard from him since I'd told him to leave me alone. I felt kinda bad about that. He'd only been trying to comfort me.

Or had he? I kept wavering about Death. He had proved his intentions several times, but I still didn't know for sure that I could trust him. As I continued to stare at the mountains that circled the Wraith Lord Citadel, my gaze wandering down to the ravine far below, I saw none of it. A plan was forming in my mind, whirling and twisting. Something that would make it all clear. And maybe even end the war.

"I've decided to trust you," I said to Death.

You've said that before, he said.

"We will continue our lessons."

And will you tell your lovers?

"No, not this time. I think they're hindering my progress."

I agree. Death went quiet for a second, then asked, Shall we meet early like this? Perhaps up here?

"Yes, I think so. But first, tell me what you think of Caleb?"

Caleb? The human?

"Yes. Taroc thinks there is something wrong with him, that I shouldn't trust him."

Death snorted. Freshly mated Tytra suspect everyone of trying to steal their mate.

"Really?" I hadn't considered that. "I know shapeshifters can be touchy in a new mating, but I didn't know it went that far."

Oh, yes. But this is an unusual situation. Taroc is among men he views as brothers. He isn't threatened by them.

"But Caleb isn't a Wraith Lord."

Precisely.

"So you don't think there's anything wrong with Caleb?"

Wrong in what way?

"I don't know. Taroc thinks Caleb is playing on my sympathies to seduce me."

Death chuckled.

"So, you think he's just jealous?"

It's likely, but on the other hand, a Tytra's instincts are nothing to scoff at. If he had said this to you at any other time, I would advise you to trust his impression of the human. Right now, it is suspect. But it wouldn't hurt to be wary, Ember.

"Thank you for the advice."

My pleasure. Now, would you like to get back to your lessons?

"Yes, I think it's time."