Verin stared at me a minute then nodded. “Perhaps.”
“Your people are most welcome to visit our world,” Saif declared. “Please, bring your mother with you when you return to speak to the headmaster; my parents would love to meet her.”
“Thank you, I'll extend the invitation.”
I'd said my piece and did my part to repay Savassa. I felt justified in shutting up for the rest of the tour. So, I leaned back into the curve of Banning's arm and listened distractedly as Saif explained the workings of his city while my thoughts turned toward Slate. A nervous churning had overtaken my belly. I was so anxious to return to him and free him from the Jinx. That bastard could be doing irreparable harm to Slate's zone right that second. Not to mention the mental anguish Slate would be suffering. And there I was; touring a city and fighting my attraction for another man. I wanted to slap myself. Several times.
“El?” Banning shook me a little by bouncing his bicep.
“Huh?” I looked over at him.
He looked pointedly at Saif. I transferred my questioning stare to the Jinn Prince.
“I asked about Slate's wards,” Saif said.
I frowned and looked at the passing scenery. “Are we turning around?”
“Yes, we're heading back. But the Zone's wards, Queen Elaria; will they allow me through?”
“Oh.” I blinked. “No, likely not. Slate secured the Zone so that no one could leave or get inside. My men and I are the only ones who are allowed through his ward. But that's only if he hasn't thought to change it.” I looked at Banning. “If he has, our plan is screwed.”
“If he has, we'll find a way to draw him out,” Banning reassured me.
“And if he hasn't, I won't be able to attend you,” Verin grumbled.
Banning chuckled, “Upset that you'll be left out of the fight, Dragon?”
“I was told that I was specifically needed for it,” Verin reminded us.
Banning and I shared a look. I hadn't told my guys about what Savassa said; I didn't have the time. But Banning's look said that RS had filled them in. We had to act as if we believed Verin was necessary, but we couldn't pass up the opportunity of an easy way into the Zone.
“I suppose if we make it through the wards, it means your mother was mistaken,” I suggested.
“My mother is never mistaken,” Verin said grimly.
“Then perhaps you'll be needed for another reason,” Banning offered. “Either way, we're not giving up the chance to get at Slate sooner rather than later.”
Verin grunted; it sounded annoyed and sympathetic all at once.
“At least we'll have more time to talk about the college while we wait for them,” Saif said to the Blue Dragon.
Verin grunted again but didn't take his eyes off me.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
We waited another half an hour for the bottle. By the time it was finished, Darcraxis was pacing like a caged beast. After the tour, Saif had taken us to a bright sitting room where refreshments awaited us. The spiced tea and cakes disappeared first and then the conversation followed. That's when Darc had begun his prowling.
The pacing stopped as soon as the bottle entered the room; carried in by a stoic man with walnut skin and tired eyes. We all straightened eagerly. Saif thanked the exhausted man as he accepted the bottle then handed it to the hovering Darc. It was a slim-necked, full-bodied thing made of dark green glass and topped with a golden stopper. Tiny, intricate symbols had been etched into the surface, swirling around the bottle in precise lines.
“Is everyone clear on the plan?” Darcraxis asked.
We all nodded in answer.
“King Verin and I shall await you here,” Saif said. “Good luck to you all.”
“Thank you,” I said for us. My gaze landed on Verin's grim one and skittered away.
My men and I took our traveling stones in hand. Eyes closed and minds focused on Slate's zone, we set out. Or tried to.
I opened my eyes knowing what I'd find; the same room I'd begun in. I cursed and tried again. I could feel myself lighten, move away from Zuja, and then hit something that sent me spinning back. I reformed gasping the second time.
Verin's expression was mollified and a little smug.
“Yes, your mother was right,” I growled at him. “Don't be an ass about it.”
Verin burst into laughter but quickly sobered when he saw our grave expressions. He cleared his throat and nodded regally. “My apologies.”
Declan strode to the couch he'd been lounging on before our traveling attempt and dropped onto its cushions with a disgruntled sound. “How do we draw him out?”
“What does the Jinx want?” Saif asked with a prompting look at Darc.
“Me,” Darc whispered in revelation. “He wants vengeance on Lucifer, Elaria, and me.”
“So, we use you as bait,” Saif said simply.
Verin grunted. “A rather mercenary mentality.”
“I'm trying to save my entire race.” Saif shrugged. “If I must be cold to do so, I will.”
Verin grunted approvingly this time.
“And I do not hold it against you,” Darcraxis added. “In fact, I wholly support your idea.”
“How do we let the Jinx know where to find us?” I asked.
Banning snorted. “That's easy enough.”
We all turned to look at him.
“We go to him. We may not be able to travel directly into the Zone, but we can travel to its gates. The guards there will summon their lord as soon as we're spotted.”
“If there are guards there to spot us,” I murmured. “I think the gates are sealed off, doing away with the need for guards.”
“Then we'll knock on the gates until someone answers.” Darcraxis shrugged.
“And we'll be able to join you,” Saif said brightly.
Verin grinned. It made my blood run cold.
“I'll take the Prince,” Darc offered. “Elaria, can you escort King Verin?”
I narrowed my eyes at Darc. He grinned
