Skye snaps, “Don’t growl at him. You’re injured. Let him heal you.”
Immediately, I fall silent. My female is fierce when she does not get her way, so I refuse to argue with her.
Ranas’ healing fire spreads like a soothing balm over my many injuries. I release a deep sigh of relief as I watch the tissues of my wing folds begin to knit back together.
A bellowing roar draws my attention to the north and I look to the sky to see my father flying toward me, two of his guards in tow.
“What is—” Varus starts to ask, but I interrupt him.
“Watch over my mate,” I call over my shoulder as I shift into draka form to intercept my father. I worry that he’s come to finish what Durzain could not. As angry as I am, I do not wish to fight the male who raised me.
I meet him in midair. “What is the meaning of this?” I shout.
“My son,” he answers, moving closer.
I release a warning snarl. “I cannot believe you are responsible for the dishonorable actions that occurred here today.”
“Forgive me.” His voice is laced with regret. “Once I found out what Durzain had planned, I came as fast as I could to stop him.”
I narrow my eyes. “And why should I believe you? You were the one who ordered my mate imprisoned.”
He lowers his head in shame. “I was wrong, my son. I know that now. I knew it the moment you left the castle.”
“I defeated Durzain and have exiled him from our lands,” I state firmly. “And now, I demand that you give up the throne. You are not fit to rule; you haven’t been since Mother died.”
A tear slips down his cheek. “Take the throne. It is yours. Exile me if you must, but know this: I realized my error as soon as you left. Durzain promised to help us reunite once I found you. It was only recently that I learned he meant to kill you so he could inherit the throne.”
Tai falls in line beside me. “It is truth, my king. He was deceived by Durzain.”
“Forgive me, Raidyn. I have been a terrible father to you ever since your mother died. You remind me so much of her… it is difficult to look upon you without fear that I may lose you as well.” He pauses to regain control of his voice. “In my fear, I only succeeded in pushing you away, and for that, I am sorry.”
“It will be difficult to repair all the damage you have caused, Father.” I pause. “But the blame lies with me, too. I should have taken the throne long ago when I first realized you were broken beyond recovery by Mother’s death.”
“Please, Raidyn. Tell me how we can remedy this rift between us.”
Clenching my jaw, I lower my gaze. In truth, I do not know how to close this gap. “For now, I must concentrate on returning order and stability to our kingdom. Return home and we will discuss this when I get back. But first, I must see to my mate and make peace with the other Clans.”
He bows his head. “Of course, my son.”
With that, he banks to head back to our territory, while I spin to return to my mate.
I find her standing next to Varus and Lilliana, anxiously fidgeting as I land before her. I shift back into my two-legged form and wrap a possessive arm around her waist, pleased when she wraps an arm around me in return.
I face Varus. “I would like to pursue an alliance with all the Clans. But first, I must return to my people and restore some semblance of order. I do not know what damage Durzain’s rule has caused.”
Varus nods. “Of course.”
Skye moves off to speak with Varus’ mate, Lilliana, leaving he and I alone. For many cycles, I have harbored anger at the Fire Clan and Varus over the death of my mother. My mate made me realize it was not their fault she died. My mother chose to sacrifice herself so that I could be saved. In my grief and my pain, I wrongly blamed Varus and his kin for her death.
He and I used to be as close as brothers. After so many cycles, I do not even know where to begin to restore the relationship between us.
As if sensing my troubled thoughts, Varus extends his arm. I clasp my hand around his forearm and he does the same to me in return.
I meet his eyes evenly. “It has been a long time, Varus. I do not know how best to repair our broken relationship, but I know I would like to try.”
“I agree,” he replies. “It has been too long and I have missed you, brother.”
His words touch me deeply. Emotions lodge in my throat but I manage to speak around them. “Forgive me for all the offenses I have laid against you.”
A smile tugs at his lips. “They are already forgiven.” His gaze drifts to our mates, talking with one another off to the side. “You are both welcome to visit anytime you wish.”
“Thank you. We will return as soon as we can to discuss plans for a treaty between our Clans.”
Chapter 23
Skye
Night has fallen by the time we arrive in Wind Clan territory. Lights from the capital below cast a soft glow over the surface of the floating island. Its beauty takes my breath away. Gray-and-white stone buildings proudly encircle the castle. Tall, majestic towers reach for the clouds and a waterfall drops off the side of the gardens onto a smaller island directly below.
We land on a large balcony on the closest tower and Tai lands beside us. He turns to face Raidyn. “Your father has left for his private estate. The castle is entirely yours, my King.” He bows. “The staff report that the royal wing is still being
