Edge of Darkness ~ A Darkness & Light Novel Book Three by K. L. Schwengel Page B

question.
    Ciara held the steely gaze for a moment, before giving in with a resigned sigh. She spread her hands to the side. "I don't actually know where he is. Honestly. He's here, but not here . If you know what I mean."
    "I am afraid I do not."
    Ciara rubbed her palms on her thighs. "Well, he's" --she circled a hand through the air above her head-- "Here. There. On top of the tower. And I sense his presence as always. But he's not… here. Exactly. And I'm not entirely sure where he is."
    Only a slight bending of the truth. She really didn't know where he'd gone, only why.
    "How long has he been missing?"
    Ciara bit her lower lip. "A few days?"
    "And you said nothing?"
    "I didn't realize I needed to."
    Ferris asked Ariadne something in a language Ciara didn't recognize.
    "Ta gy'lafrei de shagha," Ariadne said, and Ferris's eyes rounded in surprise at her answer.
    "Gy'lafrei?" Awe touched his voice and he turned his light gaze Ciara's way. "Goyin hoitsch."
    "Call him here," Ariadne said. Not a request.
    "I don't know that I can."
    "Try."
    Ciara frowned, but Ariadne's tone left no room for argument. She drew her focus inward, reached out along the slender thread linking her to Andrakaos, and called his name. She waited several long moments before calling again. Irritation wafted back towards her like a gust of wind.
    "It's not my fault," she sent outwards.
    Nothing happened for so long, Ciara started to draw her focus back.
    He is free.
    Ciara's pulse surged and she fought to keep the excitement from her face. "What do you mean? You found him?"
    No. But he is no longer hidden.
    "Ciara?" Ariadne's voice held a sharp edge, and Ciara worried the Emperor's sister had overheard the exchange.
    I will come.
    Ciara blinked the room back into focus at the same time the hazy, cloud-like aspect of Andrakaos swirled into the study around them. No sooner did he appear, than Ciara felt his curiosity spike. He flowed toward Ferris, and to his credit, the man didn't as much as flinch. Most people were terrified when Andrakaos focused his attention on them. Even in a reduced, non-corporeal state he tended toward the intimidating.
    You are of the old blood, Andrakaos said.
    Ferris nodded. "I am of Sciathian lineage."
    The noise that rose from Andrakaos sounded suspiciously like a purr. You are worthy.
    Ferris's mouth quirked into a smile and he chuckled. "Anoear tihar berth." He laid a hand over his heart and bowed from the shoulders.
    "Have you told him what we must do?" Ariadne asked Ciara.
    Andrakaos pulled his attention from Ferris, angling his head toward Ariadne. I will remain. For a time.
    "Thank you," Ariadne said. She let out a breath and turned to Ciara. "Get some rest if you can. You'll need to leave well after dark. I will send word as soon as it's safe for you to return to the city. Until then, Ferris will see to your well-being. Please, heed what he says."
    "I'll try," Ciara said. "But I'm still not convinced this is the best way to handle this."
    Ariadne stiffened. "Would you rather Bolin be forced to choose between you and his position here? My heart tells me this time he would choose desire over duty. As much as I wish to see him happy, I must consider what is in the best interest of the empire."
    Ariadne's words felt like a slap to the face, but Ciara smiled past them. "Of course. I'm sure you know best in that regard."
    "I do." Ariadne gave Ciara's arm a quick, reassuring squeeze, ten turned to leave. "Ferris will come for you when it is time to go. Goddess go with you both."
    Ferris bowed to Andrakaos, then to Ciara, before following the Emperor's sister from the room. The door barely closed behind them, when Ciara whirled on Andrakaos.
    "Donovan?"
    He is no longer hidden.
    "Where is he?"
    I do not yet know. He is no longer hidden, yet he hides.
    Ciara rolled her eyes. "What is that supposed to mean?
    A puff of air hit her as Andrakaos breathed out a long sigh and hunkered down like a cat readying for a nap. He had been