Free Wings of Lomay by Devri Walls Page B

ground.
    “It had to be done,” Emane said.
    “We can’t leave them here.” Kiora looked around. There were many large stones similar to the one she had pulled back from entrance lying around. Kiora used her magic to pull one up on its end. “We can use this,” she said.
    Emane picked up the first Shifter and laid his body at the base of the large slab. He did the same for the second, laying him next to the first.
    Kiora flicked her wrist and the rock fell forward, burying the bodies beneath a nameless headstone. “Let’s go,” she said.
    Alcander was waiting for them just inside the magic. “Have the Guardians arrived yet?” she asked him.
    “No, not yet.” He glanced down the hall at the line of Shifters. “You came home with more than I thought you would.”
    “You need to have more faith,” Drustan said. “Kiora has a strange and marvelous effect. You of all people should know that.” He gave Alcander a deliberate, one-fingered poke in the chest. “Her effect on you has been nothing short of miraculous.”

CHAPTER SIX
    Surrounded
    EMANE VOLUNTEERED TO WAIT for the Guardians, mainly because he wanted time alone. He had thrown himself into training because it needed to be done, but also because it was a legitimate excuse to be clear of Kiora for most of the day. He was rather impressed with his ability to fake acceptance, but he had his limits. In an attempt to keep his feelings to himself, he spent all his time with the Taveans. Although not nearly as cocky as Alcander, they were still a proud species that tried his patience, despite his constant efforts at lightheartedness.
    The cracks around the doorframe lit from the outside and Emane hurriedly moved to open it. The stone was large, and meant to be moved by magic—of course. He threw his shoulder into it, grunting under the effort. It finally slid forward.
    Malena and Leo fluttered in, passing through the barrier.
    They were just as bright and beautiful as he remembered. He turned to shove the stone back into place, but Malena did the work for him with a simple wave of her hand.
    Emane gave them a shallow bow. “It is good to see you again.”
    Malena fluttered forward. Her blond hair hung perfectly between two shimmering wings and her smile was radiant, exposing tiny, perfect teeth. She gave him a delicate kiss on the cheek. “It is good to see you as well, Prince Emane.”
    “How are my people?” he asked as he brushed the dirt from his hands and pants.
    “They are well,” Leo said. “Worried about both you and Kiora.”
    “And my father?”
    “He is worried as well,” Malena said.
    “But they are safe?”
    “They are. We have kept the Fallen Ones at bay and hope to be able to return your people to their homes soon.”
    “Good.” Emane motioned for the Guardians to follow him and headed toward the city center.
    “Where is Kiora?” Leo asked.
    “I hope she is sleeping,” Emane said. “Although, somehow I doubt it. She hasn’t been doing much of that lately.”
    “I am not surprised.” Malena shuddered.
    “The state of this world is worse than we understood,” Leo said, flying to the side of him. “Coming through the pass and feeling the loss of good threads was painful. I can only imagine what Kiora must be feeling.”
    “That isn’t even half the problem,” Emane said as the tunnel opened up, exposing the city. “She has been through more than I ever thought she could handle.”
    Alcander jogged up the steps, stopping in front of Malena and Leo. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
    “You must be Prince Alcander,” Malena said. “Eleana spoke of you.”
    “King Alcander,” Emane corrected.
    “It makes no difference—you may call me Alcander.”
    Malena looked around the city. “Where would you like us to work?”
    “Come.” Alcander waved, leading them toward one of the larger rooms that ran along the perimeter of the city’s center. “Drustan has been waiting for you.”
    “Emane,” Malena said as they