Island Shifters: Book 02 - An Oath of the Mage by Valerie Zambito Page B

then.
    Was that why Gemini was now dead? Because she may have had the ability to track down and destroy Avalon? It seemed likely now.
    Because of Avalon, two of the most important people in her life were gone—one permanently and the other’s future still undecided. The realization caused her heart to flutter until she felt like it would burst from her chest and take flight. Taking deep breaths to calm herself, she sat on the edge of the bed with her head between her legs. She stayed that way for a long time, until her panic eased and she could breathe evenly again.
    Feeling like she finally had the strength to stand, she rose to her feet and finished packing the rest of her and Kenley’s clothes. She decided to leave Beck’s here, just in case he returned, and that seemingly harmless decision almost triggered another panic attack. Was she abandoning her husband along with his clothes?
    A knock sounded on her door, and she walked into the sitting room on shaky legs. The panic would have to wait. She had a daughter to think about, and a father who could be in mortal danger if she did not go to his side.
    Saber Anton LaFrae opened the door and announced Rogan, Janin and Airron.
    Janin immediately rushed to her and held her in a tight embrace. “I am very sorry, Kiernan.”
    Kiernan simply nodded. She did not trust herself to speak fearing it would come out incoherent.
    Airron approached and took her hands as soon as Janin released her. “Kiernan, we will find him. Do you hear me?”
    She nodded again and cleared her throat. “I…I have to return to
    Nysa to help my father. I cannot abandon my realm and the people
    I am responsible to protect.” She paused. “Beck would understand.”
    “I know he would, Kiernan,” Airron quickly assured her. “You are making the only decision you can. King Erik still refuses to send aid to Iserlohn, so Rogan and I discussed our options and have decided to split up. I will stay here and search for Beck. My animal forms will help me to scent and track him better than the soldiers can, and Rogan and Janin will seek aid for Nysa and your father.”
    Kiernan shook her head. “But, how? Where?”
    Rogan smiled slyly. “If I cannot raise the Deepstone Army, I will raise one of my own.” Before she could question him further, he held up a hand. “Don’t ask.”
    She looked at the two Dwarves. “But you two have just been married.”
    Janin snorted. “I have been married to this man for six years. We just happened to make it official yesterday.” She looked directly in Kiernan’s eyes. “There is nothing we would not do to help your family or to help find Beck.”
    Kiernan was touched. “Thank you, Janin.” She looked at her best friends. “I thank all of you.”
    A loud commotion sounded in the hallway. Kiernan hurriedly walked over to open the doors, but they slammed opened before she could reach them.
    “I said let me in!”
    A beautiful Elven woman stormed into the room and looked around, her violet eyes furious. Finally, her gaze landed on Airron. “There you are! You will not get away from me so easy again, you lout!”
    Kiernan waved away the angry Sabers at the door and looked at Airron. “What in the Highworld is going on here?”
    Airron burst out in laughter.
    “Airron! Who is this woman? Why are you laughing like that?”
    “I am only laughing because otherwise I will be crying.”
    Rogan glared at him. “What did you do now?”
    Airron shook his mane of white hair and then held out his arm toward the woman. “Kiernan, Rogan, Janin. Let me introduce you to the Lady Melania Shael. My wife.”

     
    Davad Etin stopped short in his intention to run his sword through King Maximus’ heart when Bo Franck, the Saber, and the servants stepped up together to form a line in front of their King. Even the stout house manager, Belle, looked like she was ready to take him on single-handedly.
    Raj Mendel spoke over his shoulder. “My Lord?”
    Davad shook his head.