Thanus 94

When we got back to the songbirds, there they stood, waiting for us! Revik stood still next to Niala, his hand gripping hers with white knuckles. I had a million questions, and I couldn’t bring myself to celebrate any harder. “Revik?”

He glanced up at me, still and quiet, while Kiromir fawned over Gaff. I never thought I’d see that in my lifetime. Embarrassment spread over his face, but he didn’t shirk Kiromir off. He needed the praise. Niala was red-faced, flushed and Revik seemed a little protective of her. I desperately needed to hear this story.

“Well… Kiromir, we can talk later.” Revik tried to talk but kept being talked over.

Gaff and Niala exchanged terrified looks for a moment, and she shoved something towards him and into his hands with a meaningful look. He reached for her arm, a soft squeeze, and his aura of mourning flicked.

They’ve done quite a bit of growing up in a few days…

“KIROMIR!” Revik said in a shout. The group went silent. “I have to take Niala to her people. So say your goodbyes, and I’ll be back to explain everything as soon as possible.”

“What? She just got here… Can’t we just—” Kiromir reached out for her.

Revik twitched, his aura peaking. Anxiety and urgency flurried behind his eyes. “No. She needs her people. You’re two steps from war, and she’s pretty sick. For fuck’s sake, the Enai are on their way, and the second someone mentions that tail of hers, and it gets to her grandfather first!” His sharp words sent silence through them for a stunned moment.

“What? What is Enai? Grandfather? Revik, you just can’t,” Kiromir moved to take a step towards her.

“You probably have some talking to do with the Greentree boy right now. He can explain what’s wrong with her.” Revik’s hand choked up on Niala’s wrist, and his expression went cold.

“Wait, no!” I reached out, and she disappeared from right in front of me for the second time in so many days. Gaff looked heartbroken and crushed before burying his head in his hands.

“Did… he just take rough light on his own….” Letti asked.

“It’s called coarselight. I’ve been able to do it for a while. It’s how I got Niala out.” Gaffriel’s pale form shook. “Kiromir… Thanus… Can we talk alone for a few minutes?”