The Touch of Salvation

33: A House to Save

"We should lock up House of Light."

Our feet hit the ground with a resounding thump in the foyer. "House of Light?"

Daario turns to me. "It's what we call this palace. House of Light is where we stay, House of Dawn is another, West of here. House of Sun is South."

"We cannot do that," Lucian rebuttes.

"We are in no position to endure another attack," the Bloodrider continues.

"If we lock up House now, that will send a message to our people and we do not need to alarm them."

"Adalind," Daario says. She's already climbing the large stairs. "What should we do?"

She turns, her eyes heavy and her face crestfallen as she looks at all of this. She looks at me and her gaze wavers before she shrugs. "I'm tired," is all she says before continuing up.

The room falls into silence. It's thick and uncomfortable, but no one says a word about her. "Both of you are right," I begin, my eyes following where she had gone up. "Daario, buttress the perimeter of the territory with troops every 10 miles that switch off every 8 hours. Inform them that they are to be on watch for impending waters or other concerns. Don't secure House of Light yet and don't inform the masses, but Lucian, start rationing water, food, and any resources that could become scarce if House Taurus falls. Choose only those you trust with your life to complete this task. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best."

Daario nods and heads off, followed by Lucian. Lux's harsh gaze is on me.

"And me?"

"I fucked up our relations with House Libra. Get close to Kallum."

Her eyes narrow. "You mean fuck him."

"I mean," I say headily. "If all lands flood I want to have a water wielder on our side that can actually wield water."

"And you?"

"She needs to eat. Once she falls asleep there is no waking her. And I need to run the territory. I know nothing of it."

She's silent for a moment, analyzing me. "I will have to prepare to infiltrate House Libra and could use help. I could fly with you and show you what you should know."

My gaze trains on her. "No, you don't need my assistance." She straightens as a small grin crawls on my face. "Do you like me, Lux?"

Rolling her eyes, she shifts on her feet. "No, your emotions are just as annoying and terrible as Adalind's, even your guilt is sometimes nauseatingly self-righteous."

"You like me," I say again, teasing her.

"I do not."

"You like me," I say again, walking away from her.

"You're barely tolerable."

I chuckle. "But still tolerable."

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ADALIND

The world is so dark. It's always been dark. My room is dark. I hate the dark.

Time moves slowly as I fall in and out of sleep. I don't know how long I was asleep when I feel my bed dip and a hand on my forehead. Goliath lays next to me, his hand reaching over to place the food down on the side table.

I can smell the chicken and noodles from here and my stomach gurgles. I can't remember the last time I ate, wait I can. Goliath made me a sandwich this afternoon.

"Daylight, you have to eat."

I turn on my back to look up at him. Naturally, my hair is more fluorescent than the average fae and it provides just enough light that I can see the curvature of his face. He's such a handsome man it takes my breath away.