Dawn Study (Soulfinders #3)(64)

“I have not received any word from her, but I was incarcerated for most of the time she has been gone. The Cartel may have intercepted a message from her.”

That would be bad. Really bad. The Cartel knew enough tricks to capture Zitora, and when the Theobroma didn’t work on her, they’d realize it hadn’t worked on Bain and Irys, either. I considered. Opal left on her mission when Valek and I were still Bruns’s prisoners. Once we escaped, we sent a message warning them, but by then it was too late.

The best-case scenario would be Opal helping Zitora and convincing her to return as an active Master Magician. Since Opal was unaware of the Cartel’s existence, Zitora would probably travel to the Citadel. In that case, we would need to stop her. Nothing I could do about it at the moment. Instead of rushing off, I chatted until they tried to hide their fatigue. Then I ordered them to go to sleep. Plus, if we left at dawn, we might reach the camp without having to stop for the night.

As the flames burned low, I stared at the darkening sky. Stars popped into view. More and more of them, until points of white fire glittered from every inch. A strange sensation in my abdomen distracted me from the spectacle. Just a light stroke, as if a fingertip traced a line on my skin. But the touch came from the inside of my body. Odd. After it happened the second time, I had an inkling of the cause. To confirm my suspicions, I reached underneath my tunic and rested my hands on my lower stomach. When it occurred again, I felt the gentle flutter from both sides.

The baby had grown big enough for me to feel its movements. Excited and amazed by the truly unique experience, I kept my fingers splayed over the bulge. The baby was about eighteen weeks along, and I wondered when I’d be unable to hide the telltale bump.

The light touches continued, and I wished Valek’s hand rested next to mine. A pang of loneliness and worry gnawed on my heart. I hoped we’d be together soon.

*

The next day, we arrived at camp late. Everyone was asleep except Onora. She materialized from the darkness as soon as Kiki stopped.

“We need to work on our communication,” she said.

“Oh?” I dismounted and stretched. “I told Leif—”

“Your definition of ‘not gone long’ and mine are completely different.”

“Talk to Kiki. She’s the one who changed the plan.” Unless... I wondered if she had sensed Rusalka before we even left. I’d have to remember to ask her if I ever recovered my magic. Funny how that uncertainty no longer squeezed my heart with anxiety.

Onora frowned.

I chuckled. “It’s all part of that ‘herding snow cats’ Ari and Janco warned you about. You’ll get used to it.”

“I doubt it,” she muttered, but she helped us take care of the horses.

Reema peered at her in between yawns. “Are you the assassin who wants Uncle Valek’s job?”

“Eventually, yes.” Onora considered the young girl. “Are you thinking of challenging me for it?”

“Oh, no. I’m not skilled enough,” Reema demurred.

But Onora was too smart to fall for it. “Uh-huh. From what I’ve been hearing, you could put the sass into assassin.”

Reema’s grin erased all signs of innocence. “Ooh, I like! But don’t worry, I wouldn’t want to limit myself by working for the Commander.”

“Free agent?”

“Something like that.”

“Reema, it is time for bed,” Devlen said. “You can finish your conversation later. Like, ten years later.”

In the morning, we gathered around the campfire and exchanged information. Mara leaned on Leif, who sat behind her with his arms wrapped around her torso.

“Time is not on our side,” I said. “Leif and Mara, you’ll join up with Esau and Nutty in the jungle. I need you to protect him while he cultivates the Frosty Pod. If the Cartel discovers what he’s doing, they’ll come after him. The rendezvous is at the Illiais Market on day forty.”

Leif nodded, then said, “Since we can’t use Valek’s sleeping potion anymore, I’ll brew up my own recipe. It takes longer to kick in and doesn’t last as long, but it’s better than nothing.”

“Thanks.” I glanced around. “Ari and Janco, once we learn where Teegan and the twins have relocated, you’ll need to join them and escort them to the Illiais Market, along with a Stormdancer. Doesn’t matter which one.”

“How do we deduce their new location?” Janco asked.

“One of Fisk’s people will know.”

“What about you?” Ari asked.

“Onora and I will stay at the Citadel—or rather, outside the Citadel—to keep an eye out for Zitora, Valek and Opal.”

Ari crossed his arms. “It’s not safe for you to be that close. One of Fisk’s kids can watch for them, and you can come with us.”

“Zitora won’t listen to a strange kid. I need to talk to her myself.”

“What if you miss Valek? He’ll be upset if you’re not here.”

Janco huffed in amusement. “Upset is too mild a word. Try furious.”

I ignored him. “Kiki can sense other Sandseed horses. If Opal is with him, then Kiki will pick up on Quartz, and if he’s alone, then Valek’ll skirt the plains. We’ll ride close to the western border in case we see him or Zitora.”