There is an old story in the herd—of those Callers whose companions were more than human. On occasion those companions would take up arms in defense of the herd and their loves.
"This is why you call him protector," Eva said.
Amusement danced in Sebastian's eyes. He does seem to fit the role.
Eva glanced at Caden, catching a glimpse of something that made her pause. There was a focused look on his face, as if he was listening to something.
"You can hear them?" Eva said, sounding sure.
Caden grabbed the hand she had raised to his, pulling her up in front of him. "A little."
Eva craned her head to look up at his face. "For how long?"
Caden's arms closed around Eva as Sebastian raced toward the sky.
"Not long. Their voices weren't clear before I arrived here. Just a buzzing I could almost hear."
The ancestral lands must have boosted his ability. It would be interesting to see if that effect lasted even when they left this place.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Eva asked, trying not to feel hurt.
"The same way you told me I died?"
Eva's mouth closed as guilt spread across her face. She looked away. "How did you know?"
He dropped his chin on her head. "Eva, alea na, death isn't exactly something you miss."
There was an edge of laughter in his voice that made Eva struggle to extract herself from his embrace.
"It would have been nice if you’d told me,” he chided gently, not letting her go. "I thought I was imagining things for a while."
Eva slumped against him. "I couldn't. They swore me to secrecy."
Which she was guessing no longer applied since he'd already figured it out.
Eva turned to face him. "They said they'd kill whoever I told. I wouldn't have kept it from you otherwise."
He framed her face with his hands, dropping a kiss onto her lips. "I understand."
Eva let herself sink into him, the kiss deepening until they were both breathless. When it was over, she hid her face in his neck as she leaned against him.
"How do you feel about this title they gave you?" she asked.
His chest rumbled under her ear. "I think it's quite appropriate since that's exactly what I am. Your protector."
His gaze was gentle as Sebastian aimed for the mist forming in the sky above.
"I will always protect you—and everything you love."
Their journey was short, the mist only lasting a short time before Sebastian broke through it. He flew until he found the valley where the Trateri had fought their battle.
Several warriors moved back and forth as they collected the dead and injured.
A glad cry went up as people caught sight of Eva and Caden on Sebastian's back.
Several people stood and waved. As they flew closer, Eva caught sight of Jason, Brisa trailing behind him slightly, as they raced for where Sebastian planned to land.
She had barely dismounted before both threw themselves into her arms. Eva stumbled, Sebastian's body behind her preventing her from falling.
I can't believe I left for such a short while and you managed to get yourself kidnapped, Sebastian grumbled.
"You're the one who decided to fly off in a huff. You can't complain," Eva said as Jason drew back, attempting to pretend he hadn't just tackled her.
You could have called for me.
Eva’s eyes narrowed at the unfair accusation. “I did. You didn’t answer.”
Sheepishness flooded through their bond. I forgot how much a storm like that can affect its surroundings. They’re rare, and it takes a powerful mind to cut through the noise. I didn’t realize until it was too late. By that time, I’d come across a group of suspicious humans who needed to be eliminated.
Eva could sense the smugness that came from that thought. Sebastian had enjoyed his fight. She didn’t know whether to pity the humans for being so unlucky or be glad he’d managed to eliminate some of the enemy.
I only figured out what had happened when I returned and saw signs of the attack. I never want to go through that again.
Brisa head butted Eva’s shoulder, distracting her from Sebastian. The Tenrin's wing was wrapped in white bandages, the arrow having been removed at some point.
Eva looked at Jason. "I hear you're the big hero. I wish I could have been there to see how you managed that."
It would have been quite the conversation, she was sure.
Jason flushed, his expression quickly turning insulted when Brisa nudged him out of the way.
The Tenrin pointed at her face, looking proud. "I was the one who translated for him. Didn't I do a good job?"
"Claiming credit for someone else's triumphs is below you, cousin," Ajari drawled as he made his way toward them.
To Eva's pleasant surprise, she found more than one Tenrin among those present. Even the Kyren had remained after the battle.
"I didn't expect you here," Eva said.
"I cannot help it if you misjudged the situation." Ajari's smile was playful even as his words were sharp enough to draw blood.
Eva didn't take offense, knowing that despite his harsh words he cared about her and the Trateri. That much was obvious in the way he'd maneuvered Brisa into following them.
"Did we accomplish what you were hoping for?" Eva asked.
There was a twinkle in Ajari's eye as he gave a small nod, running his gaze over the three groups present. "It's a start, but there's still a long way to go."
"Your confidence leaves me breathless," Eva said in a dry voice.
"It should, little rabbit," Ajari said as he turned to go. "Come, Brisa, the flock leader wishes to know why you disobeyed his instructions and involved yourself with the humans."
A look of betrayal settled on Brisa's face. "I thought you weren't telling him about this."
Ajari’s gaze was playful. "That was before you made such a big commotion. Getting yourself injured. Pleading the mouse's case with the Kyren. Convincing some of our more rebellious brethren to join the fight. Did you really think he wouldn't find out?"
"You promised."
"He doesn't get to keep promises that hide things concerning members of my own flock," Covath rumbled from their right.
The flock leader's gaze was locked on his cousin as she stared at the ground
"Say goodbye, cousin. You have things to answer for," Covath said.
Seeing the Tenrin named Merc, Covath gave him a nod. The Tenrin male approached Brisa with a tentative look on his face, holding out his arms.
Brisa hesitated. "Do I have to?"
Covath's expression was calm as he regarded her. "Yes."
Brisa's shoulders sagged as she dragged her feet toward Merc. He picked her up gently before launching them into the air.
To Eva's surprise, Covath didn't immediately follow.
"I heard what you did for my cousin," he said, meeting Eva's eyes. "I know what that could have cost you. You have my gratitude."
In his words, Eva sensed the hint of an apology. Probably the closest the flock leader would ever come to admitting he was wrong about humans.
At least some humans.
"She was my responsibility," Eva told him.