“They’re our guides, helping us through this war, protecting us when they can,” I said as I also freed my hands and reached forward to hug Cerberus. “I think we need to do some research into them. I have no idea what their capabilities are.”
“We can help you with that, baby girl.” I spun my head to side and found Josian standing there.
My lips lifted in a broad smile as a flood of joy washed through me. I was so glad he had made it back before the ceremony was over. He’d had to leave in the middle of Lucy’s wedding, but I always felt better when he was close by. Something was going on with my father. I had sensed it for a while now, but still his presence was so essential in my life that I felt a little lost when his massive personality wasn’t around.
“Who is we?” Ria asked. Which was a good question, since he was standing there alone.
“The princeps of all seven clans are due to meet later. We should have enough knowledge between us.” He grinned, showcasing his perfect white teeth. His red hair shifted around him in the breeze off the ocean.
I had so many things to be doing in the next twenty-four hours. I needed to go to the lalunas and see if I could reform my melding bond with Brace. I had to meet with the princeps and find out about our animal guides. And I needed to get moving to the next world, Dronish, and gather the sixth half-Walker. We were in a race against the clock. Four of the Seventine were out there and they were gathering energy and working to free the last three of their brothers. And speaking of gathering energy, I also needed to find out what Fury had discovered on Crais. I had a terrible feeling there was something big about to go down on one of the planets. I just didn’t know which one or how to prevent it from happening.
“But I think now it is time for a dance,” Josian said, spreading his arms wide. “Can I have the honor, baby girl?”
His words had the crowds dispersing again. They moved back to the positions they’d been in before the arrival of our second sacred animal, mingling on the dance floor and seated around the tables eating and drinking. I caught Lucy’s eye and she gave me a wink before turning back to Colton. Brace was standing where I’d left him; his strong features softened as I blew him a kiss.
As I strode across to Josian, the other girls remained behind, still gathered around the sacred animals.
***