He disappeared.

“He thought she was dead,” Valek explained. Exhaustion lined his face, and he was too thin. His hands slid down my arms, and he laced his fingers in mine. “I heard you defeated the Cartel. Did anyone... Are there any...”

I understood his reluctance to hear bad news. “Bain Bloodgood had massive heart failure during the attack on the Krystal garrison.”

“Ah, sorry to hear that.”

“Everyone is still reeling. And now Zitora is First Magician.”

“That’s a heck of a homecoming.” Valek braced for more bad news. “Anyone else?”

“A few soldiers were killed by the blasts from the orbs. It couldn’t be avoided. And we can’t find Hale in any of the garrisons. I suspect Bruns killed him soon after we escaped the Krystal garrison, but I can’t ask him.” I explained how Onora had saved our lives.

Valek squeezed my hand. “I owe her a debt of gratitude. How is she doing? Any problems with guilt?”

“I don’t think so, but she’s been acting like a mother bear protecting her cub. Guess who is her cub?” I tapped my chest.

“That’s normal.”

“Says the man who wants to lock me in a tower.”

“That’s normal, too.”

“For you, maybe.”

“Well, I’m glad she’s been protecting you. Were there any...incidents at the other garrisons?”

“Other than a few injuries, none of our herd died. Thank fate.”

“Injuries? How bad?”

“Janco has a couple of new scars to name. No doubt he’ll be boasting about them when we see him. Mara cut her hands pretty badly. Seems Rika Bloodgood had a knife at her throat, but Mara wasn’t going to let Leif surrender, so she took matters literally into her own hands.”

“Good for her.”

“She saved us all. If Rika had warned Bruns...” We all knew the consequences if that had happened. “Irys has already healed Mara, and Irys is talking about giving her a medal for her bravery.”

“My siblings?”

“Fine. However, Zohav almost drowned Zethan, or so your brother claims, but I suspect he’s exaggerating.” I smiled, but sobered when I remembered Bain. We’d all miss him. “Now it’s your turn. Owen?”

“Had a very bad case of overconfidence and died in my arms.”

“I’m not sorry to hear it. I take it that’s when the Commander woke up and recalled his army.”

Valek tensed. “Not exactly.”

“What happened?”

He sighed. “It’s a long story. The short version is the invasion has been canceled, and Sitia can return to normal.” He put his fingers on my lips. “I’ll fill everyone in on the details once they’re all back. Fisk?”

I’d forgotten he was there!

“Yes?” Fisk asked.

“Can you spread the word about the invasion? And please ask Ari and Janco to return to the Citadel with the twins.”

“All right.”

“Thanks.” He returned his attention to me as Fisk left. “Do you have any plans for this afternoon?”

“Not anymore.”

“Good.” Valek tugged me into the hallway. “Have you been staying in the guest suites?”

“Yes. Are you tired?”

“Not anymore.” His gaze met mine.

Heat flushed through me. “My room is this way.”

* * *

Hunger woke me a few hours later. Valek didn’t stir when I slipped from the bed. Exhaustion? Or was he finally able to relax?

I dressed and visited the kitchen—again. I imagined I’d worn a path in the rug, since I spent more time eating than sleeping these days. I grabbed a few extra pieces of fruit and cheese for Valek. At least, that was the plan. Since he didn’t wake up until the next morning, I felt justified in eating his share.

Onora and Gerik visited us soon after we returned from breakfast. The guest suite had a living area, but they stood instead of making themselves comfortable. I suspected Onora had unwelcome news.

“The Commander has ordered me back to Ixia,” she said.

I studied her. She tried to keep a stoic expression, but she appeared a little green, as if she was going to be sick to her stomach. “Are you worried he thinks you’re a traitor?”

She glanced at Valek.

He shook his head. “I didn’t have time to tell her.”

“I’m the new Chief of Security,” she said.

Surprised, I turned to Valek.

“I retired,” he said.

Clearly we needed to catch up, but that would have to wait until later. I focused on Onora and was happy for her. “Congratulations.”

She hesitated. “Thanks.”

“Isn’t that good news?” I asked, because she still looked queasy. “That’s what you wanted. Right?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know.”

Ah. “The Commander would not have given you the job if he thought you couldn’t handle it.”

“I know. It’s just...overwhelming.”

“That’ll pass in about five or six years,” Valek said.

“Thanks,” she said dryly.

“Just remember that you’re not alone. And that I owe you one.”

Onora peered at him in confusion.

“You saved Yelena’s and our baby’s lives. If you get into trouble and need help, send me a message, and I’ll—”