Chapter 206: Allies & Enemies

RETH

Elia turned away from the door and covered herself with her hands, even in this moment mortified at the idea someone might walk in and see them naked. He'd been very clear with all their people: If the door was closed, knocking was required. Anima under stress might not remember, though. Thankfully, this one had. "What is it?" he snapped towards the closed door.

"You're needed Reth, I'm sorry. There's… news. Urgent news. Elia should hear it, too." It was Behryn—Behryn staying respectfully on the other side of the door, for Elia's sake.

"We'll be there in a moment," Reth growled, then waited until he was certain Behryn was far enough away not to hear their whispered words. Then he turned back to her, and his stomach clenched at the pain and anger lighting her eyes. She had her arms folded and was swallowing tears. He stroked her upper arms with his thumbs and when he spoke, kept his voice gentle.