I paused as Ryder started to wrap my hand in a soft silk, which felt surprisingly nice against the damaged tissue. We walked together back to where our babies were, cradled in the arms of their uncles. When we reached them, Elijah moved closer to us, his eyes watching me with a mixture of wonder, and suspicion.
“That was a custom for the Gods, princess,” he whispered.
I remained silent as did Ryder.
“Very few can claim to have seen the White Stag, much less have it appear during a time of need. Two miracles in one day,” he said softly. “I wonder if it will be enough to save your babes as well.”
“You should go help with the wood,” Ryder said narrowing his eyes on his brother. “My grandfather, the first Horde King, was one of the few to ever lay eyes on the Stag. He saw it the night of the first Wild Hunt, and so it became a signal for the most sacred of animals.” Ryder’s eyes slid to me, and a small tug at his lips seemed to be connected to my heart, because it yanked on it.
“I have many secrets, Elijah, but some of them are meant to stay as such until I wish them to be public knowledge. Every advantage in this war is needed,” I said softly, hoping he caught my message.
“You can trust that I will keep it,” he said as he bowed low at his waist and then lifted his head with a smirk on his lips. “Growing up with Gods does have its own advantages.”
We watched him walk away.
“You think he’ll become a problem?” Ryder asked, and I turned my eyes to his.
“Let’s hope not.”
We watched in silent respect as the wood was brought over, and placed a short distance from the rowan Tree. When it had been piled high, Savlian tossed a torch on the pile and we watched in silent hope. It wasn’t working at first, but as we watched, the ground began to thaw, and the moss returned to its lush, emerald-green color.
“It’s working,” I whispered past the tears that filled both my eyes and my throat. “Ryder, its working,” I said a little louder.
Chapter Thirty-Six
The fire illuminated the sky as night fell across the glade. We watched in silence as the Tree’s icy cocoon began to melt and the frost vanished. The fairies returned to the Tree, dancing around the flames. Their glowing wings cast a glittering effect in the sky. We had waited as long as we dared, and Danu had admitted that it was finally time to bring the babes closer and place them upon the moss-covered floor.
I accepted Kahleena and Cade as Ryder carried Zander over to the foot of the Tree. After he had placed Zander on the ground, he accepted Kahleena as I laid Cade down beside Zander, making sure there was enough room for their sister between them.
She was so still that I had to stop myself from checking for her pulse. I’d felt it in her as I had carried her over. Once we had them on the ground, Danu instructed us to remove their clothes, and then we had to go. I hesitated as I stood to leave.
“I have them,” she said softly. “Go stand with your people, and join hands. Instruct them to push the power they wish to give me, and I will accept it. You cannot be with the babes for this. It’s my turn to help them. This I can do; this is also the least I can do for you, my daughter. I promise no harm will come to them.”
I had no choice.
With my heart in my throat, I walked away from my babies, knowing that their lives rested in my mother’s hands. When we once again stood with the crowd, Adam took my hand, as Ryder accepted my other one.