Elden’s conduit opened to Cinder, within walking distance of a magnificent space-scraper under construction. Rayne kept her eyes on Nox because she knew this was his first time seeing his homeworld since they’d resurrected. Since Tameka began the recession of Li.
Rayne was glad for the view.
Nox’s black eyes shimmered as he gaped up at a sky he’d never seen, despite living here for seven million years. She wished Korac and Xelan were here to see Nox’s reaction. Overcome, he swallowed hard enough for her to hear, sniffed, and wiped his cheek. His voice was rough as he said, “I never imagined I’d be alive to see this. The Progeny are truly miraculous.”
Elden.
Rayne couldn’t communicate with the Icarean deity, but there was an impression from his nacre—
This was close to glory.
Nox suddenly broke into a beautiful grin. Elated, he lifted Rayne by the waist and spun her around with joyous laughter. Infectious, she returned in kind, smiling down at Nox. As if he’d realized what he was doing, he stopped. When Nox set Rayne down, slowly, they stared at one another from a breath away.
A ruckus drew their attention, and Nox let Rayne go. It was the cheer of a crowd, reminding her why they’d come here in the first place. She took his hand and pulled him along, saying, “I can’t wait to show you this.”
The behemoth let Rayne coax him along with a curious brow quirked. She knew Nox must recognize the area, but there’s no way for him to expect what waited at the edge of this plateau.
People from all over Iona Pax filled the stands inside a basalt coliseum in the valley below. The conglomerate apartments were connected by tunnels in the mountain peppered the sheer cliff face spilling into the Ignis Desert. Beyond it, black waves crested and deadly beasts blew foul-smelling spray from their spouts. The sea washed onto shore at the mouth of caves littered with deadly traps to test both the soldier on foot and the wing-ed for the entertainment of hundreds of thousands in attendance.
Korac’s camp was restored by popular demand.
Elden bless the Verses.
Nox’s shoulders were straighter, his chest out further, and his chin higher. Rayne watched him breathe deep the air of his homeworld, a little less ashen and filled with so much promise. To show her understanding, she squeezed his hand. The look on Nox’s face when he turned to Rayne took her breath away. The Atramentous mirrors in his eyes returned her smile at Nox.
Love.
There was love in the reflection of Rayne’s eyes.
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“Is our mission below?” Nox’s voice was in a deeper register than his usual baritone, almost Primary deep.
Rayne nodded. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”
Nox held out the crook of his arm, and Rayne took it with her puffy pirate sleeve. They flew down into the highest tier of the stands, bypassing the lines and earning a few looks. Mostly curious, but some aggressive. Around them, Icari flew into the ring below.
Rayne nodded at the owner’s box, an Overseer like the ones on Enki, but painted red and white with a garish phoenix logo in the broad center. She said, “That’s our mark. Calls himself Lord Cinderken, and he never leaves the Overseer.”
Nox chuffed, and it made Rayne smile. He asked, “How do we get in?”
“Well, my information is mixed between Razor’s dossier and what my contact gave up before I knocked him out for slapping my ass.” At Rayne’s pause, Nox bowed with a dip of his head, and she continued, “Only race winners get special admittance to meet Cinder’s vice lord. Eight Icari compete, including his pet champion. The one to finish all three events first wins—What’re you doing?!”
Nox was undoing the buckles and straps of his shirt. He kept his eyes on hers as he stripped it from his very, very nice stomach, chest, shoulders—
Rayne might’ve drooled.
And Nox had the nerve to smirk as if he knew it. “I need this one, Rayne.” Those were her words from the night before.
Rayne held out the rings she’d used earlier that day on her run, saying, “These might help disguise some of your super awesomeness.”
“This is good thinking. Thank you.” Nox slipped them on his wrists after extending them to their maximum width and smiled down at her.
The urge to kiss him for luck, for care—whatever—struck Rayne so hard she’d leaned into him before she’d realized what she was doing. Nox saw it all, and mercifully, kissed her cheek—Soft, warm, and lingering. Against her ear, he promised, “I’ll win this for us and come back in one piece.”
As his wings opened and all his muscles flexed with it, Rayne muttered to herself, “One sexy piece.”
The Icarean King chuckled, indicating Nox had heard her, before flying down into the ring. Raised as royalty, trained by the Valkyrie, and inheritor of Elden’s legacy, Nox was the reason all this existed. The majesty of his presence—in his kingdom—swallowed the coliseum.
Whether the crowd knew he was the real deal or simply appreciated his dedication to the part, they went insane. They were so loud the skies answered their call. Thunder rolled in the clouds above.
Rayne beamed, feeling right at home.
Wait.
A male Lamia was flagging Rayne closer to floor entry. She ran down the steps while people cheered and clapped for her. A spotlight hit her.
Oh.
Rayne had to smile. They thought she and Nox were cosplaying themselves.
The Lamia beamed at her. “You are absolutely stunning! Welcome to the races. I know this must be your first time, because we’ve never seen your mate here before.”
For the sake of the ploy, Rayne didn’t correct him. Instead, she asked, “Is there something you wanted from me?”
“Oh! I apologize. Yes. We offer special ringside seats to the partners of our contenders, and an Icarus will fly you over the events. If you will, follow me, please.”
The guy was so polite Rayne felt inclined to follow him down to the lowest level, where Nox walked over to the wall and held up his hand to her.
The spotlight was still on them, and a compulsion told Rayne to play along. She slipped the ribbon from her neck and tied it around Nox’s hand, a favor from his princess.
There was so much cheering it made Rayne blush.
An announcer came across whatever speakers they’d installed in this ancient place. “What a show, am I right? King Nox and King Rayne united here on our racing grounds. But before we close our betting windows, you should know Lord Cinderken doubled his wages on our reigning champion.”
Rayne and Nox smirked.
She hoped Cinderken enjoyed losing.