I lowered my eyes and shifted my glance at Wren. Guilt pinched her face, her eyes swimming with unshed tears. I would have to speak to her about that later.

“Have you met with the drakens yet?” Vela inquired, curious. Wren perked up next to me.

“Where are they?” she asked.

Vela quirked an eyebrow at Wren. “I am surprised your mate has not told you.”

I huffed, even as Wren replied wryly. “My king doesn’t make sense at the best of times.”

Vela snorted. “Regardless, you should see them.”

Vela left then, and I looked out over the clearing of witches cradling babies, singing and cooing to them softly. A few others toddled on unsure feet, calmly guided and encouraged by a patient witch. A gust of wind swirled by my head, and I didn’t turn as Kieran landed heavily beside us.

“They seem to have the children well in hand.” His eyes scanned the clearing, stress lining the creases in his forehead. “They are all infants. Aren’t there older children?”

I turned to Wren with tired eyes, but she only shook her head sadly. A wave of arousal coursed through me as she bit her lip, and I savagely pushed it away. The mateship bond needed renewing, but I refused to force myself on her until she was healed, physically and emotionally. I would be deserving of her this time, unlike in the past.

“You would know more than me, considering you spent months there.”

Wren shrugged away from my words. “Will you take me to the female drakens?”

My eyes snapped to hers. “No.”

Her nostrils flared. “Why?”

I grabbed her hand, bringing it to my face to nuzzle with my nose. Her bright eyes softened and held my gaze. “You are still writhing with white magick. The only reason you are likely not on the ground screaming is due to your tattoo. I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to meet the drakens until we can get it dispelled.”

“Oh.” Wren looked away, ashamed.

“You didn’t know. You have much to learn yet, and Thad couldn’t teach you.”

Wren flinched, as if the mention of his name caused her physical pain.

“Can Thad come to the island and dispel it then? Luci still won’t come near me, and I doubt—” Kieran trailed off at the look on my face. Wren pulled her hand free from mine, and I felt a pang of regret in my chest. “Ok. So . . . I take it from your conversation that Thad is at least still alive. Should . . . should I go there then?”

Was she insane? And was that relief I detected when she realized he wasn’t dead?

It made me angry and remorseful all at the same time.

I opened my mouth angrily, but her eyes narrowed in challenge. “So that’s it then? I’ll just keep suffering with these pains at all hours of the day and night, and the draken females will never meet their queen? What a wonderful plan!”