The next day, Lanni returned to work, falling back into the rhythm of her duties, but her mind often wandered back to Jahree. He’d been placed on strict bed rest. She visited him whenever she could, feeling a quiet reassurance just sitting by his side. Trema took extra precautions once Jahree was cleared to return, assigning Kritalla to stay with him for a few days as he resumed his duties. Meanwhile, Lanni wasted no time reaching out to New Trito about Raylee. No one had heard from her recently, and she hadn’t reported any issues when she brought Jahree and his family over. They assured her that since two other groups of refugees had made their way through safely since then, Raylee likely was fine. Still, they promised to inves-tigate and let Lanni know if anything seemed amiss. Morina and Jahan had also been hard at work, delving into the details of the attack on Jahree. Their investigation led them to suspect three were involved: Malla, Rantar, and Wenda. However, the only one with tangible evidence against her was a woman who claimed that Malla had coerced her into participating. She insisted she had no idea Jahree had been drugged and argued that if she had known, she would have refused. They held her in custody for the moment, but it was clear the case against her was tenuous at best. In the meantime, Chapado finished her testing with Jahree. Pleased with the progress, she confirmed that all of the children had learned the basic control they needed. Lanni took over Shan’s training and found time to squeeze in extra lessons for the kids whenev-er possible. Once Jahree had fully recovered and resumed his duties, the immortal delegation qui-etly withdrew—or at least, that’s what it appeared. In reality, Kritalla remained in the bar-racks, staying out of sight. Morina and Chapado moved into town to stay with Areen. As far as the servants and the rest of the family knew, they had all returned to Menthanla. Sifa, ever intuitive, seemed to suspect otherwise. She didn’t ask for confirmation, but on Lanni’s days off, she sent any extra food out to the barracks at each meal. One morning, Sifa entered the kitchen and was surprised to find Tercala waiting. He looked up as she entered. “Captain, I wasn’t expecting you to return so soon,” she greeted him, mildly sur-prised. “I’m not staying,” Tercala replied, a shadow of a smile on his face. “I just came to speak with my niece. I checked her room and the library, but she wasn’t there, so I thought I’d wait here.” Sifa gave him a knowing look, raising an eyebrow as she pulled out supplies for breakfast. “Did you check the barracks?” Tercala frowned, looking puzzled. “The barracks? Why would she be there? Are you implying that the rumor is true?” Sifa carefully measured out flour, her expression neutral. “Which rumor is that? I wouldn’t want to confirm the wrong one.” He crossed his arms, frustration flickering in his gaze. “That she’s involved with Jahree.” Sifa shrugged, an amused glint in her eye. “Oh, that one. Yes, it’s true.” Tercala growled, and Sifa, though she’d grown accustomed to the dragons’ sounds as expressions of emotion, felt a little chill run down her spine. She set down her mixing bowl and met his eyes with a calm but firm look. “Jahree’s a good man,” she said, voice steady. Tercala’s tone was dismissive. “He’s a criminal.” “He was unjustly convicted,” she replied, her gaze unyielding. “He killed someone, Sifa.” She lifted her chin, undeterred. “The woman’s death wasn’t his fault, and the man… well, that was self-defense. You’ve never done anything wrong to protect yourself?” He narrowed his eyes, clearly uncomfortable. “That’s different,” he muttered. “True,” Sifa conceded, “but Jahree killed to protect himself and someone else. You took the king hostage during the attack on Menthanla, didn’t you?” Tercala’s gaze darkened. “I did what I had to, but that’s not the same.” “It’s not so different,” Sifa argued. “You had extenuating circumstances, didn’t you? Why shouldn’t Jahree get a second chance? If Lanni trusts him, why can’t you? He’s been nothing but a gentleman with her.” Tercala hesitated, clearly taken aback. “He has?” Sifa nodded. “Yes, he has.” Just then, Lanni’s voice drifted in from the hall, speaking to someone outside. “I’ll see you soon,” she said as she entered the kitchen, spotting Tercala. “Uncle! I didn’t know you were here.” Tercala’s expression turned stern. “Where have you been?” Lanni cocked her head, confused by his tone. “I was in New Trito, testifying against Trean.” “Testifying?” Tercala echoed, frowning. “At this hour?” She nodded. “Prince General Azlos arranged it so I wouldn’t miss any work. Why do you ask?” Tercala’s mouth twisted with disapproval. “I wanted to speak with you directly, but telepathy’s been unreliable at this distance. And I’ve heard rumors about you and Jahree.” Lanni met his gaze with a calm defiance. “He’s my chosen, Uncle.” Tercala leaned forward, his voice tight. “Do you even know what he did?” “You mean the incident with Trean’s daughter?” She folded her arms. “I defended him, remember?” Tercala shook his head, frustration clear. “And you want to be involved with someone like that?” She raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean? Someone like me?” Sifa couldn’t resist muttering, “Rather judgmental coming from someone with his past.” Lanni softened, her expression serious. “Uncle, Jahree is my chosen, not my mate. We’re taking it slow, letting the bond grow naturally. He’s treated me well.” Tercala sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “When I asked you about him after the attack, you said nothing. I had to hear this from Keteel.” “We were having a rough time then,” Lanni explained. “I wasn’t sure if it would last. And straining to use telepathy over that distance was giving me headaches—I knew it was even harder on you.” Tercala shook his head, his face softening. “Your choices in men… As long as he’s be-having, I wish you well.” “Thank you, Uncle,” Lanni said, her expression warming. He leaned in, his tone serious. “But if he hurts you…” She gave him a confident smile. “He won’t.” Tercala nodded, looking somewhat mollified. “And… he’s met your sister?” “Yes,” Lanni replied, grinning. “They get along well.” “Good. Let me know how things progress.” Lanni arched an eyebrow. “Uncle, I don’t care what you promised Dad or Grandpa—I’m not giving you the details of my love life.” Tercala rolled his eyes. “I don’t want to know about that,” he muttered, slightly em-barrassed. “Just let me know if I end up with another nephew.” “Of course, Uncle,” Lanni replied with a laugh. He straightened, regaining his composure. “Now, where can I find Trema?” “He’ll be at breakfast soon,” she replied. “He’s on the day shift today.” “Thanks, Lanni,” he said, heading out of the kitchen with one last glance over his shoulder. Lanni smiled, watching him go, feeling a warmth settle over her. Despite his gruff demeanor, she knew he cared deeply—maybe even more than he’d ever say. #fantasy, #magic, #dragons, #hiddenlands