The tribe sat around the table, eating in troubled silence. Ash opened his mouth to ask for a roll and blinked when he watched Mureln pick one up, passing it to Taylin who handed it to him. He tilted his head, watching the unconscious responses to wants and could not help but smile. Memories of Nolyn and him as boys doing the same came to mind as their bond made speaking often unnecessary.

Everyone startled, looking toward the bedroom door where Storm half-collapsed against the frame. Her eyes were closed as she focused on standing without its support. She managed two steps before she stumbled. With determination, she struggled back to her feet.

Most of the tribe jumped up to help her, but Ash held up one hand, reinforcing the silent order to stay over the tribal bond. Mureln met the mage’s eyes for several moments before he murmured just loud enough for those at the table to hear him. “Wait for her to ask.”

Most could not bear watching as the young Desanti woman kept trying to get to her feet. Having fallen so often, her knees left patches of blood, but she kept fighting. A pair of indigo boots appeared in her field of vision, and she looked up to see Kendle crouching by her. “Why are you still here?” she growled, looking away.

He smiled with a shrug. “I am healing from the thrashing you gave me. You are exceptionally thorough and efficient, my friend.”

She made a disgusted sound, trying to push herself up, only to collapse to her knees again. “The damage was only physical. Taylin could have mended you.”

“After my failure to stop the war during the First Sundering and the suffering I caused you and your lifemate during the Second? I deserve far more than this.” He shrugged again. “I will be gone soon enough. I wanted to be sure you were well before I go.”

She shook her head, clenching her fists as she prepared to attempt getting to her feet again. “You cannot take the blame for others’ failures, Kendle.” She grunted, managing only to fall forward, barely able to roll to her side so her shoulder took the impact of her fall. “Taylin is a skilled healer. It is foolish to turn away help when it is there.”

The Roylat grinned. “If I should accept aid from another, don’t you think you should start applying the same standards to yourself? The ancient trinity failed, not you. You have an entire tribe ready to aid you. And a friend, if you’ll still have me.” She opened her eyes to see his hand held out to her in silent offer. Without a word, she accepted his assistance up and support keeping her on her feet as they walked to the table.

Everyone smiled in welcome, talking over each other in greeting. She arched an eyebrow at Emil when he took one of the serving platters and sat it in front of her. “Figured ye must be starvin’, lass. Look at ye. All skin an’ bones.”

“I am not skin and bones.” She crossed her arms.

“What are ye gonna do?” He made a show of dancing in place. “Ye can’t chase me.” He yelped, pulling up one leg and bouncing on the other. The others tried but failed to smother their laughter. “Hey! What did ye kick me fer?” he demanded of Bella.

The Vodani woman grinned impishly. “I figured I’d help a girl out. Probably safer than what she’d have done to you, you know.” The two stuck their tongues out at each other.

Tyrsan shook his head, lamenting, “Such maturity and decorum.” Nearly everyone erupted into helpless laughter.

Ash touched Kendle’s arm to gain his attention, drawing him away from the dinner table. “Thank you.”

The Roylat shrugged one shoulder, demurring. “It is the least I could do to help. She has always been incredibly stubborn. And a touch naïve when it comes to divine duty. But it has been one of her more endearing and enduring traits.”

“naïve?” Ash frowned in puzzlement.

Kendle smiled and shook his head. “I cannot explain further. Not right now, anyway. Perhaps someday, unless you discover Zhekali’s secret yourself before then.” His smile faded. “She could not have chosen a more worthy person to be her lifemate. Then or now. I am sorry I was not a more gracious loser.”

Ash looked over at the table, a gentle smile touching his face as he watched Storm bantering with their tribe, albeit not with the energy of the others. “I can hardly blame you. She is an incredible woman. I can’t imagine anyone could let go of her easily.”

The Roylat chuckled, but his chagrined expression perplexed the human mage. “You make it sound like I ever had a hold of her. Anyone who tries to hold onto her only ends up burned. Even the ancient trinity has been scorched by her fire.” He stretched, turning away. “So very glad Avarian took after his dam and not his sire.”

Ash gaped as the Roylat faded from sight. “Wait! You know who Avarian’s father was?” But Kendle was gone. The mage ground his teeth together, returning to Storm’s side at the table.

“Ash? What is wrong?” she asked, studying him with fierce intensity.

He forced a smile and leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Nothing, beloved.” He poured water into her glass and handed it to her. “Drink. You still need to replenish your fluids.” She accepted it, settling back to sip the water, her dark eyes not leaving him for the rest of the meal.