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and said good-bye. The reunion had been bittersweet. Parts of their conversation kept playing through her mind and she wondered if there was more they weren’t telling her.
    That her mother and father chose to leave her stung like the sting of a hundred faya bees.
    Tears filled her eyes and she hugged Palmo tighter. He tensed momentarily, but then pulled her closer.
    “It’ll be alright. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
    His words calmed her a little and she relaxed. Until Venus raised her voice so the whole room could hear.
    “It’s time to return. I don’t exactly know what the surface holds for each of you. Now that you’ve received the transformation and your Kelvieri’s boots, you possess more power.”
    Amberlee turned so she could watch Venus speak.
    “It’s more than most have up there, but it still isn’t enough to stop the creatures above. Please be careful. I would recommend you follow Zaren and Palamina as far as possible. They will be heading to the castle. If you have family, find them.” She faced Zaren and Palamina. “You will lead them.” It wasn’t a question, but a command. Amberlee flinched.
    “Of course.” Zaren stepped toward the set of stairs leading upward. Palamina was close at his heels.
    The crowd followed—except one. He wore a Formytian uniform along with his new boots. By all accounts he would be considered handsome. He was tall and had blond hair almost the same color as Venus, but it was cropped short, and his eyes were the color of melted amber.
    He bowed slightly and, for some reason, that irritated the Helker out of Amberlee.
    “I am Seth.” His voice rang through the room.
    Venus smiled as though she knew a secret about him. “Hello, Seth.”
    Amberlee watched his jaw flex. “I am a Formytian. My job was to protect King Antyon. I was his personal guardian.” Amberlee heard the disgust laced in his words.
    “You were a valiant guardian, Seth.”
    His jaw clenched tighter. “When I became privy to his plans I told him I wanted no part in them and asked to be released.”
    Amberlee lifted her head, interested in what Seth had to say. It seemed there was another who couldn’t be swayed by the cunning of the king.
    Seth continued, “The king agreed. That night, as I packed my things, a Leviathan entered my room and killed me before I had the chance to grab my Ostwallow sword.” Seth glanced down at his feet. “Not that it would’ve done any good.”
    Venus went to stand in front of him and placed a hand on his chest. She patted the spot over his epsis. “Do not berate yourself another moment. You did the best you could.”
    Seth’s lashes fluttered rapidly. Amberlee stepped from Palmo’s arms, watching Seth with deep interest.
    “I should’ve known what was happening. I should’ve paid closer attention to what the king wasn’t saying.”
    Venus nodded. “An interesting choice of words, Formytian. But you are correct.” She stepped back and lifted her chin. “Have you learned from your mistake, Seth?”
    “I have.” He stood tall, rolling his shoulders back, and looked Venus in the eyes. “If you allow me, I would like to assist in ending the war.”
    “That would be most appreciated. Please go with Zaren and Palamina to the castle. Once you arrive, please wait. I have a special assignment for you.”
    Palmo moved toward Venus. “What is this assignment?” he asked boldly, and then shrank back. “Maybe I could help,” he added, his voice less brazen.
    Venus smiled genially. “Maybe you could, but I doubt it.”
    Michael stepped to her side, placing himself between Palmo and Venus.
    The move irritated Amberlee. Who did he think he was?
    She knew, though. He was part Ferether, part Kelvieri. He was a wholly new being, something no one had ever seen before.
    Venus went on: “If you would be so kind, please keep my sister and Palmo safe.”
    Seth’s eyes flicked over Amberlee and Palmo. “I will do whatever you command, but…” His voice