Wings of Lomay Read Online Free PDF Page A

among them.”
    When they eavesdropped on King Aimon and his council in Tavea, they heard about Shifter spies at Lomay’s camp. One possible explanation was that the spies had been discovered and killed. But judging by Alcander’s surprised reaction, the more likely option was that the spies, whoever they were, were still there.
    “I always assumed the spy was the Shifter who pushed Alcander out of the boundary before we left the canyon.”
    “It could be. But if it’s not, the spy is skilled enough at masking their thread to keep the bracelets from registering their intentions. If they are still with the group, I won’t be able to feel their true thread when I take the bracelets off.”
    “Kiora, you know that’s not truly a problem. If they decide to come back here with us, the magic of the city will discern their intentions.”

CHAPTER THREE
    Sacrifices Must Be Made
    EMANE WAS SUPPOSED TO join Kiora for lunch as soon as he was done with training, but he had been stuck standing outside the training room doors talking with students. Kiora attempted to pass the time staring at her lunch, trying not to focus on the courtyard full of rebels who were currently trying not to stare at her. But their furtive glances were no less noticeable, and it wasn’t working.
    She gripped the table until her knuckles were white. What they all must be thinking. How despicable she was. How she had failed. How their families were gone.
    Stop it ! she thought. She was going to move past this and stop blaming herself. And to prove it, she picked up her plate of food and moved to a table where two Winged men sat. They both looked at her with mild surprise.
    “Hello,” she said.
    The tall, blond Winged man smiled. “Decided not to eat alone?”
    “Something like that. I’m Kiora.”
    They both chuckled. “Yes, we know who you are,” said the Winged man with shoulder-length dark hair. “I’m Maddox.”
    “And I’m Ky,” the blond man said.
    Kiora’s mouth went dry. “I knew someone named Ky.”
    Maddox cleared his throat and looked down at the table.
    Ky leaned forward. The smile on his face was too tight, his eyes pained. “Redhead, I assume.” His tone was gentle, but undercurrents of grief broke through his mild manner.
    Kiora immediately felt ill. “Yes.”
    “That was my son.”
    She could see it now, looking at the Winged man before her. Little Ky may have had his mother’s hair, but he had his father’s eyes. She could still see those eyes twinkling with excitement as they had entered the city.
    She was so distracted by the emotions running through her that she didn’t feel Emane approaching.
    “I . . . I loved him so much,” Kiora managed to croak out as she furiously blinked back tears.
    Ky’s smile softened. “Yes, I can see that.”
    “Your wife was beautiful,” she added. Her voice cracked and she swiped away a tear.
    Ky leaned forward and gripped Kiora’s hand for a quick moment. “She still is. And I will fly with her again someday—of that I am sure.”
    Emane briefly touched her shoulder. “Kiora,” he said gently. “I need to go visit Alcander. I was wondering if you would join me.”
    “Um, yes. I will.” She took a deep breath, grateful for the interruption. As she stood, Maddox and Ky did as well. They both bowed their heads. “Thank you,” she said with a lump in her throat. “For being here.”
    Emane put his hand in the small of her back and steered her toward the main house.
    “Thank you,” she whispered, knowing his interruption was intentional.
    “Of course.”
    Emane opened the door for her and gave her a knowing look. “I have spent a lot of time with the rebels while we train. They talk about you. How you went up against the Shadow, the previously thought undefeatable foe, in defense of their families. Honestly, Kiora, they’re not asking any more of you.” He turned and started up the stairs.
    “Wait—why are we going to Alcander’s room?” she asked, scurrying up