I slipped inside my mind again, losing myself as a vengeful force eliminated my doubts.
Thames looked at me with a sense of pride.
I did that—made him proud. I would ensure his vision was brought to life. Loyalty. Unlike the traitors down here.
“I think you’re ready,” he said, clasping a hand on my shoulder as he removed the blade from my thigh. A blade I barely felt now with Thames’s power radiating through me, stronger than any wound.
“It’s time.”
“Time?” I asked.
That sinister grin returned to his face, his eyes turning pitch black as he pulled me close. “There’s a problem we must eliminate. Bring me”—he leaned in, whispering the next words with disgust in my ear—“your mate.”
Chapter 7
Ian
Determination settled deep into my core as I soared with the humid northern winds toward Broham.
My ability to fly a hundred miles in a day was finally being put to good use. Even as Captain of the Guard, I was rarely afforded the freedom to fly so far on any given day. My duties to Lana had been important then, just as they were now.
I stretched my wings, relishing their power. I would rally any and all who were willing to fight for our freedom.
With Kalliah, Corbin, and I all in agreement, we divvied up our respective tasks. Corbin would head west toward Valeford, searching there for those the Hidden Henchman had aided. They’d spent years rebuilding from the destruction dark ones had delivered to their doorsteps. Corbin would continue on small day trips to any other villages within a few hours’ travel of the Knotted Willow until I returned.
“I will not let her down, nor you, my friend,” Corbin had said as he’d mounted his mare, then rode through the fields toward Valeford.
Kalliah grasped me in a tight hug before I left. “We’ll all be together soon and finish this,” she whispered into my ear before releasing me.
Kalliah had remained behind at the Knotted Willow to organize those who came, answering the call to stand with their rightful queen. She would assist with setting up camps and training schedules based on the skill level of those arriving.
She was also tasked with keeping an eye on Vivienne and Cassandra. Who knew if they’d emerge, let alone eat a few meals without one of us leaving food. Besides, William flat out refused to be left alone to tend to the two women at his inn. “There’s something not right about their magic and I don’t have any time for that kind of crazy,” he grumbled, before Kalliah reassured him she had it handled.
My path took me northeast. There were many villages on the northern borders of our realm. Growing up, I’d traveled this way a few times with my father and remembered they were known for swordsman competitions. We’d done fewer drops for them due to their distance, but we weren’t ignoring any potential allies. The knowledge that Ryland, one of the contenders from the marriage trials and an excellent swordsman, may have returned to his home, helped too. If I could find him, he may help convince others to join our cause. Assuming he agreed and wasn’t already working for Andras.
My wings beat faster; I would visit as many villages as possible over the next few days. So much could change in such a short period of time, we didn’t feel it wise to be apart for too long in case we needed to pivot our strategies. There were a hundred things that had to be done, including getting all of our new allies settled at camp. We didn’t have many resources, so we would have to make do with what people brought with them. William could only provide so much for so long, and we had no idea when this war would end.
Stretching my neck, I grimaced.Ugh, there’s so much to work out.
I prayed to the Fates we wouldn’t encounter any dark ones, or worse, Andras, as we gathered everyone together. Who knew what lies that despicable Fae was spinning.
Anger burned through my entire body thinking about Andras. The death of Queen Roxana and the callous way he’d murdered her still weighed heavy on my heart. I hadn’t needed Vivienne’s reminder of my solemn vow to her. It replayed in my head constantly.
“Keep her on her path.”
“Don’t lose hope.”
I almost let myself drown in fear, but I’d made a promise to both my queens. I made a promise to my best friend, and I would not break it just because I was afraid.
Being in the air soothed my aching soul and allowed my brain to disassociate from the weight of the world. The trauma I’d endured. The deaths I’d witnessed. The flight gave me time to prepare for what was to come and chase away the darkness crowding my mind.
Something lingered inside of me from the dungeons with Andras. Something cold and wicked. Shifting and flying almost eliminated the remnants that had become overwhelming as of late.
Hours passed and I savored the sweet sound of nothing. Nothing but sun, air, and the wind beneath my wings. I spun, twirling, and flapped my wings harder, letting the rejuvenation from the flight speed me forward. I paused when a familiar sensation clouded my mind. A feeling meaning I wasn’t completely alone.
Raya was here.
“Ian?”
