Regardless of our intent in coming to Vaiterra, my hackles rise, knowing it wasn’t of our own accord. An itch in the back of my mind says this was all too easy. Too convenient. These people—who know Odeyssa—justhappento be here the moment we land? I don’t believe in coincidences. And if this is one, it’s the kind that reeks of careful planning masked as chance.
Odeyssa’s eyes meet mine expectantly, and I pretend to think it over. This is what we came here to do, but something doesn’t feel right, and I’m starting to second-guess my decision.
This is the right call. Right?Still, I glance at Voraxis, desperate for a twitch, a growl, anything that says I’m not about to screw us six ways to hell.
Pick your evil, Firebird.
Letting out a long sigh, it’s full of more defeat than relief. My eyes flick over to Odeyssa then the others. No words. Just a curt nod, sharp enough to cut. That’s all I’ve got left.
“He stays here,” Sergeant Dickhead commands, pointing a finger at Voraxis.
“Not a chance,” I shoot back, my tone leaving no room for debate. Voraxis’s footsteps shake the ground as he makes his way back over toward the saddle, and I don’t pay him any mind as he gets it situated.
“Where were you guys heading anyway? You’re a long way from home, Princess.” Sintharion’s voice carries over through the wind.
Princess.That singular word is enough to enrage me. Remind me ofhim,of all the time he called me that, joking or not. To get under my skin…until it meant something so much more. Until it went deeper than my flesh and sank into my marrow, layingthere as a reminder that it’s endearing, and whether he shows it or not, he loved me.
But now all those memories are tainted, coated in gasoline and replaced by the horrors of where we were truly supposed to end.
“You’re a pawn in a very big game, Princess. And it seems you have lost.”
What if they’re working with him,forhim. For all I know, it could’ve been this unknown kingdom I’ve never heard of. It would make perfect sense: take me somewhere secluded, somewhere I’m not familiar with. That could also be why the cloaks never indicated what kingdom they were a part of.
I would never know.
Odeyssa turns to Rathe. “Funny, we were coming he—”
“There really wasn’t a destination in mind,” I interrupt. Odeyssa throws me an inquisitive look, but I ignore it. “It’s been a long day. We should get going.” Despite the ongoing reservations I have about this situation, I’m cold, hungry, and exhausted.
Sintharion arches a brow and scans over me as if he forgot I was here. “Forgive me, what did you say your name was?”
“I didn’t,” I quip, giving Odeyssa a look that says she also shouldn’t give them my name.
“Enough of the yapping. Let’s get a move on,” Rathe announces, turning around and heading for the trees. Voraxis informs me he’ll fly overhead, and even though it makes my heart sink, knowing he’s not right by my side, I know he can’t simply walk through the forest.
Odeyssa strides ahead, falling easily into step with the others, laughter lacing through her voice like it belongs there. But then, without a word, she drops back, matching my pace, the space between us now charged. “I wouldn’t have pegged you for someone who makes friends with a guardsman.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” Her comment islike a punch to the gut, something solemn hidden in her tone. Before I can respond, she inches closer and whispers, “He’s not a guardsman. He’s the Prince of Vaiterra.”
SIXTEEN
King
Nightfall came too soon, and it didn’t bring 763’s return with it. My captive should have been back by now, dragged through the gates with blood on her knees and defiance stripped from her bones. But she’s not. She’s out there—somewhere. Breathing free. She shouldn’t have been able to escape at all. There was a flaw in the system. Somewhere down the line,somethingwas missed. And I will not rest until it’s figured out.
The low-hanging branch of the nearby tree bangs against the glass pane, the incessant noise makes it difficult to concentrate, and I berate myself for not taking care of it sooner. It’s been an ongoing issue.
That might have been when it all started. The tree limbs missing their trimmings, the dishes left out overnight. Then the laziness trickled down to my most trusted—well, second to most trusted. And like dominos, it fell down a line until there were gaps in the system.
People left to their own devices—dangerous. Reckless. A single misstep, and the kingdoms fall. The plan was never simple. It was intricate by design, each thread woven with precision. And yet, here I sit, in my office that now feels like a cage, waiting on the one piece that matters most to return before the entire tapestry unravels. Because if they don’t…
“There was a breach.”
The door flies open without so much as a knock. Typical. No one here seems to grasp the concept of manners—or respect.
“I’m aware,” I bite out. Agitation itches beneath my skin, but I keep my voice level. Barely. Of course there was a breach. The worst one imaginable.
“No, sir. Not the captive escaping. In the lab,” he clarifies.Thatpiques my interest, and my heart begins hammering in my chest. My head jerks up, finally looking away from my desk and at 456, who stands just inside the now shut door.
