How could she choose herself over her friends? Over a nation? Over people she’d promised to do better for?
The darkness of the night pressed around her, the familiar feeling thickening her throat, causing sounds to ring in her ears that she knew still existed beneath this castle. But Lessia welcomed it. Let the pain remind her of who she now was. Of what she’d overcome. Of what she’d yet to face.
Death. It was where it would all lead in the end. And somehow… it wasn’t so terrifying anymore. With those invisible souls around her…
There was comfort in knowing she wouldn’t be alone. Even if it had nearly killed her already, knowingMerrick, the great Death Whisperer—the warrior who had walked this realm before she’d even been a thought in her parents’ minds—would go with her.
As if she’d conjured him, his strong arms wrapped around her, holding her together once more. But where he must feel turmoil from her—fear and rage and love and everything in between—there was nothing of that in her mate.
There was only…
Lessia spun around, finding his eyes sparkling with so much silver she couldn’t help but smile at him.
“I love you too,” she said softly when he only continued to drink her in, his eyes flying over her as if it were the first time he’d seen her.
“Good.” Merrick gave her a knowing grin. “That’ll make this a lot easier.”
Lessia frowned at him. “Make what easier?”
He reached within his black jacket, and as he pulled out several letters, Merrick steered her toward the big bed, setting himself down onto it before he jerked his head for her to join him. There was still a wrinkle between her brows as she sat down beside him and accepted the papers he offered her.
“What are these?” Lessia asked as she realized the first had Loche’s handwriting, the second her sister’s, the third Kalia’s, and the fourth, one she didn’t recognize.
“Time.” Merrick nodded for her to read, his eyes glistening in the many candles he’d lit around the room. “They’re time.”
She narrowed her eyes when his hand moved to the word she’d once carved above his heart, something like understanding mixed with fear and sorrow and devastating guilt coiling within her.
“Just read,” Merrick said. “Read, and then you can argue.”
Lessia’s hands shook as she lifted the first letter—the one from Loche.
Lessia,
As I write this, I think about our time in that horrid cabin.
You were so strong already then. Standing up to men trying to tear you down, facing your fears head-on, and yet… it was your kindness, your loyalty, and the way you see—truly see—people that drew me to you.
Never lose those qualities.
Promise me that.
But, my friend, my dear Lessia.
It’s time to turn some of that kindness inward, give that loyalty to the one who loves you most, and see yourself for all that you’ve done.
Iviry, as regent of Vastala, and I, Loche, as regent of Ellow, hereby formally absolve you of all duties as related to Havlands and any war that might come upon us. We do not expect you to return, and the only thing we ask is that you fight for your life. Find the person or thing that will keep you alive. Find love and time and freedom and peace.
And most of all, find that light that will keep darkness at bay.
Your friend always,
Loche Lejonskold
The tremors in her hands moved into her arms, and she glanced up at Merrick, who appeared as impacted as she did.
“Read,” he growled, although the hands running up and down her back contrasted with his harsh tone.
The lump in her throat only allowed her to nod, soshe picked up Kalia’s letter next, the suspicion that had begun to take root within her making her unsure whether she could handle reading the letter from Frelina.
