“Right, well, maybe we need to find them something other than the livestock.”
“Let’s get you on Nova.”
Storm trots over and playfully nudges me with his snout.
“Sorry, gorgeous boy, I haven’t said hello yet, have I?” I get a soft nicker and another nudge, this time in the direction of Nova. “Oh, you want to go?” I laugh.
Maxon stands behind me and grips my waist, lifting me up onto Nova as Raiden grabs the reins. I swing my leg over and my heart slams into my chest when I almost go straight over the other side. Once seated, I look down to where Maxon’s hand has a firm grip on my thigh.
“You good?”
Excitement fills me, making me slightly twitchy. I’m afraid that if I speak out loud, it will come out all squeaky, so I just nod.
“Wait!”
I snap my gaze up at Zaria as she comes running over, her curly brown hair flying in ribbons behind her.
“I want to come!” She pants.
The men trade looks, and Raiden shakes his head. “It’s too dangerous.”
Zaria snorts. “Everly is going.”
“With three guards and the prince,” Raiden argues. “And because she HAS to go.”
Zaria stamps her foot, her hands landing on her hips. “Sounds like plenty of protection then.”
I tap Maxon on the head, drawing his attention. “I want her to come.”
He stares intently for a moment before giving a nod of understanding. “Raiden, she rides with you.”
“What?” Zaria and Raiden yell in unison.
Maxon ignores them, swiftly mounting Storm, grabbing the reins and turning to face the group. He commands our attention, the aura surrounding him growing in magnitude, the silver in his eyes burning with a fierce determination. His every movement exudes a sense of power and authority, making a hushed silence fall over the group.
Maxon raises his voice, his words cutting through the air like a sharp blade. “You heard. We have a long trip ahead. It will take all day to get to the Evergreens, and we will be lucky to make it there before nightfall. We will need to spend the night.”
The aura surrounding him seems to grow in magnitude, encompassing everyone. “The path to the Evergreen isn’t an easy one, and there have been increased reports of deadlings and Bellowigs. I want you all to protect Everly with your life. In return, I will protect all of yours with mine.” It’s as if time itself stands still, the world bending to his will. In that moment, Maxon becomes a force to be reckoned with, a leader who will be neither ignored or underestimated.
I give Zaria a wink and she grins in return. Raiden huffs out in annoyance and holds an arm out for Zaria. She grabs hold of Raiden's hand and he pulls her up, and she settles in front of him. Raiden’s arms encircle her and his wings flare before resting against his back again.
“Ready?” Maxon asks, coming up beside me.
“Yes.” I take a deep breath of fresh air.
I’m ready for answers. At least, I think I am.
What if I’m simply an outsider, stumbling into a world where I don’t truly belong?
The weight of uncertainty presses upon me, casting a shadow over my every step as I desperately seek answers to the question that haunts me: am I truly the long-lost Druid princess, or am I an imposter in this enigmatic realm? Is this all just wishful thinking?
Chapter thirty-one
Everly
My eyes are instantly drawn upward as we enter the forest. The trees are covered with luminescent leaves that seem to shimmer with their own inner light as they stretch toward the sky in a harmonious ballet. Shafts of sunlight filter through the vibrant canopy, creating an enchanting play of shadows that move in time with the forest’s mystical heartbeat. Flowers of every imaginable shape and color carpet the forest floor, their petals releasing fragrances that evoke the very essence of magic itself.
“I’ve never seen the forest quite so alive and colorful before,” Zaria mutters.
