I sigh, running through the details in my mind. “So, we have roughly four days to locate the Skythari Nomads if we want to meet the armies in Escalle on time?”
“Yes.” Fenris nods. “But we won’t cross the border into the Outlands until we’re all together. We can’t risk splitting up once we're that close.”
Raiden steps forward, his silver eyes steady. “We do this as one. We have a better chance if we stand united. Who knows how many bodies the Shadoweaver has at her disposal. She has had centuries to amass an army.”
I visibly shake, my arms crossing in an attempt to ward off the unease slithering through me. But the fire that burns through my veins is stronger, and I straighten. It’s time.
Everyone exchanges glances before quietly leaving the room, the door softly clicking shut behind them. Mia and Scarlett stand, pulling me into a hug. My heartbeat is so loud and fierce at this moment that I think I might pass out. When we finally pull apart,there are tears glistening in each of our eyes, words not quite enough to cover the unspoken fears.
Scarlett reaches up and brushes her fingers gently through my hair, her tone quiet but fierce. “You need to be careful,” she murmurs, her voice breaking slightly. “Don’t make me go ape shit crazy on the faerie world. Cause you know I will.”
I let out a choked laugh, pulling her back in for another hug. “I promise I'll do my best,” I say, trying to reassure her even as my own nerves hum with uncertainty.
When we step back, Mia takes my hand, her face serious. “We’ll hold down the fort. Scarlett and I have decided. We’re going to learn to fight. We want to be able to help.”
I tilt my head, a small smile lifting the corner of my lips. “That’s probably a smart idea. Lutin and Senka will be more than capable teachers.”
“But won’t they need to stay on guard here to keep up the ruse?” Scarlett inquires, concern knitting her brows.
Biting my lip, I give Mia’s hand a squeeze before letting go. “They will need a break, and Raiden has set up a rotating guard roster to make sure there’s always coverage outside the chamber doors. I want you both to stick close to Lutin and Senka. And Fenris will be around for a few days–”
Mia groans dramatically, throwing herself onto the sofa with a roll of her eyes. “Ugh, Fenris? He’s impossible!”
A loud laugh bursts from me at her exasperation. “Yes, he’s infuriating,” I agree, joining her by the sofa, “but he’s also fiercely protective. He’ll keep you safe, even if he drives you insane in the process.”
Scarlett chuckles, giving me a playful wink that Mia doesn’t miss. She narrows her eyes, looking between us suspiciously. “What was that look?”
“What look?” Scarlett feigns innocence, though a mischievous grin tugs at her lips.
I laugh, leaving them to their banter as I cross the room to my wardrobe, opening the doors and letting my fingers brush over the fabrics within.They stop on an elegant black warrior-style dress. The upper portion has a fitted bodice with a V-shaped neckline. The sleeves are long and fitted, giving a streamlined look. A wide belt with intricate detailing at the center cinches the waist, adding both structure and a subtle accent to the outfit. The skirt flows down in soft, draped layers, reaching the ground and adding a sense of movement to the ensemble. It seems to convey a sense of power, mystery, and resilience. I pull it out and lay it on the bed, my attention shifting to Nix. Her color slowly but steadily returning.
“I’m just going to have a quick shower because it might be a while before I get another chance,” I say.
My heart pounds, a frantic rhythm echoing the nervous flutter in my stomach as I step into the shower. This is it. I’m actually leaving the safety of the castle to find the Skythari Nomads in hopes they can help me get to Maxon. I sigh, the fleeting image of the white beast still vivid in my memory. To earn their trust, a bond must grow . . .
Closing my eyes, I tilt my face into the spray, letting the water wash over me as I silently pray to Morrigan for her guidance.
Chapter fifty-three
Maxon
The Shadoweaver’s shadows snake out like living tendrils, wrapping around me. They lift me effortlessly, dragging me closer to her in slow, deliberate movements until I’m suspended just inches away. Her black-orbed eyes fix on me, the tiny pinprick of light at their center glowing eerily.
She doesn’t speak at first. Her gaze is careful, studying, drinking me in. The inky black dress she wears clings to her body like liquid oil, shifting and undulating with an unnatural pulse. The shadows that dance around her seem darker today, heavier, their movements almost aggressive.
The way her anticipation thickens the air between us is suffocating. She wants to say something. But of course, she doesn’t rush. She never does.
“How have you been, Your Majesty?” she purrs, her voice smooth and serpentine.
Her form floats gracefully around me, a predator circling its prey, testing its boundaries. I don’t answer. I won’t give her the satisfaction. My silence is my only defense.
“I wonder how your mate is faring without you,” she continues, her tone dripping with glee, the kind that revels in other people’s pain.
The words hit like a slap, but I keep my expression still. She stops in front of me, leaning close, her cold breath brushing my cheek as she whispers into my ear.
“I have something I think you’ll want to see.”
“Doubt it,” I snap, my voice sharp, though I can already feel the chill of dread creeping up my spine.
