I frown, opening my mouth to argue, but Alivar doesn't give me that chance. He steps outside and disappears into the crowd.
From my vantage point atop Aetheris, I survey the assembled armies, eager to fight for the king’s return. In a central position, Storm stands tall alongside Raiden, Tristan, and Kian, his onyx coat shimmering. There is no way he was going to sit this one out. With a snort and a pawing hoof, the loyal warhorse stands ready, eager to aid his king in whatever way he can. I’ve given Nymeria and Anika strict instructions: stay close to him, watch each other’s backs, and be ready for anything. Nero catches my eye and gives me a slight nod, the magic around his body making the air tremble.
As I let my gaze roam over the armies, doubt claws at the edge of my mind. What if they die? What if I’m sending them to their deaths?
‘Then it happens,’Aetheris answers in my mind.
I jerk at the matter-of-fact response, my fingers tightening in her mane.
‘I don’t want people to die,’I reply.
I’ve noticed since the flight here that our bond has strengthened and now rests calmly next to the wolves’.
‘It is inevitable. Everyone here knows the risks.’
‘Doesn’t make me feel better.’
I look down at my engagement ring, the gold band and crystals catching the sunlight. I promised Maxon’s court I would return with him, and I plan to do just that. This is for him.
Soon he will be by my side again.
Nothing will stop me.
My attention lifts again to the bleak expanse of the Outlands—silent, scarred, and watchful. No beasts, no scouts, no sign of movement. It is too quiet and I don’t like it.
Ahead, the mountains rise like the ribs of a long-dead titan, jagged and shrouded with shadows.
The army begins to advance, boots crunching dry earth as they head toward the valley. With the attack on the City of Starlight only a few days ago, we are assuming the Shadoweavers numbers to be low, and hoping to meet with little resistance.
‘When we enter the mountain,’Aetheris continues, striding forward with Starfire,‘we’ll need to release the cloak surrounding the army. The distraction will draw her forces out. But we will remain hidden from the Shadoweaver as we descend into the caves to find your king.’
I turn to Kaden. Our eyes meet. His expression is all grim resolve and unspoken trust. He nods once, firm and final.
‘Starfire found a side passage,’he tells me.‘A hidden entrance near the main opening. While the army engages hers head-on, we’ll slip inside—quiet, fast, unseen.’
I nod, gripping the hilt of my sword in one hand and the white mane of Aetheris in the other. Into the belly of the beast we go.
Chapter sixty-nine
Maxon
Iturn my head to the side and spit the blood from my mouth, the metallic tang lingering on my tongue. My jaw aches, but I force a grin, the defiance burning brighter than the pain.
“Is that all you got?” I rasp, glaring up at the ogre looming over me. My voice is hoarse, cracked from hours of this twisted game, but the edge in my words slices through the air like a blade.
The ogre sneers, his cracked lips curling into a grin that reeks of cruelty. Without a word, he draws his massive arm back, muscles bulging like coiled ropes beneath his mottled green skin. The moment hangs suspended in time, and then the blow lands, knuckles like boulders crashing against my face.
The force jerks my head to the side, stars exploding behind my eyes.
My vision swims, but I refuse to let the darkness win. Not yet. Not while there’s fight left in me.
I’m hanging from that fucking hook in the ceiling again. My arms are stretched above my head, wrists raw and bleeding where the wyvern bones cut into my skin.
The hook creaks faintly with every movement, a mocking reminder of how trapped I am. My toes barely scrape the cold, damp floor, offering no reprieve from the agony tearing through my shoulders.
But I won’t break. Not for him. Not for anyone.
I force myself to look up, blinking away the blood trickling into my eyes. “You hit like a goddamn pixie,” I spit, a smirk tugging at my swollen lips. It hurts to smile, but the pain is worth it to see his face twist with rage.
