I don’t stop. I can’t. Not when she’s out there, alone and broken, and no one else seems willing to do what needs to be done.
A quick glance behind me reveals Raiden storming after me, his fierce expression hardening the lines of his face. There’s no time to think; I act on instinct. With a swift motion, I raise my left hand, channeling the magic that courses through me. In an instant, a stunning wall of ivy erupts from the ground, adorned with vibrant purple flowers. The vines twist and weave together, forming a beautiful yet formidable barrier that stretches across the entire width of the hallway, large thorns protruding from the climbers.
It’s an impressive feat, especially considering the hallway is at least twenty feet wide. The flowers’ delicate beauty contrasts sharply with the barrier’s intent, creating a surreal scene. Just before he is completely cut off from my sight, I see Raiden skid to a stop, frustration and surprise flashing across his face as he realizes he’s been effectively blocked.
Excitement surges, not just from the exertion of summoning the wall of vines, but from the sheer thrill of using my powers. It’s like sometimes my magic acts on my will and other my emotions. I watch as the green ivy continues to grow, reinforcing the wall, ensuring that it holds strong. Taking a deep breath, the scent of the flowers calms me slightly, even as tension hangs in the air.
“Everly!” Raiden bellows, making me jump.
Shit!
I make a beeline for a set of doors and push out into the garden, the afternoon sun hitting my face. I don’t have time to enjoy it though. I need to get to the stables. Racing in that direction, I make my way through the garden toward the training arena. The stables are just beyond that.
Shouts rise in the air from behind, and I can make out Tristan’s voice amongst them.
I break into a run, feeling the wind rush past me as I exit the gardens. In front of me, a loud crash comes from the direction of stables and more shouts erupt as Storm gallops through the main doors, racing full speed at me. Elation overwhelms me as I lay eyes on the magnificent war horse, his black coat radiating under the sun’s rays. I stop running, his massive form eating up the distances in a matter of seconds.
“Storm,” I breathe, my hands reaching for him.
“Everly!” Tristan’s voice is closer this time, but I will not be kept from my friend. I frantically look around for something to help me get on Storm’s back.
Suddenly a red-haired young boy with bright blue eyes appears. “Need help, Your Majesty?”
“Yes. Yes, please.”
The boy intertwines his fingers and bends down, offering his hands for me to put my foot on. With a quick boost, I scramble onto Storm’s back, feeling the powerful muscles beneath me.
“Thank you, Gideon.”
The young boy’s eyes widen. “You remember my name?” he whispers in shock.
I give him a quick smile, gripping Storm’s mane tighter as he dances back and forth on his hooves. “Of course.”
The boy blinks and quickly bows, his shock of red hair burning like fire in the sunlight.
“Everly, don’t you dare!”
I swing my attention behind me and see Tristan, Kian, and Fenris running my way.
My heart leaps into my throat, and I give Storm a nudge. “Storm, take me to Zaria.”
Without hesitation, Storm surges forward, muscles coiling beneath me as he breaks into a full gallop. The world blurs around us, the thundering rhythm of his hooves pounding against the earth like the beat of my heart. Within seconds, we burst through the castle gates, the feel of adrenaline coursing through my veins as we dodge the stunned guards.
The meadow opens before us, vast and wild, the tall grass bending in the soft breeze. The wind tears at my hair, pulling it free of its braid, the loose strands whipping against my face as we race toward the forest. My cloak feels like it will tear free any second. I lean low over Storm’s back, pressing myself flat against him, my fingers digging into his mane for balance. I can feel the heat of his body through my legs, the raw power in every stride as he eats up the distance between us and the autumn trees. I’ve never ridden without a saddle before—every jolt and shift sends a shock through my body. My thighs burn from gripping his sides, and the rough motion jars my bones with each leap over uneven ground.
But none of that matters now. The discomfort, the ache in my muscles, the strain of holding on—they all fade, swallowed by the urgency that claws at my chest.
Zaria.
Does she think I abandoned her?
The wind howls in my ears, but it’s not enough to drown out the thoughts racing through my mind. I can’t stop picturing her alone, vulnerable.
The forest looms closer, dark and thick with the promise of danger, but I don’t slow. Neither does Storm. His pace never falters, as if he, too, understands the gravity of the situation. Together, we push forward, breaking into the tree line, the cool shade of the forest swallowing us whole, Nymeria and Anika flanking us.
Chapter eleven
Everly
