“You’re delusional.”
Suddenly, I’m lifted from the floor, my body sailing through the air and slamming into the cave wall with jarring force. I hit the ground hard; the wind knocked from my lungs.
As I lie here, a thought hits me. “You need her willing. That’s why you tried to orchestrate having Yumekui rescue her under false pretense to bring her here.”
The Shadoweaver’s eyes snap to mine. “Clever boy. Yes, I need her to willingly unlock the tomb using her blood and magic combined.”
Chapter twenty-five
Everly
Iopen my chamber doors and step out into the corridor. Nymeria and Anika immediately push past me, bounding down the hall, their tails flicking as they disappear down the staircase. I smile faintly, watching them vanish before I catch sight of Lutin and Senka standing a few paces away.
“Your Majesty,” Lutin greets me, surprised. “What are you doing up so early? It’s barely dawn.”
“I couldn’t sleep,” I reply, letting out a sigh.
Senka glances at me, her gaze soft yet cautious. “Can I fetch something for you?”
I shake my head, closing the chamber doors behind me. I’m dressed in my training clothes, the snug material wrapping comfortably around me, allowing for movement while providing protection. The leathers overlaying the fabric gives an added layer of defense, and my daggers are strapped securely to my hip and thigh.
“I need to start my training,” I reply, pushing my long braid over my shoulder.
Lutin and Senka exchange glances, their concern evident, but I ignore it, setting off down the hall. My boots echo in the stillness, a surge of determination coursing through me.
“There’s too much at stake, and I can’t afford to waste a single moment,” I murmur, my fingers curling into my palms as I walk.
Without a word, Lutin and Senka fall into step beside me, and we silently make our way through the castle.
A few maids and guards give us curious looks but say nothing as we head outside.
“Do you wish to train in the gardens or in the arena?” Lutin asks.
“The arena.”
My magic stirs as we walk through the gardens, the flowers waking from their slumber and blooming around me, filling the air with an intoxicating sweet scent. As the sun peaks over the horizon, my magic responds to the vibrant energy surrounding me, and an array of colors burst across the sky, turning it from dark blue into a canvas of pink and orange. Every step forward fills me with a sense of purpose. I am going to get better. I have to get better. I will make myself stronger—not just for my sake, but for everyone who’s counting on me. For those who have already sacrificed so much.
I can’t afford to let fear hold me back.
I can’t let hesitation or self-doubt keep me from doing what needs to be done.
Too many people are relying on me, and I will not let them down. Now, more thanever, I need to step up.
The arena is eerily quiet when we arrive, with just two soldiers engaging in a practice duel, their movements the only sign of life.
I feel somewhat disoriented without Kian by my side. However, both he and Tristan are currently serving as Mia and Scarlett’s bodyguards at my request.
Biting my lip, I move toward the weapon area, taking in the impressive selection. Archery might be a good choice for today. I haven’t done it since that one time at school, and from what I remember, I wasn’t too bad at it.
Senka approaches and stands beside me.
“You need to get used to holding a sword,” Senka says, her tone matter-of-fact. “Personally, I find wielding two at a time easier than just one.”
“Really?”
Senka shrugs and flips her dark ponytail over her shoulder. “It balances me.”
An idea sparks, and I can’t help but ask, “Would you spar with me?”
