Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I draw in a sharp breath. “How do you know that?”
She gives a small smile, one filled with centuries of knowledge. “I’m over five hundred years old, Your Majesty. I know a few things.”
I blink, my mind spinning with the weight of her words. “Do you know of the Skythari Nomads?” I blurt, the question slipping from my lips before I can stop it, too desperate for answers.
“Everly!” Tristan snaps from the corner, cutting through the tension. “Raiden will be pissed if he finds out.”
I ignore him and look pleadingly at Coraline.
“Yes, they dwell deep in the Ethereal Mountains. They also cannot be found unless they wish to be. Why do you ask?”
I bite my lip, anxiety bubbling up as I glance between Mia and Scarlett. They both give me a subtle shrug, neither of them offering advice. It’s clear—this decision is mine alone. Should Ishare what the Witte Wieven told me? Can I trust Coraline with that kind of information? Maxon is fond of her, sure. But trust doesn’t come easily for me, especially not now. I chew on my lip, bringing my gaze back to Coraline, who is patiently waiting.
“I was given some information," I offer cautiously, my voice tight with uncertainty. "And I need to find the nomads.”
Coraline’s eyes narrow, a subtle movement that somehow makes her pink irises glow even brighter. “Information by whom?”
“Everly,” Tristan snaps.
My heart races, my pulse thudding loud in my ears.
“It doesn’t matter who told me,” I reply.
Coraline’s stare doesn’t waver. “Then what did they tell you?”
Too late to back out now.
I swallow hard, the words burning at the back of my throat. The verse, cryptic and haunting, has been burned into my mind since the moment the Witte Wieven whispered it to me. Every syllable, every twisted word has taken root, growing in the deepest corners of my thoughts.
“Through caverns deep and shadows wide, The Skythari Nomads dwell where beasts do hide.
To earn their trust, a bond must form, In Ethereal Peaks where magic storms.
The beasts will guide your path they know, but only through trust can you truly grow.
To reunite with what you’ve lost, seek the creatures, no matter the cost.
Shadow’s hand will search in vain, for only the beasts can break the chain.”
Coraline’s eyes expand the longer I talk, and her wings sag. “That’s a lot of information that can be interpreted in many ways, Your Majesty.”
“I know,” I whisper.
“Well, the clearest thing is the Skythari Nomads. If you’re able to find them and gain their trust, they possess beasts that are unwaveringly loyal. They will be the key to finding our king.”
“So, what are we waiting for? Let's go!” Scarlett comes to stand next to me, bumping my shoulder.
“Yeah, I want to meet this amazing mate of yours.” Mia grins.
“I think you're all forgetting that Everly is being crowned queen tomorrow,” Tristan snaps angrily.
“And we aren’t simply knocking on someone’s door, this will be a long journey through the snowy mountains, looking for a race that doesn’t allow any outsiders,” Kian adds.
Coraline flits up to my face, her small form radiating confidence as she taps my nose lightly. “I believe in you,” she says, her voice unwavering and full of faith. “You’ve got this.”
Her words settle over me like a cloak, warm and steady, banishing the chill of doubt that’s lingered in my mind. I take a deep breath, pushing down the last remnants of fear, and straighten my back, feeling my resolve harden. “You’re right. It’s time to stop waiting and start acting.”
I turn to Tristan and Kian, who stand nearby wearing expressions that are a blend of anticipation, concern, and something close to admiration.
