I sighed. It wasn’t forbidden. That much was the truth.
There was… an energy here that lingered, even two years after the war. All this time after we had left the confines of The Golden City.
The hair on the back of my neck rose. Everything about this place was different, yet somehow, a small seed of fear still sprouted in my chest.
“As commander of Scarlata’s army, it’s my duty to ensure we have allies should any conflicts arise. This is merely part of the job.”
Xavier was smart enough to keep his mouth shut.
With long strides, I made my way through the city I used to despise. Where rugged streets and dank alleys used to stand now stood fresh, lively homes and structures with attention to detail. There were no rats running under my feet, no bones piling up in the corners.
Like the people here really cared.
This was… this was damn remarkable.
Memories flashed in my mind as we slipped through the streets. Memories of my father. Memories of the hungry ones. Memories of fear, of darkness, of submission. Memories of Wolf suffering, of standing by while evil persisted.
Of meeting Huntyr. Of conspiring to tear down the entire institution.
My past here wasn’t a good one. It was filled with cowardice and regret.
This time, I would not cower. I would fight for what I believed in. Even if it terrified me.
“Do you know where we’re headed?” Xavier asked, piercing my thoughts.
I turned a corner, my feet carrying me through the maze of stone buildings like I never left. “We’re going to see an old friend.”
“Iwas wondering when I might see you again.” Nathan’s voice carried through the air, his tone as smooth as honey. “Come to revisit your roots?”
He stood in front of a large building, his dark fae wings looming on either side, dressed in a black jacket and matching tactical pants, with a massive sword strapped low on his waist.
He’d cut his hair since the last time I saw him two years ago. The long, rugged locks had been shaved, making him look younger.
He looked good. Happy.
“Two years, and you managed to do all this?” I held out my arms, motioning to the streets around me.
“You’d be surprised by how motivated the people were to repair what was lost.”
I nodded, then closed the distance between us and pulled him into a tight hug.
“It’s good to see you,” I said.
He patted my back in response. “You as well. To what do I owe this visit?”
I pulled away and blew out a long breath. “Is there somewhere we can talk? Somewhere private?”
His eyes sharpened, then scrolled over to survey Xavier.
But after a second, he nodded. “Follow me.”
An hour later, Xavier and I had explained everything. All that happened since he’d come here to help oversee The Golden City. Everything we knew about the eastern kingdom. My men. Our soldiers. My disagreement with Wolf.
Nathan listened intently to every piece, nodding along as I rambled on.
He leaned back in his chair, tapping his foot on the ground, silent for a long moment.
“I’m going to assume you two didn’t fly all the way here simply to fill me in on Scarlata’s politics,” he said. “Although I must say, this is the most entertainment I’ve had in years.”
