Yet, I cling to consciousness. I fight to keep my eyes open, even when all I want to do is give in to this bone-deep exhaustion. From my periphery, I can see the ground continuing to ripple out. And, in the wake of the magic burst, trees shoot up from the ground. Not saplings, but full-grown sentries as tall as the old wood that grew near the redwood by my home.
They dot the landscape around the camp, becoming denser where the tents stop. Their mighty roots span the cracks in the earth as if trying to mend the broken rock and soil. They shore up like bridges, vines and overgrowth carpeting them. The deep smell of fresh earth accompanies the rich aroma of pine and cedar. The cracking and groaning of wood slows.
I am finally freed of the pull. I double forward, losing my balance, and tip off the side of the column Brundil had placed me atop. Wind rushes around me briefly, ended by two strong arms.
For some reason, when I look up, I hope to see Evander’s eyes. But I am met with Conri. Even exhausted, I manage to force a smile and hide my disappointment.
“You are an astounding creature,” he whispers in awe. Gently, Conri sets me down. I wobble. Not an act this time. But he supports me with an arm around me and a firm grip on my hip. With his free hand, he motions toward me. “Behold, the might of your future queen!”
The lykin erupt in cheers and howls.
CHAPTER 25
Conri wastesno time in taking me back to his tent after the jubilation dies down. I try to glance at him from the corners of my eyes as subtly as possible. He’s unreadable.
“I’m sorry for disappearing, and for worrying you.” It’s easy to have a pained expression on my face as I try to walk. My muscles burn and joints ache as though I have been running without stop for days. “I really wanted to show how I could use the spirits to help your people. I sensed the spirit of the earth and I thought I could bond with her—that it’d be a marvelous opportunity! And, well… I lost track of time.”
“Hush, hush. Yes, I was worried. And, in the future, you absolutely must tell me what you are doing. I never want to be unaware when it comes to you. I have a right to know.”
The way he speaks makes it sound as though these mandates are from his concern for my well-being. That he is afraid out of love. But I see it for what it is: He wants to control me. Not just because of Aurora any longer, but to know that this power I have demonstrated will be his and his alone.
“I know,” I say. “I’m sorry.”
“Why could you not just commune with the spirit in our tent?”
“Truthfully?” I look at him with wide eyes, fearful of reprisal.
He stops to cup my cheek gently. “Sweet one, you are my sole priority. My responsibility. No, my light and love and hope for our people. Yes, I always want you to speak true.”
“It is because…” I drop my eyes. “Your powers are so mighty, my king.” He preens at the flattery. Old gods, he’s easy to manipulate when I want to make the effort. “Brundil is an old spirit—mighty, but she hides deep within the earth. I had to find somewhere farther from you, as painful as it was, to keep my senses clear. I knew Evander had your trust, and would keep me safe, so I could think of no better place to do what needed to be done.”
Conri looks between me and Evander, slowing to a stop before his tent. He sighs deeply. “Forgive me, Evander. I thought the worst of you.”
The apology surprises even me. I’m surprised Evander doesn’t fall over.
“Your reaction was understandable, my king. One such as me doesn’t deserve your apologies.” Evander lowers his gaze, bowing his head slightly in subservience.
“I give them gladly anyway.”
I bite my tongue and resist the urge to stand up for Evander. That he is worthy of Conri’s apologies. And so much more.
Conri turns his attention back to me. “Now, tell me, Faelyn, would it be possible for you to find more spirits like this to help us in other ways? Can you call upon Brundil again to reforest our plains? Perhaps commune with others to prompt game to return?” His eyes shine with excitement. He genuinely wants to do this for his people. I hate that it’s admirable.
“I could…” It’s time to launch the next stage of my plot. “But it was hard enough to find Brundil among your powerful magic, and the powers of all the other lykin. Plus, a witch must go to where the spirits reside to call upon them, meet them, learntheir names, and bond with them. We cannot summon spirits, especially ones we’ve never met, out of thin air.”
Conri considers this, stroking his chin thoughtfully. Luckily, it’s also the truth. So even if he knows how the magic of witches works, I’ve given him no reason to doubt me.
“So, if you know where spirits might reside,” I continue, “I could go to those locations, take the time to learn their names, and bond with them. Then, we could call upon their powers for your glory.” My eyes dart over to Evander’s, meeting his for a second and holding them with a pointed stare. Conri doesn’t see the look; he’s too absorbed in his own thoughts.Please, read my mind, I silently beg Evander. Though it’s probably futile. I’ll have to feed something more. I open my mouth to speak again.
Evander cuts me off. “I think I know where some might reside.”
“You do?” Conri looks to his knight. Then a bright smile lights up his face. “Of course you do! My witchlike knight. You’re the one who’s always known these sorts of things. To think I have both of you in my possession. It must be fate blessing my rule.”
Conri claps his hands together with excitement. It causes him to release me and I sway slightly. Evander takes a half step forward but I lift my hand just a little at the wrist, stopping him. He heeds the silent command.
“If you would permit, my king. I could take Faelyn to find more spirits for you while you join with the other alphas in Gualla. It’ll be plenty of time for us, and we would meet you there within a day or two of you arriving in Den,” Evander casually suggests.
Conri looks to me. “What do you think, my dear? Could you survive a week without me?”
