“Seems we failed at our indifferent vows.”
“We’re terrible at them.”
“What a shame.”
“A tragedy.”
Skadi pinched her lips and arched her body into mine. “Just once?”
I laughed, cupping her face in my hands, and claiming her mouth. Skadi’s skin was flushed and her heavy breaths tangled with mine by the time I pulled away with a soft, “Never.”
Chapter 57
The Mist Thief
Natthaven fadedfor what I hoped would be the final time.
A dozen shadow elven stood with me in the wood, each of us beseeching the trust of the isle to move us to different seas. Called the fading isle, but in truth, if the isle did not wish to abide by the request, it would not go.
I did not know how Eldirard moved the land when I was forced onto its shores. I guessed it was taxing, and I wondered if it was the reason Natthaven did not drift deeper into the far seas where it would have been nearly impossible to find again.
I was the only one capable of forcing the isle by stealing it away with my mists. When fae and elven battled, Arion demanded I shift my land often. The cold was unbearable, there were times I believed I felt the heart of the isle breaking as its will was stripped away.
“I am honored to have gained your trust after such turmoil,” I whispered against a tree.
Jonas was perched atop a stone, dragging a knife across a piece of wood. I didn’t know what he intended to carve, but after his sleep was tumultuous and heated with a threat of another mesmer fever, I thought he found a bit of calm in whittling.
He lifted his head and gave me a small grin.
Our folk left with sea fae not long before, and the isle felt too quiet.
“Ready?” I asked, not even convinced the isle understood words, more actions.
Trees swayed. Once more dark seas rolled inland, swallowing the shores and lands into a cloak of darkness.
After a time in the damp nothing, it was a relief when the familiar air of the eerie Klockglas docks brushed across my cheeks.
I opened my eyes, once more feeling like I wasn’t leaving home, but returning to it. From behind, Jonas wrapped his arms around my waist, holding my back to his chest.
“Do you see them, Fire?” One arm remained around my middle, but he pointed into the distance. “They came for you.”
Docks and harbors around the shore were tangled in endless longships. Sea fae vessels remained out in the deeper tides, but skiffs and rowboats were tucked alongside the rest at the docks.
All along the shoreline were huddles of people. More than those who fought with us for the isle. Klockglas docks were packed with Rave warriors and fae folk from across the kingdoms. They’d answered the distress of the alver clans and never hesitated to guard our kingdom and stand at our backs with their blades.
Night Folk fae, Glamour fae, mortals, kings and queens, they all greeted the returning fleet of alvers and sea fae. Others gawked at the isle when it settled just along the edge near the warm sea pools.
Within moments of stepping onto the docks, we were surrounded.
Mira raced for us and hooked an arm around our necks.
“I have done nothing but worry. Nothing. Then, I brought them all here, dressed for battle, and waited in the tides even more. When I saw the ships return . . .” Mira squeezed our throats even more. “I have made a decision that I will never remain behind again.”
The Ever Queen approached and when I reached for her hand, she did much the same as Mira and wrapped me in her arms. “You have won your crown, Queen.”
“Thank you for standing with us,” I whispered.
Livia took hold of my hands. “You were never our enemy, Skadi. Know that.”
