He chuckled. “I know she’s safe behind the Veil with her son—my true enemy, second to you. And if I’m not mistaken…” His eyes narrowed to slits as he inched closer. Ailan stepped back, maintaining a safe distance from him, matching his steps as he began to circle her. “I’ll find them in the dragon caves, then?”
Ailan’s heart leaped into her throat.
Darius nodded. “Your fear has confirmed it. As for the tear…”
Ailan charged for him as he cast his gaze to the north.
He met her eyes with a wicked grin before disappearing.
Her blade met only air.
56
Silence replaced the sounds of the waning battle as Cora and Teryn found themselves on Centerpointe Rock. The wide plane of weathered stone stood at the center of a vast valley. Outside the valley slumbered the silhouettes of hulking hillsides.
The night was even darker here than it had been at the castle. Cora blinked to adjust to the change in light. She had only a moment to orient herself before she was barraged with irritated relief that wasn’t her own.
You’re here! I can’t believe you made me stay away. Valorre darted down one of the hills and onto the field, practically bowling her over as he leaped upon the rock.
“I’m sorry,” she said, caressing his neck, not bothering to mention that he was the one who’d insisted he be at Centerpointe Rock when she attempted her feat.
Just like Teryn, Valorre had feared her being alone during this endeavor. Yet, without knowing exactly when the ambush would begin, it would have been impossible to guarantee Cora could reconvene with Valorre before worldwalking to the rock. So they’d decided he’d come here and wait for her as soon as he’d accomplished his important duties.
“Are your brethren safely back home now?” she asked.
He tossed his mane, radiating arrogance.Of course they are. I’m highly capable. I guided the last pair of unicorns through the Veil yesterday morning. I’ve been waiting ever since. Do you know how worried I was about you?
“I have some idea,” she said, giving his neck a final pat. As much as she wanted to enjoy her reunion with her companion, she didn’t have time to waste.
Teryn squeezed her hand. “Are you ready?”
“I have to be,” she whispered back. With a trembling breath, she sank to her knees and pressed her hands to the surface of the rock. Herinsigmorathrummed from her palms to her biceps, tingling every line of ink. Her magic rose like a tide in her blood, echoing the pound of fae magic that sang back.
She felt themorapouring from the rock, sensed the well of magic that was available to her.
It was vast.
Terrifying.
Everything inside her told her this magic could destroy her. Could flay the skin from her bones should she try to harness it.
When last she was here, during the battle, she hadn’t sensed anything like this. But she hadn’t been Queen of Lela then. Now she was.
She swallowed hard, feeling deeper and deeper into that magic.
A gentle hand fell on her shoulder. Teryn crouched beside her. “I may not have the kind of magic you do, but use me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Let me anchor you. Let me help. You are Queen of Lela and I am its king. I may not have what it takes to push themoraback, but I too have fulfilled every qualification necessary to be King of Magic. We can do this together.”
She nibbled her lip, hating the thought of involving Teryn in this.
I may not be a Roizan, Valorre said, scraping a hoof on the rock, so I cannot act as a vessel to harness themora. But use me too. If it feels like too much, send at least some to me. Let me take some of the burden while you work.
Between the warmth of Teryn’s palm and her connection with Valorre, some of her terror eased. The strength of themorafelt less like a thrashing, cresting wave, and more like an unfathomable yet tepid sea. She could do this. She could lean on those she loved.
“All right,” she said.
