Ailan whirled around just as he reappeared behind her. They exchanged blows, their swords clanging, the sound ringing through her ears.
“They’ve accepted her,” she said, her smirk widening, darkening. “She has already succeeded at more than you ever have. More than you ever could.”
He scoffed. “Are you talking about the human mother?”
“You complain about being judged for your human blood, but do you even hear the way you speak about your own kind? You don’t respect humans any more than most of the Elvyn do. How does it feel to hate everything you are? To hate both sides of your bloodline so fiercely?”
“It feels like power,” he said, slashing his sword against her breastplate.
Unlike his, her armor didn’t crumple. It did, however, make her stumble back at the force. She regained her footing and took up a defensive stance.
He spoke again. “I am better than both sides of my bloodline. I am the future of two worlds. Do not mistake my confidence for self-hatred, for I know my worth. You’re the one who has always underestimated me. Undervalued me.”
“You never once gave me a reason to hold in you any regard.”
“And that shall be your downfall. You say the human mother has bonded a dragon?”
Ailan pursed her lips. Mareleau hadn’t exactlybondeda dragon yet, but she had earned Ferrah’s respect. Not that Darius needed to know that.
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.
