Cassiel’s hand clenched into a fist around the flute. That look, he had seen it before. On another human with the same determination, with the same stupid stubbornness.
Zev rubbed his neck. “Is Grandmother aware of this?”
“I left her a letter.”
“You left without saying goodbye?”
“I had to or she would have stopped me.”
“With good reason!”
Dyna closed the journal, cutting off its light. “Grandmother will understand.”
“Dynalya, might you be too rash in this?” the High King asked. “There could be other means to defeat the Shadow that do not require such a treacherous journey.”
“It is the only answer I found, but tonight you mentioned Celestials can fight demons,” she said, hope filling her voice.
His responding smile was rueful. “We did, once upon a time. The Seraphim slay demons, but that is not who we are. Not anymore. Once we stained our hands with human blood, we lost the sanctity needed to extinguish evil.”
Cassiel frowned. That was not completely true.Loss of sanctity applied to Celestials who had killed humans. Not to those who had been born since The Decimation—like him.
His father gave him an inquiring look, offering him the chance to volunteer, but Cassiel looked away. He wouldn’t get involved in her matters. It had nothing to do with him.
“Then I have no other choice,” Dyna said.
King Yoel’s brow pinched. “If you do this, survival is unlikely, my dear.”
“The Fourth Shadow Winter arrives next year, sire. My sister is a child, and there are hundreds more in my village. I won’t fail in my quest. I can’t. I will find the Sunstone or die trying.”
Her words invited something foreboding, weighing with a warning on Cassiel’s bones. “If by some miracle you survive the journey to that island, there you will meet your end,” he said quietly. “You will never come back.”
Alarm flickered across her face but her mouth set with stubbornness. “Never is a strong word. I indeed have much to lose, but I willnevergive up. I’m going to Mount Ida.”
Cassiel stared at this human who struck him speechless. The fire in her eyes burned hotter than any forge.
“That is enough, son,” his father cut him off before he disputed further. “She has made her decision.”
Cassiel clenched his teeth to keep from saying what he wanted to say.You most of all know she mustn’t go there.
His father’s expression grew stern. “Need I remind you that you have given up your right to make demands of her?”
An angry flush rose to his head. Slavery may not be practiced in Hilos but he could have requested an offering. If he knew Dyna had the map, he would have taken it as payment for the life-debt and forbidden her from going. His arrogance in believing there was nothing of value in her satchel had cost him.
King Yoel stood. Dyna and Zev did as well. He looked upon her with a mixture of approval and worry. “Nothing I say will change your mind?”
“No, sire.”
“I understand why you must go, but this is not a quest you should risk alone.”
“She won’t be alone,” her cousin said. “It’s a dangerous world out there, Dyna. I’ll not leave you to face it without me.”
She beamed with relief. “Thank you, Zev.”
“There it is then. You have your heading and your guardian.” King Yoel placed his hands on their shoulders. “I prayElyonwill safeguard your steps. If your heart is true, so will be your course. You are welcome to stay for the night to rest before beginning your great quest. Provisions will be prepared for you in the morning, and the Watchers will escort you to the end of our Realm.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Dyna exclaimed.
Cassiel couldn’t believe this. They were fools, the lot of them.
