The memory faded, but the horror ravaging him remained. He had long known since the day he woke to find his hands drenched in his father’s blood that there was only one way it would end.
You’re weak and pitiful,the Madness growled, taking a new tone he hadn’t heard before.Blind wretch.
Zev didn’t remember the Other’s memories. The Madness having access to them left a sick feeling in his stomach. If refusing to witness himself kill his father made him a pitiful, blind wretch, then he would gladly wear those titles. Seeing the aftermath had been enough.
But the Madness was evolving somehow. For once, instead of coaxing, it sounded angry, manic, and it was forcing memories on him. That wasn’t normal. Well, if anything could be normal about having a sentient being speak to you. Its presence was far more tangible than it had been before, moving around him like the caress of the wind. As if all it needed to step outside of him was a body. Either that was a sign the Madness would soon take over completely, or it already had. Maybe these were his thoughts now, and he had truly gone mad.
His body chilled. He forced a slow breath through his nostrils. He couldn’t let that happen. Not yet.
“Zev?” He opened his eyes to find Cassiel watching him. Damp black hair stuck to his forehead, his white tunic clinging to the sweat on his arms. “All right?”
“No.” For once, he wanted to expose the bitter pit of despair that had carved its way inside of him.
But the girls came out of the tent, drawing their attention. Dyna walked confidently with her knife at her hip. A black dress hugged Lucenna’s lithe frame, and the gentle breeze swept through her long white hair. They walked with their arms linked and smiling as if they shared a secret.
“Ready?” Dyna asked as she slipped on her cloak, face shining with giddy excitement.
Zev forced a smile. “Aye, time to kill some grindylows.”
They gathered their belongings and put out the campfire. Rawn secured his pack to Fair’s saddle and slung his quiver full of arrows on his shoulder. He’d been quiet since last night and had woken before dawn to prepare his weapons in solemn silence. Perhaps he was angry at being forced to take part in this venture. Their gazes met, but he had nothing to say, it seemed. Zev nodded for them to move out.
Cassiel took off into the sky and flew above them. Rawn walked ahead with Lucenna as she rode Fair side-saddle, guiding the horse along the stream. Before Zev could follow them, Dyna grabbed his hand and signaled for him to wait. She guided him closer to the stream, letting the others move further ahead.
“Why do you impede Rawn’s decisions?” Dyna whispered, attempting to hide her voice from the elf’s keen hearing with the burble of running water. “He’s doing his best to lead us, but you two seem to constantly argue.”
Zev glowered at the woodland. “I’m attempting to guide us to the Port of Azure as soon as possible. It may take months to reach Mount Ida, and we need to return to North Star before next winter.”
The truth, he was reluctant to give Lord Norrlen the reins of their journey. Leading them had been Zev’s role in their makeshift pack before he showed up.
“You’ve met Lucien, I hear,” Zev said, changing the subject.
“I did.” A shy smile rose to her lips, and she fidgeted with her sleeves. “He’s quite charming. Not at all like the mages we have heard about.”
Zev wiggled his brows. “You seem fond of him. Shall I ask Lucenna to make a match?”
“Stop it.” Dyna laughed. “I’m not taken with him in the manner you’re suggesting.” Her green eyes flickered to the sky, then at her feet. She chewed on her lip as her face flushed.
“What is it? Is there someone in the village who has caught your fancy?”
“Oh no, of course not. Come off it, Zev!” She tried to shove him with little success.
Zev chuckled, but let it be. Although he liked to tease Dyna about it, he had mixed feelings about her having a love-mate. It worried him that someone would take advantage of her kind and naïve nature. He had little else to care for other than keeping her safe. Once someone else filled that role, she wouldn’t need him anymore.
“Lucien is glad his sister has company,” Dyna continued. “He worries for her wellbeing.”
“I’d be worried about you too if you were venturing through the world on your own.”
“I’m glad to have you with me.”
“As am I.” Zev wrapped an arm around Dyna’s shoulders. “And you haven’t told her anything about—” He glanced at her satchel.
Dyna’s smile faded. “No, but—”
“Good,” Zev cut her off. He knew what she was going to say, but they couldn’t risk telling Lucenna about their journey to Mount Ida. “How is your training?”
Dyna shrugged, her cheeks reddening further. Her fingers grazed the black hilt of the knife. “As well as it could be, I suppose. He says I must carry it at all times.”
They continued through the forest after the others, listening to the trickle of water. The stream widened as they hiked for several miles along the muddy bank. Yellow ash leaves carpeted the ground, sticking to the soles of Zev’s boots. He tried to ignore it, but the color was everywhere, reminding him of things he didn’t want to remember.
