His head cocked as if he was listening to voices I couldn’t quite hear. “Only time will tell.” Shuddering, his gaze met mine. “Yer mate freed me. In exchange, I freed her. Even, we are now,just like ye and me.” He grunted and tossed his tools to the side of the passage, creating a clatter that made nearby trolls jolt, though they kept working. “Ye haven’t come for her, though, have ye?”
“I have not.”
His lips curled up, and his mouth spread in a torturous smile full of sharp fangs that could rip off a man’s arm with one bite. Fortunately, trolls were relatively peaceful unless taunted.
“Finally, I say,” Cristalon said, pivoting. “Follow me if ye dare.”
I had no choice but to go with him, though he was correct. No one should attempt to claim their court’s core unless they held unwavering strength and determination in their heart. I was ready.
He led me into a passage networking away from the one I’d already traveled. It swung around the big open cavern where the trolls continued working, then sloped down farther, into the very heart of the tallest peak of the Barrenfall Mountain range. Grit crunched underfoot, and the lights overhead dimmed until I was tempted to generate my own.
Cristalon lifted his hand, and a small, black metal lantern appeared there, swaying as it dangled, casting flickering light from the small glowing creatures bound inside. He kept going, and I followed, the clangs and thuds of troll workers fading behind me.
What would I need to do to claim my court’s core? Vera had said that because the king had stolen much of the power, I must find a way to wrest it away from him on my own, that I would understand once I faced the challenge.
We traveled for what felt like ages, and it could be. Time held a different meaning here. I might emerge the same day I entered, or weeks might’ve passed. Whatever the price, I must pay it.
We finally came to the end of a very long passage, and Cristalon stopped, lifting his small lantern to cast light on an enormous wooden door with the symbol for Weldsbane etched in the center.
My mate bond mark burned, throbbing on my wrist. Did Tempest’s do the same? Perhaps she was claiming Lydel’s core this very instant. I wished her well.
Even more, I wished I could remember what we’d lost.
“What ye seek hides behind this door,” Cristalon said. “Do not give in no matter how torturous you might find this. And remain strong, knowing that right will always overcome evil.”
I gave him a bow. “Thank you.”
“Ye have what is needed. Ye always have. Remember this if nothing else.” His thick lips curled up before smoothing, and with a nod, he strode past me, heading back up to the cavern, taking the lantern with him.
I did have what was needed. I always had. This I knew in the depths of my heart.
I placed my hand on the symbol faintly glowing in the center of the door, and a click resounded.
With the groan of a waking beast, the door eased inward.
38
TEMPEST
“Reyla,” I gasped, rising and backing away until my head hit the wooden closet shelves, creating a bang. “You’re awake.”
“Why are you here?” Her eyes held the sharp edge of disappointment I deserved. “That’s my bag you’re holding in your hand.”
I looked down and dropped it. It clunked on the floor, and something rattled inside. “I’m sorry.”
She yawned and rubbed her face. “What are you looking for?”
I couldn’t lie to my friend, not about something like this. “When we stayed overnight in the village, I saw something inside your bag.”
“What in particular?”
“Ember’s Shadow. I swear it was there.”
“And you want to take it from me.” Her muffled groan rangout. “Why not just ask me for it instead of sneaking in here when I’m worn out and trying to sleep and . . .” Her mouth twisted into a harsh line, her eyes narrowing with irritation. “That’s right. You did ask about it on the way to the inn. I told you I didn’t have it, which means I don’t.”
Blinking slowly, she yawned again and swiped her fingers across her eyes. My poor friend was worn out from stress and travel, and I was keeping her up about something I could’ve asked for during the light of day.
Her eyes lifted, locking on the far wall, and for one moment, cold fear forced its way through me. Was the ether trying to steal her from me again? We knew nothing about what might happen to those who’d been brought back.
