Magic stuttered down the bond, then flared to life. He coasted out along the sea of Illucian soldiers.
Then lightning began to rain.
Soldiers screamed and ran for cover beneath the towers, but there weren’t enough to shelter them. Res’s storm tore through their ranks.
This was the true power of the crows. For all Illucia had done to counteract them, when their tricks and weaponry failed, they had no response to the crows’ magic.
Between the rallying forces inside the city, the reinforcements flanking from behind, and us wreaking havoc down the center, the army broke.
Soldiers fled. Lines splintered. Bodies fell.
Res and I swept back along the wall, the power of the storm flooding our veins. It was like Res drew strength from it as power undulated along the bond.
We alighted atop the battlement, surveying the battle inside the city, looking for places to help, but our forces were already driving the Illucians out.
Then I saw a familiar figure picking its way toward Ericen’s exposed back, sword drawn.
Shearen.
* * *
My arrow caught him in the leg.
He screamed as he dropped to his knees. Res landed before him, and Ericen spun, sword raised. I leapt off Res’s back, another arrow nocked, but Shearen threw up a hand.
“Stop!” His voice tore with pain. “I didn’t come to fight.”
I drew back my bowstring.
“Please!” he cried, letting his sword drop and holding up his hands. “I’m on your side.”
Ericen’s hand stayed mine. Reluctantly, I lowered my bow.
“Explain,” the prince ordered.
Shearen stared up at him, dark blue eyes exhausted and pained. “I came to warn you. This entire battle has been a distraction.”
My stomach dropped. “What?”
His eyes met mine. “Razel is attacking Aris.”
* * *
Sounds blurred in my ears, and I forced myself to breathe even as I surged forward, seizing Shearen by the throat. “What do you mean?” My fingers dug in sharply. “Tell me what you mean!”
Ericen grabbed my wrist, pulling my hand back. “He will, Thia.” The steel in his voice calmed me as Shearen coughed, hand going to his throat.
“One of the Sellas she freed rebuilt the road to Aris,” he said hoarsely. “Or at least he was rebuilding it when I left. They said it would take a few days, but if this battle has begun, then the road must have almost been finished before they attacked.”
“Liar,” I hissed. “You just want Res and me out of the battle.”
Ericen leveled his sword at Shearen’s throat. “Give me one reason to believe you.” The second meaning of his words was clear—give me one reason not to kill you.
Shearen lifted his head, exposing his throat openly to Ericen’s blade. “Because you were right.” He swallowed hard. “Back in the wood, you were right. This has gone too far. Razel has lost control. Her need for revenge has taken over. She’s not doing what’s best for Illucia. Maybe she never was. I’m not the only one who thinks it either. There have been protests in the streets. Civilians who are tired of this war. Vykryn too.”
He held Ericen’s gaze unwaveringly. “I’m so sorry, Eri. I made so many mistakes, and by the time I understood what I’d done, I’d already driven you away. I thought earning her respect would regain me yours, and perhaps, in time, your friendship. But that night in the wood, I realized that serving her was only going to lose me you for good. Any leader willing to sacrifice her own family isn’t someone I want to follow.” He bowed his head. “You are.”
I looked to Ericen, his face slack with shock. Indecision riled through me. Every instinct told me not to trust Shearen, to stay and fight, but I couldn’t ignore the fear that Aris was truly in danger.
