He must have been doing something to Jasper that Avery couldn’t detect. Jasper was sweating profusely, and his skin was the color of a red plum. Would he kill this man just out of irritation before Avery had the chance? Maybe his own hatred would get the better of him?
After what seemed like an eternity, the golden glow on Rylo’s skin faded back to a shimmer, and Jasper looked less near to croaking into his dinner. The rest of their meal was consumed in silence. Avery didn’t interrupt the silence. She sat quietly, looking down at her plate as she tried to concentrate, channeling her magic.
The crowds throughout the banquet room did not keep their gossiping quiet. Many spoke loudly about how disgusting it was to have a human dine with them. She truly hated these fae. She hated how they talked down to her. How they looked at her with a mix of amusement and disdain.
But most of all, she hated them for judging her based on a historical event that happened thousands of years ago. She wasn’t judged for her own actions or mistakes. She’d hardly interacted with the Nepheli fae. No, these fae make cruel and crass comments in front of her without even bothering to get to know her.
She missed her sister and thought about how Morgan would handle the situation. Morgan wouldn’t be a pushover. She’d tell all these puffed up pigeons just what she thought of them and not lose a moment of worrying over her actions. If only she were with her. Everything—this entire world would be easier if she were with her.
Bayberry kept drifting into her mind, too. The warmth and the acceptance she’d experienced were more than she’d ever had in her life, even on Earth. Funny how suddenly Bayberry felt like a second home to her, with the kind and cheerful folk, vegetarian cuisine, and cozy homes.
But most of all, her mind drifted to Savine. They were just getting started, and she feared their budding relationship would end before it even began. He was the man she never would have imagined on Earth, and yet here he was, her own personal prince charming, wrapped up in a grumpy package. She couldn’t let this end with him yet.
She was so deeply lost in a combination of thoughts that she didn’t hear Rylo’s words. As she glanced up, she saw his hard stare meet her eyes.
“I’m sorry. Did I miss something?”
“Everyone is ready to see you demonstrate your powers as a witch, Avery.” Rylo’s golden eyes glistened as he spoke. His skin took on that same shimmering glow that he’d had earlier in the meal. Avery’s stomach roiled, and she immediately regretted the few small bites she’d eaten.
“Alright,” she croaked. That voice. It sounded nothing like her own voice. So distant. So raspy. She took a swallow of wine to help calm her nerves before she left the table.
All eyes were on her as she left the banquet table and approached the cleared space between the king and his guests. She wasn’t sure what she should do to begin. Actually show some magic? Or take him by surprise and go for the attack? And where was Savine? She assumed he’d be with her by now.
Before she could make a move, Rylo spoke to the crowd. “We are honored tonight to host Avery Hollis. A witch from the realm called Montana. With diligent efforts from both the Latian and Nepheli nations, we were able to recover her from the rebel forces. To show her gratitude, Avery has agreed to show her magical abilities. This will be an entertaining display. Music!” As he shouted, strings and drums began immediately.
Did Rylo set them up? Most likely, Savine was locked away, waiting for retribution for his actions.
“Avery, we’re all waiting…” Rylo drawled. How did this man’s voice sound bored even when he knew what she was prepared to do?
Avery began growing tiny white flowers in the remaining dishes. She got a few polite claps. Chuckles and hisses rose from the obviously unimpressed crowd. Why would they be impressed when Savine could raise whole forests? When he could kill someone with a choking thorny vine. But one person’s face looked stunned. Surprisingly so,considering he always kept such a bored look on his face. Rylo looked at Avery as if he had seen a ghost.
“Child’s play!” Jasper shouted. “Give us a proper show!”
“If you insist, Your Majesty,” Avery muttered.
She reached for the knife on her thigh, hiking up her skirt as she grasped the blade. With more speed than she ever thought she could manage, Avery threw the iron knife toward the King of Latiah. She propelled it forward with her green light and watched as it soared through the air, striking Jasper on his left shoulder.
So she was a little off. A lot off. She was aiming for his heart, but hit him on the shoulder. Regardless, the iron went to work right away.
Chapter fifty-eight
Kyla
Kyla, Garnel, and the rebels raced through the canyon trail along the edge of the Sapphire River. Sapphire Falls was ahead, then they would be at the base of the towers. From the rumors Kyla heard, Savine was already at the towers as a guest. All Nepheli warriors they encountered on their way to this point did nothing to stop them from crossing through the Nepheli lands. It was as if their presence was welcomed. In fact, one commander of a small group even suggested that they should make it to the towers with all haste.
That the Nepheli King was going to give her brother his crown.
How could this be?
Avery was taken captive by the Nepheli King. Surely he meant harm to her and Savine, not destroy Jasper.
As she was pondering this, she saw a small, dark figure plunge down into the waterfall. What in the Abyss was that? It nearly looked like a child going over the falls.
Kyla turned to her mate, noticing how he also looked at the sparkling blue waters of Sapphire Falls. “Garnel, I think someone just went over the falls. I’m going to check on them.”
Garnel nodded his head, pointing his elk toward the first tower. “I saw them too. I’ll bring the warriors to the towers and see if the Nepheli are actually going to just let us enter.”
Kyla pulled the reins on her elk, leading him down a steep and narrow path to a deep blue pool below the waterfall. The cool breeze of the falls chilled and dampened Kyla’s exposed skin. The moonlight only gave the dimmest light to the night sky, but still she saw what she was looking for. A small woman was crawling out of the water, dark hair stuck to her face and neck.
