Morgan shook her head. Although she’d hardly eaten since the stew in Serieff’s cottage, she had too many nerves dancing through her stomach to try and keep food down.
Susan poured herself a cup of tea, but Morgan couldn’t even do that. She couldn’t stop looking at Rylo, hoping he’d acknowledge her in some way.
“Can you pour me a cup?” Morgan asked. She wanted him to know that she trusted him, that even if she wasn’t able to admit what happened to Elio, he was still important to her.
“Best not. Pour your own if you’re in need of a drink,” Rylo said, turning from her gaze and out toward the open air view of the canyon and tunnels below.
Rylo waited for Morgan to pour her own cup, and when she didn’t bother, he began telling Susan about the two witches and the secret cavern under the Goldoth borders. Morgan listened again, a chill running down her spine as he shared about the girl who reanimated a corpse after slaughtering him in front of Rylo.
“Reports from my spies have already reached The Towers that Goldoth is amassing a vast army. One that will decimate my folk. We don’t have the warriors to face this force. I need the two of you to go to Orofine today and do all you can to ensure an alliance with Latiah. Selene is already there. Explain what has happened and she will work with you to convince King Savine that his support is imperative to securing his own borders.”
Morgan’s stomach did a flip. Returning to that place with the folk who resembled her attacker had been the last thing she wanted to do. But she’d do it. If it proved her loyalty to Rylo, if it helped protect this place and Avery.
“Why aren’t you going?” Morgan asked.
“I’m needed here.” His amber eyes seemed to glow as he spoke. “Prepare to leave immediately. I’ve already arranged an eagan for your journey.”
Rylo walked toward the balcony and jumped into the air, leaving Morgan and Susan alone in the library.
Susan raised an eyebrow. “Do you want to talk about it, or should I just stay quiet?”
Morgan shook her head, trying to keep the sadness from her expression. She’d have to tell Susan what happened to Elio too.The two people she’d learned to care about most in Aeritis were the ones she’d hurt the most by killing Elio.
Once they were safely in the cave for the night, Morgan was finally able to tell Susan about Elio. It broke her to share the news, but Susan needed to know. Just like Rylo deserved to know.
“I’m sure you noticed Elio didn’t return,” she said, sitting down beside Susan near the warmth of the fire she just built.
Susan’s chin shook. “I was told he didn’t make it out of Onyx Caverns.”
Morgan took a deep breath and started sharing what happened to them during their search for the relic. It was hard to even say what happened, but she had to get the words out for her friend. “I was with him when he died. We were in a cave filled with human slaves and fae. I told him about the spell that enhanced his essence, and explained I didn’t know what would happen. But he trusted me.” Her voice began shaking as the tears slid down her face. Susan’s eyes were filled with hurt as she held Morgan’s hand. “He trusted me and the spell killed him. It depleted his essence before my eyes. I’m so, so sorry, Susan.”
Susan was shaking with sobs as she clutched Morgan’s hand. “He wanted me to tell you that you are his bright star.”
Susan let out a stifled cry as she turned and walked toward the eagan perched outside the cave. Morgan let her be, knowing that she probably hated her for what she’d done to Elio.
Finally, Susan came back to the fire, sitting down next to Morgan. “I’m just relieved he wasn’t alone when he died. You didn’t know that spell would be so deadly.”
“I don’t know how to tell Rylo,” Morgan admitted.
Susan looked at her, grief in her eyes. “You have to tell him the truth, Morgan. He deserves to hear it from you.”
Chapter 41
Avery
“Avery?” A voice from the doorway made Avery look up from the letter she’d been writing to Morgan. “May I come in?” Darby stood in the doorway, carrying a letter in her hand.
“Of course! What can I do for you?” Avery stood and met the pale green woman near the door, closing it behind them.
“I’ve received a letter from the guards near the portal north of Orofine. They’ve intercepted another one of the Hunters. I’d like to take you there to meet with the guards and question the Hunter.”
Avery reached for the letter and read the scribbled note about the Hunter who was caught. “Savine would want to meet him too. He’s speaking with the trees right now. Why don’t you send a message to bring the Hunter here?”
Darby rang her hands together. She looked toward the closed door. “We don’t have much time. We should travel there on our own and send a message for Savine to join us.”
She wasn’t making any sense. Avery didn’t know Darby like Savine did, but something seemed off. “Why do we have to go now?”
Darby didn’t hesitate to answer. “Everyone has heard about the human weapon used against you and the king. I’ve heard the guards sent to the portal were uncomfortable with being attacked without your protection to stop the human powered weapon. They want their queen there to ensure they aren’t harmed by another attack.”
