The masked figure turned and stared straight at Elias. Elias stared back.
Who are you?
Chapter
Fifty-Seven
The carriage approached a large tower. Grey stone crumbled from what years ago would have been an imposing structure. Now it looked like a strong breeze would topple it. Torchlight flickered within and on top.
For over an hour, they’d travelled after leaving the White Monastery, passing through forests and fields. Elias had never heard of this tower on the island.
“Is Gerard up there?” Despite his best efforts, Elias could not keep the note of desperation from his voice.
The empress chuckled. “You’ll have to just keep doing as you’re told if you want to find out.”
The carriage ground to a halt. A small army with horses gathered in front of the tower, as if waiting to ride out. Elias doubted he could take all of them at once.
Unlike before, these wore uniforms. Zephyrian wind sorcerers, soldiers, and even two councillors, the latter of which Elias knew personally.
He sucked in a breath. Because then he spotted several Voltarian lightning sorcerers and soldiers amongst thearmy. Fewer than the Zephyrians. But still … Then he saw Councillor Allard of Voltaria.
Traitors! Blasted fucking traitors!
“Are you surprised, Elias?” the empress asked, voice like honey. “Your own compatriots have betrayed you.”
Elias didn’t answer. He didn’t look at her.
There were also three robed individuals wearing masks, exactly like the robed figure who sat opposite him.
Who are they?
He could see Gerard nowhere.
A Zephyrian soldier opened the carriage door from the outside. The empress, Beau, and the robed figure exited. The soldier who’d been beside Elias shoved him out, grabbing his arm as soon as his feet hit the ground. Another soldier grabbed Elias’s other arm.
The robed figure approached the three others and conversed with them.
Beau strode towards his sister, Anais, and his husband, Duke Albert. It seemed Gerard’s cousin had turned against Draconia.
Fucking traitors everywhere.
But he didn’t see any others from Draconia present. Or anyone from Botanial or the Grey Mountains.
Empress Emmeline approached the army gathered in front of the tower. The soldiers tightened their grips on Elias’s arms and tugged him forward, forcing him to follow.
Elias fixed his gaze on the Voltarians. “You have a fine collection of traitors, Empress,” he said, voice loud.
Councillor Allard sneered, her cheeks flushing. “Who are you to insult me? I fought in the war! I’ve served as a loyal councillor, finding the best way forward for Voltaria. What have you ever done for our kingdom? You’re nothingbut a weakling and a coward!” She looked to the empress. “May I?”
The empress stared at Elias. She nodded.
The soldiers gripping him immediately released him and stepped back.
As one, Councillor Allard and the lightning sorcerers lifted their hands. Their fingers wove together in perfect synchronicity. Elias could see the flashes of their metal bracers in the moonlight as the sleeves of their robes fell back with their moments. Their fingers sparked.
Elias took a deep breath. His muscles clenched as he braced, knowing what was about to come. Their fingers flicked towards him. Lightning zigzagged. It hit him in the chest. He cried out as pain tore through him. He collapsed back, body convulsing.
He gritted his teeth. He could so easily grasp the power they wielded against him. So easily turn it around and strike them.
