The glow beneath us dims into nothing—even the moss is too afraid to breathe. As if even the light dares not enter.
Ahead, through the veil of vines, it awaits.
Starlit Grove.
My breath hitches at the sight in front of me—the contrast of the onyx trees is offset by the twinkle of vibrant silver bioluminescence that runs through the trunks of the trees like starlit veins.
It truly is a grove of starlight. I rush to remind myself that despite its intimidating beauty, this grove is a seer of legitimacy. Ajudge and executioner for those it doesn’t consider worthy. A shiver licks up my spine at the thought.
Kael, sensing my unease, soothes me down the tether,I’ll keep you safe, El. Nothing will touch you.
I swallow thickly and slide off Nyx, never taking my eyes from the Grove’s looming canopy.
Kael dismounts with fluid grace, and turns to Therion, “You know what to do if today doesn’t go to plan.” It’s not a question, but a statement. They’ve talked about this already—the possible outcome.
Therion nods tightly, “I’ll be at the edge of The Grove. I’ll only move in if you give me the signal.”
The weight of this moment presses down on me, gnawing at me.
“Morrathys can’t have you today, El,” Ronyn’s words are heavy but loaded with sincerity. It’s rare to see Ronyn without his signature cavalier attitude, which is why it hits so much harder when he drops it and chooses candor instead. “I’ll be right here.”
“Best let the Lightborne go first, Kael. No telling what might sneak up behind you,” Zak’s vindictive words slice through the heartfelt moment.
“No,” Kael responds smoothly, and I’m mildly impressed by his restraint. “I go first, Elyssara follows on my signal.”
“You don’t come back, Kael, and Nalya is as good as dead,” Zak seethes.
“If Elyssara doesn’t come back, so are you,” Kael replies sharply. “You’re only useful to me if she’s alive, Zak, and don’t you fucking forget that.”
Kael spins to me, and holds out his hand. “Ready, your highness?” he banters, all signs of malice are replaced with levity, as if we’re not just about to walk into a death maze.
I slide my hand into his.
My palm is steady.
My heart is not.
“Let’s see if The Grove believes the prophecy.”
CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE
ELYSSARA
We step forward,leaving the group and the jungle behind us. As if sensing our approach, the ground beneath us groans—an ancient, guttural sound that reverberates around us, vibrating up my spine. Kael’s hand grips mine a little tighter, affirming in its presence.
We approach the obsidian trees with veins of starlight, and then I feel it—we cross the invisible threshold, suffocating and breathless, as if we’re now encased within The Grove’s walls.
My chest tightens, and magic stirs in my heart, traveling down to my fingertips—poised.
We step hesitantly through the grove, boots landing silently on the damp, mossy floor. Vines hang low overhead, ancient tendrils slithering like serpents, reaching out to us as if reading us, sensing us, testing us.
I brush them away, ducking beneath them, but with every contact, faint whispers curl through the air like smoke. Calling to me, luring me to follow. Unnerving in their sentience, the vines swirl around me like lost spirits that never made it out.
“Don’t listen, El, they’re testing us,” Kael instructs, voice tight.
I don’t respond, I just keep my eyes ahead, following thecompass, trusting its navigation down the countless winding paths of starlight, vines, and moss.
But then I hear it—the groan from earlier roars to life, shaking the ground.
