Goose bumps dot my flesh when I realize he’s about to open up again. This time, they’re not from the cold.
“Seferin was one of The Divine’s biggest advocates once. Did you know that?”
I shake my head.
“For years, he helped generals and trained some of the soldiers, including me and Koa. We believed in him because he believed in us.” Thane scoffs and shakes his head. “He told us that he was going to launch a special unit and recruit some of the strongest guards from The Divine. He promised me and my brother so many good things, said we’d be unstoppable in our magic, and swore he’dneverseparate us. That’s all I cared about—never being apart from my brother.”
I nod in understanding. “I know that feeling all too well.”
“I know you do, sweet one.” He plants a gentle kiss on my forehead.
I smile.
“Anyway, Seferin made us swear to keep his plans a secret, and we thought we were in on this wonderful thing. I mean, think about it. This powerful sorcerer wanted to recruitusand make us nearly as strong as he was. It sounded like a dream, too good to be true. And you know what they say about things that are too good to be true…” Thane looks out at the dark ocean, shaking his head. “I wanted only the best for myself and Koa. We’d been through so much, so we deserved it.”
I don’t know where this story is going, but I grab his hand and rub a reassuring thumb over his knuckles.
“We’d leave Meriva and train deep in the forests near Ruvain where no one could hear or see us,” he goes on. “We trained so hard and for so long, we were left with no choice but to get better.” His jaw ticks as he lowers his gaze to the deck. “Then, one night, Seferin said he needed us to retrieve something from the royal vaults in the Crystal Palace. Neither Koa nor I had been given permission before to patrolinsidethe Crystal Palace. I should’ve taken that as a sign that something was off. But Seferin gave us the order, so we didn’t think twice. We went to the vault and retrieved the Sunderstone Crystal. Alarms immediately went off, and guards came after us. We tried to explain we were there on Seferin’s orders, but they didn’t listen. They just attacked. I had no choice but to fight back.”
Something that looks a lot like shame seizes him.
“I murdered them,” he says in a low, pained voice. “And I knew deep down that Seferin knew this would happen because he helped us escape Meriva with the Sunderstone under one condition…”
“That you join The Shadow Guild,” I finish.
He nods, and that confirmation makes my heart ache for him and Koa—for their betrayal.
“But I don’t understand. Why would he ruin his relationship with the queen and The Divine?” I ask.
“Because he never had good intentions for the kingdom and especially not us, Zaira,” he answers through gritted teeth. “He knew from the start we were hopeless fools fueled by dreams and ambition, and he used every ounce of that for his own agenda. All he cares about is power. He wants to dethrone the queen and rule Meriva—he still does.”
He pauses, readying himself for the next part. “I knew I had to get Koa and myself out of his clutches. I figured we could start fresh in Yellek or Junsho. A place that allowed refugees. We gotsoclose to Yellek, but somehow, the guild found us. They caught us and returned us to the camp. And to teach me a lesson about running, they slit my brother’s throat right in front of me.”
I stifle a gasp as I cup a hand over my mouth. “No,” I whisper, tears burning my eyes.
“Yes. Like I said in Frevella’s cave, it’s my fault he’s dead.” Thane’s voice thickens as he continues. “If I hadn’t tried to run away with him—if I’d just stuck it out there and dealt with the consequences—he’d probably still be alive.”
“My gods. I get it now. That’s why you want Seferin dead.”
He clenches a fist. “That’sexactlywhy I want him dead.”
“Thane, I’m so sorry that happened.” I squeeze his hand tighter, wishing I could soothe the pain I know is in his heart, or take it away. “No one deserves to go through that.”
He nods but doesn’t bother saying anything. At least, not about Seferin or Koa.
“Let’s go back to the cabin.” He releases his arm from around me. “You need some sleep.”
Heart heavy, I nod in agreement, and we make our way to the door.
Once inside, Thane helps me into bed and even pulls the quilt over my shoulders before getting on his cot and lying down. I want him to join me, but the beds aren’t very large, and I’m not sure if he wants Algar and Rynthea to catch us sleeping together like some infatuated couple.
We had our fun, but I must remember we’re still on an important quest. And soon this quest will be over.
We’ll go our separate ways, and I might not ever see him again.
The reminder of it all saddens me more than I’ll ever admit because, truthfully, I’ll miss Thane. I wonder if he’ll miss me, too.
I turn over in bed and stare at the bottom of the top bunk. Regardless of how I feel, it’s completely up to Orvena whether we live to see another day or not.
