“If you believe in those things, then I guess it’s a valid fear. Their so-called God of Justice did leave them after all, or so the story goes.”
“A kingdom without a god looking over it is no kingdom at all in Liraen,” Eyden said, meeting Lora’s eyes. “That’s why it’s lawless territory now.”
“Some people believe it’s the wiped-out Sartoya bloodline that’s haunting the city. The Dark King still roaring even in death. The last remains of his dark magic still lingering. His whole family deceased but still trapped on Liraen, repelled by Caelo.” Elyssa screwed up her face. “Better we stay the hell away. Though if Variel Sartoya’s ghost is haunting this place, I’d like to give him some payback on behalf of humanity.”
The thought made Lora shudder. She was glad that she didn’t have to live through all the destruction and fear Variel Sartoya had brought to Liraen. If it wasn’t for him, humans would’ve never been roped into the fae’s world. The tear in the universe would’ve never happened. Using that kind of dark magic had messed with the whole Sartoya bloodline, giving them the dangerous power of compulsion—at a cost. The Dark King had grown weak, his life source draining much too quickly, the dark magic twisting his very being. It had given him the ability to feed on other fae’s life sources to stay alive while his family became casualties of dark magic.
The fae’s weakness, being unable to resist the Dark King’s compulsion, had been the only reason humans were seen as an advantage. The fae had needed their help, their human minds that stayed unaffected by the Dark King’s compulsive magic. Only together had they been able to bind the Dark King’s power and destroy him once and for all.
“We should walk around it,” Eyden agreed. “There are rumours Harten Adelway liked to exile fae to Rubien. Better we don’t find out they’re hiding in Cinnite the hard way.”
Lora glanced around the desert towards the run-down, broken buildings. “Would they have stayed here?”
“In Rubien? I’m assuming if the rumours are true, they probably signed a blood contract which would make it impossible for them to leave.”
Another shudder went through her. The principle of blood contracts had always freaked Lora out. It’s why she hadn’t mentioned the vial of her mother’s blood until she had to.
“Of course. Fae and their blood contracts,” Jaspen said, joining their conversation as he appeared next to Elyssa. “Harten Adelway was no better than the Dark King. He took advantage of us, used us to overthrow Variel Sartoya. He promised us freedom, yet here we are, still living in fear.”
Eyden glanced in his direction. “As much as I hate the Adelways, I’d have to disagree with you there.”
“Coming from a fae, I’m not surprised.”
“Don’t get me wrong, the reign of the Adelways needs to come to an end. But the dark magic Variel Sartoya brought to Liraen…I don’t think there’s anything worse than that.”
Jaspen walked a step ahead, making it easier for him to meet Eyden’s gaze. “Because the magic the current king possesses is so peaceful? The whole logic of choosing kings based on how powerful, how supposedly blessed they are by the gods, is ludicrous. Strong minds are what matters. A clear vision for a future.”
Eyden kept his pace next to Lora, unbothered by Jaspen’s comments. “I don’t believe a fae’s high level means they are more blessed. I can agree with you there. But dark magic is a different beast, an unpredictable one with costly consequences.”
“And that belief has nothing to do with the fact that you’re a level one, right?” Jaspen’s laugh was dry, mocking.
Eyden merely shook his head and turned to Elyssa, silently pleading with her to take over before he lost it. Even though he wasn’t looking at her, Lora knew she’d interpreted his intention correctly. It struck her then how familiar she’d become with him.
Elyssa exhaled slowly. Catching Lora’s gaze, the corner of her mouth turned up as if to tell herit never ends.“Let’s focus on passing by Cinnite quietly, okay? Besides, we’re all on the same side here. We all want Karwyn Adelway off the throne.” Elyssa met Jaspen’s stubborn eyes. “Try to keep that in mind. Allies can be found in unexpected places.”
“Temporary allies,” Jaspen said. “Eyden’s still our enemy. Try to keepthatin mind, Elyssa.”
Elyssa rolled her eyes and turned to Jaspen. “Eyden was never our enemy. If you gave him a chance, you’d know that. This rescue mission should prove my point, if nothing else. It’s time you stop your pointless arguments and get on board.”
Jaspen turned to Eyden before his eyes landed on Elyssa again. “You do know that your uncle would still be alive if it wasn’t for Eyden? So would your parents. If they hadn’t been so attached to him, they wouldn’t have had any issues at the camp. They wouldn’t have looked for ways out. You’re a disgrace to humanity, just like your uncle.”
Elyssa gaped at him, a murderous glint in her eyes, while Eyden remained deadly silent. His lips pressed together in a tight line.
“My parents died because they wanted a better life for me and Eyden,” Elyssa said, her voice razor sharp. She stepped in front of Jaspen, forcing him to halt. “They wanted us to be unafraid of being discovered again, being killed by guards, or killed by human infections that modern medicine could cure. They believed the old camp was forging the way for a better future. My uncle died protectingthatcamp. But everyone who voted Eyden out, who showed disrespect to a family losing their son, took that belief from them.”
“No one forced you to come back, Elyssa.” Jaspen tried to move past her, but Elyssa held her ground. Lora had stopped next to Eyden. He stood frozen in place, clenching his jaw.
“No, but you know damn well you need me,” Elyssa said.
With no warning, she shot forward, kicking Jaspen’s legs out from under him. Lora saw his eyes widen in surprise just before the back of his head hit the sandy ground. A wave of copper dust settled in the air. Lora thought she heard Eyden chuckle beside her.
“I’m the best fighter you’ve got,” Elyssa said as she knelt next to him and pointed her throwing star at his neck, far enough to not draw blood but close enough to appear threatening. “And I’m committed to the mission for the sake of all our futures. But don’t speak badly about my parents or my uncleeveragain. We had this conversation five years ago and I’m not goddamn having it a third time. You can dislike him all you want, but don’t you fuckingdareblame my brother. If it’s his fault, then it’s my fault too. And everyone’s at the camp—includingyours.”
Jaspen swallowed, at a loss of words, it seemed. The desert was quiet, eerily so. Elyssa and Jaspen were locked in a staring match, then Elyssa swiftly rose, turned on her heel, and walked ahead. Lora noticed the throwing star was still in her hand, ready to strike for real should any danger or insults come her way. Jaspen glanced at Eyden, his eyes still holding on to a lingering hatred, before he got up, dusted himself off, and followed Elyssa. He stayed a few steps behind as if he didn’t dare get too close.
Lora turned to Eyden as they both fell back into their pace. She broke their silence. “I don’t quite understand what happened, but now I dislike Jaspen even more.”
“Yeah, me too.” A sad smile grazed his lips. “Didn’t think that was possible.”
