Amira bit her lip, but a hint of a grin spilled through.
“It’s decided, then. I will pull out the ancient spell and prepare everything that is needed for it,” Tarnan said. He focused on Amira. “I think you should leave tonight.Now,before Wryen realises you’ve gone. Take Elyssa and go straight to the temple. I will follow you to Parae shortly.”
Amira nodded hesitantly, her hands fidgeting. Elyssa fought the urge to reach out and hold her hand.
Eyes lingering on Elyssa, Amira said, “We need to get your wound checked first.”
“I’ll send a healer right away. Meanwhile, start packing,” Tarnan said, already turning to the door.No more waiting.
A buzzing started in Elyssa’s veins. This was really happening. She’d waited for what felt like her whole life to take action, and now it finally seemed more than a giant risk and pretty damn attainable. She could do this.Theycould fucking do this.
Elyssa desperately wanted to tell Eyden. Even he wouldn’t be able to deny that they finally had a solid plan. And once Karwyn was out of the picture, there would be nothing holding Lora there. Their worlds would finally be free of the evil king holding everyone back.
Chapter48
Amira
Signing Tarnan’s blood contract had rattled Amira more than she’d expected, her hands shaking as she clasped them in her lap. Her life was now bound to Tarnan and only he could revoke their contract. Yet, knowing Tarnan was trying to protect her, acting like her brother should have all this time, she felt weirdly safe too. If it wasn’t for Tarnan, Wryen’s wrath would have been much worse. The memory of Wryen’s vicious attack was hard to push past, her reddened neck a constant reminder. But this time, she had struck back, literally stabbing him in the back.
Elyssa and Amira were already in the carriage bound for Turosian. They hadn’t really talked since Tarnan had left the room to prepare their journey. The heavy silence was lingering too long for comfort.
Amira stared at Elyssa on the opposite side of the carriage before her gaze dipped to the suitcase underneath the bench, a dress caught between the buttons. “You packed everything faster than any maid I’ve ever had,” Amira said, and Elyssa followed her gaze to the suitcase. “Didn’t know you had it in you.” Her tone was teasing, and she saw a flicker of a smile on Elyssa’s face.
“We could have been gone sooner if you didn’t have so many damn dresses,” Elyssa replied, her tone casual. She bent to push the overflowing dress into the suitcase, but Amira put her hand on Elyssa’s, halting her. Her focus caught on the bandage wrapped around Elyssa’s arm, reminding her that, for once, someone had stepped in to stop her brother’s madness and survived.
“Can we talk?” Amira asked, her heart racing.
Elyssa put her head against the window. It was pitch black outside, the chilly weather seeping into the carriage, yet Amira’s heart was warm. “I’m listening.”
Amira twisted her hands. “I know I’ve said it before, but I’m so sorry about the relapse. You’ve helped me in more ways than one, and I’ve offered you coldness instead of answers.” She sat back in her seat, trying to avoid Elyssa’s burning gaze.
“Don’t worry about it,” Elyssa said, sighing, catching on. “We can just be allies moving forward and I’ll forget about anythingelse,if that’s what you want.”
Amira wanted to whisper her next words, but she knew that Elyssa needed to hear them. “I don’t want you to forget about it.” Leaning forward, she met Elyssa’s incredulous look.
Elyssa let out a slow breath. For once, she was completely still. “I’m gonna need you to elaborate, princess.”
“I don’t want you to forget about me,us,” she repeated louder, more sure of herself this time.
The corner of Elyssa’s mouth lifted slightly. “Whatexactlydoes that mean, sunshine?”
Amira bit her lip, gathering courage. She could turn away, she could give her a lie for an answer, but that was the last thing Amira wanted.
Elyssa tracked her every move as Amira leaned closer. “I…I really like you,” Amira confessed. “I didn’t want to hurt you by making you believe we could have a future together. I’m engaged to Karwyn, and Wryen has complete control over my life.” She hesitated, her fingers clenching the fabric of her trousers.
“There was…a girl, once. We loved each other and she…” Amira’s voice wavered, incapable of pronouncing the terrible word. “I’ll tell you one day. The point is, now I have hope. For the first time since my father died, I’m not alone, I have allies and a plan. I have Tarnan by my side. And I have…you.” Elyssa’s eyes widened. Amira rushed on, “At least I hope so. I believe we can stop Karwyn. My brother will never dare oppose me after we remove Karwyn’s powers. And…” Amira broke off, the intensity of this moment too much for her.
Elyssa reached for her hand. “Slow down, princess. You’re gonna pass out if you’re not breathing,” she teased, tilting her head to peer into Amira’s eyes. “And I can’t kiss you if you’re unconscious.”
Amira couldn’t believe her ears. A million butterflies exploded in her chest. Her eyes watered—tears of joy this time. “You still like me?” she asked, her voice shaken by emotion.
Elyssa chuckled. “Of course I like you. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about our kiss.” A cloud darkened her gaze. “I almost thought I’d lose you back there before we’ve even begun. I should have killed Wryen for what he did to you. The backstabbing was impressive, though.” Her lips turned upwards before her expression sobered. “I know you signed Tarnan’s contract so Karwyn can’t touch you. I get that. But I still wonder, why do you trust Tarnan that much?”
Amira bit her lip as she went over everything Tarnan had done for her. He had comforted her, taken her in, supported her instead of judging her. He had been the family she’d lost when her father had died and her mother had been kept away from her.
“He’s…family,” Amira replied. “Wryen made sure to cut everyone out of my life. No one seemed to care to try and rectify that. No one but Tarnan, who’s apologised for his absence even though it was Wryen who had turned him away from me.”
“I have to hand it to him, for a royal fae, he’s fairly open-minded. We need him on our side to win against Karwyn. I hate the thought of you being bound to anyone, but he’s a risk worth taking. Taking out Karwyn and yourdearbrother is my priority.”
