Should I summon the Crow and ask her to return me to Vantillios for one final day? Or I could just refuse to go with the Crow and spend the remainder of my life in Solvardunn,consequences be damned. It wasn’t ideal, but it would be better than spending eternity working for a witch.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I turned a corner only to find I had reached a dead end. I felt a prickle on the back of my neck, as if I was being followed. A sudden rustling caused me to freeze. There was something in the hedge in front of me.
A shadow moved and my heart stilled.
I was about to turn and bolt when I realized it was not a shadow, but a raven. The black bird cawed, then, with a flap of its wings, flew towards the castle.
Releasing a shaky breath, I felt sheepish. I had been jumpy ever since I’d been attacked by those beasts.
I retraced my steps, hoping I’d be able to steer myself to the right path. I turned a different corner and was relieved to see that the path ahead was clear. In fact, I was almost certain I knew the way from here.
Finally, I broke through the sparse bush that signaled the exit. I made my way towards the postern gate, breathing a sigh of relief.
Once I reached the steps, I offered a tight-lipped smile to the sentries who greeted me.
It began to rain lightly as I slowly descended the steps. It was high tide, and the cove had been swallowed by the ocean. I stopped at the final step, watching the murky ocean rumble beneath me. A single tear drop splashed into the water. Soon, more followed.
I had given it my all, and it hadn’t been enough. And now I was on the verge of losing everything. Vantillios may have kept me like a prisoner, but it was my home.
A blizzard of fear overwhelmed me at the thought of life with the Crow. Of never seeing my grandmother or Mae or Doran again.
I lifted my tear-streaked face to the sky, feeling the kiss ofthe rain. The sea was chanting my name now. To answer its call would be such a relief. Maybe I should? I’d failed at my task, what did it matter if I returned to the ocean now? Swimming always helped me think. Besides, I had nothing left to lose.
In fact, going for a swim was a fantastic idea. There was nothing stopping me now.
I undressed quickly, removing my shoes and tossing my dress aside. Standing in nothing but my undergarments, cold raindrops invited goosebumps to cover my skin like a rash. They surged towards the earth now, as if the skies had been ripped open by Seru’s hands.
Preparing to dive in and let the ocean consume me, I counted down from three.
Three…
Two…
One…
“Alara!”
I heard my name again, but it wasn’t the ocean. I turned to see Filip running towards me. He made his way to where I stood, nearly slipping on a wet step.
“What are you doing?” he panted, looking at me as if I was insane.
Putting my hands on my hips, I scowled at him. “What areyoudoing here?”
“I caught sight of you skulking out of the castle and followed you here,” he said, looking thoroughly put out. Whether it was from my lack of clothing or because he had followed me into this downpour, I didn’t know. “Hugo’s found something, and you need to see it.”
“What is it?” Despite the horrible timing, my curiosity was roused.
“He thinks he’s found the beasts from the forest. He needs us to come take a look immediately.”
Chewing on my lower lip, I looked out at the water. I’d been an instant away from returning to the ocean. I could send Filip away and finish what I started, but… I couldn’t help but wonder what Hugo had discovered.
It shouldn’t matter what those beasts were. My life was a wreck that rivaledThe Queen Astrid.I should be scrambling to salvage myselfbut I still cared. I wanted to identify those monsters, to know why Basia had been killed, to find out who was behind the murders at the castle and why. But, most of all, I wanted to make sure Tarben would be safe once I left. Even if he was a manipulative, mortal worm.
“What are you waiting for?” Filip said impatiently. “Put your clothes on and let’s go!”
“Alright,” I said, stepping back into my woolen dress. Once I was fully clothed, I gestured for Filip to lead the way. Turning my back on the howling ocean, I followed him up the steps.
***
