I’ve already scouted the guards here in the garden. I spotted six at the western gate, four on the north terrace, and two by the priest’s dais.
My glamour is still in place, and I can see they are preparing for the ceremony tomorrow. Anger burns low in my belly as I realize that among the servants are humans. Slaves with shorn heads and burnt skin.
I did not know that the elves had so many of them. The only placethey could’ve gotten them would’ve been from the giant court, before its fall.
Fucking bastards. Filthy, silver-tongued liars.
I look down at the special crystal Liana had given me and reread her last message written in Enduar.
I will be arriving in the city soon. We will be there in time for the wedding. Is there still to be a wedding?
Translation: Have I successfully taken Arlet away from the palace?
My chest heaves in one full breath. I need to respond—it’s been hours since she sent that.
I pick up one of the speaking stones, warming it in my hand, and finally bring it to my mouth.
“So far, yes, but that might change tonight. I have not been able to get near the throne.”
And then I let the message send. I don’t expect Liana to answer. I know that she will see me soon enough, anyway.
All I can do now is wait for my chance.
As I return the stone to the small bag, I touch the acorn-sized seed I’d been given by Mrath. Perhaps I should plant the seed myself? Mrath had told me I should do it with her.
With all the extra soldiers, I doubt I will make it near the throne room tonight.
The sun is just setting, and I survey the spot where the garden slopes toward the city. From here, I can see the towers, buildings, and bustle of people down in the upper city. A place finer and better maintained than the lower wards, and infinitely better than the disgusting horrors outside the city walls. It would almost be better if they took all the riches of the castle and courtiers and buried them.
Life clings to this city like moss to stone, yet none of it thrives. I smelled the rot in the crowds outside the gate—unwashed bodies, spoiled food, and despair so thick it stuck to my tongue. There are too many shadows here, too little light reaching the ones who need it most. And still they come…chasing safety, civilization, the lie of “better.”
A sudden pride stirs in my belly for the life we have created inEnduvida. We turned away none. While there were problems, there was also compassion—mostly thanks to the goodness of Teo’s heart and the input of the humans. His queen and others like Arlet, who cast off brilliant rays of sunshine, nourishing us all.
Even if I did not see it in the moment, we were always taking the right steps. Walking toward something better. Somethinggood.
This place could be no different. This city could be full of happy, healthy communities. Families. Friends. All that potential—all those lives—are simply left to wither in the dark while Arion sits on a throne and calls it order. If a king can’t even feed the ones under his rule, then he’s not a king—he’s just another parasite sucking the last strength from dying roots. A king who cannot protect his own has no right to a crown.
He deserves this rebellion. I hope Mrath burns this all to ash.
I look back at the massive palace. She’s in there. I take comfort knowing she’s alive. And tomorrow, I’ll make sure she doesn’t marry him.
The thought is acid in my throat.
I take the cleaver from my pack and lay it across my knees. Its edge is nicked, the metal dark where the woman’s blood dried hours ago. I start to sharpen it anyway, drawing a stone slowly and evenly along the blade. Sparks jump in the dim light.
Thorne’s words keep replaying in my skull:Don’t let her sacrifice be in vain.
I don’t know if I have the right to call Arlet mine, though it seems that the goddess has intended for just that to happen, but she deserves a choice. She deserves to choose her future after giving so much of herself.
I pull my satchel closer. Inside, I have a meager meal, a few gold coins that we might need to escape, a scarf for my mate’s poor shoulders, and a few daggers. She needs to get back to Enduvida as soon as possible, that we might replace her stone and save her life. I doubt there will be a chance to get the old Fuegorra. I would need to see what Mother Liana says.
Night settles thicker.
I close my eyes and see her in my memories. I see the night shetold me to leave her alone, to not follow, as if that were possible. I hope Seraph is faring well up in the mountains, knowing what a stubborn creature she is. I know that Arlet will be delighted to be reunited with her dragon.
The gem in my chest glows faintly and vibrates low. It soothes me, as if telling me that everything will be all right. I run through my plan in my head.
I’ll find a way to take her before the ceremony. We’ll slip away quietly. By the time they realize we are gone, we will already be hidden and out of reach.
