“It is when you ignore reality with it.”
She scoffs around her smile. “Good thing you’re coming along and will never let us lose.”
He peels a finger from his glass and points at her. “Good thing.”
Gods, I adore these people.
“I’ll see you both in a few hours. Thank you in advance for what you’re giving,” I say.
They nod and exit through the large wooden doors as I fall back into my seat.
My gaze shifting to the skylight, I summon the transparency, and blinding morning light beams down in front of me. Sighing into the stillness, I descend toward the enticing sunshine.
Slowly, I extend my fingertips within reach of the warmth, and the burning rays of light drench me in memories of my humanity, of the life I loved with every fiber, every now-dead piece of me. A life I was forced to abandon as the fangs of death turned me.
My anger surges, and I plunge my hand into the sun streaks and watch myself sear, savoring the pain, as though it can burn away the anguish I still feel from losing everything.
With a press of my lips, I yank myself back into shadow before my skin melts, and I summon the window shut, blinking away tears but holding on to the pain that fuels me.
The throne room’s doors fly open at the flick of my wrist, and I depart to the war room to meet Second.
I stuff my nerves down with a swallow. King Nerian is already setting me on edge. Because we need to leave bytonightto make it in time.
But our moment to force Goreon to its knees and honor its innocent citizens with the life they deserve isfinallyhere.
CHAPTER 2
KADE
Two Hundred Years Ago — Goreon Kingdom
AN EMPTY BARSTOOL at Lou’s is never a good sign. And the one beside me that’s been vacant for a week has wrecked me.
Chin on my knuckles, I stare at the liquor bottles, glassware clanking around the tavern. Lou slaps a rag over his shoulder and pours out more drinks while my gaze drags to Mother Diane’s barstool.
She warmed the seat since before I started coming here, and we’re pretty damn sure she’s been taken. Mother Diane isn’t the first to disappear—she’s one of thousands the Goreon king has taken over the years—but she was my friend and the mother of a fallen warrior.
The Hunter within stirs, needing revenge.
I grasp the whiskey glass staining a ring into the wood, my rage burning. This bar top should have grooves in the shape of my bone with how many hours I’ve spent on my stool over the years.
Lou pushes the bottle of bourbon my way, and I shake my head. “I’m good. Still saving up for that summer home.”
The tavern owner chuckles as he pours himself a drink before placing it back on the shelf. “For the one month out of the year we see sunshine.”
I snort. “We need a place away from it all, you know?”
He takes a swig of his drink before responding. “Yeah, Kade. I get it.”
I blow out a breath. “Has anyone checked for Mother Diane today?”
Lou leans an elbow on the bar, bushy eyebrows scrunched. “I don’t think so. I went yesterday. House was still empty.”
“Aye. I’ll stop by on the way home.”
Lou pats the bar. “Thank you, Captain.”
I nod. “Of course.”
