Oak’s face hardens. “Did you bring the book here?”
“Yes.” Silas looks to me, but answers, “We have it with us.”
“I don’t think we should mess with what’s in that book,” Oak says. “You need to hide it. If anyone finds out we have it, we will have a bigger target on our backs than before.”
“We know.” I give a nod in agreement.
Silas leans in. “We are going to need your help with this, Oak. It’s in a language we can’t read. You will need to translate everything,” Silas explains.
“The entire book?”
We nod.
“Gods, as if I’m not busy enough,” Oak says, as he rolls his shoulders. “I’m not starting right now. Maines needs me. And honestly, if the book is as old as we think, there will be parts I can’t translate. Even the newer items aren’t very translatable.”
“That’s fine,” I chime in. “We aren’t asking you to do it right now, but we will need to start soon. Silas has to make an announcement to Andorwood shortly, so perhaps we couldbegin after that?” I offer him a smile. “Or whenever you are ready.”
He glances back at Maines, sleeping peacefully in bed. “The healers say she will be bedridden for days and will move slowly after that for weeks. What are we going to do about the ship that travels here?”
“We will do what we can without her. We have talented healers in Andorwood who were involved in the plans when Maines met with them. They are ready, and she will stay here with Rose. She’ll be safe.” Silas places his hand on Oak’s shoulder. “But we really need you, Oak.”
Oak looks back at us, tears forming in his dark eyes. I reflect on how it felt when I first lost my mother—the first death I faced—and the deep impact it had on me. Maines didn’t die, but it was close, and for Oak, that’s the closest he’s come to losing someone more important to him than all the realms combined.
“I know you’re shaken up, Oak—we all are—but she’s okay. She is the strongest person I know. Maines will pull through this and still be her wonderful, sarcastic self,” I try to remind him.
A tear rolls down his cheek, and I can’t help but feel the urge to cry with him.
“I have to tell you both something,” he whispers, and acts as if he’s scared to speak the words aloud. “I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something more. She seems to be her normal self, but there’s something else—a darkness I’ve never felt from her.”
I furrow my brow. “Maybe it’s just the effects of being so deep within the castle around Eldursyth.”
Concern laces his entire expression. “I felt it before that.”
“What does it feel like?” Silas asks, sharply.
“I can’t exactly tell, but it’s like a dark veil hangs over her—like something else is with her.”
We swap glances, and a chill runs up my spine.
“Let us know if you need anything or when she wakes up. We’ll keep an eye on her, Oak. Keep your light around.” I glance toward Maines. Her chest rises and falls steadily.
“She’s going to be okay. I promise.” I lean back in and give him one more squeeze.
Silas places a hand on Oak’s shoulder. “Let me know what you need. Anything at all.”
He nods.
Before Silas and I head out the door, I watch Oak settle back at her side. She remains asleep as he places his hand on hers. A halo of light begins to illuminate around him, casting a subtle golden glow that fills the room. No darkness lingers over Maines, and nothing makes my senses scream, but Oak’s words replay in my mind. All I see is Maines, my best friend, surrounded by someone who would willingly give his life to protect her. She’s safe and will be safe for the rest of her life in Oak’s arms.
We enter the hallway and hear hushed conversations in the main part of the house. Silas cuts his eyes in my direction, and I follow him toward the vast living space. As we approach, female voices fill the air, and a bead of anxiety sits on my chest, knowing exactly who speaks.
Aerona sits in the living area next to Fen, with Rose filling the space across from them. We round the corner, and they all turn their heads in our direction. Silas strides forward as his mother stands and quickly embraces her in a hug. Rose stands, grabbing my hand to pull me next to her, and Silas settles in next to Fen and his mother.
“You never venture this far,” Silas says, directing his gaze toward his mother.
“Not every day is my son going to make an announcement to the entire kingdom. I came to offer my support.” She smiles in return.
“I appreciate you being here,” he responds. “Your support will be much needed when the time comes.”
