“Keep going,” Larkin says. “I’m fine.”
“I have to get to Fen.” Silas’s voice is harsh, but worry paints his expression.
I nod. “I know. Go.”
The wide-open sky shines around us, and even in the darkness of the night, I can see that dawn will grace us soon. We head up the hill leading us back to Silas’s house, and even though we’ve made it from the kingdom, I fear what lies ahead.
I glance back toward the town. Screams rise from the center, like smoke filling the air. I can make out small figures as they fight. With the rebels joining, Andorwood has a great chance of emerging victorious.
Larkin flinches with every step, yet continues forward as though the pain is a distant thought. I glance up at him,suppressing the urge to ask the question I desperately want answered.
He casts a look down at me, and such sadness fills his eyes.
“My father,” he says.
“What?”
“It was my father.”
I stay silent, knowing my words are futile.
“I didn’t even know he died,” Larkin manages to get out.
“I’m so sorry.” I pull him closer and encourage us to hurry up the hill. We can talk once this is behind us. We have to keep moving, even though I know his sorrows threaten to take his legs out from under him.
“You saw Barlowe like that,” Larkin says.
My heart flips as I think back to my brother’s face, the anger…the animal he had become.
“Yes.”
“What did you do?”
“I froze,” I respond. “Maines had to kill him.”
He stares at me.
“I couldn’t do it.”
Larkin limps next to me. “I killed him. I disappointed him my entire life, and I killed him.”
I take in a deep breath. “He was already gone, Larkin.”
I glance up at him, and he averts his gaze, nodding.
“Bury it for now,” I say, as I try to pull him back, cupping his face. “We need to focus. We can talk about this later, for as long as you need.”
A tear rolls down his cheek, and he wipes it away with the back of his hand. Larkin stands taller, another burst of energy making our steps quicker as his hand wraps around mine with a gentle squeeze.
Up ahead, the wards stand strong against the chaos. I’m immediately impressed by Warrick’s warding ability. If youdidn’t know this house was here, it would seem to vanish, save for the dim shimmer that dances in the moonlight if you look just right. The cliff is silent, and from the chaos below, it appears as if nothing has transpired here.
Silas slows his pace as we near the grounds. He motions for us to follow his lead, and Larkin almost groans in relief from the slower pace. I release his waist, making sure he’s stable, and move toward Silas.
Oak hangs back, making sure Larkin is okay, and pushes him through the ward. They quickly disappear into the house so the healer can work on his mangled arm.
Silas shoots me a glance as I stand beside him.
The moon hangs low, and an eerie silence swirls around us. The clouds move swiftly across the night sky, and the familiar sea breeze hits my face and nose. My senses flare, and I know Silas feels the same as he steps forward toward the cliff. He moves wide around the house, not wanting to draw attention to the cloaked home, and I follow his lead.
