No one is around.
Even though the vast sea crashes at our backs, the breeze seemingly dies around us. Warrick, Fen, and the others remain on the boat—likely giving the crew last-minute orders—and I find myself wishing Fen were with us to guide the way. Silas has been gone for months, and the unknown of what lies ahead causes my insides to throb, like small bursts of electricity in my veins.
“Where is everyone?” Oak asks, with a shaky breath.
“Don’t.” Silas cautions, motioning for us to stop. “Speak.”
My hands tremble slightly, but I remain upright, my shoulders squared and my chin high. Looking horrified won't make a great first impression, since I’m here to win these people over, so I harden my face and walk confidently next to the others.
We take a moment to look around. The town before us is quiet, evoking an abandoned feel that hangs over the darkkingdom. With no one in sight, the unsettling feeling becomes unbearable. Even though my demeanor may give the impression that I’m not afraid, my insides vibrate with anxiety. I’m expecting someone to emerge from the alley at any second and drag me into the darkness.
The townhouses are constructed from weathered stones and dark timber, allowing them to blend into the surrounding darkness. The architecture is haunting, yet still stunning and elegant. I continue to scan my surroundings, and my jaw slacks when I notice the tall castle in the distance, turrets encased in clouds.
The tall houses share similar points to the castle, like the entire town was built cohesively. A crest of two small golden serpents marks each home on the wide, wooden doors. I'm not sure if it is a warning or an invitation, but they match the snakes that sit upon Silas’s armor.
The homes vary in size, likely depending on status, but the weathered black stones shine in the sun's dim light. Dark green vines snake up each home, some flowing directly into the windows—as if the outside world is desperate for shelter from the kingdom around it. Large windows sit at the front of the homes, reflecting the sea that surrounds them.
Like Daramveer, a dense forest envelops the rear of the kingdom, and the iron gate does not separate the castle from the town—it keeps the kingdom apart from the forest. I can’t help but wonder what they are trying to conceal in the shadowy forest of Andorwood, or who?
I look toward the large cliffs we narrowly escaped only hours before, noting a dark house overlooking the kingdom, which isn’t separated from the forest by a gate. I turn to Silas to ask, when a gust of wind blocks my vision for a moment, nearly knocking me off balance. I hear Maines curse under her breath, and I grab Silas’s hand to steady myself.
When my eyes open, a crowd of people stands before us—as if they all shifted at once. A gasp escapes my lips in sudden shock. My eyes dart from person to person, and I widen my stance, prepared to fight if necessary. The gold axes hum against my back, and I clench my fists, ready to reach for them. From what I know about Andorwood, these people won’t be pleased that Silas has brought company.
It also doesn’t help that my reputation has already spread this far.
Silas steps forward, making quite the entrance for himself as his shadows ripple around him like a shield. His dark hair flows as the magical breeze he’s created from pure power and emotion grows around us.
The Prince of Andorwood has returned.
The ground vibrates around him, welcoming him home at last, as he lowers his chin, challenging the people surrounding us. They collectively take a step back as they realize who stands before them.
No one moves, and not a single breath escapes.
The world silences.
The breeze stops, and Silas steps forward once more.
“Wielders of Andorwood!” Silas shouts.
His deep voice booms like thunder, and another tremor moves throughout the kingdom.
The crowd stares for a moment—no movement, no breathing—before erupting into a roaring boom of cheers. My ears ring from the startling celebration—shouts, growls, and metal clang together over the noise of the cheers. My jaw drops, and I scan the crowd before us. The return of their prince didn’t lead to an epic battle on the dock of Andorwood. On the contrary, his people are thrilled about his return.
I snap my gaze to Silas, who is now looking directly at me. He wants to gauge my reaction, and from the awestruck look on myface, he knows we didn’t anticipate this. I glance at Maines and Oak, feeling comforted to see their expressions mirror mine.
Fenmore and Warrick approach, joining us on the dock.
“Show off,” Fen whispers in my ear, standing beside me. “Not what you were expecting?” She angles her head.
“I’m not sure,” I respond.
“Don’t let this fool you.” She leans closer. “There are people in this crowd that aren’t what they seem.”
I peel my gaze from the crowd and look at her.
“Keep your guard up,” she whispers. “They are here because they are fearful.”
I tilt my head, looking at her questioningly. “Of Silas?”
