“I’m right here and not going anywhere.” He moves his fingers through my hair. “Sleep. Morning will come sooner than we wish.”
I keep my gaze on his for as long as I can.
The corner of his lips curls, and I trace my finger along the scar above his left brow. He nuzzles into my touch, and I drop my hand, curling into his chest.The large open window invites a cool breeze around us, and the sound of the crashing waves fills the still room, lulling me to sleep in the dark bedroom.
“Help. Me. Briar.”
I jolt awake in bed.
The morning sun paints the dark bedroom with golden rays, making the room seem to shimmer as the light and dark work together in perfect unison. Silas stirs next to me but doesn’t wake. I rub my throbbing head and dangle my feet over the edge of the bed, relishing in the sea breeze flowing through the open window as I inhale the fresh, salty air. I walk to the window and push it open fully, staring out at the sea that stretches for hundreds of miles while the waves slap against the cliff wall below. I look toward Daramveer and let sadness fill my chest. The bright sun quickly chases the sleep away, and my senses awaken when the realization hits me.
Someone just screamed my name, and I know exactly who that voice belongs to.
Rohhit.
That was Rohhit.
Panic grips me, and I rush back toward the bed and shake Silas.
He jolts from sleep, eyes meeting mine as he asks, “What’s wrong?”
Unsure of what to say, I tilt my head. “I’m okay, but…”
Silas frantically sits up, hands traveling over my body to ensure nothing is out of sorts. His concerned gaze finds mine, and he swings his legs over the edge of the bed.
“What is it?”
“I…I think Rohhit just tried to speak to me.”
Chapter 12
“Can we have just one day of peace?” Oak asks from his place at the long table, voice muffled as he holds his head in his hands.
Maines pats his broad shoulder. “Oh, Oak. You should be used to this by now.”
“I fled the mainland with the head healer of the House of Hedro, the Queen of Daramveer, and the Prince of the Forgotten. I’m in Andorwood to win over the king and his armies, and the Great Wiitch of Darkness possesses my best friend. No, darling, I’m not used to this yet.” He lifts his head from his hands. “Oh, and I should add that this best friend is now hearing our other possessed friend’s voice.”
Maines huffs indignantly. “I thought I was your best friend.”
“Can you two be fucking serious for once?” Silas grumbles from the head of the table, placing his head in his hands in turn.
Oak winks at Maines, and they try to hide their amused faces.
“Briar, tell us again what happened.” Silas urges Oak and Maines to quiet and gives me the floor.
“Well, I was asleep and heard someone—Rohhit—asking for help, and then I woke up,” I say with a shrug. “I think I heard him when I was in the castle when we first arrived, too.”
“Do you think you can speak back to him?” Oak asks.
I shake my head. “I’m not sure how to do that. I haven’t tried, though. What if it isn’t him, and instead it’s Carobon trying to trick us?”
Silas rubs his temples. “It would make sense that you two are connected, seeing as you are both vessels for the Great Wiitches. Maybe that links you in a way.”
Maines stands, pacing around the table for a moment—lost in thought. I watch her and can only imagine what her brilliant mind is coming up with right now.
“He’s right. You are likely connected somehow. Although I’ve never read about this exact thing, I do believe that people can communicate on a spiritual level. If Carobon has fully possessed Rohhit’s body, Rohhit could be somewhere else.”
“Think of how helpful this could be. We could learn what they are planning if Briar can communicate with Rohhit,” Oak chimes in.
