“But the creatures, yes,” Mauro admitted. “They adore you, Snow.”
“It’s true,” Kendra agreed. “We all do.”
Something in my chest softened at those words. I knew Mauro included himself in that sentiment, though he would never say it aloud. How would I feel if one of them concocted a dangerous plan that would likely result in their deaths?
Besides, I’d been keeping secrets from them, too. I couldn’t stay angry at them for this.
And in a way, they were right. A part of medidlong to stay in the woods for the rest of my life, away from Calista and her poisonous clutches. The farther away I was from her, the safer I was. Perhaps I had put off this coup for so long because I was so content with my life in Knockspur.
But I couldn’t ignore my people and their suffering at her hand. Regardless of my fears about my impending death, I had to save this kingdom from her.
Before it was too late.
Every creature, whether fae or human, deserves our respect,Father had said.No one species is better than another.
I had always interpreted that in favor of humans. But now I was thinking of my animal friends. Just because Calista was evil didn’t mean that my friends were. I knew better than most how it felt to be judged by one’s bloodline.
“Don’t hide things from me again,” I said to my friends. “Even the ugly truths you want to keep to yourselves.”
“We won’t,” Frisk said at once.
“We’re sorry, Snow,” Mauro added.
“I know.” I stared ahead at the blur of snowy trees, my jaw tight.
I could never tell them the truth—that the reason I was so afraid of the Demon Fae was because I’d encountered one before.
And it was the Queen of the Winter Court.
If all went according to plan, I would expose her to the entire realm. But if it didn’t, I couldn’t risk my friends knowing her secret.
Otherwise, she would hunt them down, too.
The remainderof our journey was stilted and strained. Mauro was panting from exertion, his flanks slick with sweat. I wasn’t sure how much longer he would last. Frisk and I shared an uncomfortable silence. Though his white fur blended in with the snowy surroundings, I knew he was there. I often felt his gaze on me, but if he was looking for comfort or reassurance, I would give him none. I may have accepted their apology, but that didn’t mean I was ready to talk just yet.
Not all monsters are the same,I had to remind myself.
And yet the terrifying appearance of Calista’s Demon Fae form was hard to shake. What if Mauro and Frisk were hiding something equally terrifying?
An hour before sunset, we reached the base of the Athawood Peaks, the treacherous mountain range that lined the eastern border of the Winter Court. Just south of those mountains lay Taerin. Not many crossed the peaks because it was too dangerous.
But we needed to. It would cut our journey in half, and the hunter needed healing. Fast. He was fully slumped against me now, and it required immense effortfor me to keep him upright. His skin was burning and covered in sweat, despite the flurries of snow swirling around us. The wind was sharper here by the mountains, the cold air stinging my cheeks. I had my scarf wrapped around my face, but the chill still bled through, undeterred.
“We need to go on foot from here,” Frisk said. “It’s too slippery for Mauro, and he needs rest.”
“No complaints here,” Mauro huffed, already sinking to his knees and resting his head against the snow.
I dismounted from the stag, then grabbed my pack and carefully extracted Kendra from inside. “Stay here with Mauro,” I told her.
“But I want to see the pixies!” Kendra objected, raising her snout, her blue eyes full of indignation.
“If you join us, they are likely to make you their next meal,” Frisk said flippantly, causing Kendra to curl herself into a ball in Mauro’s fur.
“You two, make sure he stays alive.” I jabbed a finger at the unconscious hunter’s prone form still draped over Mauro’s back.
“No promises,” Mauro grunted, but he angled his head to fix one eye on Theron.
“I’m too scared to get too close to him,” Kendra admitted. “But I’ll blast Mauro if I notice any changes to his breathing.”
