Carnaxa. Anger stirs inside of me at this stranger who dares to twist my words. No one was around when I told her she was my home and anywhere she went I would follow. I take a quick look around already knowing she’s not here, but wanting to be certain.
“If you harm her —” I start, only for the words to die on my tongue the second he raises his hand, halting me.
“You should ask your father what happens when someone pledges themself to a woman, and then what happens when that woman chooses another.” He sneers in my direction.
“Who are you?” I ask again, the feeling of uncertainty taking over me. He seems to know more about me than I would prefer.
“You’ll find out soon enough. For now” — he smirks — “I would watch that anger. Anger can be a doorway to many things.” He turns to walk away before he looks back over his shoulder. “Actually, give in to it. It would make everything easier. It almost gave me her, too.”
I wake up to the thunderous sound of horns blaring and sweat dripping down my forehead. I fumble around the bed trying to find Anara, but soon realize she’s not here anymore. Dressing swiftly and snatching my broadsword from the bedside table, I race out into the snow-covered camp.
I take a moment to try to process what is happening. I still hear the horns as soldiers run to and fro from different tents, arming themselves. Others are shouting orders as a booming sound comes from the distance.
Ereon sprints toward me, his expression one of pure shock and panic. He stops in front of me, his breathing heavy, as I ask, “What is happening? All of this can’t be because we are leaving?”
He shakes his head. “No. Thekukhe. It’s the largest group thePrelof the north have ever seen, and they are coming this way. I've sent Reph and his men to head them off, while we prepare to engage the creatures here with the rest of thePrel. We will not be able to leave today.”
“Where is Carnaxa?” I look at their tent but see no sign of movement. “Anara? She’s not in my tent.”
He nods towards the council tent. “Anara and Carnaxa were on the training grounds when the first horns blew. They were told to stay inside … Siphonie is in there as well. I’ve asked Rhenor, Ryul, and a few others to help protect them.” He laughs under his breath. The sound is strange given our current predicament. “Although, watching Anara and Carnaxa sparring, I think they are both acclimating to their powers just fine and can protect themselves.” I can only imagine the fight between them and wonder how much of it was just practice; I can’t help but smile at the thought of them both being free to use their powers.
The horns sound again as the ground shudders drawing our attention. Appearing at the horizon, thekukheemerge. The creatures roar with an unending sound of dread and death.
Men from thePrelare advancing towards them, mere specs compared to the creatures. The sheer size of thekukheis intimidating even from this distance as they tower over the snow-capped trees. I wonder how much of a chance we truly have to defeat them as I watch with bated breath as the first arrows from our archers are shot at the monsters.
This far away, I can’t tell if the arrows meet their marks, but they must as I hear a roar so loud it is as if it sounds right beside me. ThePrelbursts into action and chaos ensues with the sounds of roars and the clinking of metal echoing through the air.
“Maybe you should stay with Rhenor inside the council tent. You are the Ambassador.” Ereon stands beside me, watching thehorror before us. He wraps his hands in a dark material to help with his grip on the blades.
“And you are a prince ... What's your point?” I flex my fingers, trying to steady my racing heart as anger and adrenaline surge through my veins.
Ereon unsheathes his blades, twirling them with his fingertips. “My father would probably applaud my death, giving him even more reason to hold on to his throne. He won’t consider acknowledging another Antalian Ambassador, nor will he honor any agreement with Carnaxa, if I’m dead.”
“Then I guess I had better not die today.” I grab my sword from my hip.
“Wait!” Carnaxa’s cry reaches my ears. Turning to face her, I see both Anara and Carnaxa running to us. A ragged-looking Rhenor behind them, shaking his head.
“Why can’t the both of you stay where you are told?” Ereon’s gruff voice asks.
“We can help,” Anara answers matter-of-factly.
“The only thing the two of you are helping with is giving me more gray hair. Siphonie is about to have a panic attack if you two don’t get back where you are supposed to be,” Rhenor says, running a hand down his face.
I assess them, looking over to ensure that neither of them are hurt or potentially losing their sanity.
Carnaxa waves off Rhenor, stepping in front of him. Her leathers fit her like a glove and a piece of my heart feels heavy, as if it misses her. “Our magic. With the cuffs missing, we can controlit better, have more access to it. So does Er —” She cuts herself off. “We can help.”
Ereon glances at me before going to stand in front of Carnaxa. “No.”
She holds up her hand, ribbons of water flow from her palms as they dance towards him as if proving her point. The water wraps around his body, keeping him in place. He struggles to set himself free, anger flaring in his expression. “Not asking, Prince,” she says cooly, her eyes shifting to an icy blue that is almost white. “I’m telling you, we are going to help. I’ve sat on the side for too long. Either help us, or get out of our way.”
I smirk, even though I know I shouldn’t. There she is. The Carnaxa I’ve always known, hidden beneath the surface. The one she hinted at for so many years, the fiery soul who won’t allow anyone to hinder her.
“I’ll stand with them,” I tell Ereon as he still fights with Carnaxa’s hold.
A sigh comes from Ereon as he looks at the two of them. “Let me go,” he says with defeat in his tone.
Carnaxa’s rings of water fall immediately to the ground like raindrops. She smiles victoriously.
