He is always two steps ahead. Always planning his moves and countermoves, understanding another person’s motivations and remaining a step ahead.
I used to believe that his machinations were for himself. Then I found out they were all for me. Whatever he did, no matter how harsh it seemed, was to keep me alive.
Now I can see the outcome of his words here. The moment he told Catalina how to maneuver her army, he nudged the humans to push back against his suggestion.
“Vandawolf,” Rachel says, addressing him formally, “I have no choice but to reject entirely the notion of war on that battlefield. I respect your suggestion that the human army assemble and be ready to fight, but that will only play into the Fae Queen’s hands. The only way I can keep my people safe is to employ the same methods that kept us alive in our lost city. Our new home is free of darkness. We will fortify our defenses, dig in, and stay alive. If there is a war, we will fight it on our own terms.”
Her expression softens. “But I can’t ignore the plight of Asha’s brother. If you are willing, you will go as my champion. Not in three days, but at dawn tomorrow. You will call out the Fae Queen’s bluff and make it clear you are ready to fight her champion. And if you have the chance…”
Her voice becomes a snarl. “You will kill that fucking queen.”
Chapter 44
Ihave never been more aware than I am at this moment that loving someone and protecting them can’t mean making their choices for them.
Every part of me wants to intervene.
To stand in Erik’s way and tell him:Don’t do this.
But I could no sooner stop the waves crashing against the cliffs behind me.
Within minutes, Graviter has agreed to Rachel’s plan. He quickly rises into the air to mobilize the dragons to help fortify the human villages against an imminent attack.
Rachel and Catalina hurry back to their dragons—but not before Mother Solas murmurs something to Rachel, who pauses but then nods.
Erik goes with them and I should be listening for what they say, but when I try to stand, my world spins.
I find myself sinking back to the ground.
If Erik goes to this fight at the edge of the darkness, I won’t be able to help him because my power—my mere presence—would endanger him.
Even Gallium’s presence on that battlefield could be a trigger for the darkness. I can only pray that Karasi will ensure mybrother’s tools are nowhere nearby. Or… she might bring them with her just to taunt him and tempt fate.
I want to scream at the unknowns. All the games she could play while she risks the darkness and her people’s lives.
I consider for a moment that if I take off my medallion and leave my hammer behind, could I go with him then?
But the whisper in the darkness returns to me.
The way it called to me. The way it pulled me…
It knows me.
I can’t go near it without endangering myself and anyone with me.
My heart is suddenly thumping hard in my chest.
Erik glances back to me across the distance as if he senses my disquiet.
I wrench my focus back to Dusana and then to Mother Solas, whom I’m surprised is approaching me instead of leaving with her granddaughter.
Taking a deep breath, I finally rise to my feet, easing myself upright through the moment of dizziness.
I will face my fears soon enough.
Dusana remains kneeling on the grass, but judging by the dark rings under her eyes, it’s because of exhaustion, not obedience.
“If I may, Lady Asha,” Mother Solas says to me, folding her hands in front of herself, “I’d like to stay with you for a short time.”
