“It used to take at least a month.”
He turns to me slowly, and there’s such sadness in his expression. Watery black tears mar his face. “It’s hard to help yourself when most of your power is going elsewhere.”
Now I notice the shuddering thorns. Bits of stone crumble to the ground. I should have considered it before: the Briar beyond, the countless twines around Castletree. How much magic is it taking from him?
Caspian is powerful, something I’ve always known. But no one is infinite.
Anger rushes within me, and I grab his shirt, not caring as his hands smear darkness over my arms. “Tell me why you’re doing this. Why corrupt a castle you’ll never be able to live in? Is it all forher? For Sira?”
He weakly smacks my cheek. “Never say never, my dear Kel. Even you don’t know all the magic of the world. Why, all those years ago, did you ever imagine such a power to curse you?”
“You are mad.” He’s still trembling. He’s so weak. I could… I could kill him right now. Or I could trap him here and let death come for him on swift wings. But I only snarl, “Go back to the Below, Cas.”
He gives me a sad smile, then his head lolls forward, collapsing onto my shoulder as briars rise around him. “See you in two moons. If you want to send me an early present, I won’t complain.” The last of him to disappear is his hand touching my wrist, where his mark still brands me.
He disappears, and I am alone, my sheets and body stained with darkness.
I should have killed him and freed myself. Then I could finally break the curse.
I’d told Rosalina I’d let the entire Enchanted Vale turn to ash for her. But what I can never admit is that I started the fire for him.
31
Rosalina
Mybootscrunchonfallen leaves as we make our way down the winding path in the Autumn Realm.
“I can’t wait to see the capital city of Coppershire,” my father says, walking beside me. “Those twins have been telling me all about it.”
I smile. Papa spent all last night chatting with Farron’s little brothers. Apparently, they snuck out and joined the staff in celebrating the full moon.
Our party set out at dawn, using the mirror in the entrance hall to travel just outside the capital. We decided it would be best to arrive officially as an embassy, rather than surprising the fae royals by reopening the door from Castletree and appearing directly in the keep.
We opted for a minimal group: the princes, Papa, Farron’s brothers, Astrid, Marigold, and me. We don’t need much, as Farron assured us the Autumn Realm would have everything we require. I brought my trusty pack, anyway, filled with my treasures: the necklace Kel gave me, the plush lion Dayton bought me in the Summer Realm, and my crown of thorns.
I’m not sure why I brought the last one. Maybe it won’t feel like home in the Autumn Realm without some thorns.
“Nothing out of the ordinary yet.” Papa smiles.
“No,” I agree. “This is beautiful.”
Chestnut trees line the trail, growing so close together they almost form a tunnel. Red, orange, and yellow leaves fall like rain, mirroring the sky’s fiery sunrise. Lingering blue mist wraps around our ankles. I inhale deeply, loving the crisp air and scent of wood smoke and apples that float on the soft breeze.
At the front of our party, Keldarion walks beside Ezryn, their sharp eyes scanning the path ahead. Behind them is Dayton, carrying both his and Farron’s packs. He chats animatedly with Marigold, Astrid, and the twins.
Astrid and Marigold look hilarious. After they cleaned up the Orca Cove hoodies that came back with us from the human world, they took a shining to them. Now, they’re both decked out in the vibrant hoodies, repping my small town.
Drifting behind, Farron kicks his feet through the crunchy leaves. Every so often, he pulls down his scarf to touch the thorn collar around his neck. I tried to talk to him before we left, but I get the sense he wants to be alone with his thoughts. I need to give him that space.
“Staying in the Autumn Realm won’t only help the princes’ cause,” my father continues. “Exploring their world could be the best chance at finding information about your mother. Now, if Coppershire has a library anything like Castletree’s, we’ll be in for wonders galore.”
My heart warms as I look at my father. He’ll never stop learning, never stop trying to find her. But I admire that he can still take pleasure in the journey. Plus, he looks dashing in the fae clothes Marigold suited him with. He’s trying so hard to fit in.
I dressed practically for our travels today, wearing fitted black trousers and an emerald tunic. The neckline is embroidered with autumn foliage in a cascading pattern, as if caught in a breeze. Brown boots hug tight to my calves. My deep burgundy cloak completes my ensemble. The oversized hood cocoons me in its warmth as we make our way through the woods. I’ve swept my chestnut waves back with a simple golden clip, leaving a few loose tendrils down to frame my face.
I felt lighter getting dressed this morning.
He’s gone. Lucas is truly gone. Last night had been horrific, but I feel a sense of closure. My princes protected me. Hell, even the Prince of Thorns protected me.
