I peer down at the main courtyard, heart tightening. Last time I was here, Ezryn suffered the most grievous assault any member of Spring’s royal family could experience. He was unhelmed by his brother, his face visible to all his citizens. Kairyn mutilated him, cutting the tips of his ears off, then manipulated him into passing over the blessing of Spring.
He was so weak, wasn’t he? Not like you, Farron, Autumn blood. You who have looked into the pool. You who are unafraid.
The low, echoing voice curls inside my head. I lean into it, letting the words caress my mind.
I am unafraid, I whisper back.Even death fears me.
Yes, Farron, Autumn blood. You can step beyond the veil of death. Because of my power, what you love, nothing can touch. Is it not so?
It is so.
Because of my power.
Because of your power.
The voice gives a contented sigh. You can save him, Farron, Autumn blood. You can save them all. I will show you?—
A chorus of hoots, hollers, and war cries echoes across the city, tearing me back to the present. I look over the courtyard, to the pathway leading up a hill. A flood of gladiators rushes out of Draconhold Forge, flanked by Spring miners, welders, and blacksmiths. All their weapons glint with the distinct shine that can only be Spring steel.
Quickly, I take off in their direction, traversing the rooftops. Dayton succeeded. His forces have liberated Draconhold Forge.
Like a hero of legend, golden hair flying behind him, Dayton leads the charge. His Trident of Honor is raised high, a wild smile on his face. When he sees me on the roof, he calls out, “Carry on, soldiers! To the south side of the city! Let our strength of Summer be a tidal wave upon the enemies of Spring!” His fighters roar in response and continue their charge, pouring through the streets.
In two bounds, Dayton leaps atop the awning, then onto the roof. Before I can catch my breath, he grabs me roughly by the neck and pulls me into a kiss.
I match him with equal ferocity, tugging his chest plate with one hand to slam our bodies together. Sweat slicks his brow, and streaks of soot and blood line his jaw. When he pulls away, his chest rises and falls rapidly, and his bright blue eyes flash with the heat of battle.
So damned handsome. Vibrant. Alive.
I did that, I think, though a deep voice echoes behind it.
Dayton gives me that crooked smile. “How’s it going here?”
“Good. No plants to even burn. Everything Kairyn created was dead when we arrived.”
Dayton rubs his jaw. “I’m not surprised. I haven’t heard word of a sighting from him, and sounds like the Spring citizens had already been causing trouble of their own here for the Green Rule. They’ve been freed from the hypnosis for a few days now.”
“Let’s not get cocky until all remnants of Kairyn and his Green Rule are nothing but ash upon the wind,” I growl. “They have to pay for what they did to Ezryn. To this city. We’ll make them suffer?—”
Dayton laughs, then tousles my hair. “Never thought you’d show the spirit of a gladiator, Fare! Keep that fire up. I’ll take the gladiators through the whole south section. I think we’veemptied Keep Hammergarden of all its reinforcements.” His brow furrows. “Do you suppose we bought Ez enough time?”
“I believe so. It’s up to him now.”
“Let’s give him the best shot we can!” He squeezes my shoulder, then takes off with a running leap, landing in the streets and sprinting after his gladiators. “For Spring!”
“For Spring,” I echo.
The clatter of weapons sounds below me, and I creep across the rooftop to look down into an alley. There are four members of the Green Rule. The way they carry themselves indicates they’re former Queen’s Army.
“Did you see the soldier there?” one yells. “That’s the High Prince of Summer, I know it! He had the Trident of Honor.”
“Then he’s our target,” another answers. “Kill him at all costs.”
At all costs.
Silently, I slip into the alley, right in between the soldiers. There are a few shocked gasps, one yelp, but that’s it. Bright green light floods my vision as my flames reflect off their armor.
“You will never lay a hand on the High Prince of Summer,” I say calmly, my entire body erupting with emerald fire.
