He tilted his head in thought.“Of course, Champion.”
“But you must hate the adamas as much as I do. It’s stolen magic—stolen from you.”
Smoke billowed from his nostrils. “My enemies stole it, yes. But if they’re using it against you I don’t want you to abstain. Champion, you might not fight the Cursed in battle as the game warrants, but we are talking about a revolution against the Blessed. I’d feel most at peace if you could defend yourself while you finished the trials.”
I pulled the ring from the pocket of my skirt. “Hart gave me this before we separated.”
“His ability to see you defended is his greatest asset.”
A laugh escaped my lips. It made me feel just a little bit lighter. I trusted that Hart could escape the city. He was the most resourceful man I knew. I couldn’t fear the worst. I wouldn’t. We had too much left to do.
I must have stared at the pendant for too long, because Charon spoke again.“You’ll figure it out. You’re like Alaric that way.”
My uncle’s name no longer immediately brought tears to my eyes. It was a compliment, I knew. Alaric, who had given his life to free Charon. Who had developed multiple tonics and methods to try and slow the draining Charon felt from his separation from Chaos’s magic.
I swallowed, suddenly tired but also desperately wantingto feel closer to my uncle. It was late. My trek to Charon had brought me to the night’s zenith, but I still had so much to do. What Charon said was true—Alaric had always been resourceful, and he’d taught me to be as well. “I’ll sleep here, if that’s alright. Read a little to calm my mind.”
The papers Queen Lucinda had given me were in a pack Charon kept safely strapped to his leg. I sat cross-legged with my back against Charon’s scales and unfolded the papers to the familiar opening line.
I’m sorry for all I didn’t share, Ember. Let this be my attempt to make amends.
27
It is no easy feat to replace a Champion, but it can be done.
— WHAT MAKES A CHAMPION OF ORDER
HART
Ikicked the guard in front of me over the railing. The scream as he fell brought me a sick amount of amusement. Did they have to lead a raid on Forest’s Edge right now?
Their timing was fucking terrible.
This also left me little doubt that it was intended to cut off another one of our safe havens. While I understood Ember’s worry based on what I’d told her of the mudslide, I had no fear that Themis could influenceme now.
All I could think about was getting back to Ember.
Three times the magic between us had shifted today. It seemed to get more potent, more physical, the closer we came to the end.
The end. Where we’d break free. Where Ember hoped we might break free from more than our curse.
I sighed as my blade met another guard’s on the stairs. From the high ground on the platform, I kicked him, too. He careened backward into another guard racing up the stairs behind him. The two knocked into a third as they fell.
I took a moment to ensure Ember jumped from the corner of my eye. The seconds she soared across the gap, my heart might have stopped. Her landing sounded hard, but she was firmly on top of the wall. She’d completed the hardest part.
Knowing she’d make it to the Storm, I charged down the steps. All I had to do now was meet her there. I pressed my advantage while the collapsed guards worked to right themselves. I stabbed one and kicked the next as he reached for the railing. The last one stayed down. He must have hit his head on the fall.
The alley was a mess. Patrons fled. Guards chased. In a few instances, groups tussled on the ground. Those were likely the Feared.
Hoisting myself over the bottom of the railing, I braced for another attack. Instead, a too-soft hand wrapped around mine and yanked me backward, into the side entrance of the tavern.
I followed the tug, deciding I wasn’t in danger. The grip was too soft to be Ava. Unfortunately, there was only one person who’d know me well enough on sight to grab me without fear of retribution.
Turning, I faced my brother in the empty gambling room.
“What are you doing, Elias?” I pinched the bridge of my nose. He didn’t even have his sword unsheathed. A leather bagwas slung across his body, blocking the ease of access to his weapon.
He followed my gaze and crossed his arms over his chest defensively. “The royal guards are here. It’s not like I led the charge into this seedy place.” Considering the way he looked around with unfamiliarity and disgust, I at least had no worries that they’d finally figured out that I owned this establishment.
