“That is where the adamas is kept,” I replied.
While no new adamas had been created since we set Charon free, that didn’t mean there weren’t still sections of the adamas cavern that could be mined by one who knew what to look for.
“I can go, we don’t both have to,” Hart said.
My hands went to my hips immediately. I should have seen that coming. Hart had the same talent I did to source the stones as the Champion of Themis. “We both went last time.”
“Last time, you needed to free Charon. Last time, the mine was near empty because of the Blessing Ceremony.” Exasperation coated his tone.
He was right, of course. The mines would never be quite so empty as they had been the night we stole in to free Charon. The shifts were near constant because quartz was the city’s major export.
“What if we work together?” I pressed. “You can distract the guards, and I’ll sneak in the old mine entrance.”
We’d used a defunct entrance to access the adamas cavern before. I guessed part of Hart’s value, having been one of the city’s founders, was that he knew all the secrets of the mines.
He stiffened at my suggestion. “Absolutely not.”
“Alright.” I tried again. “What if Alysa distracted them while you and I snuck in?”
The huff that escaped from his lips was its own reward. “This is what you and Alysa plotted after the meeting? And you started with a ridiculous offer so that I’d have to agree to the second plan?”
Alysa strolled over to where we stood as my lips curled into a smile. “Is he all set for tonight?” she asked.
I shushed her as the heat of his glare hit my skin. He was well aware that he’d been backed into a corner. “We may have discussed it.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Fine. So long as I have you where I can keep an eye on you. I assume you planned this for the shift change tonight?”
Alysa nodded. “Don’t worry about a thing.”
Hart’s grimace said that was unlikely, but he no longer fought me. “Chaos, I’ll need the afternoon with you if you have no other schemes to unveil?”
Alysa smirked and tossed her hair over her shoulder. “We’ll see you back here for an evening meal before we head out.”
I nodded and let Hart take my hand as I waved to Alysa.
She mouthed,Have fun.
We set off at a brisk pace toward the northern edge of the camp, the path that would lead to the valley between the mountains. Hart was reasonable. He might not love our idea of stealing from the mines, but he understood its value. I had little time to wonder at the look of determination in his gaze. He clearly had his own plans for the day.
He led us deeper into the Pinnacle Mountains. I suspected he wanted to get away from the prying eyes and ears of the Storm, but I couldn’t decide his agenda. A part of me hoped he didn’t have one at all. Maybe we could use these few precious hours for ourselves.
We stopped at the base of the mountain, before the next set of switchbacks that led to Charon’s current cave.
“What is it, Hart?”
With one finger, he traced the shape of the pendant beneath my blouse. My heart raced in anticipation. “We’recharging forward with a plan to take the city, but I don’t think it brings you joy.” He paused. “Do you know what will?”
My breath hitched, and I shook my head. Too much was unknown for me to be certain in finding joy—no matter how adamantly I said otherwise. “The plan isn’t about finding joy. It’s about doing what is necessary for Kavios.”
He sighed and let his forehead rest against mine so that we shared breath. “I understand, and I can’t blame you for it, but no matter what the Storm or the Feared say about the throne, I want to focus on finishing these trials, on breaking free.”
It warmed my insides to hear him say that. Sometimes he seemed so resigned to his fate—to remaining under the goddess’s thumb. I wanted to finish the trials just as desperately as he did. In fact, I was betting on us to figure this out.
I pulled out the adamas pendant to study. “Joy and … challenging what is known. We’re really at the end of the emotions?” These tasks had seemed near impossible when we began. I couldn’t believe that of the six emotions, we only had one left. One that still brought a blank space to my mind. “Do you have ideas for your own joy?”
His nod was brief. “I believe you can do anything you put your mind to. I’ve told you that before. There is no greater joy for me than having your focus so sharply aimed at keeping us together.”
His brow furrowed in frustration. I understood it was with himself. I took his hand and squeezed. “Even when I thought you betrayed me, I was so angry because I still wanted you. I still wanted to solve this puzzle with you. I still felt safe with you. So, I understand this … desire to the brink of senselessness.”
