His mother.
This is all her fault.
We may not have ended her reign, but we rescued Caeo. The most important thing right now is to make sure she never comes anywhere near him ever again.
Which means…
“Owena’s right,” I say, taking Caeo’s hand. “We don’t have time to break the curse now. We need to get moving before your mother sends anyone after us.”
“So I’m just supposed to step aside and watch you share tender moments with my brother?”
His words stab me in the heart, but I bite down with my resolve. “We’ll fix this. Once you’re safe.”
I don’t know how, but we will. For Caeo. For Taran. And for me.
Caeo sighs, running his hand through his hair.
Taran steps closer, looking away as he towers above us. “Ellie can help Reid with Emlyn. I’ll… keep my distance.”
Caeo glares at Taran as he gets to his feet. “Fuck you.” Then he storms away, dropping down next to the fire and burying his face in his arms.
I start after him, but Owena stops me with a hand on my shoulder. I keep my eyes on Caeo.
“I’ll talk to him,” she says. “But we need to leave—now.” She turns to Taran. “Do you have a destination in mind? Somewhere we can take Emlyn that’s safe?”
Taran’s jaw tightens, but he nods. “I do.”
“Then Taran will lead the way.” Owena looks back at me. “He’ll explain that you need to stay with Emlyn and not look back because of your curse. I’ll follow with Caeo.”
My gut twists in protest, but I know this is the best course of action. Every second we stay here, the greater the risk we’ll be found. I can’t let that happen, for both Caeo’s and Taran’s sake. A confrontation would force Taran to willbend, ruining him, and capture would destroy them both.
Owena releases me, heading over to Caeo. She rests a hesitant hand on his shoulder as she sits next to him.
I force myself to look away, following Taran to the tent. He explains that I need to pack up and help Reid get Emlyn ready to travel. To stay in the tent until he returns with a horse.
He averts his gaze as he speaks to me. “It’s important. Your curse—what makes you forget—it’s still here. You need to keep your eyes where I tell you.”
I nod. “I understand.”
My memory’s blank from the moment I was on the ground, eyes closed as Taran spoke about my curse. Whatever happened after that has left me completely drained, but a quiet flame burns within. I squeeze Taran’s hand, seeking comfort; this was supposed to be over by now.
He flinches at my touch, pain flashing across his face. “No, Ellie. It’s not the time.” He pulls his hand free, the light in his eyes crackling like a raging inferno. “We need to hurry.”
“Alright, I’m going.” I hesitate, then lift myself onto my toes, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. He recoils as soon as my lips touch him.
Why is he spurning me? Is it because I incanted?
Someone curses behind me. I turn, curious, but Taran stops me, anguish distorting his face.
“Just go inside. Help Reid.”
I let out a deep exhale. I can do that. Once we get Emlyn to safety, we can figure out what’s next. We may have failed to stop the queen, but it’s not over yet.
I have too much to protect.
Epilogue
Dryfid
