Like the weight of being both prince and protector had hollowed him out in a single moment.
“Lie down. Rest. Just for a little while.”
“I have to find her.”
“I know. And I have a plan, but I need you sharp when we act. Not burning the world down.”
He nodded slowly, his jaw tight again.
“Go to the vault,” I added gently. “Look for anything on the Blood Isle. There might be something we missed. A clue. A map. A name.”
He nodded again, eyes still on fire, but his hands steadier now. “I will come find you when I am ready.”
I smiled, even as the guilt pressed hot beneath my ribs. “Of course.”
He turned and walked away, his steps heavy but sure.
And as I watched him go, a sharp pang bloomed in my chest.
Because it was the first time I had openly lied to him.
Theron was already storming toward the castle, but instead of using the main entrance, he veered left—toward the lesser gate near the council wing. He didn’t want to face Zander. Not after what just happened. Not after the fire that nearly cracked the earth beneath our feet.
Coward.
Kaelith.My voice brushed through our bond like a breathless vow.We have to go after her.
I know.Her reply was calm. Resolute.But if we do this, we do it alone. You understand what that means?
I don’t want anyone else involved either.
Hein will be quite vexed with me,she said, the words slow and deliberate.
Then blame me.I didn’t hesitate.All of it. Say I ordered it. Say I threatened to leap off your back midflight if you didn’t take me.
As if,Kaelith huffed, but there was amusement laced beneath the steel of her voice.You’d survive the fall.
Probably.
She didn’t argue further.
The moment I threw myself onto her back, she leaped into the sky, wings flaring against the late sun. No one stopped us—too many still stunned from Zander’s outburst, or licking their wounds from the skirmish. We banked high, looping as if headed toward the Dragon Isle.
But the moment we passed over its rocky cliffs, Kaelith angled east.
Toward the storm-torn horizon.
Toward the island ruled by blood and shadows.
We flew fast. Fast enough to steal the breath from my chest. Fast enough to make it real.
I wasn’t going to wait for the council to vote, or Theron to consult his precious advisors. I wasn’t going to let fear paralyze Zander again.
I was going to get Elara back.
Or burn the Blood Isle trying.
How long before Hein realizes we’re gone?I asked, the wind biting against my cheeks as Kaelith sliced through the air.
