It nearly looked like the past hour or two hadn’t even happened.
Nearly.
“Do you need a moment?” I asked him, though I knew we both saw theValwainandRividianfamily exiting the castle as I spoke.
There wasn’t any more time. But if Rayven needed it, especially after what he’d just experienced, I’dmaketime.
“We don’t have time.” Rayven shook his head, then held out his hand.
Withholding a sigh, I placed my hand in his, and in the blink of an eye we were hastened, appearing a wingbeat later behind our group.
Our family.
“About time you made an appearance,” QueenRividiansaid, announcing our presence and forcing all heads to swivel our way.
“Apologies for my tardiness, though I believe my husband is more than capable of bidding you farewell for the both of us,” I said as I weaved through the members of theValwain—all of whom were present and packed, ready to go home—to stand next to Byn. Rayven, I could feel, was hot on my heels.
“It’s my fault we’re late,” Rayven said, dipping his head toward the queen, then to her husband next to her.
Queen Rividian gave Rayven a long, hard look that was almost a glare before turning back to face me.
“KingThorntierfilled me in a bit more. If King Horace’s son now haszirilium,I’mnot sure even the star stones could help you win now. But Iwish tothe Stars thatthey’llbe with you as you try.It’shonorable, your efforts.”
Much more honorable than closing our borders and hiding, I thought to myself.
“You knowof thestar stones? Are they not simply a legend of old?” I questioned after realizing whatshe’djust let slip.
The Queenlooked annoyedat my questions,rolling her eyes,but she answered anyway. “Every legend and myth has a beginning, a seed of truth to it.Don’tforget it,etmonlya.”
A chill ran down my spine at the title.
“Do you know more about them? Like where they can be found—if at all?” I pressed.
“I do not. If anybody were to know,it’dbe the humans on theLevastIsles. But nobody has heard from themincenturies. Wearen’teven surethey’restill alive.” The queen sighed. “Now, be on your way, before you miss your ship back to the continent.”
“Ourfaewill hasten you back to Regis,” KingRividiansaid, waving toward the castle doors. Having been a signal of sorts, a group of guards exited the castle and began pairing up again with members of theValwain.
“Callum will be meeting with our navy and prepping them to set sailfirst thingtomorrow, while Caelia willstay with you all. The navy should arrive inKyrishshortly after you all make it back toCairnyl. The seas and winds have been kind to us as of late,” the queen told us, motioning to Callum at her husband’s side when mentioned.
Glancing at Callum, Icouldn’thelp but notice—not for the first time—how different he seemed when he was around his parents.
Hopefully leading the navy would keep his mind occupied.
As we said our final goodbyes and expressed our gratitude, Icouldn’thelp but catch Callum peering over at Teagan. Shehadn’tspared him a glance as she fussed over Margo, but Callum appeared extremely conflicted.
I wondered ifthey’dgotten to talk about their new arrangement, though I doubtedthey’dhad the chance—or privacy.
As we turned away from theRividianrulers and toward our group, I smiled at Byn as he expressed his excitement at being reunited with Atlas again. Then, I placed my hand in a female guard’s and held on tightly as we crossed the Isle in a matter of moments.
Though even the beauty of the Islecouldn’tdislodgethe pit of nerves beginning to form in my gut at the thought of going to battle again so soon.
Unfortunately, though, there wasn’t another option.
Wewouldn’trest until the entire continent and beyond knew what peace tasted like.
***
It had taken a little over eight days to get back toCairnylafter leavingFallaine. Thefaethere had wanted us to stay, butwe’dhad to turn them down in favor of returning home.We let them down gently, saying we’d be back to celebrate once the war was over.
