“What is it?” Zola asked as her eyes carefully scanned my movements.
“I—” I didn’t know for certain what this was, but I did have a theory. “It’s Skylar.” Zola remained deathly still, anxiously waiting for me to continue. “Last night, I felt this aching pain fill my chest. Something is happening or has happened to her. She is drowning in grief, a deep sorrow that is threatening to swallow her whole.”
“Is it regret?”
“No, I don’t believe so. This stems from a deeper loss.”
“Your bond,” Zola muttered, shaking her head. “It’s not yet sealed, and somehow, you’re able to feel her emotions like this? Even through the veil?”
“How did I dream of her beach? And she of my meadow?” I asked with a half-smile. “I don’t believe she’s challenged Gilen yet.”
“The trial of the soul will test her more than the others.”
“She’ll return,” I said with absolute certainty.
“Like you,” Zola said, raising her brows, “she’s too stubborn to quit.”
“Very true,” I said with a light laugh. “I dreamed of her before she crossed the veil… Touched her. Held her one last time before she crossed.”
Zola clicked her tongue. “I’m surprised she didn’t punch you in the face for lying to her.”
I shook my head with a forced laugh on a pained exhale. “That very well might still be coming.”
“You told me in Crimson City that you were able to visit Skylar in her dreams when the hunters captured her.”
“Yes.”
Zola emerged from the shadows and knelt by my side. “It’s logical that she comes to you while you’re locked in this place. Sleep while you can, my high prince. You are both warring in your own battles, but you areneveralone in your fight. Remember that.”
I gazed at Zola, appreciating her more than words could say. She was a shadow jumper, my spymaster, and, most of all, a trusted friend. “I remember.”
“I need to go,” Zola said.
“I know.”
“You remember what you must do?” Zola asked.
“Yes.”
“You still believe they’ll call for a celebration and bring you up to gloat about a victory?”
“Without ashadowof a doubt.” I could practically hear Zola’s eyes roll.
“Very well. Then I’ll remain hidden in Aelius and await the cheers of victory. I’ll jump us out of here when you’re in possession of the scroll.”
“Good,” I said. “The final inscription won’t be filled in until Skylar acquires the dagger and returns to thescroll, but the star begins to fill in the closer she is to achieving the task.”
“The court will be in uproar when that final star is inked,” Zola said. “I imagine the whole of Aelius will be drunk with glee when Rhett announces the final trial is complete.”
“That’s the plan,” I said.
“I never said it was apoorone.”
This time, footsteps echoed along the halls. Thankfully, not the marching tune of my torturers, but of the servants carrying a meal, if one could call it that.
Before I could warn Zola to leave, she was gone.
Good, I told myself, knowing she was never far and that she wanted to get me out of here almost as much as I did.
