Mal takes us into the forest across the way, deep into the center. I don’t release my hold on Max’s hand, needing that physical tether to remind myself that I’m here. That I’m free. That we’re both alive.
Baris stands there, wings out, Coal stallions waiting for us.
He takes a long look at me as my siblings jump into their saddles. Whatever he sees, he accepts nodding once. “Welcome back, Dark King.”
A smaller woman comes over, hands folded in front of her. Before I can ask about her, she squeals, clapping. “She did it! She killed you to save you!”
“On Bel’s Flame.” Reid laughs, hauling her into the saddle. “We’re going to have to work on your social cues, Layla.”
Max holds up a hand, halting the words on my tongue. I can’t help but laugh, kissing her fingertips. “Later. When we’re not being hunted.”
I can agree to that.
As we ride through the forest, the guards break from the Veridian Palace. Zeke rides up next to us, covered in blood and soot, scanning me as if to make sure I’m whole.
I know why he cares so much—I know of his connection to my mother. The rumors of their love have haunted the halls after her death. Since she left us, Zeke has never left our side.
“It is good to see you,” he greets, clasping my hand, bouncing along on the horse. “We were all worried for you.”
“Hopefully not because the queen led you.”
Zeke snorts. “She’s a better ruler than you will ever be. But now that you’re back, I insist on following proper protocols.”
The guards surround us, keeping the royal family protected. Baris looks bored, but Max’s eyes widen, the weight of what she is—what she’ll be, settling along her shoulders. I guess she didn’t consider it when she was killing us both, the infuriating blood summoner.
“Let’s go home,” I command and snap the reins to jerk the horses into action.
