13
MAX
Joy runs through me, stronger than the shock from the magical shield.
We might actually be able to do this.
My hope wasn’t misplaced. I was right in trusting my instinct.
Reid looks around at the blackened dirt and the drag marks of my heels from being shoved far away. “What makes you think I can do this?”
“A dream said you could.”
The Fae rolls his eyes. “Right. That seems on par for our lives.”
“I’d still like to discuss this dream,” Baris interrupts, rubbing his pointed chin. “How long have they been going on? What did the woman look like?”
“It’s only a dream.” I shrug. “I had one the night my magic attacked the guards.”
“Did you try to attack the woman in your dreams?”
At my silence, he grows taller, agitated wings fanning out. “Maximillia, if there is something about the dream?—”
“There’s nothing,” I assure him. At least I don’t think so. Hedoesn’t need to know the woman is terrifying and given the chance, I would crush her heart. “Let’s focus on getting the roses.”
Reid carefully examines the shield, watching as the light reflects off the magic. It rains down, colorful patterns that would pull a smile from a child.
Not us. We just need to get through.
“You need to understand,” he murmurs, grabbing my wrist. He turns me so I have to see him. “Those roses are known for love potions and dark spells. If what Aoife said was true—which I don’t think is the case—there could be another reason for this flower.”
“Such as?”
“Distraction. Dissension. Take your pick.” He releases me. “You have to trend carefully.”
Baris might be right about it. Aoife wasn’t enthusiastic about this working, and made mention of how this is a fool’s errand. A slip of the tongue?
Regardless, I’m getting them. What if these are the right steps—what if I have to do this to save Kaden?
Reid spins, hands out wide. “I have no idea what I’m supposed to?—”
Mal shoves him into the barrier. I expect the young Fae to be thrown clear into the sky, shot off like an arrow much like I was. Instead, he simply falls through.
A hard gasp leaves his lips as his looks overhead to the dark sky. “I hate you, Mal.”
“Tell me later when your brother is whole.” Tossing the bag on to his shoulder, he waves him forward. “Hurry up. Grab each of us and pull us through.”
Dusting himself off, Reid reaches through the magic and takes each of us one by one through the portal. It’s like stepping through a lightning storm—my hair stands on end, currents dance over my skin; they’re tiny needles that want to cut but don’t. When Baris steps through, I stare in wonder.
We crossed a barrier that no one has in centuries.
“Why me?” Reid says out loud. “I’m not from this kingdom. How am I the one to cross?”
My father nods once, mostly to himself. He claps Reid on the shoulder and walks on to the bushes. “Because, muse, your destiny is far from over.”
The bottom of the mountain is silent, with only the whistling wind blowing around our ears. The trees here are in a state of dormancy—looking to awaken for spring. Mal and Reid settle by the bushes, taking their daggers out to cut. The leaves are sharp, the stems thick and they take great care not to ruin the flowers.
Baris stops to gaze at the trees, running a hand over the barren limbs. I’ve never seen him so pensive.
