The emerald glowed, and light rippled within the arch. Wind tore through the room, throwing our cloaks wild. Raising my hand, I shielded my eyes from the sudden gale. Glowing light peered between my fingers.
This was a portal. The archway peered out onto a plain of golden grass, tipped with violet flowers. They blew ceaselessly, beneath a stormy sky.
“Shit,” Ferris breathed.
“Stick close,” Agendra ordered. “Hold tight to Arrow.” Nodding at me, he led his horse through the portal. Light enveloped him as he stepped through the arch.
Excitement thrummed in my heart. Grabbing Arrow’s reins, I followed him through.
I felt it—the world changing around me. The air shifted, growing warmer and wetter. Light rain drizzled from black clouds, and thunder rolled in the heavens. A flash of lightning lit up the distant sky.
I took two steps forward, guiding a nervous Arrow, and realized the peril surrounding us.
This ‘plain’ was no more than a mere island—three paces to my right and left a sheer cliff tumbled into . . .
Into the sky. Black clouds covered not just the sky above but the whole world around, above, and below.
Arrow whinnied, pulling against my grip. Agendra called from ahead. “Keep close!”
Powerful wind tore across the plain. Gritting my teeth, I held fast to Arrow and strode forward—toward the archway I could see anchored on the island’s opposite side.
I glanced over my shoulder, checking to make sure Ferris was behind me. He’d stopped dead in his tracks, staring at the world around him. A strange look had entered his eye.
“Ferris!” I shouted above the thunder.
Snapping from his trance, he caught up and placed a hand on Arrow’s flank to help keep him calm.
A few steps forward, and we passed through the second arch. Light wrapped around us, and the world changed again.
The wind calmed and stilled, and the air grew colder. Black heavens stretched above us, dotted with stars and twin moons. Everywhere I looked, there were mountains—black silhouettes on the horizon.
We stood on a forest road, surrounded by trees sprouting spring’s first leaves.
Agendra rubbed his neck. “That one is by far my least favorite. It's impressive though, isn’t it? Whoever built it knew magic we’ve long forgotten.”
“It was incredible,” I breathed, glancing over my shoulder.
The archway had vanished.
“Let’s get going.” Agendra placed a foot in his stirrup. “It's not far, now.”
Turning to Ferris, I offered him a hand. He stared past me, hand pressed to his chest. Pained.
“Are you alright?” I asked.
“Fine.” He blinked, and shook his head. “When we reach the wedding . . . my family will be there.” A crooked smile tore across his face. “They’re going to be furious.”
“You’re injured. Can’t you play for sympathy?”
“Not withthem.” He flinched.
My eyes fell to his chest, remembering his scar.
Facing his father would be difficult. I couldn’t lie, couldn’t hide my emotions. The king of Aenir would see that I wanted him dead.
“Diar,” Ferris said carefully. “You’re getting that murdery look in your eye.”
I exhaled. “If you don’t want him dead, keep me away from him.”
