"Two days," I breathed. "Then we have two days to find my catalyst. Because if we don't . . . " I turned, meeting my brother's eye.
He nodded, knowing full well what would happen if I didn't.
We would suffer through another Galasvar. But the monsters might not spare us, this time.
Chapter 17
Mare
For all the years I'd known Ferris, I hadn't spent much time with him.
Laiserian had told me all I needed to know: 'my brother is a delinquent with a nasty alcohol habit and a penchant for trouble.'
Sighing, I gazed into the quiet stream, willing the water to give me answers.
Starlight had arrived on the second day. No matter what angle I tried to tackle 'beauty' from, no catalyst had revealed itself to me.
Ferris leaned beside the stream and splashed water over his face before shaking out his curls. He smoothed out his forest-green coat and side-eyed me.
"You know, I really didn't expect Cierthine to pick you.”
What a comfort. Even the worst Aenir had to offer didn't believe in me.
"Neither did I," I said with a bitter smile. "And I haveyouto thank for getting us killed.”
"You're most welcome.” He shook out his cloak and swung it around his shoulders. "But I don't intend to die just yet.” Winking, he trudged through the wet soil back to our camp.
Flicking the water from my hands, I followed him. Wetlands stretched as far as the eye could see. At least there was no shortage of rivers and ponds to wash off in.
Liam stood by his elk, eyes following the young prince. He stared for a long while, like the prince was a puzzle he could not decipher.
"See something you don't like?" I asked, joining him.
"No, I . . . " He trailed off. "They say he's the most powerful among the Paragons.”
Liam nodded toward Reese. The red-headed Solheart sat by his horse, sharpening his blade after our morning practice.
"Are you trying to comfort me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Even had you found a little bit of magic, it wouldn't have made a difference.”
"Then why are you here?"
Liam glanced up at the stars. "I go where you go. Saints know you need me to keep you out of trouble.”
"You little—" I bit my tongue. "Just don't rob anyone in Gwynford.”
"Peasants," he retorted. "Don't have anything worth taking.”
"Not true.” Reese's warm voice startled me. He lowered his blade and shot me a smirk. "Some have family heirlooms stashed away.”
"Oh.” Liam smiled at him. "Duly noted.”
I couldn't believe a Paragon had said that.
"Don't encourage him!" I said, exasperated.
Reese hid a chuckle. "Let's get moving.”
