Page 105 of The Reaping Rose

Smoke curls from my lips, dancing upward until it strikes the shell that now settles around the three of us, blocking us from the rest of the room. Even with Atlas in their minds, we can’t be too careful about who might be listening.

“I heard back from my scouts early. Two returned shortly after sunset.” Lochlan frowns.

“How many did you send out?”

“Twelve.”

A knot tightens in my stomach. The odds of us surviving are slim if that’s the case.

“There’s word something surges in the forests at the northern beach in Echme. Something not like the Well. But also, not like that of this realm.”

“Malachi and his orb,” I guess.

Lochlan nods. “All signs indicate it must be him. But those parts of the woods are impassable. Anyone who enters doesn’t come out. Malachi’s magic protects him and whoever he’s with, but he’s hidden there for a reason. No one, enemy or friend, can get to him unless he wishes.”

“That’s what he thinks.” I wring my hands together. “There are paths through Echme’s forests if you’re careful. But you have to find your way on foot.”

“You’ve done this?”

I shake my head. “Not personally. I’ve only ever taken a Gate in and out of Echme, like most. But if Malachi is hiding in the woods, I have an idea where he might be from stories of those who made it through. We’ll take the paths they talked about.”

“As reassuring as that plan sounds…” Atlas hitches his eyebrow. “There has to be another way to confirm it’s him without risking it.”

“There isn’t. Not if he’s in Echme. The lightning storms make it impossible to seek out certain magics. The static tampers with even a seer’s senses. We can’t rely on a guess.”

Atlas bites the inside of his cheek, thinking. “And we won’t know his next move unless we can get close enough.”

I nod, not liking the plan any more than Atlas seems to but knowing there’s no other choice. While it would have been nice to arrive in Solace and be told Malachi is waiting out in the open on the beaches of Rohldova for us to attack, it’s no surprise he’s hiding. The only way we’ll get the upper hand is if we figure out what he’s up to.

After all, Elorie went to a much more dangerous place for her mission. Into the unknown of the Mortal Realm. They may be human, but they are vicious. I’ve heard the stories of the things they’ve done to Fae there.

If Elorie can risk her life for Lyrichia, this is the least I can do.

I look up at Atlas, who hasn’t taken his eyes off me. “Do you think your magic can keep us hidden long enough for us to reach the borders of Echme? After that, we won’t need to be hidden in the forest.”

Atlas quirks an eyebrow. “Do you think you can stop offending me with your lack of faith in my skills?”

“Why are Vaelier warriors so full of themselves?” I roll my eyes, and Lochlan chuckles.

“Let me know what you might need to make the trip easier. Although, I doubt there’s much apart from blades that will help once you enter the trees.”

“Thank you.” I nod, and Lochlan returns it.

A whoosh of sound floods my ears as he drops the shell of magic around us, releasing us to the room. Even with it gone, the heat from Atlas continues to hang heavy.

Lochlan waves a hand at an approaching guard, stopping him where he is. “My guards need me, but I’ll come see you before you leave. When will that be?”

“First thing in the morning.”

“Of course. You never waste a moment, Maliren.” He grins, glancing at Atlas. “Have fun keeping up with this one.”

“I always do.” Atlas smirks, and I shake my head.

Lochlan disappears into the crowd, meeting with his guards at the edge of the room. While he maintains a comfortable confidence in the presence of others, I’ve seen Lochlan enough times over the years to notice the weight he carries. I can’t help it when my magic is immediately in tune with those around me.

Unlike most seers, I don’t read the past or the future; I glimpse within. Not in a way that allows me to read thoughts, but in a way that gives me a glimpse of their feelings. I can sense their mood and their magic. Sometimes even their fate.

If I’d have stayed in Tempest longer, I might be able to manipulate magic and feelings instead of just amplify them like I can now. But I always preferred a blade, something physical to cling to. Which is why I’ve yet to fully learn the depths my magic.