He’d spent too long alone, carrying his pain in silence. And after witnessing the Megarian massacre—and her dream—Alena couldn’t bear the thought of him isolating himself again. Never again.
She loved him. She was sure of it now, even if she hadn’t found a moment to tell him, let alone speak it aloud.
“Has Phoebe left?” Kaixo asked, catching them both off guard.
“Not yet,” came a voice behind them.
Alena turned, startled, to find the Amazon leading a chestnut horse into the courtyard, its back laden with weapons and saddlebags.
Her smile faltered. “Are you going somewhere?”
Before Phoebe could answer, Kaixo darted past Alena and threw his arms around the Amazon’s waist, clutching her tightly. His wooden blade clattered to the ground, forgotten.
“Yes.” Phoebe rested a hand on Kaixo’s shoulder. “I told him I was leaving this morning while you were still asleep. I had only planned to stay until the siege was dealt with, and now…”
“Leaving?” Alena repeated in disbelief. “What do you mean, you’releaving?”
Phoebe offered a cryptic smile and a wink. “I have my own mission. Things I need to handle—for the Maiden.”
Alena stepped closer, her heart racing as the news sank in. “But… what about my training? What about the Western Lands? I thought you were coming with us.”
Phoebe scoffed, brushing off her concern. “I told you, didn’t I? Just keep practising with the Cyprian’s armour until you can sustain it long enough for battle. After the way you tore through the Twelfth Legion, I’d say you’re more than capable.”
Alena glanced at Leukos. He pressed his lips into a tight line—he hadn’t known about the Amazon’s sudden departure either.
“Phoebe…” A spike of panic rose in Alena’s throat. “I can’t do this without you.”
“Of course you can.” Phoebe disentangled herself from Kaixo and gave him the reins to her horse before patting Alena’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you think. Trust yourself.”
Nik appeared, wrapping an arm around Kaixo and drawing him close. Leukos joined them, offering his wooden sword to Kaixo, whose expression lacked its usual spark of excitement.
Phoebe shot a sidelong glance at the two men. “Don’t let alliances and battles distract you,” she told Alena. “Remember, you’re the Omega—you have a mission to accomplish.”
The words settled over Alena like a storm cloud.Kill the Emperor.
She frowned. “I know what I’m supposed to do.”
“Good.” Phoebe nodded. “Because there’s also the matter of your sister. We received word this morning that the First Legion has deserted Dodona.”
Alena froze. Deserted Dodona? How? Why? Leukos, who’d heard the exchange, gave her a tight nod of confirmation.
“We don’t know what’s become of the slaves,” Phoebe pressed on, “but they’re gone, too.”
Her stomach churned at the thought of what might’ve happened to the Freefolk. Had Katell helped them escape? Or had she betrayed them further?
Phoebe’s grip tightened on her shoulder, forcing Alena to meet her shimmering eye. “The legion left the camp in three groups, each headed in a separate direction. Your sister has either realised who she allied herself with and taken action against them, or she’s still with them.”
Alena’s pulse quickened, dread clawing at her insides. “Why are you telling me this?”
Phoebe’s expression turned solemn. “Because there’s a war coming. And your sister might be on the opposing side, across the battlefield, ready to take you down?—”
Alena jerked back, out of Phoebe’s grasp. “Katell wouldn’t?—”
“Alena!” Phoebe snapped, her voice cutting through the courtyard’s quiet hum. “You need to face the truth. If your sister went to Dodona and stayed with the legions, she’s beyond saving.”
Alena opened her mouth, but no words came. Katell had changed—she couldn’t deny it. Her sister had chosen the Rasennans and Dorias over her, shunning family and loyalty. But to think Katell would ever raise a weapon against her?
Her gaze flicked to Leukos, searching for reassurance. Instead, his dark eyes softened with quiet sorrow. He didn’t say it, but his silence betrayed his thoughts. He, too, feared Katell might one day stand on the battlefield as their enemy.
