Stunned, I watched as more warriors closed ranks, standing shoulder to shoulder with those who shielded us. The mob, so loud before, suddenly seemed small.
The Viori who had been rising against Rykr began to back away, their voices faltering.
“We’ll leave tonight. All of us,” Seth announced. “The tribe will seek refuge in Emberstone, and we’ll transport both Seren and Westhaven under guard.” He glanced down at me, lowering his voice. “You’ll both be safer that way.”
I nodded and tore my gaze away, my guilt bleeding through every beat of my pulse.
I wished Rykr could see this. The Viori, my people, standing here on his behalf.
Accepting him as one of their own.
Pride rose inside me—but also deep shame.
This time, I deserved the punishment that Rykr’s attackers had wanted for me. My selfishness, my pride had destroyed so much.
My encampment was in ruins because I’d failed to protect my people. Because, as Ciaran had said, my loyalty had been to Rykr, rather than my tribe—including my friends and family. People who now stood for me. For him.
I’d spent days training for the Skorn, believing if I found clever tricks in books or mastered bold fighting techniques, I could prove my innocence—not only before my people, but before the gods.
I’ve been so … arrogant. Believing in my intellect and justified anger. But deep down, I knew the truth: guilt ruled me.
My baby sister is still missing.
What if I was to blame like the Viori believed?
Maybe I deserved punishment—and more.
Part Two
EMBERSTONE
Chapter 25
Rykr
I woke to Seren hovering inches above me, wiping my face with a handkerchief, while a sharp, buzzing headache burned in my temples. A laughing groan left my lips, and I closed my eyes again, momentarily unconcerned about where we were or the lingering pain I felt. “We have to stop meeting like this, my lady.”
“I don’t know whether to slap you or kiss you.” Then her soft lips pressed to mine in a quick, fleeting kiss—more relief than romance—a gesture filled with unspoken emotion.
Still, the feel of her lips tempted me more than she could have possibly imagined.
Any flirtation with her had long since crossed to a dangerous game with fire … one that she ignited in me despite my better judgment.
She pulled away, wiping her damp lashes. Behind her, the iron bars of a prison wagon swam into view, a gorgeous sunrise beyond that … and snowcapped mountains.
I tried to sit but she held me back. “They broke at least three of your ribs, your left wrist, and several fingers. I reset them, though I suspect your own healing abilities will take care of the rest. Your face is still slightly bruised, but the cuts are gone. You’ll probably wake tomorrow morning fully recovered. We’ve been traveling all night and most of the day, and the whole tribe is accompanying us to Emberstone—or what’s left of us.”
A shiver crawled through me at the idea of my body healing itself. What other, unknown abilities had the vuk given me?
“Why did you let them beat you?” Seren whispered, searching my eyes. “I saw you in that sparring ring. You could have easily defended yourself.”
A low, humorless chuckle escaped me. “And risk killing someone? We both know that would have given your tribe more rope to hang me with.”
“Ironically, Seth protected you. You must have impressed him when you fought the skinwraiths. I didn’t think he had any honor left.”
I swallowed, noticing bold streaks of blond in her hair—a marked change from when I’d last seen her. “Did you feel it? When I borrowed your powers?”
Her face was somber as she nodded. “I … lost consciousness, I think.” Then ruefully, she added, “I didn’t know you knew how to do that.”
