Had my father been alive, he’d be foaming at the mouth for the intelligence I could provide. After what they’d done to Dalric, I had no illusions what they’d do to me if they learned who I was. And now that I’ve seen what I have.
Yellow banners draped the streets and the massive bridge leading to the city’s main gate. Here, as in Seren’s encampment, the people reveled in the death of my family—only more brazenly. We passed drunken men and women sprawled in the alleys, and one brothel where revelry spilled onto the streets in a raucous, indecent display.
I had to guard my thoughts, careful not to react. The bond between Seren and me seemed to be deepening, her emotions slipping through when I wasn’t prepared. A fierce protectiveness spread through me as drunken men called lewd remarks to her from the gates.
Damned Viori.
“What now? I take it we’re being held as prisoners.”
Seren sighed, removing my splints carefully. “I don’t know. Some in the tribe demanded punishment for us, and Seth said he would transport us here under guard—supposedly for our safety—but I don’t trust him. Either way, I’m sure the leadership here will have a say in our ability to go free in Emberstone before the Skorn, which isn’t for a few more nights.”
She cleared her throat and gestured behind the wagon. “The good news is that with the entire tribe seeking refuge at Emberstone, we’ll have some friendly faces in the crowd—rather than an arena of people cheering for our deaths.”
“You call that good news?” I chuckled dryly. “Solwyn, one of these days remind me to show you what an actual good time is. I have serious doubts if the Viori know anything about it.”
“Do you take anything seriously?” She crossed her arms.
“Yes,” I answered with a slow smile. “But your mother warned us we shouldn’t do it so I can’t show you. Unfortunately.”
A blush heated her cheeks, her lips parting. “They must have kicked your head harder than I thought.”
The outrage in her eyes was almost as appealing as the desire.
The wagon lurched to a stop and a guard in the courtyard strode toward the wagon. “Waldren Azad?” he said to Seth.
Seth jumped down from the seat. “Yes?”
“You and your wife are expected in the keep with your prisoners … and only them.”
Dammit. Word must have traveled before we’d arrived.
Seth circled to the back of the wagon, his somber gaze flicking toward Amahle. “Say your goodbyes now.”
Amahle dismounted, handing her horse to a groom waiting in the courtyard.
“Will you be all right?” Amahle asked Seren, worry lining her features.
Despite the nervousness humming through the bond, Seren smiled bravely. “We’ll be fine. I’ve uncovered something in the books I borrowed that might give us an edge.” She leaned forward and hugged her friend through the bars. “Book us a room in the Bellwether—it’s the only inn in Emberstone my father trusts. We’ll meet you there to celebrate our win.”
Amahle’s shoulders flexed with defiance. “I should go with you—see for myself if they’ll let me in. That’s what I came for. You need an ally.”
“I need an ally outside of the keep, too,” Seren said gently. “If we don’t get thrown in the dungeon, it would be good to have a room waiting. Tell my mother and Tara that I’ll find them when I can.”
Seren squeezed Amahle’s forearm. “I’m not going down without a fight, Amahle. Remember that.”
The wagon started again, an enormous iron portcullis looming ahead as we moved deeper into the mountain. Armed guards stood at the entrance, clutching spears. Emberstone wasn’t just fortified, it was a fortress.
“What’s the intriguing information you found in the book?”
“I didn’t find much.” Her eyes were dark and troubled. “I barely had time to read under Darya’s orders.”
“But you did find something, right?”
She gave me a weary smile. “Some. I learned that the trial isn’t just against the Skorn warriors. They usually prepare a surprise or two. Flesh-eating scarabs, poisonous vines—whatever they feel like throwing in.”
“I’m beginning to regret I asked.”
Her hand slid over mine. “Whatever we face, we’ll face it together.”
