She squeezed me tighter, a muffled chuckle leaving her lips before pulling back to study my face. “Now is not the time for apologies. The Horde is here, storming the eastern edge as we speak. Is there anything else you can tell us about Lachlan’s plans?”
I wracked my brain, reviewing the confusing memories as quickly as possible before realizing I had nothing to contribute. “No,” I whispered. “No, I know nothing more. I told Renai everything.” Eva cursed, standing up and wrapping her arms around herself. She began pacing, something she often did when her mind wouldn’t quiet down.
My gaze tracked her, and I felt my stomach drop as the sun hit her face. There, peeking out of her tunic, was a faint outline of scarred skin. It was a brief glimpse, and I’d have believed I imagined it if I hadn’t known the moment it was caused. How I relished seeing my dagger dragging across her tender flesh and watching her crimson blood flow.
“Let me fight,” I said, pushing to my feet. “You know I’m skilled. Give me a battalion, and I will take them to the walls myself.”
Alric studied the two of us, watching with cautious interest. Eva paused, fingers digging into the skin along her bicep as she thought. Then, it only took a second before she dipped her chin in confirmation.
I blew out a breath, looking over at her father. There was so much I needed to say. I wasn’t sure where to begin, but he held up his hand as if sensing my thoughts. “We can speak after we win this war.”
“Yes, sir,” I said, nodding once before turning to Eva. “I will go anywhere you need me. I won’t fail you.”
“We do not have much time to spare,” she said quickly, reaching forward and dragging me along with her.
We took the steps two by two until we reached the main floor. It was pandemonium—shouts rising as people pushed past us with little regard for their safety or anyone else’s. At this moment, it was every man or woman for themselves. Eva turned to me, regret flashing before her shield went up and masked her emotions. “Get to the armory—grab whoever you can find or whoever you need—but get down to the eastern wall.” I dipped my chin as she grasped my hand, squeezing once. “Don’t die out there,” she whispered.
“I’ll do what I must to protect these people, Eva.” And then I turned around, disappearing into the sea of panicked souls before she could stop me.
Chapter36
Kalen
"Fucking gods," I said, clutching my stomach and doubling over before throwing up on my boots. "That was fucking terrible."
I looked back to find Arabella walking through the portal we had just traveled through. The green glow haloed around her frame, but I saw the faint mark of a smile cross her lips as she watched me.
"It isn'tthatbad," she chided, crossing her arms. "I do it all the time."
I clutched my knees, heaving. "Yeah, well, I don't, and I won't again." She laughed, her hand landing on my back and rubbing in soothing circles. The nausea subsided almost instantly, a calm wind caressing the back of my neck. I didn't understand how people did this shit all the time. Did Matt feel like that every time he used his powers?
Gods bless him.
Arabella passed me her canteen as I straightened out, and I took a swig to wash the bitter taste from my mouth. "I really am sorry, you know. If there was a faster way to get here, I would have taken it." I nodded once in acknowledgment, still unsteady.
We'd landed just inside Helia, near the western wall. The palace was just ahead, and I could see the outline of the towers as they jutted into the clouds. "It's fine," I said, tossing the canister back to her. She tucked it away, turning back to me. "Are you ready?"
She worried her lip. We'd argued about this for an hour before she relented. "I suppose I don't have a choice," she said, clasping her hands in front of her. "I will have to show my face and tell my story if we want to persuade them to let me help. But I'm worried about their reactions."
I understood her hesitations because I'd be a liar if I said I hadn't considered them as well, but what choice did we have? This was our opportunity to have an inside look at Lachlan's plan and put a stop to him before he could burn Helia to the ground.
Pushing off the ground, I reached for her hand and pulled her to me. She wrapped her arms around my waist, leaning into me on instinct. After going so long without her, I was still fucking surprised at how well we still knew and understood each other. Neither of us was the same person we once were.
It hadn't mattered, though. It was as easy as breathing.
I kissed her forehead before moving my hands up to her cheeks and tilting her head to look at me, relishing in the feel of the soft strands of her hair brushing against my fingers. "Listen to me, I know this is difficult, but I will always be with you. If they don't hear you out, then I'll make them. This is fucking life or death."
"But what if—"
I gripped her tighter. "There are no 'what ifs,' Arabella. I'm not saying it will be easy, but despite all the shit that's happened in the past, Eva will always do what's right by her people. The same can be said about her father and Matt." I slid my hands down to hers, interlocking our fingers. "And I'll be there by your side."
She smiled up at me hesitantly, unconvinced by my words, but not saying anything more. We both stared up at the palace, taking a moment to ourselves. Because once we got inside, I only hoped I could make them listen.
I'd meant what I'd said, especially about Eva, but I wasn't a complete fool. I knew it'd be triggering for her to see Arabella, but she had overcome so much since that fateful day, and I knew she would listen to us. Even if doing so was simply a favor. And Ciena, I hadn't even considered how she may feel about seeing her sister again.
But it was too late to consider these things now.
I stepped forward, Arabella's hand still in mine, but she pulled back. Her eyes grew wide, looking over her shoulder toward the city's eastern side.
