Kit stared out the window, at the swirling snow and the fog curling along the ground like a living thing. Quietly, he admitted, “I’m not really sure. Not yet anyway.”
“I bet you’ll find out sooner than later.” Killian spun on his heel and headed back the way he’d come. “I’m off to bed, General. I’ve hardly been here more than twenty-four hours, and already this gods-damned realm has managed to deplete my energy levels—not to mention my will to live.” Kit couldn’t help but smirk at that. “How you can cope without the sun and the beaches…” Killian shook his head in disbelief.
“The mosquitoes I can do without,” Kit said.
The Dragon released a quiet chuckle, but didn’t turn around as he neared the corner, his hair glowing a soft blue in the light of the crystal pillar he passed. “The king wouldn’t approve of what you’re doing, General.” He paused, one scarred hand on the pillar, and turned to face him. The light gave his features an eerie glow. “I suppose it’s a good thing he’s not here, isn’t it?”
Kit blinked, but before he had a chance to react, Killian disappeared around the corner.
As soon as Kit realized what he meant—that he was allowing him to do as he pleased and was making a promise that the king wouldn’t hear of his foolish decision, at least from his mouth—he vanished out the front doors, into the fog and the cold, and began searching for that dark-hairedvixen.
14
Avalon jerked awake, shaking from the dream—the memory. The memory of Sable and Levon in the Temple of Ice when Sable was sixteen, and they’d found a book after a gust of wind had cracked open the wall, as if the temple had wanted them to find it.
She rolled over and shuffled through her saddlebag until she found the mask. Checking first to make sure Hadrian was sound asleep beside her, she put it on, barely wincing this time as it sealed with her skin.
As soon as she knew Sable was there, Avalon spoke.Do you remember a book?
There was a beat of silence.I thought I was hallucinating,the warrior said.
It was Avalon’s turn to be silent, but only for a moment.What do you mean you thought you were hallucinating?
I saw… I remembered something, from when I was sixteen. I was at the Temple of Ice with my friend Levon, and we found a book with indentations in the front cover.
With every memory Avalon was seeing, Sable was remembering. Perhaps if this continued, they would discover how to break her out of the mask.
I wish,Sable said, listening to Avalon’s pondering.I still don’t really know who Levon is, or what we were doing in the Temple of Ice, or why his family would’ve skinned us both alive if I’d gone with him to the Outlands.
We’ll find out,Avalon promised.We’ll find out together.But even as she said it, her eyes snagged upon where Hadrian slept beside her. He would never allow it. Ever.
You’re right about that,Sable said, each word laced with disappointment.If you want to help me, it looks like you’ll have to get rid of your pretty boy.
Easier said than done. Especially when the last thing in the world she wanted was to get rid of her best friend.
~
Dawn was a long way off when Avalon started packing her things. A warm wind continued to howl outside the barrier of the temple, muffling any noise she made. In Hadrian’s saddlebag, she found a flint and a supply of dry tinder, of which she took half. As a princess, Avalon had never been on her own in the world, and she knew she would need as much help as she could get. Once her saddlebag was packed, there was only one thing left to do: prepare Butterscotch.
It wasn’t an easy task. The horse refused to budge from where she was leaning against a rock column, and when she started to whinny and stamp her hooves, Avalon gave up. If that damn horse made any more noise, she would wake Hadrian up, and her plan would be ruined.
The mask was perched atop Avalon’s head, slightly hidden beneath her hood, but pulled down far enough onto her forehead that she could hear Sable inside it. And, more importantly, Sable could hearher. Without the mask sealed entirely with her face, Sable couldn’t fully share Avalon’s mind and body, but they could sense each other and communicate, which was exactly what Avalon would need. Journeying out into the world without Hadrian seemed a daunting task. She neededsomeone, and Sable would just have to do.
Sable gave a distant snort.Gee, you certainly have a knack for making me feel unwanted.
With one last look at Hadrian, Avalon set off, the sound of her footsteps louder than thunder as she eased herself onto the spongy ground outside the temple. The forest was dark, and the wind tore at her hair and clothes until her eyes stung with tears and her knuckles burned.
Do you know your way around here?Avalon said.
Sable gave a dark laugh.Two days ago, I didn’t know even my own name. How could I possibly know my way around here?
Don’t be rude,Avalon said as she stepped over a fallen log.I’m doing this for you.
The warrior fell silent.I’m afraid I can’t help you.But if I remember anything, you’ll be the first to know.There was a pause, and then she cackled.
As soon as Avalon understood why she was laughing, a ghostly chuckle slipped through her lips. Of course she would be the first to know; Sable was inside her head, for the gods’ sake!
I’m glad to see you’ve still got a sense of humor,Avalon said as she started down the steep hill.No one would dare talk to me if I’d spent ten years in a mask.
