Perhaps killing Callius was a catastrophic mistake, for while he had become wary of me and my integrity when it came to the crown, if he were here, these witch bitches wouldn’t be. That I was certain of.
Idina had welcomed them with open arms after witnessing a fraction of their power. I couldn’t help but wonder if Callius was here, if he would have been able to steer her in a different direction.
While I eliminated one threat to my plans, I created an entirely new one—one that had significant strength and influence. The first threat that I had ever deemed viable against me.
I had foolishly underestimated the link between mates, thinking that Idina’s grief would force her to latch onto me in a time she needed comfort. The plan was for her to either seek a husband and king out of me after falling for my false sympathy, or desiring a lord as her aide. Instead, what I received was being shut out entirely—the threat of my title and a trip to the gallows constantly looming.
But while Callius had warned me that the wrath of a female scorned could rival that of the gods, he forgot that the same could apply to a cornered, desperate male.
I would win this war for the vile queen and destroy Elianna as she desired. Then, once the victory was claimed, I would end her life as well—making me the realm’s conqueror and newest heir.
Chapter fifty-four
Elianna
After our flight home,Nox perched himself atop the courthouse as we announced that a meeting was to be held immediately in the war chamber. Gage was ordered to collect the general, Lynelle, and his most trusted high-ranking soldiers, while I asked Veli to summon Empri and Madalae.
Jace and I occupied the seats at the head of the stone table, observing the realm etched onto its surface as everyone filed in and took their seats.
The twin witches appeared just outside the door as the last of everyone arrived, and they silently slipped into the room, Veli locking the door behind them.
Silence blanketed the room as Gage lit the scattered torches along the walls. I could feel everyone’s stare on me, and it was evident that everyone in the war chamber sensed the impending news of Ellecaster’s fate.
“What’s your plan, Lia? Are we just telling them what we found and will work on a plan together? My concern is the witches,”Jace admitted through the bond.
“I have an idea, but I will need everyone’s cooperation,” I answered.
“Thank you all for coming on such short notice,” I greeted. “I regret to inform you all that Ellecaster has fallen.”
Small gasps escaped a few of the attendees. Zaela’s hand balled into a fist as it rested on the table, and Gage’s usually kind eyes morphed into something murderous.
“Were there any survivors?” Lynelle asked after clearing her throat.
“None that we were able to find,” Jace answered. “There was one man, but he has since been lost.”
“He was able to tell us that it wasn’t an army that attacked the city,” I admitted.
Gage was rapidly shaking his head on Jace’s opposite side, as if in denial. “If not an army, then…”
I sucked in a breath through my nostrils as I prepared to confirm the news they feared. “A wyvern.”
“Fuck,” Zaela hissed.
“So, they do have one then,” Landon chimed in.
Finnian ran his fingers through his hair as he sat beside him. “How are we supposed to fight against a wyvern, Lia? One aided by magic.”
They all began to voice their fears at the same moment. Tempers quickly flared, and the table descended into bickering—the air grew thick with skepticism and defeat.
“They’re losing hope…if this information is brought before the armies…” Jace warned.
“Silence, please,” I demanded, and the arguments ceased. “With the news of Ellecaster being destroyed, we also must bring the news that the passage linking the valley to the restof the realm has been blocked by demolished buildings and stone.”
“Mother of the gods,” Gage whispered. “Without that passage, we aren’t able to move the troops. We don’t have enough ships to transport us across the sea.”
“I know.” I let out a sigh as I faced Veli once again, and she shrank in her seat.
“Why do I feel as if I’m not going to agree with this next part?” she asked with a sigh.
