“Only if you wish to be. It will be dangerous, but I’ve learned that trying to shield you from every danger in the realm hasn’t benefited us. As a member of this court, you’re able to make the decision for yourself.”
“Don’t worry about me,” Finn chimed in. “I wasn’t much help the first time.” Chuckles filtered through the space.
“You held your own with Zae in combat training. You will do great,” Gage said to Avery sweetly, as he picked up her hand and pressed his lips to the back of it.
Her cheeks flushed instantly before she answered, “Count me in.”
“It’s settled then,” I declared. “Empri and Madalae will cast the portal spell, and Avery, Veli, and I will run through to escort as many through as possible.” My stare moved back to my aide. “Can you cast the whisper tonight?”
“Aye,” she spoke softly. “But if I say we retreat, you will do so. I need your word, Elianna. As your aide, I am begging you to not break this trust.”
My jaw locked, and I blinked a few times as I contemplated how to respond.
“Please listen to her.” My gaze moved to Jace, and the only emotion his face wore was the calculating stare of the commander as his eyes wandered over the table. “I once again cannot be with you, and you know what happened the last time we were forced to be separated. Don’t make me go through that portal to drag your ass back here.”
My jaw ticked. “I will do as you wish,” I assured Veli. “There will be no room for error and we must be quick. You have my word. I promise.”
She gave me a look that seemed as if she wanted to smile. “Then I shall cast the whisper and we will leave this evening.”
“Well, then,” I started as I stood from the table. “Let’s go reclaim our kingdom.”
Chapter fifty-six
Elianna
Once the meeting inthe war chamber ceased, everyone scattered. Leon, Gage, and Zae left to prepare the troops, letting Jace and I know that it may take a few days, which we granted. The twin witches were ordered to stay close while we prepared to enter Isla unseen. Everyone else retreated back to the estate to get some rest before the madness persisted.
Jace and I stayed behind at our headquarters with Veli as she prepared to cast the whisper spell.
We stood across the room from her as she remained seated at the stone table. Closing her golden fuchsia eyes that we were barely used to, she set her focus on those who sat in Isla under the queen’s grasp.
“Venifikas sussorae,” she spoke, and the otherworldliness of her voice sent a shiver up my spine.
We watched as her mind worked, her eyes darting beneath closed lids as if under the trance of her own spell. Her head twitched in each direction, appearing as if she was looking around wherever her mind had drifted.
“Is that supposed to happen?” Jace asked silently, not wanting to disrupt the spell.
“I’m not entirely sure,” I answered.
Her eyes snapped open, the glow from them flashing through the room as it slowly diminished. Her breathing became erratic, as if she had to work to catch her breath.
“Veli,” I said as I moved toward the table. “Are you alright?”
“There is magic at work in Isla. Azenna’s presence is everywhere.”
Jace and I exchanged a glance as he pressed his lips together into a firm line.
“But you were able to reach them?” he asked.
“Yes,” she whispered.
I tilted my head to the side. “You don’t seem sure.”
“No, I did. I have just never had to navigate around another’s magic. It must be because of the book. Her power grows, and she was felt in every inch of the city.” Veli stood from the table. “But perhaps this is not the best idea, Elianna. There is a high possibility that Azenna sensed that magic.”
I crossed my arms. “Well, would she be able to tell what kind of magic was used?”
“No, just sense its power and presence.”
