I dipped my chin before turning to Veli. “I know. And that’s why I need my aide to transport my conscious before them, wherever they may lie in the wood, so I can try to convince them myself.”
“What?!” Jace gasped with a half laugh.
I turned to him. “It’s good to know I can still surprise you.”
He scratched the back of his neck. “Yeah, that’s the word for it.”
Veli remained silent as she watched us.
“Let’s hear it, Veli. Where does the foolishness lie in this plan? And what will it take for me to convince you? I needto get my sister back. The time has come for me to save my kingdom.”
Her stare roamed over me, and my eyes flared as the corner of her lips tilted up. She crossed her arms as she leaned back in her chair. “I actually believe that there’s no harm in this attempt.”
“Wait, what?” My eyes widened in disbelief.
“I’m just as surprised as you are,” she admitted.
Jace’s back stiffened. “And they won’t be able to harm her, right?”
“Correct, for her physical body will not be presented to them. She would be just as Idina appeared to you.”
“Can anyone accompany her?” he asked.
“If you have not met them, then no.”
Irritation rattled the bond.
“I will be okay,” I said, trying to calm him.
“Bruhn is the leader of the centaurs, and I believe I can convince him to help,” I spoke aloud to everyone.
“While your plan may work, you should know that centaurs are stubborn, savage creatures that have always hidden within their forest. Do not think just because they know you, that they will help,” Veli stated.
“I believe, aside from this, we’re out of options. Would you not agree?” I challenged her. “Aside from ships and rift walking, we are essentially stuck in Alaia. Our only known passage out on foot has been barricaded by stone. There are no more allies to seek. This is it. They are our last hope.”
“I just don’t want you getting your hopes up,” she said as she clicked her talons on the table.
“Have no fear in that,” I stated, and the room turned solemn.
“My Lia.” Jace’s voice rattled through me, and my eyes closed tightly as I desperately tried to keep myself together.
“What I am certain of is that Idina will now use Avery as a shield. She wants me to come there and get her. Whether they guess I’ll bring my entire army is unknown. She may think it's just me coming, but make no mistake, she knows something will be. And I’m sure she is already preparing, so we must do our best to as well.”
Veli gave me a curt nod. “Very well. I will do as you asked and send you to your centaurs.”
“Thank you,” I whispered.
“What do you need us to do?” my mate asked.
“Just make sure our armies are ready to leave within the next few days. Weapons, armor, everything…I want every capable, able-bodied soldier in formation.”
I looked to the window. “Dawn isn’t far off. What will you need for this to work?”
“Nothing is needed aside from you thinking of who you wish to appear before,” Veli answered.
“Finnian was right. Magic is terrifying.” A huff of a laugh left me.
A knowing grin crept over her face. “It is.”
