Page 242 of Of Masks and Fury

“Defeated him in combat.”

Her grin widened. “You conveniently didn’t mention that part of the rescue operation.”

Because it still hurt. Hating him didn’t take away the fact that he was my father. He hadn’t always been like this. I could remember him being kind, showing he loved us. He changed after our mother died.

I explained about our fight while she listened avidly, gasping in a few places.

“By showing what was happening, I gave our people something to think about,” I said. “And left Cyril to wallow in his humiliation.”

I might still be a mix of emotions, but I would no longer call him Father.

“He’s a nasty thing,” Addie said. “I imagine he’ll rise again. The bad guys always do. I understand his army is getting closer.”

“They’ll be here in no time.” After glancing Trew’s way and him nodding, I shared our conversation with King Darvon.

Addie’s shoulders fell. “He stopped here to see me, surrounded by Syllavar guards, thank the fates. At first, I didn’t want to see him, but he kept coming, so I eventually did. He was actually quite pleasant. Fortunately, he didn’t try to make me marry him. If he had, I would’ve gutted him.”

She didn’t look strong enough to fight anyone yet, but I understood the sentiment. I’d felt the same about Lord Alfred.

“We have to meet up with Lexie, Derren, and Kerralyn soon.” Addie’s gaze traveled between us. “I’m worried about Fenmark.”

“We’re leaving shortly,” Trew said.

She flicked back the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed. “I’m going with you.”

Trew leaned against the wall, crossing his arms on his chest. “You’re not strong enough to do anything yet.”

“I’m strong enough to sit on the back of a dragon. I’m not suggesting I’ll walk to Mother’s estate, but I’m not staying behind.” Her jaw set with that familiar stubbornness, the same expression she’d sent my way all my life.

I’d worn the same look when Trew tried to keep me from dangerous missions, one that said arguing was pointless. I’d always thought she was braver than me, but maybe we were more alike than I’d known.

“Tell me what you’re feeling through the bond,” I said.

Addie’s expression crumpled. “Pain. Constant pain. He’s hurt, Isi. Badly. And I’m sitting here useless while he suffers.” Her fingers gripped mine. “I keep reaching for him, trying to send comfort through our connection, but it’s like shouting into a storm. I don’t know if he can feel me.”

“We need to be strategic about this,” Trew said. “Sealing the veil breach is our priority?—”

“No,heis.” Addie’s eyes blazed. “Fenmark is out there. Your cousin. The man I love. And you think we should prioritize a magical tear over his life? We’ve waited long enough. It’s time to go after him.”

“If we don’t seal that veil, everyone will die,” I said. “Including Fenmark.”

The truth of my words hung between us.

Addie’s shoulders sagged, and she slumped back on the bed. “I know this is the logical choice, but my heart doesn’t care.” Tears spilled down her cheeks. “What if we seal the veil and he dies because we should’ve gone to him first? What if I never get to tell him—” Her voice broke. “I have to go with you. Please.”

She was still too thin. Her hands still trembled. I was about to take someone who could barely stand and fly her into the mostdangerous place in the realm because love was the only argument that had ever moved either of us.

I glanced up at Trew, and the look in his eyes told me this was my decision.

“Alright,” I said. “The three of us will fly south together. We’ll meet up with our friends. And then we’re going to end this.”

Trew pushed off the wall. “We’ll take fresh dragons and fly straight through the night. When we find Lexie, Derren, and Kerralyn in the valley, they’ll either have Fenmark with them or information about where we can find him. We’ll fix the veil. If we can’t do it fast…” His jaw clenched. “We’ll figure something out.”

“Will we have time to fly south, connect with the others, and seal the veil before the war begins?” I asked, worried about the endlessly tight timeframe.

He gave me a curt nod, though I could see the worry in his eyes.

“Do we have much choice?” Addie asked, equally concerned.