This plan is the right one, I know it in my heart. We’ll save Vera and contain the biggest threat to my throne, all in one controlled operation.
“You’re right, Noire. I’d want us to leave early tomorrow morning so that we give little time for the word to get out,” I say and turn to Ezkai Xander. “Can we put together a unit of about thirty best men who are loyal to me, and not Caligos, by dawn?”
Ezkai Xander dips his chin. “Of course, General.”
“Good. A number from the Spy, the Protector, and the Executioner Units. Also, some from the Mender Unit,” I say.
Noire’s gaze lingers on me a fraction longer than necessary. Is he worried I’ll get hurt, too?
Jax’s disagreement is palatable. It prickles the base of my skull.
You have to trust me on this one, Jax, I tell him through our bond.I need your support.
It’s not you I don’t trust,he replies smoothly.I’ll always have your back, Nix. I swear. Even if I don’t agree.
Hearing that soothes some of the unease inside me.
“It’s settled, then,” I say firmly. “We leave Jaakii at dawn.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
PHOENIX
Dawn hasn’t yet broken when we ride out of Jaakii. The courtyard is still cloaked in darkness when I step outside, thirty Ezkai already assembled in silent formation. Their polished leather armor gleams faintly in the torchlight, breath visible in the cold morning air. Everything is as I ordered. Precise, efficient, controlled.
Yet, something feels…off.
I roll my shoulders, trying to shake it. It clings anyway.
I want to ride on a horse, just like my Ezkai. But Noire talks me out of it. Security reasons, of course. So, I share my carriage with Jax and Noire, my army of Ezkai riding behind us.
The iron gates to the castle grounds close behind us with a heavy thud that echoes longer than it should.
Chances are, before we reach Talbot’s estate in Vaskor, Reizei will know about our arrival. I’ve been careful about who travels with me, but Ekios is small and word travels fast. Especially in these godsdamned shadowy circles.
I’m ready for it, though.
I’m ready to face Reizei and end his malicious reign. He will not threaten Ekios, my throne, or people I love anymore.
The city fades behind us too quickly, swallowed by morning mist and silence. Hooves drum against the road in steady rhythm, thirty riders moving as one.
It should feel like control. Like certainty. I chose this.
Instead, unease coils tighter in my chest with every mile we put between us and the castle. I tell myself it’s anticipation. Not doubt. But the silence in our carriage makes it even harder.
Noire sits unmoved by the tension in the carriage on my right, his hands folded neatly in his lap as he watches the fields we pass through his small window. Jax is on the cushiony bench straight in front of me, eyes trained out the window.
He doesn’t speak. But he doesn’t have to.
I feel him through our bond. Painfully so.
He told me he’ll stand by me even if he doesn’t agree with my choices. But it still hurts… Why doesn’t he see that this is the correct way for me to lead?
As if he has read my mind, his gaze flicks away from the window, and our eyes meet.
I’m not leaving you. His words float through my mind.
That’s not what worries me.
