“Did you find Isolde?”
“Yes. We barely escaped. We don’t have much time. Let’s go.”
“What about the book?” Ava asked.
“I’m not sure,” he said.
“Luna? Do they have the book?”
No.
“Luna said they don’t have it.”
“It’s too late,” said Pax. “We must leave.”
Pax led them deeper into the woods, Remy trotting in front of them. A lump formed in Ava’s throat as she realized what she had to do. They needed the book. It contained the only known instructions on how to use portal magic. Without it, they would be lost…they would never win the war.
And the whole realm of Eorhan would fall.
Ava halted. “Pax. Take Cas with you.”
Her heart broke as she let go and stood before her love, cupping his face. “I’ll be back.”
Casimir moaned. “No…Don’t…go…back…”
“Your Highness,” said Pax. “You can’t. They’re looking for you.”
“It’s the only way we can send Deidamia back to her realm. Wehaveto have it. It’s the reason Casimir came here in the first place.”
Pax let out a long sigh, running a hand over his face. “Stay alert and return as quickly as you can.”
Ava pressed her lips to Casimir’s, tucking a strand of hair behind his pointed ear. “I promise I’ll be back. I love you.”
“No…” he whispered again, his energy waning.
“Keep him safe,” Ava urged.
“With my life.” With those last words, Pax led Casimir deeper into the woods.
“I’m coming with you, Miss Ava.”
She knelt and placed her hands on Remy’s shoulders. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. It’s dangerous. You know how ruthless they are. You should go with Pax.”
Resolve passed over the hobgoblin’s face, like nothing Ava had ever seen before. “I want to help. I’m small. I can sneak around.”
“Remy…They’ll kill you.”
He lifted his chin and cupped Ava’s face. “I want to help. I want to be a part of taking down the daemons, Miss Ava.” His voice lowered into a whisper. “I had lost all hope until you arrived. Yes, I did. But you saved my life. Let this be my repayment…let me do this for my parents…”
Ava pressed her lips together. “Alright. But do exactly as I say.”
Reaching for her magic, she sensed it still writhing. Though she was beginning to tire, she should have enough power to protect Remy and herself.
“Let’s go. Quietly.”
Ava stood, leading Remy back toward the camp, pausing at the edge of the woods.
“Luna, do you know where the book is?”
