Ava removed her dagger and cut her palm, dipping her fingers into the blood. She drew three symbols on the ground, pressed her palm down, and closed her eyes.
“Hurry, princess!” someone shouted, the mist closing in.
“Keep quiet,” Casimir ordered. “Let her focus.”
“Got it!” the soldier in the tomb yelled, joining them as he held the crystal in his palm.
He handed it over and Casimir shoved it in his pocket, ignoring the strange thrumming coursing through him at its touch against his palm. The mist continued to close in, frantic voices urging Ava to hurry.
A portal formed before them, Ava still on her knees pouring her magic into it. A swirling abyss of black and blue. The mist was almost upon them and Casimir jerked his hand away as the tips of his fingers were burned.
“Time to go,” she said.
Casimir pulled her up, wrapped his arm around her, and stepped through.
46
Pressure. So much pressure. It was the second portal they’d gone through after retrieving their companions and the sensations were even more intense.
But then…green grass. Blue skies. Towering trees teeming with insects and bright purple blooms. The smell of lavender. The songs of birds. Dirt rings cordoned off by a stone wall. A pale castle covered in vines.
Ava sank to her knees in the field with a relieved sigh as the rest of the party appeared through the portal behind her. They were back in Monterre.
Home.
The remaining tension left her body when she heard no screams. No sounds of fighting or battles. The castle was intact. From what she could see of town, it was safe. They weren’t there yet. The daemons weren’t there.
Seconds later, someone scooped her up and she met eyes with Casimir. “Let’s get Kai to examine your foot.” He called over his shoulder, “Anyone with injuries, head to the healer’s wing.”
“You’re back!” Fanya’s voice came from ahead. She rushedforward, scanning them until her eyes landed on her brother. With a gasp she clapped her hand over her mouth. “Raine! Your eye!”
“I’m fine.” He waved her off, still exhausted from using so much magic. “What about you? Have you recovered from your injuries?”
“Yes. I’m alright now. You look terrible. You’re pale. And clammy. And you’re going to have an awful scar!”
“You mean a sexy scar,” he attempted to croon, his voice weak.
“Sorry to interrupt, Fanya, but we must get to the healer’s quadrant to rest and recover,” said Casimir.
“Yes. Of course. I’ll go let Pax and Thorne know you’re back.”
We’re going to go hunt,Luna said.We need something more substantial than what we ate in the desert.
The animals took off, disappearing into the woods, and Ava nuzzled into the crook of Casimir’s neck as they headed to heal her foot.
Bathed and changed,Ava sat in the crowded dining hall for dinner. Though exhausted, Jareth had insisted on checking in with his parents, and Ava had made a portal for him to return to Caelestia.
Maeryn, Raine, Gisela and Imsel had napped but were still drained and would need at least another full day of rest to replenish. But it was possible they didn’t even have that kind of time.
There was so much activity around the castle, most of the leaders present to discuss the final plans to banish Andras and take back their world, and the table was crammed with royalty, generals and captains.
Maps were scattered about. Pieces were being arranged and rearranged atop them. Voices reverberated in the large space, discussions ensuing on what the next step should be.
A small feast took up part of the table. Not nearly as much food as they’d typically have, their stores shrinking by the day. Thorne had begun rationing it more strictly in the castle, assuring they had enough for the citizens and the army.
Ava’s throat tightened when she recalled the way the farms had burned not long ago.
“Everyone, quiet down!” Thorne raised his hand from the head of the table, taking the lead.
