Page 86 of The Ashborn

Connak scoffed. “I’m in Trinity, running missions for Tristian. How would you think I could do that?”

“One of the Blades, maybe? I don’t know. Connak, please. Moira is strong, and she’ll come out of this, but… I would have left it alone if he were safe. That’s all she wanted to know.” Kienna didn’t know why she felt obligated to save Rhior. Maybe it was because he was the father of Moira’s baby, and she’d lived too many days where children didn’t have their father. None of them did. It would have been a shame to bring another baby into the world without one.

Connak’s eyes softened as his gaze burned into Kienna with a sadness she hadn’t expected. “We only have one shot at River Storm. That one shot was for Maren and Jacob.”

“I know,” Kienna said, grasping the weight of it all. All she could do was trust that Connak would figure it out and that he meant what he said when he told her Vaerin wouldn’t hurt her family. “I’m giving it to Moira.”

“Kienna,” Connak growled, the gentleness disappearing. He placed his hands in the air as if wanting to grab her. Shake her. Do something to tire out his frustration. She pleaded with eyes so big that she could see his anger subsiding. Connak shook his hands in the air and pulled himself out of her mind with a suddenness that nearly disoriented her had she not been so resolved to stay in River Storm.

“Was that a yes?” she asked.

River Storm cleared, bare when it had been full. Kienna’s magic was fading in and out, and she sensed it might be dangerous if she continued. The need to pull away and unhand Moira itched at her quickly.

Something else stole her attention, fighting her to go back.

Fear surfaced. “Let me go,” she demanded.

“I’m glad to see you in my first home,” Vaerin’s voice echoed. “Tethered to a baby to get here. Moira’s, I presume.”

“Stop.”

“I can feel its power inside of yours. It’s strong.” Vaerin’s words slithered like a snake around Kienna’s body, licking her mind. “How delightful.”

Then, he let her go, but his voice lingered with smoke. As Kienna reeled back into her body, she caught one final image—a scorched corridor inside the castle, walls blackened, banners tattered. The echo of footsteps that weren’t hers. A burning scent, sharp and bitter, clung to her thoughts. War was upon them now.

Kienna’s mind floated back to her bright apartment. Birds chirped on the terrace, speckles of sun floating around as it made its descent into the sea. Kienna panted frantically, snatching her charm away from Moira. She quickly placed it back on her wrist, chest pounding as she searched her friend for any hint that she could have hurt her or the baby. The humming of magic slowed to a stop inside Kienna’s body.

Moira sat in front of her, eyes wide and inquisitive. She was safe. “What happened?” she asked, reaching for Kienna. “Is Rhior okay?”

Kienna gulped. “I made a mistake.”

Chapter 34

—Kienna—

“I’m trying to wrap my head around why you would do this.” Connak shook his head.

“Scold me later,” Kienna demanded. “I’ll own my mistakes when it’s time, but Vaerin caught me in there, and I’m certain he’s coming.”

Kienna sensed the way the smoke around Vaerin’s aura lit up and curled when he realized Moira had a baby. He mentioned power, which Kienna didn’t ask about, though she felt it, too. It possessed pure power, and Vaerin wouldn’t live in a world where he couldn’t have that.

Connak grunted, pushing the palm of his hand into a tree. He stood at the edge of the barrier forest between Dove Port and Trinity Forest, moonlight dancing at his feet. Kienna pushed past the guilt eating her soul and focused on making sure the people of Dove Port did not suffer for her misuse of magic.

“I can’t protect you from Elira, nor Tristian, this time,” Connak urged, concern lacing his tone as he kept his back to her.

Kienna steadily placed her hand on his shoulder. “Now is not the time for emotion. We need a plan.”

“No,” Connak scowled, pushing her hand from him. “You need to return to Dove Port. I will formulate a plan.”

Connak turned to leave, the set of his shoulders betraying his disappointment. Kienna knew it wasn’t the right time to ask about Rhior. Her gut told her no, and Ruva confirmed, but Kienna couldn’t help it. She knew too much about Moira. She’d grown too close to her. Rhior being taken to the worst place she could imagine would hurt her. “One more thing,” she prodded.

Leave well enough alone, Ruva howled.

“Were you able to send someone for Moira’s husband?”

It’s a wonder you even keep me around anymore.

Connak peered at Kienna longer than she liked, the discomfort of his anger burning a hole through her. His jaw shifted, biting back words he didn’t want to say. His stance faltered, and Kienna caught a tremble in his breath before he spoke. Her favor with him was wearing thin; even he had a line. She clearly crossed it.