Page 98 of The Ashborn

“You go, too, princess,” Tristian said, his voice clipped.

“Don’t call me that,” Kienna gritted through her teeth.

“Apologies.” Tristian bowed. “You, too, Kalyra.”

Kienna twitched. “Not that either.”

Tristian hardened, his brow faltering. He gestured for her to continue down the tunnel.

“I’m going to fight,” Kienna scoffed.

“No,” Tristian snapped and dragged her toward the barricade.

Kienna lit her hands and pressed them against his, the heat searing his skin.

He winced but held tight. “I don’t trust you!”

Kienna stumbled backward with the metaphorical dagger he plunged into her chest. After everything, even now? She pursed her lips together. Her eyes cut to Petyr. “I fight for Dove Port, High Commander. I am under the charge of Captain General Vellorin. I don’t take charge from you.”

“He’s right,” Petyr said, his hand nearing his hilt. “I am charging you to the barricades.”

Her breath caught. What the fuck was happening? “You’re kidding?” Kienna scanned their faces. They didn’t have time to argue about this. She glanced at Connak. He looked away, the coward. Her mind pushed toward his, but he wouldn’t answer. “Please!” Kienna begged. “These are my people. I need to fight for them.”

Silence rang, thick and deafening. No one dared to answer her. They didn’t move from her path either. The battle alarms of Vaerin’s army boomed in the distance. They were close. Kienna motioned to go again, yet Tristian remained firm. “Connak, go brief my commanders. They know their charge. Make sure the Captain General’s soldiers are protected.”

Connak hesitated, almost meeting Kienna’s eye, and then he turned and sprinted up the stairs.

“Let’s go, Kienna,” Petyr said, inching away from the steps to help Tristian block her.

“Why are you doing this?” Kienna asked, searching Tristian’s face for an answer. Hot tears flooded behind her eyes. She refused to let them go. She wouldn’t give them the satisfaction.

“Vaerin’s army is marching here. Your uncle’s army. Led by your cousin,” Petyr answered. “Our armies cannot take the risk. It’s no wonder you wouldn’t present your surname to me when we first met.”

“What does it matter? We’re wasting time,” Kienna said, pushing her hands between them to move them out of her way.

Tristian gripped her wrist. “Stop being ignorant, Kienna. We’re fighting this war because of you. For once, do what you’re told and stop hindering what we’re trying to do. If you want to be helpful, then stay here.”

He turned from her. “Petyr, if you will, please.”

The High Commander stormed up the stairs and around the winding path. Kienna briefly met Petyr’s gaze, then resolved to let him guide her into the barricades before closing the door. Dust shook to the floor as he sealed it shut, reminding those in the room to seal it from the inside before leaving.

Kienna’s nostrils flared, her skin burning hot.

She hoped they would succeed, or she’d never be able to contain the fire within herself.

Chapter 38

—Danek—

A wrongness leaked from Baila as she danced along the bridge. Her bright red braid hung over her shoulders and dipped into her battle armor. She wore metal like the soldiers of River Storm, but it clung to her form better than anyone else. The blade twirled in her hands, swinging around black smoke. Behind her were two dark, shadowed creatures. Almost like Umbrin, but more human. Their veins coursed with black; their eyes darkened with no filter of light. Danek tried to put names to their faces. He could have sworn he’d seen them in River Storm before.

“Baila, stop!” Danek halted short of the bridge, scanning the edge to decipher how much room he had left to walk before triggering the trap.

Baila held her hand up and turned to the two men behind her, whispering something he couldn’t hear. She turned back to Danek and smiled. “We weren’t sure if the city was set up with any contraptions. Thanks for that.” She kneeled, gently brushing her fingers over the bridge. She found the traps easily. Her hand lit in a soft green, lifting the magical rune from the cold metal and floating it to the side of the bridge with confidence. The freckles on her face scattered like green moss, her eyes glowing.

“You look good, Danek.” She laughed, flicking her braid.

Danek’s hand hovered above the hilt in his belt. “It’s time to stop this madness. There are innocent people in this city.”