Page 12

Clutching the wheel tighter, I turn my gaze forward before the mate bond forces me to do something foolish. Kitt is right: the sooner we break this, the better.

I cannot save her. I couldn’t even save myself.

CHAPTER

SIX

With little else to do than talk to them, which is not something I want to do after this morning, I force myself to relax and doze. Memories assault me, and I push them away, opening my eyes and resetting my brain before dozing again. I suppose I could escape, since it would be easy, but I need to break this bond as much as they do. I can’t have them getting in my way when I kill everyone or trying to stop me, because our connection will only continue to grow. I’ve seen even the most hate-filled pairs melt and meld until they lose themselves.

That will not be me.

When we reach the peak, I sit up and stick my head out of the cracked window. The wind blows my hair back as I look at the beautiful field of flowers and grass, with mountain peaks framing it in the setting sun.

They stop at the end of the road, where the others are parked, then climb out. I stretch my muscles then head for the path that will take us through the wilderness. It’s private land that’s classed as a nature reserve to the rest of the world, but those with magic know differently.

It’s a coven. Each one is different, but this one focuses on earth magic. They are also lighter witches than those I grew up with. My mother and her people focus on dark magic, mainly death magic, but I always found it so beautiful here compared to the icy landscape of my home.

“You act like you’ve been here before,” Torrin remarks, surprising me since he seems to avoid me the most.

“I visited many times during court meetings. Mages don’t interact often, but when they do, it’s always a good party. As the daughter and heir, it was my duty to be at my mother’s side,” I reply, knowing they are all listening. When speaking to one, I am talking to all. He doesn’t seem mad about this morning, but Emrys keeps eyeing me. I don’t know if he intends to kill me or is worried I’ll touch his precious guns again.

They lapse into silence, which is fine by me. I move ahead, my hands stretched out on either side, caressing the flowers as I pass. The path becomes difficult as we head into the mountains. Sheltered between two, and away from prying eyes, rests the heart of the peaks. Magic embraces me, letting me in with a familiar touch, but it would turn others away unless they are welcome. It does alert their elders, though, so it doesn’t surprise me when I step into the village and their head mage, Flora, is waiting, backlit by her people and home.

The houses are built into rock and within trees, everything made from the earth. I always thought this place was something special, and it is still as beautiful as I remember.

Her hair is an icy grey—not from age, since it’s been like that for as long as I can remember—and it’s longer now, half plaited back with feathers and beads hanging throughout. On her shoulder rests a brightly coloured bird clutching the strap of her floral sundress. Her face has more wrinkles, but she is as beautiful as I remember, with bright blue eyes that always reminded me of the sky. She smiles, flashing white teeth, and throws out her arms in welcome.

“The lost ones.” I glance at the men, realising she means them. “Welcome back.”

Kitt surprises me when he offers her a tight smile, but then her eyes focus on me and widen.

“I know you,” the mage says, watching me intently before she smiles. “My brightling!” It is what she always called me, but when I don’t respond, she huffs. “Oriana Draven, daughter of the great Hel Draven, I thought you passed from this life.”

“I did.” I shrug. “How is Mummy dearest?”

“I haven’t spoken to the great Draven in many years. You know how she is,” Flora replies, embracing me despite my resistance. Pulling back, she plays with my hair, and there’s an odd look in her eyes. “I guess it happened!” Mother always called her insane, but I simply thought she was odd. “Come, let me offer you respite, and we can discuss why you are here.” Sliding her arm through mine, she steers me through the streets. I ignore the greetings and looks. I am known because of my mother, and here, that is not always a good thing.

When we reach their ancestral hall, framed by a great tree, I am ushered into a seat on a long bench. During gatherings or meals, the hall is full, but right now, it’s empty. The tree is at the back, its roots built into the structure as I touch the uneven, handmade table as I glance around.

Nothing has changed, not the flower chandeliers or the trail of lights. When I was younger, I wished I were born here instead, into this light and happiness.

When Flora sits opposite me, the others finally take their seats, apparently unhappy but not wanting to be bad guests. “It has been a long time, lost ones. How have you been?”

“We need your help,” Kitt says, speaking as softly as he can. I don’t get that kind of treatment. Rude.

She waves it on. “Of course, but we will eat first. You are growing skinny.” I arch an eyebrow at that and look them over. Not one inch of them is skinny. Instead, Flora focuses on me, a flower forming in her palm, and she lays it on my arm. “For you, my brightling. How have you been?”

“Oh, you know, surviving,” I scoff as plates float before us. When I glance at mine, I’m not surprised. They know how to cater to each person here. Raw meat is placed before Emrys.

Heaps of roasted meat fill plates for Raiden and Torrin. Bram only has vegetables, which surprises me, and Kitt has a mixed plate. Mine holds a buttery chicken, mash, and veg, and I dive in with gusto. I don’t speak as I eat, and Flora observes me before a second then third plate appears. When I cannot eat another bite, I lean against the table, satisfied and full.

Those like me know there is nothing better than a warm, safe meal. I appreciate the little things after Gehenna, things I took for granted before, like running water, safe food, clean drinking water, bedding, and security.

“You act like you haven’t eaten in years.” Flora chuckles, but there is a question in her eyes. Despite her soft exterior, she is a very powerful mage. Unlike my mother, who uses force, Flora gets her way with kindness. You don’t even realise what you’ve given up before it’s too late. When I was a child and unused to Flora’s tricks, my mother threw me into the dungeons after my first visit. I begged and cried, learning my lesson. I’d given Flora some of our secrets without meaning to. She was just so kind and warm, unlike my own life.

“Your food is as good as ever.” I sidestep her comment, and her lips quirk, knowing what I did.

“So, why are you here, and why are you together?” This time, her query is direct. Kitt finishes his plate, wiping his mouth with manners that surprise me before he addresses Flora with that same gentle tone. I guess her aura works on everyone, even men like him.