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“If anything happens you bolt the door and stay inside. Don’t wander around at night, just in case, this isn’t the middle grounds we’re used to," I lecture, a hand on my hip. River rolls her eyes and gently pushes us out of the door.
“We’re big kids, stop worrying, Bella,” she urges, giving me a quick hug of her own before closing the door behind me. Without further argument, we head for the castle, bracing for the challenges I know will be coming our way.
Chapter 13
“We need to pick up the pace, I’m not sure what darkness could bring," Maddox urges, sounding nervous as his eyes dart around. They’re all on edge and have been since we left the others behind. Something passed between us when I got taken over by Faerie’s magic and now they’re protecting me from the unknown with a fierceness I’ve never seen.
We’ve already passed the second village, and found it in the same shape as the first. The buildings are similar and the town itself is eerily silent. The difference is the war had hit the second town harder. Some buildings are caved in and parts of the town are completely destroyed and reduced to piles of rubble.
I’m no expert, but I’d estimate that we have about an hour’s walk left, and the sun’s already slowly dropping behind the trees. We need to hurry and if I pegged these guys right, I’d say they take to competition like moths to flames. Stopping to stretch and warm up my legs, I look over to see Gerwyn looking at me curiously. He doesn’t seem to get what I’m about to do, but he knows something’s up. I can’t help the mischievous smile that turns up the corners of my mouth.
When I spare a look at the others, Bowen’s eyes narrow at me, clearly picking up on my plan. Lucky for me, he seems to be just as competitive and mischievous as I thought he was. I make a show of stretching out my back before leaning down and bracing myself to run. With one last glance at the men ahead, I figure out just how to get past them and maintain speed. With that, I take off in a sprint, Bowen at my heels.
“Race you!” I yell as my legs carry me down the road. Bowen’s next to me in seconds and it’s my turn to narrow my eyes in challenge. Before I can overtake him, a rumbling laugh comes between us as Emrick passes us both effortlessly, jogging backw
ards for a moment just to wink at me, before turning around and running ahead.
“What the heck, Em?” I huff and Bowen chuckles at my shock.
“He wins every challenge, he can’t help it," Bowen informs me, now keeping pace next to me on purpose. I turn around and notice the others jogging a few paces behind us, not a single one of them looking affected.
“Not today, he doesn’t.” Pushing ahead, I run as hard as I can, but I’m not quick enough. He’s still out of reach and I’m not sure I can go any faster. I continue to sprint, the castle just within reach. An urge to beat him grows stronger as he makes a show of walking for a few seconds before turning and laughing openly at us. A laugh bubbles out of me at the sight of the stoic mountain of a man acting like a goofy kid.
My short stature isn’t doing me any favors so I have no hope of winning. Unless… using magic would be a bad idea, right? But maybe it’s worth a shot. Drawing my magic out is as easy as breathing now. Once it’s thrumming through my system, I push it into my legs, willing them to move faster. A rush of wind blows over me as my body propels me faster than should be possible, leaving Emrick in a cloud of dust in moments.
The gate to the city looms ahead, and I pull my magic back just before crashing into it. The only problem is that I don’t know how to stop myself gently. As my magic sucks back into my body, I tumble over my legs and roll a few times across the gravel until my entire body hits the city wall… hard. My breath is knocked out of me and I take a minute to regulate my breathing again. I stay that way for a few seconds before heaving myself upright. Standing on shaky legs, I turn and give the guys a bow. I’d just made a complete ass out of myself, but their laughter only has me cracking up right along with them. The four brothers are bent over belly laughing, but Allwyn looks as exasperated as ever. I have a feeling he doesn’t appreciate my humor or use of my magic.
Not wanting to look at Allwyn and his annoyed glances, I turn and start to walk into the city, my legs buckling under me the moment I take a tentative step. I crumple to the ground and Allwyn rushes forward. He bends down in front of me, looking me over from head to foot.
“I guess using magic to beat Emrick wasn't the best choice. But I won!” I cheer halfheartedly while Allwyn stares down at me like I’m crazy. But Bowen’s howls of laughter and Emrick’s half smile keep my mood light. At least they appreciate my humor.
“Can you even walk?” Allwyn asks, bringing my eyes back to him. I can see the hint of jealousy in his eyes, so I reach out and grab his hand. I really do like him, despite our differences, I just think he’s way too serious sometimes.
“Help me up?” I ask softly, giving him a gentle smile. His eyes soften as he helps me to my feet, wrapping his arm securely around my waist. Maddox walks ahead to the city gate and I noticed this gate actually has a large bar built into it so it can be pulled open. Emrick steps forward and between them they’re able to pry it open. The gate creaks and resists, but it’s no match for the giant fae men in front of me.
The more I walk, the easier it gets. My legs eventually become strong enough that I don’t need help. Allwyn steps away at the first sign of steady steps and moves ahead of the others, not even sparing me a parting glance.
“He’s a bit stiff, isn’t he?” Bowen teases, giving me a wide grin. “I for one thought that landing was majestic.”
His words have a surprised laugh bubbling out of me. “Well, in that case you’re welcome for the free show.”
“I’m actually impressed you were able to manipulate your magic that way,” Gerwyn notes. His face is more relaxed than when we first met, but his smile is still reserved.
“It’s actually getting easier each time I use it,” I say with a shrug. “But it’s obviously not an exact science.”
“Well, from the gossip going around, you’ve got Winter and Spring magic. I can help with the Winter side,” Gerwyn offers. The prospect of getting some proper training has me perking up.
“Really? That’d be great,” I said excitedly.
“She’s got training already in order. But thanks,” Allwyn says sharply, all three of us turning to him to see if he’s fucking serious.
“Last time I checked, your offer of being a guard, and me accepting, has nothing to do with my personal schedule or decisions, Allwyn,” I shoot back, matching his tone. Bowen snorts softly but Allwyn just turns and walks ahead again. This is going great, I think sarcastically as we walk past the gates.
The town beyond the gates is a dream come true. My architect heart is happy. The buildings are strong and beautiful. The homes in this city are made of stone and have intricate carvings decorating the trim. Beautiful statues and fountains decorate the town center, though the fountains are dry now.
Beyond the beauty I can see in it, the town itself has seen more of the war than the other villages we’ve passed. Many of the buildings have crumbling walls or are caved in completely. The stone streets have craters and cracks running through them, making the walk a bit harder to navigate. I don’t feel the need to explore inside of the buildings, since I know we’ll just find more of the same devastation. Someday I want to come back here and help rebuild it to its former glory, but for now we have more pressing matters.
The castle sits on a hill near the end of town. I’m not surprised it’s poised above the homes of the citizens, it fits with the high and mighty vibe I keep getting from these royals. If I thought the architectural quality of the town was fantastic, it doesn’t even hold a candle to the castle. The walls are covered in green ivy and the trim is made of some kind of polished stone. Stone creatures are carved in place of gargoyles, their toothy grins and mystical natures giving it even more of a mythical vibe.
