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They hadn't thought about what would happenafterthey brought her back to a palace she didn't remember. To a history she didn't recall, to a role she was resistant to play.
The Kallie they knew and loved was no longer there. Or she had grown into something more than they had imagined.
Chapter24
As Kallie sata top of a horse named Shadow, she regretted taking the reins from Graeson. When Graeson had asked her if she was fine with riding on her own horse to relieve Calamity of their combined weight, Kallie didn't want him to think her a coward. She needed to face her fears. Therefore, with her rage from the other day still fresh, she took the reins, swallowing the large lump in her throat.
The path they took to the springs led them through the village and Graeson signaled them to stop beside what looked to be a bakery.
Without glancing at her, he hopped off. Kallie shifted, but his words halted her. "I'll be back in just a moment."
She stared at his back and watched him disappear into the bakery. As the door shut behind him, the smell of cinnamon, butter, and honey saturated the air. Inhaling the smell, Kallie sighed. But then the memory of Graeson sharing bread with her and the two of them kissing flashed in her mind, and she wanted to gag instead.
Beneath her, Shadow shifted and Kallie gripped the reins, her thighs tightening around the horse. Beads of sweat began to form at the base of her neck underneath her braid. For the most part, she had been fine riding beside Graeson, but now she was responsible for two horses. And her breathing began to pick up. She started counting to ten.
At seven, Graeson walked out, and she exhaled heavily.
When his gaze met hers, his head tilted and he brushed his hand through his hair. "You let your fear get the best of you."
After shoving a bundle in the satchel carrying their belongings, he stepped toward her and Kallie fiddled with the reins.
"Are you sure you're going to be fine? We can turn back and get a double saddle," Graeson suggested.
The wordyeswas on the tip of her tongue, but unwilling to admit defeat, she shook her head.
Graeson waited for a moment as though she would change her mind. But when Kallie didn't, he mounted his horse. "Do you think your fear is because of that night?"
He didn't need to specify for her to know what he meant. She shrugged. "It's possible."
Patting Calamity on the side of her neck, Graeson said, "The horse did nothing besides obey its master." Then under his breath, he added, "Not the horse’s fault his master is a monster.”
"Obviously. But that doesn't make it any easier." Breathing through her trepidation, Kallie signaled Shadow to a trot. And as she followed Graeson, Kallie tried her best to not focus on the queasiness that kept bouncing in her stomach.
An awkward silence stretched between them and with time, the town disappeared behind them. The grand palace a mere speck in the distance. And ahead of them, a windy path through the hills tipped in gold. The sun greeting them.
The trip had just begun, but Kallie could not wait for it to be over.
* * *
They had stopped twiceduring their trek to the springs for a break for the horses and themselves.
Then soon after, Graeson had slowed Calamity's pace down to a walk as they approached a thick batch of trees.
"We're almost there," Graeson said, keeping his eyes on the path.
Graeson led them into the forest that even the sun, which now sat in the center of the sky, couldn't break through. And as they passed the first line of trees, a light chill brushed over her skin. Then a faint tune began to echo in the trees, a beautiful harmony forming.
Deep within the branches of the trees, a splotch of bright scarlet flew from one branch to another. Then another blood-red bird perched on the branch alongside the first, amplifying the tune. Another joined in the song, hidden somewhere among the green leaves. Then another. And another. And soon, the birds were harmonizing with one another, their song reverberating across the forest.
Graeson said in a hushed tone, "I've never seen so many." And for once, Graeson appeared surprised.
"What kind of birds are they?" Kallie asked.
"They're called the Red Spirit, said to be the eyes of the gods."
"They're beautiful," Kallie whispered, afraid that if she spoke too loudly she might scare them off. "Why do you think there are so many?"
Graeson continued to stare at the birds, his face a mix of awe, shock, and concern. “Has to be an omen of some sort," he mumbled, more to himself than in answer to Kallie’s question.
