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The three keys he spoke of. Cirian said we’d recognize them the moment we saw them. That they weren’t from the mortal plane.
“Even his best advisors warned him against this route, saying we should try the flat lands one more time. Send in our most skilled men all at once. A last attempt to return tonormalcy,” I ground out. “But as usual, Cirian got his way, and settled on a few Knights and recruits.”
If the recruits were scandalized by the way I spoke of the king, they didn’t show it. In fact, I caught sight of Jake nodding in agreement. He might act the joker, but he had a good head on his shoulders.
“So…now you know why you were sent here, without the proper training youshouldhave received. But”—I gripped the mug so hard my knuckles shone white—“just know that I’ve ventured here before, and I’ll do everything in my power to see you back home. I am not prepared to see you all die because of an obsessed king’s rantings.”
Patrick and Nic let out audible gasps. Alec lifted his blond head for the first time, angling it at me as I openly admonished our feared ruler. One who would surely have my head if these traitorous words reached his ears.
“I no longer care to hold my tongue,” I said, answering every unspoken question. “For too long I have remained silent in my protest. And now, I have nothing to lose except the end of our realm if we should fail.Ifwe do manage to live, our king will not be my concern.”
Silence descended heavily, a thick winter blanket weighing upon all of our shoulders.
It was suffocating.
I could taste the fear in the stagnant air, the alarm racing through the veins of my companions. It coated my insides like sticky char, bubbling up my throat.
I’d said too much, frightened them before they’d even set foot into the cursed lands.
My plan had been to be truthful, but instead, all I’d done was make everything worse. I opened my mouth, trying to think of something uplifting to say, some bullshit a commander might utter to encourage his men, but nothing but a sputter came out.
All I’d known was fear, and that particular tool wasn’t working.
“So, from what I’m gathering, you assembled us here, telling us that we will die in the Mist, and that our attempt to save our kingdom will be futile. And you didn’t even bring enough coffee to share with everyone?”
Stunned faces swiveled to Kiara, mouths agape.
Isiah’s lips twitched before he let out a riotous laugh, the sound so genuine that, one by one, the others chuckled as well.
“She’s right,” Jake acquiesced, cocking his head as he stared me down. “You could let us indulge a little before we meet our untimely end.”
“You better have some wine then,” Nic added, provoking more snickers.
Suddenly the air didn’t seem quite as suffocating as it had moments before. Nodding to Kiara, whose lips twitched as she suppressed a smile, I shot her a knowing look. One she returned.
As the other boys began arguing about who would secure the first cup, I caught Kiara’s attention once more and mouthed two words.
Thank you.
Chapter Twenty-One
Kiara
There are things I find myself needing to warn you of, though I doubt you would heed my caution, as you never have in the past. Whether or not you listen, know this: when you go into the cursed lands, do not send only warriors. Bring scholars, healers, those of strong will and fortitude of mind. They will not only have a better chance of survival, but they will help the Chosen reach the beginning of their destinies.
Letter from Aurora Adair to unknown recipient,
year 47 of the curse
“I told you I could be of some use.”
After Jude had been guilted into sharing his stash of coffee with the others, the recruits and the commander’s fellow Knights groomed their steeds for the trek ahead. Unable to help myself, I held back, ambling over to where Jude perched in front of the dying flames.
Even the fresh bruises that painted his face made him more striking. More dangerous.
I liked it far too much.
“I suppose that cheeky mouth of yours is good for some things.” He smirked, handing over his mug without meeting my eyes. It was half full, and my greedy hands lunged for it.
