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“Several have expressed doubt in your promised allies,” he continues. “A single court member is hard to believe… let alone two.”
“They will help destroy the court if necessary.”
“They arepartof that court.” He heaves a sigh and looks away, mouth pressing into a tight line.
“Yes. And they have seen what she is capable of firsthand.”
“The lives of the entire pack will hinge on them not revealing everything to Elizabeth.”
“You can trust them. Come up with a plan to get everyone out of there in case it’s necessary to retreat. We will only tell each other the necessary details to coordinate our efforts. It will also serve as a failsafe in case anyone is captured.”
Oliver scratches the stubble on his cheek as he mulls it over. He nods. “That will have to do.”
He signals, and five scouts shift, disappearing into the misty forest like ghosts. A sixth wolf clasps Cherno between their hands, then follows after.
This time, we will succeed.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
CLARA
My fingers tightenaround the thin, wrapped bundle in my hand, not wanting to drop it while riding through the mist. Even without looking, I can sense the moment we are out of it. The pull on my senses urging me to go in another direction dissolves altogether.
I let out a relieved breath and peel open my eyes. Behind me, Oliver dismounts and comes to stand next to Nyx’s head. He absentmindedly scratches her between the ears while studying me.
“I can go with you,” he says. Again.
I shake my head. “You’re needed here.”
“Then let me send someone else with you. I don’t like the idea of you traveling alone.” He holds a placating hand up, stopping me from interrupting. “I’m know you’re capable, but it would make me feel better. I would never forgive myself if something were to happen to you.”
We’ve had so many similar conversations now I’ve lost count. “I appreciate the offer,” I say honestly, reaching forward to stroke the mare’s neck. “Nyx will take good care of me, and we’ll see each other again in a few days.”
He nods and steps back. A silent signal of his surrender.
“I have a favor to ask.” I hold the bundle out to him and hope the theory that Varin and I came up with is right.
Make sure they don’t aim for the bird. We don’t know if killing Kharis will work.
Oliver’s brows go up. He takes it from me and opens it. He looks at the singular arrow with a thin green stripe painted near the arrowhead. Lifting it up to his face, he turns it this way and that, not understanding.
“Give this to your best archer. If there’s an opening, have them aim for Elizabeth.”
Carefully, he rewraps it, securing the leather tie. “Why only one? Why this one specifically? The tip is steel. Unless it hits something vital, it won’t kill a vampire.”
I bite the inside of my cheek. Perhaps I should have tried to get one made of it, just to be safe. I sigh. It’s too late now. “Have them aim to hit her anywhere they can—even if it’s not a mortal wound. If they miss, it won’t matter, because I doubt we’ll get another chance.”
He waits for me to continue, but I don’t. “I’ll give it to—”
“Don’t tell me,” I say before he can finish.
Oliver looks Nyx straight on and feeds her a few slices of apple. “Run fast and be safe.”
The only farewell he offers me is a nod.
I urge Nyx forward. After a few yards, I glance back, smiling weakly, and wave. My nerves are already on edge. Then as Nyx speeds up, Varin takes control, keeping the ride smooth as we gallop into the forest.
An hour passes before we slow.
