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I’ll see her free. If it’s the last thing I do in this lifetime. I shall see her be free.

Chapter31

Elara

Iran across the training arena, directly at Rook, leaping at him as he raised his hands. My legs wrapped around his neck, slinging him to the ground where he landed in a shower of dust. He grappled my thighs, swinging me flat on my back, pinning me to the ground with his body.

“That was impressive,” he said, panting. “Where did you learn to do that?”

“Watching you,” I replied, my chest heaving. “Told you I was learning all about hand-to-hand combat.”

“Well it was one hell of a move,” he said. “You’re getting really good at this.”

“I suppose I need to be. So I don’t… Don’t fucking d-die.” Suddenly I couldn’t breathe.

Rook’s eyes widened with alarm, and he hauled me into a sitting position. “Elara, come on, deep breaths.” He rubbed a hand over my back. “Deep breaths now.”

“I-I c-can’t-” I choked out a sob, clutching my hands to my head. “I-I’m so afr-afraid. I c-can’t do this anymore.” I threw my arms around his neck, not caring that the guards were watching this all unfold before them. “H-he never meant to let me g-go.” I wailed into Rook’s chest as hopelessness tore through me.

Rook drew back, holding my face in his hands. “Look at me. Look at me now.”

I opened my eyes slowly, and met his steely gaze.

“You are the strongest creature I’ve ever met.” His voice had dropped low, curved with urgency. “You are unlikeanyoneI’ve ever met. And youwillbe free. Youwillfight, and youwillwin, and you will show him exactly who he threw into that Pit.”

“B-but-”

“You are Elara Osunon. You are the Sun, remember? You were born to befree, and no one is going to take that destiny from you.”

“I can’t do this,” I said, my voice faltering. “I can’t do this anymore.”

Rook’s fingers stroked my forehead. “Yes you can. Youcan.” He smiled at me as I began to shake my head. “My fierce little Fae, you will set this world on fire if you have to. I know you will.”

“Norahi.” Regan’s voice echoed across the training arena.

I wanted to scream or throw something. We both turned to look at Regan as he walked across the sandy ground.

“Getting cozy again, are we?” Regan asked, though his cynical gaze softened quickly when a sob escaped me. “Oh dear, has something happened?”

Rook put an arm around my shoulders. “Anguish, Regan. It comes with the territory of being a prisoner.”

“Ah. I am sorry.” Regan clasped his spindly fingers before him. “Well, then I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the King has requested an audience with you both.”

“What the fuck for?” I spat out, sweat running down my back.

“To announce the next trial.” Regan replied, his voice dropping a little.

I sobbed into Rook’s chest, clutching on to his neck. He got up with me in his arms, carrying me into the shade. “Come on now, love,” he said, brushing his lips against my forehead while his back was to Regan. “A drink of water and then we’ll face him together.”

“I can’t.” My voice was little more than a squeak as Rook put me down on the ground. “I can’t do this anymore. He’s going to do something terrible.”

Rook filled a cup with water and pressed it into my hand. “You aren’t doing this, my love. We are. Together. Now drink, and dry your tears. I will be right by your side.”

My hand shook as I raised the cup to my lips, water running down my chin as I drank. Rook reached out and wiped the water away with a smile. I gulped down a shuddering breath, and nodded as I met his eyes.

“Alright. Together.”

Regan led us to the throne room, and I was shocked to discover it was almost empty but for a few guards. The empty room felt somehow even more ominous than it did when filled with courtiers. Our footsteps echoed on the stone floor as we approached Theron’s throne, where he sat, arms casually draped beside him.