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Sion easily predicted the queen's reaction, his heart sinking even as Cressida's lips curled into a cruel smile.

“Release him? You little fool,” Cressida sneered, her voice dripping with contempt. “You may have spared his mortal life, but there is no way he'll ever be free of me.”

Chapter Eleven

The crisp air carried the scent of pine and decaying leaves as Selenia threw her leg over her mount, her ruby cape trailing behind her like a banner of defiance. The fabric caught the fading sunlight, seeming to glow with an inner fire that matched the determination in her eyes.

“I'm coming with you,” she declared.

Grayden's jaw clenched, a muscle ticking in his cheek as he struggled to maintain his composure. “Absolutely not. I forbid it,” he said, his tone sharp as he pulled on his leather riding gloves. The supple material creaked as he grabbed the reins tightly in his hands.

Selenia, true to her nature, ignored him completely. She clicked her tongue, the sound sharp in the quiet forest, forcing her mare, Honor, into a steady gait. The horse's hooves kicked up small puffs of dust as they moved forward, leaving Grayden behind.

Frustration mounting, Grayden turned to his last hope for support. “Phillippe, back me up here!” he yelled over his shoulder, spurring Damion into a quicker pace to catch up with his headstrong sister. The powerful stallion responded instantly, muscles bunching as he surged forward.

Phillippe's laughter rang out behind them, a rare sound of mirth in these tense times. “She's not going to stay put, Brother,” he called, urging his own horse ahead as well. “You might as well resign yourself to the fact that your rescue mission includes one more.”

Grayden frowned as he watched Selenia glance back at him, a smirk of triumph proudly crossing her face. The expression was so familiar, so reminiscent of the sister he knew before tragedy struck, that it made his heart ache. He struggled internally about including her. Although his quest to retrieve Renya would no doubt be dangerous, it was the first time he saw a spark in Selenia's eyes since the passing of Jurel.

The memory of Jurel's death hung over them like a shroud, a constant reminder of what they had lost and what was at stake. Grayden studied his sister's profile, noting the way the grief had etched fine lines around her eyes, aging her beyond her years. And yet, there was something there now—a flicker of the old Selenia, the one who faced challenges head-on with a fierce grin.

Finally, he gave a curt nod, and Selenia responded with a half grin. His heart leapt at the look. Although a month had passed since Jurel's death, Selenia still took to wandering the halls of the castle, absentmindedly stroking the walls and looking off into space. It deeply concerned Grayden, but he didn't know how to offer her comfort when he himself could barely keep it together. The weight of Renya's absence pressed down on him constantly, a physical ache that never truly subsided.

“You are to follow my orders, exactly as I give them,” he warned, as Selenia slowed down her pace to ride alongside him. The words came out harsher than he intended, born of fear for her safety rather than true anger.

In response, Selenia stuck her tongue out at him, the childish gesture so unexpected that Grayden almost laughed. Then her expression sobered as she looked ahead into the dark forest that loomed before them.

Grayden followed her gaze, apprehension settling in his gut like a cold, heavy stone. He could see nothing but the shadows of trees ahead, their branches reaching out like gnarled fingers in the fading light. It would be a long ride to the Sun Realm, but he was determined to get there as quickly as he could. There must be some clue, some instruction on how to break the blood promise that Renya made to Cressida. Julietta's words gave him hope that such a thing was possible. If he could rescue Renya and break the blood promise, they could potentially have a fighting chance of beating Cressida for good.

As they rode, Grayden's mind raced with possibilities. Surely Renya might have picked up some secret knowledge about her, some way to defeat Cressida? If not, perhaps Sion had. The thought of Sion, still trapped in Cressida's clutches, sent a pang of guilt through him. He pushed the feeling aside, focusing instead on the task at hand.

Selenia slowed further, and Grayden finally caught up with her. “Which way, Brother?” she asked, as Honor stomped at the ground impatiently, sensing her rider's nervous energy.

Grayden eyed the forest, uncertainty creeping in. It had been many years since he rode this far west, through the thick, dimly lit woods on the outskirts of the Twilight Kingdom. The landscape had changed, trees growing taller and denser, the paths less defined. Luckily, Phillippe had been through here last year. Grayden looked back at him, seeking guidance, and Phillippe nodded in understanding.

“A little lost, there? I thought you were our fearless leader?” Phillippe chuckled as he edged past Grayden, his tone light but his eyes serious.

Grayden didn't laugh, but gave Phillippe a warning glance. He knew his brother meant well, but the stakes were too high for jests.

Phillippe sobered immediately, recognizing the tension in Grayden's posture. “Okay, okay. Sorry. I'll take the lead.”

With Phillippe at the helm, they set off along a small trail towards the right side of the forest. Grayden and Selenia followed, riding single file as the trees became denser and overgrown. Branches reached out to snag their clothing, and roots threatened to trip their horses at every step.

“Are you sure this is right?” Grayden watched as the path closed in even more, doubt gnawing at him. The forest seemed to press in around them, watchful and ominous.

Phillippe gave a snort, glancing back over his shoulder. “Do you want to lead? By all means, go ahead.”

Grayden shut his mouth and ground his teeth together. He knew he was being overbearing and controlling, but he couldn't stop worrying every minute that Renya was out of his reach. The bond between them, once so strong and vibrant, now felt like a frayed thread, growing weaker with each passing day.

Sensing his brother's distress, Phillippe's tone softened. “The trail is overgrown. No one has ventured into the Sun Realm for quite some time. I only know the way because Father took me on the eastern route to the Spring Lands, and we passed it along the mountain ridge. It's beautiful, but...creepy, in a way. Everything is opulent and gorgeous, but there's a quiet surrounding the entire desert. I'm not exactly looking forward to venturing inside the city walls...”

The description sent a shiver down Grayden's spine. What secrets lay hidden in that silent, golden realm? And would they hold the key to saving Renya?

“I appreciate you coming with me,” Grayden said after a moment, his voice rough with emotion. “I couldn't take our army, but you're the next best thing.”

Phillippe's response was immediate and heartfelt. “She's your mate, Grayden. She's part of our family. Of course I'll do whatever I can to get her back to us.”

“Me too, Grayden,” Selenia added, her voice small but determined.