Page 42

Still, Terin followed. Part of him would always feel the pull to protect those he cared for. Terin had always protected those he loved in ways the rest could not. Dani could handle herself. She was a born warrior, a fighter, a leader. Graeson, of course, could protect them all from an attack. But Terin? Terin had always offered them something that was ingrained within his very soul: hope.

Although when Graeson turned back around and stared at his friend, Terin looked like he was one step from following his brother to the Beneath. Right now, what Terin needed was hope.

Hope that things would be okay.

Hope that they would get his sister back.

Hope that the brewing war was won before it ever began.

And maybe Graeson could give him that.

In the distance, the faint song of the Red Spirit sounded beyond the rushing water of the waterfall. A red bird flew through the stream of water. Landing atop Pontanius’ head, the bird shook off its feathers. Then, the bird started its song again.

Graeson grasped Terin’s shoulder and squeezed it once. “Come on. It’s time.”

Chapter15

KALLIE

Tapping her foot,Kallie stared at the bed. Myra and Phaia had left hours ago, but the last thing Kallie wanted to do was wait for the nightmares to creep in.

What she needed was a break, a break from those golden brown eyes. She needed control—to control something, someone. And she needed a drink.

Tomorrow, she would see the healer and ensure he believed that Jericho poisoned himself. But right now, she needed a distraction.

Didn’t Tessa say that Kallie should get to know the kingdom and the people who lived within it?

Going to the closet, she flicked through the hangers. Deep inside, she found a simple beige cotton skirt. She paired it with a white blouse and a maroon corset that was laced in the front so she didn’t have to request the help of one of the handmaidens. Her fingers, however, hovered over the wool cloak, hesitating.

Only a few Frenzians knew what she looked like, but Kallie couldn’t take the risk. She threw on the cloak without a second thought, and smoke wafted off the thick material. She coughed, batting it away. Even though the handmaidens had washed the garment, it still reeked of smoke. Perhaps this was how the gods wished to punish her. A reminder that she couldn’t run from her choices but had to live with them.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Kallie sprayed perfume on the cloak before grabbing a piece of parchment. She jotted down one sentence, folded it, addressed it, and slipped it into an envelope. With the envelope in hand, Kallie opened the hall door.

An unfamiliar guard stood outside her door and turned toward her as the door creaked.

“Princess,” the guard said, bowing. “Are you feeling better?”

Kallie tossed a smile at him, ignoring his question. “I don’t believe we have met.”

“Sansil, Your Highness.”

“Sansil,” Kallie said, dusting off his shoulder.

The guard straightened beneath her touch, his cheeks reddening.

“Is there—” His voice cracked. “Is there something you need help with, Princess?”

Her hand fell from his shoulder, and she held out the letter. “I need you to give this letter to the postmaster.”

Sansil took the letter from her hand and flipped it in his hand. “Your father, Princess?”

“Mhm.” Her gift hummed in her veins as she stared at him.

Sansil nodded and was about to leave when Kallie called after him. He halted.

There was no room for mistakes.

With Sabina’s gift lacing her voice, Kallie commanded, “No one is to enter my room. If someone asks about me, tell them I am still not feeling well and do not wish to be disturbed. You will not tell anyone you saw me.”