Page 159 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns

“By taking you on a hunt.”

Chapter

Thirty-Two

The castle grounds were still cloaked in shadow when I slipped out. The chill of the early morning air bit into my skin, but I moved quickly, weaving through quiet corridors past sleepy-eyed guards until I made it to the Ascension Grounds.

Zander was waiting, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes, dark like onyx in the dim light, flicked over me before he sighed in relief.

“You’re very good at sneaking out,” he said dryly.

“Good to know I can fall back on my life of crime if needed,” I muttered. “Let’s go.”

We walked side by side toward my barracks. His stride was purposeful, like he was bracing himself for a fight that hadn’t come yet—but would.

“What if they come for you before we leave?” I asked quietly.

He glanced at me, his gaze sharp. “They won’t. I’ve made sure of it.”

I swallowed hard. Zander wasn’t one to bluff, but my father wasn’t one to fail.

“You’re not alone,” he said. “I’ve got you.”

We reached my barracks, and I slipped inside while Zander lingered by the door. I moved to Riven’s bunk and shook her shoulder gently. Her eyes fluttered open, narrowing on me.

“What’s going on?” she mumbled before noticing Zander’s silhouette at the doorway. She shot upright. “Why is he here?”

I took a deep breath. “My father might be trying to kill me.”

That got her attention. “Wait...what?”

“I’m not sure,” I admitted, keeping my voice low. “But Zander is taking us on a military hunt. He’s told the major it’s for training. We have to leave now, before my father’s spies report back to him.”

Riven stared at me, still bleary-eyed but wide awake now. “Won’t they just follow us?”

“There are no spies where we’re going,” Zander said from the doorway.

Jax groaned from his bunk as he pulled his flight armor on. “Yeah, I’m sure they’lllovethat,” he muttered.

“We don’t have a choice,” I shot back. “If my father wants me dead, he won’t stop.”

Jax grunted but didn’t argue as he finished putting on his flight armor.

One by one, my squadmates began to stir, dressing quickly. Even Ferrula moved with quiet urgency, her face hard with determination.

Minutes later, we emerged from the barracks to find Zander waiting, his sword strapped to his back. The dining hall staff had prepared supplies, and we stuffed bread, dried meat, and flasks of water into our packs before heading to the Ascension Grounds.

“Call your dragons,” Zander ordered.

I closed my eyes, reaching for Kaelith.

Are you with me?I asked.

Her answer was immediate, powerful.We are on our way.

I exhaled, relief washing over me as her shadow streaked across the sky. Moments later, Kaelith landed with a bone-shaking thud, her scales gleaming like molten amethyst in the fading moonlight.

The others weren’t far behind—Hein’s silver wings sliced through the air, followed by Koddos, Narvea, and Zola. The others landed a few seconds later.