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Chapter Sixty-One

Annora

The next morning, I wake to the warmth of Jasce’s gentle touch on my shoulder.

“I found something,” he says.

I yawn and blink the sleep from my eyes. “What did you find?”

A smile breaks across his handsome mouth. “Guess.”

I quirk a brow and tilt my head to the side, studying him. “Did you finally remember where you left your favorite sword?”

Jasce laughs. “I never misplace my weapons.”

“Ah, so it must be something far more important then.” I tap my chin with my index finger. “Perhaps you’ve uncovered the secret to growing a proper beard?”

Mirth sparks in his eyes as he runs his hand over his stubbled jaw. “And deprive you of my irresistibly rugged charm? Never.”

“Well, don’t keep me in suspense. What is this grand discovery of yours?”

“There’s an Oracle in the Evonlight Cave who can break magical bonds,” he says, his voice full of excitement.

“Evonlight?” The name tugs at old memories—stories whispered around fires, tales of mystical prophecies. “I thought that cave was a myth?”

“No. It’s real.”

“How can you be sure?” I twist the turquoise ring on my finger. “What if it’s just a dead end?”

The mattress dips as Jasce sits beside me on the bed. “The ancient text says that the Oracle of Evonlight holds dominion over all magical bonds. What was bound can be unbound through her power.”

“But what if…” My voice cracks as I start over. “What if we get there and the Oracle is gone? Or what if she can’t help me?”

“Then, we keep searching. I won’t stop until you’re free of him. I promise.” The fierce determination in Jasce’s voice ignites hope inside my chest. Hope that I can finally be free of Aleksander. Hope that I don’t have to live in constant fear of him making me hurt more people.

“When can we go?”

“Now. The cave isn’t far.”

I scramble out of bed and throw on my clothes, my fingers trembling as I lace up my surcoat.

This is it!

I’ll finally be free of Aleksander.

I step out of the tent and exhale at the sight of Aleksander standing between Reeve and Jude. It doesn’t matter that his hands are bound and that he’s gagged.

He’s too close.

Anger burrows through my veins as I speak in a flat voice. “What is he doing here?”

“I’m sorry,” Jasce says, “but you both have to be present for the Oracle to break the bond.”

Rocks crunch beneath my shoes as I step back and clench my hands into fists—hating this, hating Aleksander. “I can’t...” My voice fractures. “I can’t be near him, Jasce.”

A sudden gust of wind tugs at the hem of Jasce’s cloak as he moves closer to me. “I know it’s hard, but we need him with us. I’ll be right beside you the whole time. I swear it.”

Believe him.

Trust him.

Inwardly, I repeat the words as Jasce leads me toward the horse corral. Reeve and Jude follow, dragging Aleksander between them.

I keep my eyes fixed straight ahead as we reach the horses, unable to bear even a sidelong glance at Aleksander.

Once we’re all mounted, Jasce takes the lead, guiding his horse northward toward Evonlight Cave. I urge my mare to keep pace beside him.

I reach out, my hand finding his where it rests on his thigh. Our fingers twine together, palm to palm, pulse to pulse.

Maybe the Oracle really can break the binding with Aleksander, and when she does, I won’t have to fear him anymore.