Page 26

Evander

Q uinn and I stand with the rest of the commanders on the village green that morning.

The air is brisk and there is a fresh layer of snow upon the ground, the bright morning light setting it to sparkle.

Despite the chill, the first buds of spring are beginning to burst from the trees, pushing up from the snowy ground below.

Spring will be a new beginning. For all of us.

With less than a week before Nimai’s birthday, Helara has everyone working tirelessly.

Most of the commanders have been training groups of the villagers in preparation for battle.

I’m still not convinced there is enough time in the world to get some of them ready.

But if there is even a slim chance they can hold a weapon, maybe strike down one of the king’s men, she wants them to be trained.

Since Quinn and I are the only commanders who know of Bria’s connection to the prophecy, we are assigned elsewhere—tasked with readying horses and supplies for the trek to the Forsaken Woods.

The plan is for us to escort Bria in a few days and Nimai will meet us there after her birthday, along with Cato and the girls’ mother, Cordelia.

Cato is of the belief that Bria and Nimai will need to reunite in the magical forest to access the full potential of their powers.

It’s a theory, but if it works, we can all begin the final stretch of this rebel journey. Whatever that holds.

“Maybe Ash can help us with packing up food and supplies,” Quinn suggests once the captain finishes doling out duties to the rest of the men.

I shrug, deep in thought, and follow Quinn through the crackling snow.

How could it be less than a week away? I’m stuck wondering if there is a way out of the prophecy.

Could it possibly be wrong? Perhaps Cato has interpreted it incorrectly, perhaps Nimai will be even more powerful than Bria.

Perhaps she will be the one to save everyone and Bria can be released from her duty.

“You’re especially quiet today.” My friend’s voice bursts into my thoughts, shattering the hopeful wall I was precariously constructing in my mind.

I shake my head. “It’s nothing,” I lie, ignoring the concern in Quinn’s eyes as I push past him into the inn.

Setting my sights on the kitchen, I trudge down the hallway. If there is anything I can do to save her when we go to battle, I’ll do it. No matter the cost.