Page 101 of A Warrior's Heart

“What choice have I?” Lorcan pressed. “I’m your prince, and thus, I’m responsible for keeping you safe.”

Defeat clouded on all our faces. The enemy would soon close in behind us, and we couldn’t move forward without running into the others.

“A time will come on this journey when all seems lost. A path will present itself to you, Troy, and your decision will be monumental to Prince Lorcan’s success in this fight.”

As Phantos’ words entered my mind, I finally knew what he meant. I knew what path I needed to take.

“Give me your cloak, Lor,” I said.

Lorcan and Malik stopped arguing and turned to me.

“My cloak?” Lorcan asked.

“James and Ezra saw you wearing it.” I unfastened mine and held it a moment before handing it over to him. “You can wear mine.”

Confused, Lorcan grabbed my cloak and offered me his. I draped it around my shoulders and brought the blue hood up.

“What are you doing?” Malik asked, eyes narrowed.

I ignored him for now. He wasn’t going to like my plan and would do all he could to stop me.

“Alek, I need you to use transfiguration magic on me.” I picked up a stick from the ground. “And on this as well.”

“I’m not following,” Alek said.

“I need you to make my hair the same shade and length as Lorcan’s. Change my face too, if you can.” I motioned to the stick. “And this needs to look like the trident.”

Finally, my plan registered in their minds.

Lorcan shook his head. “Troy. No.”

“I will lure them away from the water so all of you can escape.”

Malik shoved me against the rock wall, hand gripping the side of my neck. He was shaking. “You’re not doing this. I won’t let you.”

I placed my hand over his and stared up into his orange eyes. Maybe for the last time. “I have to. It’s the only way.”

“We’ll find another way,” he said, his voice breaking as his eyes watered. “I can’t lose you.”

“Let me do it instead,” Eva said, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Lorcan and I are about the same size.”

“No, Shar needs you,” I told her. “You’re the only one who can save his life. And you’ll go on to save many other lives with your healing magic. But me?Thisis how I can be of use.”

“Stop this.” Malik pressed closer to me, his chin trembling. “You’re my heart.”

“And you are mine.” I cupped his cheek. “Ever since I was little, you’ve protected me. Let me protectyounow.”

“I’ll go with you,” he said.

“Your men need you to lead them against King James and his army. Lorcan needs you too.” I sounded so much braver than I felt. “This is the path I’ve chosen, and I must walk it alone.”

“Troy…” Malik’s face crumpled before he kissed me. He whimpered against my lips and tangled his fingers in my hair.

I tasted the salt of his tears as our mouths fused together, just like our souls had long ago.

“Here.” I took off the silver ring I wore on my forefinger. “It belonged to my father. I want you to have it.”

To remember me.But I couldn’t say the words.