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CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

ZéLIE

T HE VINEWEAVERS MOVE LIKE EELS. In mere breaths, they bring our videira to the far tip of the island. New vines extend like threads, anchoring us to the rocky coast.

As I step onto the sands, I do my best to prepare for what lies ahead.The medallion warms in my chest as Yéva’s ancient voice rings through my ears.

Feel it, she whispers. Draw it deep inside. When you face their king, you must release that surge. Harvesting that power is our only hope.

A tremble rises in my hand. I try to hide it by clenching my fists. The medallion continues to heat as I try to reach for the golden spark.

“It will not come to that.” Emperor Jorah speaks in my tongue. I don’t know if he can feel what I’m trying to do.

“Yéva said—”

“Trust us.” Jorah’s thick fingers graze my chin as he pulls a black mask over my head. The Laminas don their masks as well. “And do not fall behind.”

The New Gaīans move like wolves. A silent pack on the hunt. Their strides are long and powerful. I struggle to keep up.

We move under the cover of black trees. Their twisting shadows cloak our approach. We make it a good way through the forest before we meet any interruption.

In the middle of a beaten trail, a trio of Skulls stands guard. They gaze through the trees, talking among themselves. One passes around a bottle of mead. The others are nearly asleep.

I extend the serrated blades of my staff. They haven’t seen us yet.

But before I can think of striking, the Laminas attack.

One warrior pulls throwing knives from beneath his ear. With a sharp flick, he sends them through the Skulls’ throats. The other warriors press forward, catching the falling bodies and gently laying them to the ground.

Two more torchlights make their way toward us. Koa pulls a thorn-covered mace from the back of his neck. The moment the Skulls round the corner, Koa swings. With one vicious arc, he smashes through each Skull’s head.

I watch, breathless, as the New Gaīans continue their silent onslaught. The next Skull we meet goes for his hammer and tries to activate its full strength. Before he can strike, Jorah snaps his neck.

The Laminas eliminate every Skull we come across. Their momentum only builds as we near the cave. The seven men work in a steady rhythm, dragging bodies off the forest trail to keep from being discovered.

It’s working.…

I keep my grip on my staff, though I don’t get the chance to attack. After everything Yéva said, I was sure this fight would come down to me. But the Laminas are blades in the wind. Nothing stands in their path.

Despite myself, I start to believe Jorah and the Laminas can defeat the Skulls. I picture Koa smashing through King Baldyr’s golden mask with his mace. With Baldyr’s death, my people will be safe.

I can finally return to my homeland.

We make it to the cave and Koa dispatches the three Skulls on watch. When their bodies are hidden, the emperor holds up his hand. The Laminas close in, taking a V-shaped formation with their emperor at the head.

From inside the cave, torchlights flicker against gray rock. King Baldyr’s voice echoes from within. I prepare to face the man who hunts my heart.

Jorah’s men enter the cave.

Then the slaughter begins.