Page 17

SILIA

“We need to pick up the pace if we are going to make it by nightfall.” Rein trudges down the path in front of us, using his stick from the camp as a tool to clear the path. He looks ridiculous carrying that thing in a full suit of armor.

I giggle as I kick a chunk of dirt at him, and a loud clink noise sounds as pebbles bounce off his back.

He looks over his shoulder at me, and I put my hands up in surrender, then point to Lars. “He did it, captain!”

Lars smirks at me and mirrors my gesture, raising his hands in front of his body. “Sorry, captain, I couldn’t help myself.”

Rein rolls his eyes and keeps walking, still poking at the ground with his stick.

After Lars and I dug through the pile of our torn bags, he insisted that an animal must have smelt the food and destroyed all our things in search of dinner. Rein suggested the animal must have taken the journal and pin, along with a few other personal items that had gone missing. Deep in my bones, something is telling me this is not the truth. I can’t know for sure if Lars is somehow involved with the now second disappearance of the journal. But I hope deep down he wouldn’t lie to me. I need to figure out this situation as soon as I find Diana. This journal feels more important than I originally thought.

“I thought we still had another day’s journey to Daqet?” I speak up, forcing myself to think of anything else other than the hard truth that Diana may be in danger.

“I had thought so too, but Lars was nice enough to show me a shortcut through the mountains,” Rein responds without turning around.

I was hoping we would avoid this path. The mountains that separate Daqet and Eza are quite expansive, but it is indeed a shortcut.

How Rein walks with all that armor on is a mystery to me. I’m sweating enough just wearing my tunic and trousers, let alone at least ten pounds of heavy metal. He at least had enough common sense to opt for his less conspicuous armor. It’s not as big and bulky as his usual regalia, but definitely enough to tire someone after walking for days on end.

I get the sense that Rein would rather be caught dead than not wearing his uniform.

This man really loves his job.

Dusk is fast approaching as we are met with the large and slightly crumbling archway of the palace. The grounds themselves are enormous, so the palace won’t come into view for another mile or so. This is just where carriages enter through the gates and can officially declare they’re on palace grounds. We all stop at the threshold and take a second to breathe.

“ King and Queen’s Estate.

Intruders will be arrested and tortured.

Welcome to Daqet.”

This is a new addition. How welcoming.

Images of Diana being held captive flash through my mind, and my vision begins to blur with unshed tears. We made it. We’re here. All I need to do is take one step through the gates, and I can begin my search for her. Hopefully, by the morning, I’ll be able to see my sister again, and we can leave this horrible place.

I see Rein stiffen out of the corner of my eye, and he stares at the plaque with so much distaste that I’m afraid it’ll melt right in front of us. I reach out to him and hold his hand in mine. He accepts and squeezes my hand tight. Although his grip is firm, I can feel the slight tremble in his hand.

He lets out a loud sigh and turns to face me, his complexion the palest I’ve ever seen. He musters a small, apologetic smile as he brings my hand to his lips and kisses my knuckles. “I’m sorry, Silia. It has been an honor serving as your captain and your best friend.”

The brand on the back of Rein’s neck begins to emit a low glow, and in a few swift movements, he drops my hand, puts his helmet on, and takes off through the palace gates at an unnatural speed.

“Rein!” I yell, and move to run after him, but a firm hand grabs me by the arm, holding me in place.

“Holy Gods,” I cry breathlessly and bring a hand to my mouth. I whip around to Lars, utterly distraught. “He’s going to get himself killed!” Lars does not move. His hand is still squeezing my arm, urging me not to go after him.

“Why are you just standing there? We need to go!” My voice breaks, and hot tears fly down my cheeks at the realization that if Rein is caught, I may lose him forever. I cannot—will not — accept that. I refuse to lose both my sister and best friend in the span of a month.

I pull my arm away from Lars as hard as I can, but his grip does not budge.

“Let me go!” I spit at him, anger coating every word like a dagger dipped in fire.

“ Calm, Silia.” Lars speaks into my mind. I tear a hole through his golden cloud in the eather, and he physically recoils.

Loud sobs escape from my throat as he pulls me in, and I buck against his body. My fists fly in every direction as he holds me increasingly tighter against his chest.

“Silia, you’re burning up. Please, breathe.”

“You don’t understand…” My violent fit quickly dissipates into defeat as my body goes limp against his. “I cannot lose him, too.”

Lars puts a hand on my chest, right over my heart, telling me that I need to breathe and calm the sporadic beating. He takes one deep breath, inclining me to do the same. I stare into his eyes and breathe.

One.

Two.

Three.

My heartbeat begins to calm, and my body stops shaking. Salty tears pool at the edges of my mouth, and Lars leans down and licks them away. He takes my face in his hands and meets my gaze. “He has made his choice, Little Flame.”

Another tear rolls down my cheek. He kisses it away.

“All the choices he has made in his life have led to this moment. Let him meet his consequences.” He kisses my temple and releases my face.

“ Please, we need to find him. I can’t let this happen again ,” I plead to Lars in the eather.

I watch as his brows furrow and he exhales a heavy breath. “As you wish, Little Flame. We will find him.”