Page 95 of Forged By Malice (Beasts of the Briar #3)

94

Ezryn

T here’s a strangeness to my movement. Everything feels too loose, too free. I’ve spent my life bound beneath metal. But I’ve been stripped, piece by piece. Uncoiled.

My fingers tighten on the hilt of my mother’s sword. In its reflection gleams the tall point of the monastery. That’s where she is.

“Sire.” Eldy hovers a shaky hand above my shoulder, then removes it. “The Queen’s Army that remain are loyal to Kairyn, and they’ve been trained since birth. They will not let you pass. And without the Blessing—”

“There is no magic left within me.” Some fae have minor magic, but Kairyn drained even that. “I don’t need magic to get what I want.”

Eldy’s lip quivers, eyes darting to the monastery, then back to me. “It’s not just the soldiers that live there, but also the Golden Acolytes. Their loyalties may be questionable but the Spring Realm royalty has always protected them. As their prince—”

I push past him and take the first step toward the monastery. “I’m not a prince of Spring. Not anymore.”