Page 20 of Raven Rebel (Sablewood #1)

Brenna

D yani delivered the rest of their wardrobe by the end of the week, in time for their journey to Dornadan.

Excitement flickered under Brenna’s skin, flirting with the warmth she now felt continuously - her magic, gently writhing, fizzing, popping, and begging to be set free.

Like peeling off layers, the more she exercised it, the greater it grew until it was undeniable and impossible to ignore.

Seda and Tayen guided her in producing light separate from her heat and directing it until it hung above them or followed behind her like a loyal dog.

She could hold her heat in her palm in the form of a blue flame hot enough to incinerate scraps of parchment and kindling.

Lighting a fire would never be a problem for her again.

However, no matter how much she sat and concentrated, or tried to follow Seda or Tayen’s coaching, Meara had yet to produce any sort of magic. Brenna’s heart ached for her, and she fiercely hoped that visiting their mother would help.

Kirrily tucked a second dress into her pack as Brenna selected the leggings and tunic for the traveling day.

She stowed them among silks in shades of bronze and champagne.

They would only spend the evening in Dornadan, followed by time to visit their mother in the morning before returning home.

It would be a long day traveling, but unweighted by the gifts given, the return trip would be quicker.

“How are you feeling?” she asked Meara as her sister passed her with garments in hand. Water droplets plinked against the window, and Brenna found her gaze straying to the misty treetops as rain stained the scenery darker.

“Excited to see our new home.” The corner of Meara’s mouth quirked up. Brenna reluctantly agreed. She picked at the braided crown around her head. Meara’s matching style looked like an obsidian circlet.

Packed and ready, the sisters strode through the long hallway and out into the courtyard. The rain had dissipated, leaving damp soil and the scent of petrichor.

A groomsman laid blankets across the horses and settled packs across their haunches. Tayen stood beside Eirlys. He looked up as they approached and smiled, “Good morning!”

Brenna ran her hand down the mare’s snowy neck, and Eirlys turned and nuzzled her shoulder. “Good morning. Who is coming with us?” She surveyed the clearing.

Eirlys closed her lips over Brenna’s shoulders, and she shrugged away before the mare could bite her.

Tayen exhaled in a hint of a laugh. “The six of us.”

“No attendants?” Her voice rose in pitch. The idea of a noble traveling without servants was unfathomable, and while she didn’t consider herself of a high station, she expected the Autumn Lord and his retinue to behave like nobles.

Tayen grinned. “Brenna, I believe you’ve grown accustomed to a pampered lifestyle.” She scowled at him, and he snickered. “We’ll do fine on our own. We are made from the wilds.”

Brenna turned the words over in her head. He was right. She was no longer human, and her old expectations did not apply anymore. It was freeing.

Meara was given a slender black gelding named Bran who tossed his head, making her sister glance anxiously at the groomsmen.

Cerne assured her that he would ride beside her and keep Bran from mischief.

Brenna enjoyed watching her sister’s internal battle shine through her expressive lilac eyes until she gave in.

The sturdy buckskin mare selected for Brenna greeted her by pushing her velvet nose into Brenna’s open palm. Her name was Clover, and she instantly adored her. Soft blankets were provided for padding for the longer journey.

Cerne opted to ride a gleaming bay stallion instead of traveling in his stag form. Brenna suspected this had to do with Meara. The dignified equine stomped his feet when Cerne ran his hand along his shoulder and then leapt astride.

With a click of his tongue, Cerne led their party down the path and southward. Roven fell away quickly, and soon they were surrounded by only trees.

The forest was warmer than Brenna expected. The breeze was cool but not chilling. It felt welcoming, like it wanted to play with her flame.

They walked in pairs, Tayen and Ayala leading the way, followed by Cerne and Meara.

Xurey plodded along beside Brenna and Clover in her horse form, a silent companion.

From the way her ears swiveled, Brenna was sure that Xurey was attentive to her, but she did not feel like having a one-sided conversation.

The towering trees gave way to newer growth and the forest brightened and thinned. The heavy sensation she had grown accustomed to faded, and her magic felt a bit itchy, like it couldn’t get enough air to burn as brightly as it would like.

Cerne and Tayen laughed and traded comments between them while Ayala glanced back haughtily from her perch atop Airgid. Brenna listened to their voices on the wind and watched the landscape change. The forest chattered around them, joining in on their conversation.

As the hours melted away, she settled into the sway of Clover’s gait and let her mind wander.

It was strange to be returning to the human lands.

A royal function was far from the rural life she knew, but she suspected it wouldn’t impress after the grandeur of the Autumn Court.

She was still looking forward to it, and seeing their mother would be worth the trip regardless.