Page 75 of Spirit Trials

“Northeast. Fifteen kiliks.”

Rysden nods, like this is nothing new. He closes the door without another word and turns back around. He doesn’t act surprised to see me standing there. “I’m leaving,” he says without fanfare. “I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

I frown. “What was that all about?”

“I have to go deal with something. I don’t know when I’ll get back.”

“So, this is what they do? They come get you every time they need something dealt with? They use the big, bad prince with all hisevilnessto take care of threats to the kingdom?” I don’t know this for sure, but it’s what I’ve pieced together. And I’m pretty sure that I’m not that far off.

“Wow, she nailed that,” Lox says from behind me, startling me. Rysden scowls at Lox. “What? I didn’t say anything to her.”

“Nobody had to tell me anything; it’s really not that hard to figure out,” I argue with my head held high.

Rysden walks over and stops in front of me. “I don’t know when I’ll get back. I’m not sure if I’ll see you before the trial. Will you—”

“Rysden, no, we are not having this conversation again. I’m entering the third trial, and you can’t stand in my way. And you can’t send Shade either.” He smirks down at me, and I cock my head to the side. “Wasn’t that what you were going to say?”

“No.”

“Oh.” I mime closing my lips and point to him.

“I was going to say be careful and come back in one piece after this trial.”

“Oh.” Apparently, that’s all I’m capable of saying around him.

He gives me a half smile. “Yeah, oh.” His smile fades. “I know you can survive this trial and even win the entire thing. You’re strong enough, but it will be a mental battle.” His gaze is so earnest and conflicted; I get the feeling he’s at war with himself.

“I’ll be fine, Rysden.”

“I know you will. You’re strong, Farrah. I’ll see you on the other side of this trial when you win.”

His confidence in me is more than the greatest encouragement. I feel ready to finish this thing. “I’ll be back.” And then a thought hits me. “And then we need to discuss me going home.” He doesn’t change expressions, but I catch the clenched jaw and the muscle tick. “I have to, Rysden,” I say softly.

He looks over my shoulder. “Ready?”

Lox walks past me and opens the front door, and Rysden follows him. Just before he steps out, he turns back to me. “We’ll have that talk.”

Something loosens in my chest. “Thanks, Rysden,” I say softly. He leaves a minute later, and I make my way back to the main room.

“Where’s your darker half?” Harper asks.

I shake my head and don’t even bother to answer her. “I’m going to try to go to bed now, so I can get as much sleep as possible before tomorrow. You two probably should as well.”

“Yes, Mom,” Harper responds.

I shake my head. “Night.” I leave the room and head to the stairs. Jamik falls into step beside me.

“Are you healed enough for tomorrow?” he asks quietly.

“I’ll be fine, thanks for asking. I’m ready for whatever they throw at us.”

“Good.”

A thought hits me. “Jamik, do you have a corporal wolf like Rysden?”

“No. I’ll have a spirit wolf, hopefully.”

“You will. I have no doubt.” I pause, thinking. “So, it’s just Rysden that has to deal with everybody thinking he’s evil?”