Page 44 of Spirit Trials (The Spirit Kingdoms #1)

Two hours . That's how long it takes for Rysden and Shade to come back. “Are they dead?” I ask as soon as I see him.

If Rysden is surprised to see me still sitting at the table, he doesn’t show it. “I’ve told you not to ask questions you don’t want the answers to.”

“Yeah, and I’ve told you—” I stop suddenly and push away from the table. “Rysden, what happened?”

“I’m fine,” he says, waving me off.

“You’re not fine. There’s blood all over you.”

“It’s not mine.”

His words hit me hard, and I swallow. “What did you do to them?” My voice is soft and not quite as steady as I hoped for.

He meets my gaze head-on. “Nothing they didn’t deserve.” I open my mouth to argue with him but close it when he gives me a look.

I busy myself with grabbing the bowl I’ve kept warm for him and bring it back to the table. “I saved you this before the vultures ate everything.”

He eyes the bowl a moment before taking it.

“Thank you.” I take a moment to look at the two wolves next to each other on the floor.

Solace left my side the second Shade came through the door.

Honestly, I didn’t blame her. If I could do that with Rysden, I would.

I shake those thoughts from my head and take the seat across from Rysden as he eats.

“What happens next with the trials?” Anything they’d announced at the end of the trials, I’d missed because I’d been out cold. I wait as he finishes chewing.

“The awards’ ceremony is tomorrow.”

“And what happens after that?” I push. “What will happen to those who didn’t show a spirit animal?” He doesn’t answer right away, and I feel the tension rising between us. When he finishes eating, he pushes the bowl away from him.

“Those who showed a spirit wolf will assimilate into life here in the Wolf Kingdom. If they grew up here, they simply return to the life they knew. If they came from the Jaguar Kingdom, they will be given a place to live and what they need to start a life here. Anybody that produced a jag will begin their life there.”

“Is the Jag King good?” I interrupt.

His nod is immediate. “He’s fair and does right by his people.”

“How old is he?” I ask.

His eyes narrow. “Why do you ask?”

I shrug. “He looks young.”

He studies my face a moment before answering. “Twenty-three, a few months younger than me.”

I take that in. “What will happen to the competitors that didn’t produce a spirit animal?”

“You already know.”

I match his posture, sitting back in my chair and crossing my arms over my chest. “Tell me anyway.”

“They’ll be rounded up and escorted outside the walls of the kingdom.”

“To fend for themselves and try to survive,” I add pointedly. When he doesn’t say anything, I lean forward. “It’s a broken system, Rysden. It’s cruel and unfair. Those people have done nothing wrong.”

“Except that they weren’t given a spirit animal.”

“So?”

He doesn’t look away. “They weren’t considered worthy.”

I shake my head in disgust. “That’s an easy cop-out.

There’s nothing wrong with those people, just because they didn’t show a spirit animal.

Is there anything wrong with Harper or Kinsley?

” He wisely keeps his mouth shut. “There’s not.

Kinsley is the sweetest, kindest person I know.

If she’s not worthy, nobody should be. This whole thing is so messed up. ”

“It’s the way it’s always been,” he adds quietly.

“What if I hadn’t produced a wolf?” I challenge.

“But you did.”

“What if I hadn’t?” I push. “Would you have led me outside the wall to fend for myself and sentence me to starvation?” He scowls but doesn’t say anything. “Because that could have very easily been our situation. Is there anything evil in me, Rysden?”

“No, which is why you produced a wolf.”

I want to scream in frustration at him but settle for taking a deep breath instead and lower my voice. “What about Rygar?” His body goes rigid. “Was he not worthy?” I meet his gaze head on. “Your mom told me about him.”

“When did you talk to my mother?”

“Before the last trial.”

His eyes scan my face. “You went to the castle?”

“No, she came here.” That seems to help him calm slightly.

“She came here while you were out doing whatever you were doing for your father.” He doesn’t say anything, and I continue.

“She told me about your brother. I’m so sorry, Rysden.

” I watch him carefully. “I can’t imagine,” I pause, trying to find the words.

“I get why you would be so angry with the banished.”

His head lifts, and he meets my eyes. I shudder at the darkness there. “No, you can’t.” I stay quiet. “What they did to him—” He stops talking and cracks his neck. “They brought him back in pieces.” My stomach clenches and revolts in horror. “Nobody deserves that.” He grinds his teeth together.

I can’t take it. I stand up and walk over to him.

Even knowing he might push me away; I wrap my arms around him from behind.

His shoulders tense, but he doesn’t shove me away.

“I’m so sorry.” I’m not sure how long we stay that way, but eventually the tension in his shoulders begins to lessen.

“That’s why Hector came to the castle, isn’t it?

” I ask softly. “He came to train you after your brother died.” Rysden nods, confirming my words.

“So, you wouldn’t lose and be banished as well.

” I get it. I don’t agree with it, but I get why he hates the banished so much.

It also didn’t help their case with the king; that’s for sure.

“I knew you’d never send your friends back there.” His voice is low and soft. “I made a plan for the two of them.”

I blink and try to process what he’s saying as I step around him, so I can look at him. “What?”

“I made a deal with Kaldar to take them to his kingdom.”

I pull away from his hand on my shoulder. “Kaldar?”

“Kaldar, the king of the jags and my friend.”

I stare at him, trying to wrap my mind around this new development. “You already did that?” At his nod, I take a step back. “When?”

“When I realized they were your friends and knew you’d never let them go back.”

“Then why didn’t you say something earlier?”

The corners of his lips turn up. “Does it make me a terrible person to enjoy seeing you get riled up?”

“Yes, Rysden. Yes, it does.”

His smirk widens before it slips away completely. “I can’t save them all, but I can save your friends.”

Anger rushes back in at his words. “Why not?” I hear the desperation in my voice, but I can’t shake it.

“It’s not in my power to change the law.”

I look him dead in the eye. “Because your father is the law?” He nods. I put my finger on his chest. “Then end him and take his place and make this kingdom just and fair for all its people.”

He exhales a breath. “Careful, Wildheart. That sounds a lot like treason.”

I pause. “Wildheart?”

He reaches out and fingers a red curl. “You are fierce and wild and yet, you still manage somehow to keep a tender heart,” he says almost reverently.

I cock my head to the side. “Are you saying you’re trying to tame me?”

His eyes gentle. “Never. You are perfect exactly the way you are.” He tucks the hair behind my ear, and I swallow. From Rysden, that might as well be a declaration of love.

I push on, since he’s actually talking to me and answering my questions right now. “What does it mean for our wolves to be mates?”

His hand stills before it drops back to his side, and his eyes search mine. “You’re scared.”

I frown. “I’m not scared; I’m just,” I pause. “Uncertain.”

He reaches out and takes my hand in his, surprising me. “I would never hurt you. You know that, right?” I nod without thinking about it. I know he never would...intentionally at least. “I’d kill myself before I hurt you.”

It’s my turn to study his face. “Why?”

He gives me a wry smile. “Well, aside from the fact that I’ve come to grow somewhat fond of you…” I laugh and shake my head, withdrawing my hand. His smile fades. “You’re also my soulmate. You’re the other half of my soul, the one I’m meant to be with.”

I stare at him. “Meant to be with,” I repeat, my voice is lacking any warmth.

“Don’t do that,” he says in a low voice.

“Do what?”

“Pull away. I don’t always say things the right way.” I lift a brow. “Okay, I rarely say things the right way. Maybe I’m not saying it the right way. You’re the only one I want to be with, soulmate aside.”

I can’t help my slow smile as I shake my head. “I’m not sure you can handle all this,” I say pointing down at myself. “The red hair makes me next level.”

“Oh, I know. You’re the only one that’s ever pointed a weapon at me and lived to tell the tale. Twice.”

I shrug. “There might be a third time if you deserve it.”

He surprises me by grinning. “And that, is why you are perfect for me.” He grabs my wrist and pulls me towards him. I let him, curious to see what he’s going to do. He turns his head sharply, and I notice that Shade is on his feet.

“What is it?” I ask.

“Somebody’s here,” he says. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.

” He strides out of the room with Shade at his side.

I follow a few steps behind him. Just before he opens the door, he pauses and looks back at me.

He pins me with a dark look. “Stay behind me.” I roll my eyes but drop my hand to the knife sheathed in my pants.

He opens the door, and I relax when I see who it is.

“Mother?” Clearly, Rysden is surprised by the visit.

“Are you going to invite your mother in, or leave me out here in the cold?” Her words are soft but strong.

Rysden immediately steps back, allowing her entrance.

He steps outside and scans the area before stepping back inside.

“Hello again, Lady Mercy,” she says as she walks past me, striding confidently towards the dining area.

“Hello again.”

Rysden looks at me, but I just shrug and follow his mom. She walks over to the kitchen area, just like last time. Knowing exactly what she’s going to do, I stop her. “I’ll make you some tea,” I offer. I have nothing better to do. Staring at her doesn’t seem to be the best option.

“Thank you,” she says softly and walks over to the table.

She takes a seat at the table, and I expect her to start talking but she stays silent.

I set the tea kettle on the wood stove to start heating up but keep an eye on her.

Rysden stands behind the chair across from where she’s seated.

I’m thankful for the job of making tea because it gives me something to do.

I’m not sure how long the silence is going to last, but if Rysden got his stubbornness from his mother, it’s going to be a while.

I absently wonder who will cave first. When the tea is done, I carry the steaming mug to the table and place it in front of Rysden’s mother.

“Thank you, Lady Mercy,” she says, meeting my eyes a moment.

“Her name’s Farrah.” Apparently, Rysden’s the first to cave.

She takes a sip of her tea. “I know.” Her words are soft, and yet there’s a powerful edge to them. She takes another sip, and I wonder if I should stay or leave. “I want to talk to you, both of you.”

I guess I’m staying. I walk over to the other side of the table, ready to pull out a seat. Rysden surprises me by doing it for me. “Thanks,” I say quietly. He pulls out the seat next to me and sits without a word.

“Congratulations on your wolf,” Rysden’s mother says.

“Oh. Thank you.” I gaze over at Solace, who’s snuggled up against Shade.

“Son, could you go outside and grab my bottle of herbs? I left it in my saddlebag?”

Rysden stands to his feet and glances between the two of us. “I’ll be right back.”

As soon as the front door closes, she faces me, intensity in every line of her body.

“I only have a minute or two. Listen very carefully to me, Lady Mercy.” I don’t dare interrupt her.

“There will come a time...I don’t know when.

..but an opportunity will present itself to take the king’s life.

Do not falter; it will be the only chance you get. ”

“I can’t do that. It will kill you.”

“You will,” her voice is filled with authority. “When the time comes, it will be easy.” Her face softens.

“But—”

She reaches out and puts her hand on mine.

“My son will never be able to do it.” We both hear the front door open, and I know our time is done.

“Aim true.” Then she takes a drink of her tea calmly, as if she didn’t just turn my world upside down.

Rysden sits down at the table. If he notices the tension, he doesn’t say anything about it.

“I came to talk to you two about the danger you’re both in.”