Page 12 of The Sins of Silas (The Otacian Chronicles #2)

Chapter Twelve

LENA - NOW

S ilas wasn’t coming, and I didn’t blame him. The situation was a mess. Plus, he was probably all snuggled up with Era.

The thought made me sick. The truth was, Era was nice. Beautiful. I wanted to hate her… despise her…but I couldn’t. I was happy he found someone to love, glad he was able to find that happiness, even if it broke me into a million pieces.

I sighed and stood up, my body feeling only slightly warmer, but as I went to turn, I hit something and fell back. Arms reached out and gripped my wrists before I completely fell over. My eyes sprang wide, and I looked up to meet those familiar golden ones.

“Silas!" I exclaimed, my face heating. "I didn’t even hear you walk up.”

His brows furrowed as he slowly lowered my wrists, still keeping them in his hands .

I gazed up at him, the moonlight bouncing off the river, showing off the sharp lines of his jaw. My eyes trailed from his full lips to the light dusting of facial hair surrounding them, down to the tattoos that covered his neck. I wanted to run my fingers along his skin…wanted to see exactly which places of his body were covered in ink.

I began to vibrate with electricity, and I closed my eyes and swallowed, willing the magic down.

“Lena,” he said softly, and my eyes lifted to meet his, which were now laced with concern and…something more. “I…I am so sorry. I had no idea.”

I tensed my jaw, and my words were clipped as they came out. “Don’t be. It wasn’t your fault.”

“It doesn’t matter whose fault it was.” His thumbs brushed the undersides of my wrists, and my lip wobbled. “It was not yours, either. You shouldn’t have gone through that alone.”

My eyes locked on his. “I wasn’t alone,” I whispered.

“You shouldn’t have gone through it…” his voice cracked, “…without… me."

The tone of his voice ruined me. His hands slid down to hold mine.

I savored the feel of our skin brushing against each other. His hands were rougher than when we were young…but still, they were his.

“I got my fire that night,” I said quietly. I bit my bottom lip to prevent the trembling before speaking again. “There’s so much I wish happened differently, so much I wish we could have had.”

His eyes darkened, and now it was his that lowered to my lips. “You told me you haven’t overcome shit, but I think you don’t give yourself enough credit, Lena.” He lightly squeezed my hands, and my breathing hitched.

Our eyes locked with each other again, and I saw it for a split second.

The longing, the hunger—or perhaps it was all in my head, as it was gone quickly.

He tensed. “Come, I don’t wish to have you out here in the dark alone.”

My head fell slowly, and I nodded. But as I started to walk away, Silas pulled me into him, wrapping his arms tight around me.

I froze.

He was hugging me.

Silas was hugging me.

I felt pain in the back of my throat as I returned the hug, holding him close. I couldn’t help it; tears released from my eyes at the sensation of his body, free of armor, pressed against mine.

Despite our days spent trekking Half-Life Pass, he still smelled like him, that intoxicating aroma of pine and citrus.

Silas.

We stood there for a few moments, our bodies stiff, until we eventually relaxed into the familiar feel of each other’s embrace.

Five years…I haven’t been in his arms in over five years.

“I’ve missed you so much,” I whispered.

I didn’t want to pull away, but I felt Silas’s entire body tense at my words. He gently withdrew, his golden eyes pained as he stared.

He shook his head, I don’t know if to me or to himself, and squeezed my arm. “Let’s get back,” he murmured.

So, I followed him.

Roland’s eyes were gentle when I glanced at him once I had returned, but as much as I enjoyed the thought of him caring, I also hated the idea of pity. Of appearing broken. I could tell he was unsure how to navigate this awkward situation, so I had just decided to snuggle in my bedroll and be done that evening.

Morning came, and the kingdom of Forsmont was now steps away. Like Ames, the kingdom rested just beside the water. The docks ringing could be heard in the distance, and I felt my nerves rising as we stepped closer to the stone border surrounding their territory.

“I should speak with Leroy myself,” Silas said calmly, frowning up at the towers and the men stationed there. “I met with him last year. I know how much he despises the idea of being owned by Otacia.”

“You want us to wait out here?” Viola asked him, once again behind Hendry on his horse. Couldn’t have her shifting in front of everyone, after all.

“Not out here, but when I meet with him, I should do it alone.”

“No,” I said immediately, causing everyone’s heads to turn to me. I met Silas’s lowered brows. “What if they decide to turn on you? We should be there in case they want whatever bounty is on your head. I, at the very least, should be there.”

His jaw clicked.

“We appear as humans, do we not?” I continued from my spot in front of Roland. “And as you said, only Otacia wields those wretched cuffs.” We slowed our horses just before the kingdom’s entrance. “You are not going to him alone.”

At my last words, Silas began chewing on the inside of his cheek.

“She makes a good point, Silas,” Hendry voiced, and I shot him a grateful smile.

“We’ll have your back,” I insisted. “And Merrick will be able to read them.” I ran my eyes along Silas’s irritated face. “I want to ensure you are safe.”

To that, he scoffed, but as he studied me, he grasped the sincerity of my claim. “I have kept myself alive this far,” he muttered.

“I know you have. But they could have you dead in an instant if they wished it.”

“Take the lady’s gracious help, boss man,” Roland added from his spot behind me.

Silas glared at him, then rolled his eyes, letting out a sigh. “Very well…just keep your mouths closed. Let me do the talking.”

Everyone agreed, and as we made it to the beginning of the bridge entering the kingdom, we were halted by the soldiers in the towers, who lifted their crossbows at us. Their armor was red and silver—the colors of Forsmont.

“State your business!” one barked out.

“I wish to speak with Leroy Matel,” Silas responded, his voice loud and smooth. The voice of a prince. “I am Silas La’Rune, Prince of Otacia.”

It was almost comical how the men’s eyes bulged, their weapons lowering, their hushed whispers hardly audible.

The same soldier’s eyes slid to Silas. “And who do you bring with you, Prince? A small army?”

Silas held his chin up. “Friends. ”

My heart fluttered, and I couldn’t help but notice Viola’s surprise at the Prince’s words. Merrick’s, too.

More hushed mumbling, and the Forsmontian soldier nodded. “Very well. We will grant you access to speak with King Matel.”

Silas offered a curt nod, and I held my breath as we crossed the stone bridge. The wooden gate securing the kingdom began to creak open.

Forsmont was half the size of Otacia, and the kingdom wasn’t separated by class. In its center, a modest castle stood tall—I could see it from the entrance. White brick, red shingles, and clean glass windows with a large balcony wrapping around the top.

I had heard bits here and there about their leader, Leroy Matel. He was strict but just. His loyalty was to Forsmont. To his people. Otacia endangered the balance of things in this place, and as we trekked through the busy roads of the kingdom, I could understand why Leroy feared change.

The people here wore big smiles, and the buildings all sported fresh coats of paint. The sun even seemed to shine brighter here.

Mother considered us settling down in Forsmont, but the population was deemed too small to risk it—even if a few thousand did live in this place.

I watched those smiles morph into fearful frowns as the citizens beheld Silas. He had a reputation, that was for sure. He was known to be just as vicious as his father.

If only they knew him like I did…or had.

When we finally reached the castle—which honestly, up close, was more like a really nice, brick mansion—we finally dismounted. I held Roland’s hand as I stepped off Donut, and he quickly pulled me to his side, the action startling me. The corner of his lip raised as he grazed my ear with his lips.

“I can’t wait to get you alone,” he murmured.

I shoved him with my hips, a smile creeping over my face. “That is if this goes well. Don’t get your hopes up.”

He chuckled, then began to stroll away. His brown hair had grown shaggier the past weeks, and despite the fact we all needed showers, I wanted to run my fingers through it.

I hated how attracted I was to the bastard.

Still…the thought of actually being intimate frightened me, especially now that the possibility was becoming more and more real. I wasn’t sure I was ready for that. I wasn’t sure if I ever would be.

My thoughts sailed, and when my heart began to race, I squeezed my eyes shut.

Fuck…I'm spiraling.

“Lena, are you alright?” Elowen asked. Her voice sounded as if she were underwater.

I am alive.

They are gone.

They aren’t here.

I am safe.

I was brought back to reality by a firm hand on my shoulder and worried charcoal eyes on mine.

“You’re safe,” he said softly. “You’re safe.”

I nodded over and over again. I knew Merrick felt everything I was feeling. “I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“Is everything alright?” a Forsmontian soldier asked skeptically. Silas’s eyes were broadened with concern.

“Yes—yes, I’m fine,” I muttered. “I think I got off too quickly. ”

Silas’s jaw hardened, and I shot him a tight-lipped smile. He probably thought my nerves had to do with this meeting.

“Don’t be sorry, Lena.” Merrick squeezed my arm before releasing it. “It’s not good to hold everything in…I’m a hypocrite for that, I know.” He chuckled as we made our way up the steps. “But please, if you need to talk to someone, I’m here.”

I smiled up at him gently. “I know, Mare. Thank you.”

His eyes remained dark so as not to alert anyone that it wasn’t his normal eye color, and we were all led into the throne room.

I noticed him right away. Their leader stood with crossed arms, his long, golden hair flowing over one of his shoulders. To his right was a male soldier with cobalt blue hair and eyes to match. His arms were also crossed over his broad chest, his narrowed eyes trailing over our group. To Leroy’s left was another male, older, wearing a deep frown.

“I’d wish for some privacy, Paul,” he said calmly to the man who led us in. “Close the door on your way out.”

He must not have known Mages were in his presence, or he wouldn't have been so eager to be alone in a room with us. Well, alone, minus the two men at his side. The door clicked shut behind us.

“Crown Prince of Otacia, to what do we owe the honor?” Leroy gave a crooked smile that didn’t meet his eyes. “Or would the term ‘Banished Prince’ be more fitting?”

I guess word had spread.

Silas tensed at my side, but his face gave away nothing. He tilted his head up slightly. “Is it considered banishment if I chose to leave?”

Leroy’s smile remained, his blue eyes trailing over us all before halting on me. His voice was smooth as he said, “Word travels quickly, Prince. It has been said you not only betrayed your kingdom but freed nearly a hundred Mages in captivity.”

Shit, shit!

My heartbeat quickened as his gaze slid back to Silas. “I assume there are a few in our company as we speak.”

Forsmont had remained separated from Otacia’s reign thus far and had never enforced a kill order. That didn’t mean that no murders took place. To my left, Merrick’s fists clenched, and beside him, Viola eyed the two guards at Leroy’s side. The man with blue hair gave Vi a wicked grin, and I could see her refraining from snarling.

“I don’t believe I betrayed Otacia at all.” Silas’s voice was strong and steady. How he was able to keep his nerves at bay, I didn’t know. “The King has made his plans for the continent clear. He wishes to be High King.”

“So it seems, with how adamant he has been in trying to claim our territory.” Leroy plucked a loose string on his red tunic. For a King, he was dressed rather modestly. He didn’t even wear a crown. “And, let me guess, you wish to rally our support of your reign, and in exchange, Forsmont keeps our freedom?” He lowered his brows at the Prince of Otacia. There was no kindness in his voice as he said, “Well, keep our freedom until you are King. Who knows what you will do with your power?”

“I am a man of my word.”

Leroy nodded slowly, his gaze once again going over our group. After a moment, the King exhaled sharply. “Tell you what, Prince.” He clapped once, the sound causing me to flinch. He gave an easy smile, crossing his arms. “Slay one of your witches here.”

My blood went cold.

“Kill one of them, and Forsmont will join your cause. ”

Silas blinked, the only sign he was taken aback.

Or…or was he considering?

Elowen’s nervous eyes went to Edmund, who pulled her closer to his side. Even Roland tensed beside me.

“I will do no such thing,” Silas said cooly. “The Mages are my allies.”

Leroy let out a dry laugh, his eyes widening, an incredulous look on his face. “The Witch Slayer has made allies with the Mages?” His sky-blue eyes shifted to mine. “What made you agree to such a thing? He promised freedom, and you believed it?”

I was taken by surprise that the leader knew I was one of the Mages. We were all glamoured. Though perhaps word had spread of the red-headed witch leader of Ames.

“Otacia will lift the kill order. Provide us with a home, should we wish it,” I answered simply. The blue-haired man scoffed before I continued, “King Matel, there is a dark power spreading across the continent. A necromancer has risen.”

To that, Leroy’s eyes flared, his arms falling back to his sides.

“We will need to come together if there is any chance of eliminating this threat.”

Leroy’s frown went to Silas. “How long?”

“Over half a year,” Hendry spoke instead. “At least, that’s how long we have dealt with their kind.”

“Why haven’t we been notified of this?” Leroy pushed. Even the two men at his side had paled.

“We were ordered to keep it under wraps,” Silas said calmly but not weakly. “It was contained to the north for a while. Though we have had our fair share of run-ins as we have moved south. It seems our efforts to eliminate them have been futile. ”

Leroy looked at the blue-haired man and then nodded to himself before crossing his arms again.

“Why the change of heart, Prince? You have never shown an ounce of compassion toward the witches. Why now?”

I sucked in my bottom lip and glanced up at Silas to my right. His golden gaze shifted to mine momentarily, and he took a deep breath before facing Leroy.

“I could say it is because they are a powerful ally…but the truth is I was wrong about them.”

Leroy blinked, his eyes bouncing between the two of us.

“I was wrong to think they were monsters.” Silas glanced at Edmund and nodded toward Leroy. With a gulp, Edmund stepped forward, Elowen still close to his side, as he removed his glove.

The men of Forsmont gasped as they beheld Edmund’s artificial limb—as he made a show of rotating his wired carbonado fingers.

“An Undead struck me in the arm. My leg, too.” He shot me a grateful glance, and then his green eyes peeked down at Elowen, a devoted smile spreading across his face. “Lena and Elowen saved me. Fought to save me.”

The whites of Leroy's eyes became visible as he gaped at the enchanted creation.

"They brought me to an enchanter who made this for me.” He began slipping the glove back on. “They didn’t have to save me. But they saw me in pain, saw as I was fading, and begged to.” He lowered his hand to clasp Elowen’s, and she smiled brightly at him. “That’s the type of people they are.”

Leroy only shifted his stare to Silas once the Prince quietly added, “I was saved by them, too. ”

Silas focused his gaze on me now, and I nearly melted at the sight of his smile. It was small; the corners just barely turned up, but it was real.

“I understand your fear," Silas continued, shifting his eyes back to the Forsmontian King. "We’ve all grown up with tales that have painted Magekind as nothing but aberrations…but I have seen more humanity in them than I have in some of my men.”

Leroy’s eyes darted between us for a moment before he laughed softly. “You surprise me, Prince.” Leroy then raised his hand. “ Revelare .”

We all watched as Leroy’s glamour faded, as the ear his blonde hair was tucked behind turned pointed, and his pupils completely vanished.

As we realized Leroy was a Warlock.