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“ B eck? He is gone?” Eyphah stared at Maris in disbelief.

“Coral says she felt a cut in the connection. She is distraught and in pain, and she thinks something happened to him. I believe she is right.” Maris ignored the awkwardness emanating from them. Talking to her seemed to be a task now. “I think he was captured back at Ophelia.”

Eyphah rubbed her chin silently, then nodded. “Fuck!”

Melvian sat beside the dining table, watching them interact. She was not amused, and she couldn’t hide the disgust. Maris noticed and pinched her arm when Eyphah was not watching.

“I sent three guards to Lasmeer’s joint. He is a good friend, and he will let us know what happened.”

“Lasmeer?” Eyphah asked, crossing her arms under her smaller chest.

“He is a friend. He helped me and Valda when we were injured trying to flee Oberon.”

“Right.” Eyphah hooked her hand to the back of her neck. “We should be more vigilant if Arwin’s men are coming.”

“Not if , when. Now, this man is very patient. They could be here in weeks, days…”

“Hours,” Melvian interrupted, shifting the two Sealians’ attention towards her. “It could be hours…”

“We need everyone to get ready to move,” Maris said to Eyphah while swallowing the knot in her throat .

“Move? Relocate? Are you crazy? We have just started to have some sort of progress in this forsaken land, now you want us to move? Where would we go?”

“As far away as we can, Eyphah! I will not leave my people here and face him. You have no idea what that man is capable of!”

“Running away will solve nothing.”

“It will keep us alive!” Maris clicked her tongue and rubbed the stress gathering at her jaw. “Listen. We move them and keep a handful of guards here.”

“We can take them all if we stick together,” Eyphah said.

“There are people here with zero combat training. Do you think they will stand a chance against Skylian soldiers?” Maris was inches away from Eyphah, her hands tightening with the desire to strangle her. “I am their queen. I am the one who decides. Everyone must pack as much as they can and be ready to leave.”

“We can take them to Cressida. Or just as far away from Ophelia as possible. We can even take refuge with Isen and Valda’s group in Umbriel,” Melvian suggested.

“I will not have them die in the desert,” Eyphah muttered while Maris tensed at the mention of her mate’s name. “And I don’t think turning to the resistance will help us.”

Maris slammed her palms on the table. “So, we should stay and hope for the best?”

She was done playing games, and she wouldn’t allow her people to be hurt in the crossfire. There were healthy men and women in the settlement, but there were also children, lots and lots of them, and elders who would rather rest than fight. They could move older adults and the children out, and those willing to fight could stay… but how many would?

“Melvian?”

“Yes, Maris?”

“Titania is the closest city to Umbriel, am I correct?”

“Yes, it is.”

“I want everyone to pack the essentials. We are moving. All those strong enough to fight will stand guard all around the settlement until every single child and elder are sent on their way to the city.” The way Maris cut the conversation and turned away from Eyphah left little room for further discussion.

Still, Eyphah being Eyphah, she didn’t stay quiet.

“That’s it?” The older woman’s upper lip twitched with resentment. “I have no say in this? I have been taking care of them for much longer than—”

“Make up your mind. You want me to rule over your people, but when it comes to making actual decisions, you cower away and attack, implying that you have better ideas. You don’t. Now you can either help your queen spread the word to our people, or please just get out of the way.” Maris turned to Melvian and jerked her head to the door. “Let’s go.”

Melvian nodded, and although Maris was her best friend, she was still under her command. The young healer stood from her chair and waddled close to Maris, her heavy stomach brushing against her friend’s arm. A gentle reminder she was due any day now.

The touch did not go unnoticed. Maris’s hand moved over her stomach in a soft caress, as if all the love and affection Maris felt for her friend could seep into the unborn children. “You need to give out the warning, then head back to Arago and stay there. As soon as we start moving everyone, you will go with the first moving group.”

“Maris—”

“I will have none of it. I will never forgive myself if something happens to you or the babies.”

The intensity in Maris’s words was enough to make Melvian shut her mouth and roll her eyes. “Fine. I will go out and then lock myself in, but what about you?”

Maris turned to Eyphah, who stared at both women with uncertainty. Maris was sure Eyphah didn't know what they were up against, plus she was sure the older woman hasn't faced something quite like this. An attack on New Agenor with the full power of the Skylian army was a death sentence.

“I will be fine. Now go.” Maris patted her friend’s cheek and waited until she had closed the door to address Eyphah.

The surrounding air was damp and heavy, and Maris wanted nothing to do with her, but she knew this woman was her only shoulder to lean on if she wanted to save her people.

If only she weren’t so stubborn…

“I need your help.”

“I know,” Eyphah said, releasing a tired groan and scratching the back of her neck as if it would relieve the tension. “And I know the last thing you want to do is talk to me.”

“Thank you for being aware.”

“But I think we have to. ”

“Eyphah,” Maris sighed, her head dropping into her hand so she could rub the bridge of her nose. “There is nothing to discuss. Right now, what I need is your help. Can you at least do that for me? Please?”

Maris watched the hesitation in Eyphah’s features boil over to something she wasn’t quite able to comprehend. There was no doubt in Maris’s mind Eyphah was angry, possibly hurt from what happened last night, but Eyphah’s anger could not compare to Maris’s. Yet, she needed Eyphah.

“I will help,” Eyphah stated, uncrossing her arms, trying to seem relaxed. “Just give out the orders.”

“Good. Gather the horses and all the working carriages. I need everyone to get to work right now. Tell them the truth. We are fleeing to gain more time to prepare.”

Eyphah nodded. Without another word, she walked out the door, followed by Maris. They made their way to the square and the people around them knew something was wrong. Seeing the queen and their previous leader in the square meant an important announcement. Maris confirmed what many had dreaded since the day she arrived in New Agenor.

The Skylian Army was coming, and the only way they could survive was to leave the place. Older adults and children would leave with a handful of able-bodied fighters for Titania, and hopefully, Valda’s men would be there for them. There was no time to lose. As soon as Maris finished giving the news and Eyphah the instructions, everyone spread out to do as they were told.

Eyphah prepared all the horses and carriages. In the first hour, already four carriages had left for Titania, and Maris’s anxiousness rose with every passing minute. As the fifth carriage went with a group of children, she noticed something missing.

Coljar and company were nowhere to be seen… Maris frowned. She walked to the House of Arago and found it empty. No Melvian in sight…

Maris opened Melvian's cottage and called out “Melvian!” but there was no answer. She hoped her friend followed instruction and headed out with the first group. With an exasperated groan and her anxiety flaring, she returned to the square, where she found Eyphah helping an older woman into a carriage.

“Did Melvian get in the first carriages?”

Eyphah settled the woman in the carriage before addressing Maris’s. “I haven’t seen her.”

“I told her I wanted her out in the first carriage.”

“Maybe she is helping others move?” Eyphah suggested, and shrugged.

Maris ran her fingers through her hair. “I am getting tired of people not listening to my orders.”

“Comes with the job,” Eyphah snapped back. “Did you check the lakes?”

“No…”

“At this time of the day, a lot of youngsters head out to relax there. Maybe she went there to let them know we were moving. Do you want me to go get her?”

“No, I will,” Maris muttered as she moved past Eyphah and grabbed one horse destined for the carriage. “Keep everyone moving. Don’t wait for me.”

“Aye, aye captain.” Eyphah mocked a salute and watched as Maris galloped to the lakes on the outskirts.

At first, Maris thought she would be angry when she saw Melvian with her hands on her hips, looking down at Coljar. Young Lia was next to the boy while Kimmi looked at Melvian anxiously. Kimmi had proven to be a carefree young girl. Seeing that expression on her face turned Maris’s stomach. Kimmi was the first to face Maris as she got closer. The young girl flinched and touched Coljar’s shoulder to let him know they had company.

“I can’t believe this!” Maris barked before jumping off the horse. The trident was securely tied to the saddle. She usually never carried it around, but something in her chest, probably Valda, screamed at her to be careful, to be armed and well prepared. “Melvian, I told you I wanted you out with the first group!”

“I was about to leave when I saw these three individuals coming here! I couldn’t leave them!” Melvian refuted, her arms crossed. A horse with a small wagon was not so far waiting for them. There were already baskets of food, sheets, and boxes with personal effects in the wagon. “They won’t tell me why they are here and won’t leave.”

Maris’s anger turned to Coljar and the others. “I need all of you to leave this place right now!”

“But—” Coljar’s explanation was cut off by Maris’s urgency.

“No ‘buts’!” Maris pointed at the wagon with a ferocity that made the young boy flinch away from her.

“But we can’t find the black cat,” Lia whispered, and her small voice almost went unheard.

Maris’s eyes turned to the little girl. “What did you say?”

“Lia!” Kimmi scolded her and lifted her face just in time to see Maris. “I’ve told her time and time, there are no cats in here. ”

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s been months since we saw a black cat, Lia!” Coljar cut in.

Maris turned to Melvian now. “A black cat?”

Melvian scoffed and grabbed hold of Coljar’s hand. “She is not the only one with a cat, Maris. Skylian soldiers will be here any moment, and we need to get you all to safety!”

“She could’ve—” Maris’s words died in her throat as a soft rumbling vibrated beneath her feet. It felt almost like an earthquake, getting louder and stronger. A surging roar of many voices drifted through the wind, and Maris’s entire body went cold. “They are here.”

Maris grabbed Coljar as Kimmi lifted Lia before running to the horse and carriage. Kimmi jumped in before taking Coljar from Maris. The gallops were getting louder. Louder than Maris’s deafening heartbeat.

“Get in the wagon, Melvian!” Maris snarled as she tied her horse to the wagon next to the other beast. Grabbing her best friend’s elbow, Maris pulled Melvian into the wagon just as Kimmi climbed on one horse, clutching the reins and slamming her feet to the animal’s flank to get it moving.

As Maris watched them leave, a group of five Skylian soldiers ran past the trees, limiting the lakes. They pulled on their horses’ reins and looked at her in surprise and amusement. Maris glanced back and saw her best friend and the children safely returning to the settlement. She breathed hard yet felt the anxiety slip off when she knew they were not in danger, at least for now.

“I guess it was true,” one soldier said, jumping off his horse and pulling out a sword. “How could you have slipped from our grasp like that?”

“Does it matter? The orders were to kill everyone on sight.” Another soldier, a woman, pulled two small daggers from the belt on her waist and slipped off her horse. “We are just lucky we found the leader.”

The other three soldiers dropped from their horses, grasping their weapons as they eyed Maris.

Maris took them all in. Two women, three men. Like all Skylians, they were much taller than her, their black locks disheveled by the wind. Their arms and shoulders were massive with power, and their honey eyes, though different shades, all had one thing in common. They were shadowed with an unexplainable rage.

Maris realized she couldn’t take them all on with her trident. If she attacked one, the other four would jump on her, and she would be dead in seconds. Her eyes trailed down to the bioluminescent lakes with crystal clear and unmoving water. The water was so clear it perfectly mirrored the soldiers standing by the edge. For the past months, she had been so focused on her skills with the trident she had completely abandoned her greatest weapon. Controlling water.

Burying the base of the trident on the ground, Maris thrust her hands forward. Snake-like ribbons of water formed before her, clutching each soldier by their neck, and dragging them down to the lake’s depths. Once submerged, Maris’s fingers rolled into tight fists. Holding the weight of all five soldiers, she pushed them deeper, ensuring not even one of them could gasp for air.

Water splashed and gasping turned into gargling screams. Maris lowered her fists, gritting her teeth until she firmly pressed her hands to the ground. The splashing slowed until there was nothing but silent air.

Maris opened her eyes and saw five bodies floating on the lake’s surface. She released her breath and touched her chest. Her heart was seconds away from coming out of her throat.

She’d killed them…

She’d killed someone… not someone, five people all at once for the first time in her life. Her hands quivered before clasping the trident tightly.

Her bond with Valda tugged at her harshly. She felt her mate’s worry and rage. “I am fine…” she whispered to no one. “I am fine. I am unharmed.”

She braced herself on her knees and inhaled through her nose as she forced herself to calm down. Once she thought she was fine, Maris turned to the road leading to the settlement and ran as fast as she could back to the square. She needed to head back before any harm came to the others.

She wasn’t fast, though she wished she was. She was sure Valda could run so much faster than she could, yet the hammering on her chest indicated she was giving it her all. As she got closer, chaos unfolded before her. Skylian soldiers were destroying the cottages and fighting the guards.

As she made her way through, Maris slammed the bottom of the trident into a Skylian soldier’s nape who was grabbing a young Sealian woman by her blue hair. Maris ignored the disgusting crack of his skull as he fell dead to the ground.

“Leave,” Maris growled as she pushed the woman toward a carriage.

She spotted Eyphah pulling a woman into a wagon. Behind her, a Skylian soldier raised her sword over her head, and just as she was about to strike Eyphah from the back, Maris lifted her trident, pulled back, and threw the weapon as hard as she could. The soldier turned her head toward Maris, widening her eyes just as the trident struck her on the chest.

Eyphah turned just in time to see the soldier fall dead on the ground.

“Eyphah! We must get out of here now!” Maris yelled just as another soldier moved to attack her. Weaponless, she slammed her elbow into the man’s nose, giving her enough time to run to Eyphah.

“Maris!” Eyphah pulled the trident from the corpse and handed the weapon back. She then turned to the man riding the horse attached to the wagon and snarled, “Go, go, go! Meet us as Titania! Hurry!”

The rider nodded and left with a wagon full of children and elderly. “They came out of nowhere. You were right! It was just a matter of hours!” Eyphah said, unsheathing her sword.

“That’s not important right now. Where is Melvian? I told her to meet me here.”

Eyphah shook her head. “I haven't seen her.”

Maris swallowed hard and grabbed hold of Eyphah’s arm. “Listen to me, please. I need your help more than anything right now. We need to get them out. You are the only one I trust with this. Get them out. Get them to safety and meet me at Titania.”

“You are not staying here, Maris.”

“Eyphah!”

“You can get killed!” Eyphah’s voice quivered.

Maris saw the terror on the other woman’s face. Her hand trailed up to her neck, holding the back of Eyphah’s head and pressing their foreheads together. “I had a great teacher. I will do just fine. Please. Get them to safety.”

Eyphah grabbed Maris’s forearm with a shuddering sob and gave it a strong squeeze. “Fine! We will see each other again at Titania.”

“It’s a promise,” Maris whispered before releasing her.

Eyphah bowed low, jumped on a horse, and left to continue the evacuation. Maris’s only goal now was to make sure that Melvian was safe. Her bellow was drowned between the galloping horses and clashing metal. Soldiers fought to the death around her.

“Melvian!” she called out to her friend, searching around the settlement, trying to distinguish her from all the blue and black hair, but it was all a blur.

As she pushed Skylian soldiers away from her, hitting them with the shaft of the trident, stabbing them, and cracking their skulls with the back of her weapon, Maris found Melvian outside the settlement, near the communal garden. Her friend grabbed Coral, pulling her into the wagon with the child in the young woman’s arm.

A soldier struck the back of Maris’s leg and made her lose her footing. She fell on her left knee, her eyes glued to her friend as a group of three soldiers neared her, their swords out, hungry for blood.

Maris was too far. A coldness in her soul chilled her friend’s name as she opened her mouth to scream for her again as a soldier moved his arm back to thrust his sword into her swollen stomach.

“ Melvian!”

The thunderous roar didn’t come from Maris but from a Sealian man, who jumped off his horse and tackled Melvian’s attacker to the ground. The handsome man moved his sword above his head and plunged it deep into the Skylian soldier’s chest, twisting the blade, killing him. The seashell tattoo on his skin rippled over the taut muscles of his arms as he pulled the sword out of the corpse’s chest.

“Isen!” Maris called him, but he quickly moved to dispose of the other soldiers close enough to harm his mate.

Maris smiled in relief, but a knee erased her grin from her mouth. The direct strike took her by surprise. The sharp pain in her jaw drowned her senses in a piercing, high-pitched whine. Maris clumsily reached for her trident, only to have it kicked away from her reach. The world spun as another strike connected to her cheek, sending her flying onto her back.

Her eyes fluttered open, and Maris’s view of the blue sky was interrupted by another Skylian. His smile sent a shiver down her spine as blood came out of her mouth to trickle down her cheek. Maris touched her busted lip and then looked back at the soldier.

“I will remember this moment. I’ll tell them all that I was the one that got to kill the leader of the Sealian rebels.”

Maris swallowed a mouthful of blood, her body not cooperating with the dizziness. She needed to stand up. She needed to stop this man. She was about to get killed.

As the Skylian lifted his sword over his head, Maris heard a howl, and the man’s chest was skewered with a sword.

Not any sword.

Maris recognized the curve of the blade.

It was the Heaven Sword .

Blood spurted from the jagged wound, and the soldier cried out as he grabbed the blade as if it would stop the inevitable. His body sagged, held upright only by the sword impaling him. The person behind the Skylian growled and swung the body aside, slipping the blade from his body and shaking it to clean the blood off it.

Maris met honey-colored, tired yet loving eyes. A woman, much taller than Maris, stood before her, with black hair that reached her neck, dirty bloody arms, and cheeks.

Taking a deep breath, the sword was sheathed before she knelt beside Maris, saying, “Hello, Seashell…”