Page 81 of The Reaping Rose

I close my eyes again, resetting my stance and perking my senses. Magic has soothed any remaining aches and physical pain from the night they died, but the emotional wound is raw inside me. Nearby, footsteps head my way. Weightless steps that can only be Elorie. Lavender hangs in the breeze, mixing with Elorie’s wintry scent.

The flowers are still so alive here.

In the Ley Court, I suspected Malachi was shielding the true state of the court, but not to the extent that he was. He cast a vision of light over the palace and the forest that surrounds it, manipulating the scents and the feel of it. Light magic never terrified me as much as it did when Malachi stripped his from the palace, and I saw just how deep those weaves of his light went.

It was the end of an intricate lie, and it all started with them.

My stance slips as I spin this time. Distraction overtakes the movement as the blade sinks lower on the post. Metal connects with wood, and for a moment, I hear the crack of a spine as my blade carves through it. As I claimed the lives of the males my king claimed were responsible for my parents’ deaths.

My king no more.

“Impressive.” Elorie’s voice has me opening my eyes as she steps out into the courtyard.

Her gaze is on the post, where my sword is deeper than any of the other cuts. It’s off its mark. Proof that being right and being lethal don’t go hand in hand.

When I tug the sword from the post this time, the wood grips it, so I have to pull harder.

“It was a hit” is all I say as I sheath my sword and walk toward the ledge for some water.

My heart races when I train. The effects of being without magic for so long on Alyssium still weigh heavily on me. Sweat drips down my temples, over my neck, and down the front of my black leathers.

“You’re going to the Mortal Realm,” I guess as she pauses before me.

Her eyebrows pinch. “Callum told you he figured out a way to open the Arch?”

“While Wilder was fetching you.” I didn’t bother waiting for them when I know how easily the two of them are distracted by one another.

Even now, I can scent them when the breeze shifts.

“Who else is going with us?” I ask, and Elorie’s head tilts. “I assume you’ll need backup.”

Which is what I am. A weapon carved by my father’s training. Sharpened by his death.

“Callum and Perame are coming with me, but I need to ask you a favor.” She pulls her lower lip between her teeth, nervously biting it.

“You want me to stay?”

She nods, and my back turns rigid at the thought of staying here without her. Vaelier might be brimming with magic, but I’m in enemy territory. They haven’t acted against me directly since I’ve been here, but I’ve seen the other side of them in battle. I’ve watched them slaughter and pillage. Vaelier warriors here aren’t innocent.

I do not serve their king; I am not here for Wilder. I’m here for Elorie and to make sure Malachi dies.

“No.” I shake my head, crossing my arms over my chest. “You can’t expect me to stay here while you walk into unknown territory. The Mortal Realm might be filled with humans, but that doesn’t make them any less ruthless. Their realm was known for brutality, and I doubt that’s changed. Your magic won’t be nearly as strong there. You need me.”

“I need you here.” Elorie steps forward. “Well, not here, exactly. I need you in Lyrichia.”

That piques my interest. “Continue.”

“The void won’t do us any good unless we can find Malachi. You know Lyrichia better than anyone, even Callum. And if it’s true and Malachi and Hazel are hiding closer to Echme, then you’re the only one who would know where to look.”

“The forests around Echme are nearly impassable without a Gate. The creatures that dwell in the depths are almost worse than the Well. If he’s hiding there, I doubt even the orb could save him.”

“See… you know that.” She offers a smile like my warning to her idea is a good thing. “I need you to find Malachi so that when I return, we can finish this.”

“There’s a bounty on my head,” I say plainly. “Malachi would have put one out on all of us the moment we left. The second I’m spotted by the Guard⁠—”

“He’ll make sure you aren’t.”

“He who?” My eyes narrow.