Page 54 of Heir of Broken Souls

“How are Elaric and Elodie?”

“I hope the bitch gave up some of her men.”

“What plans have been put in place? Are we leaving?”

Delilah steps up beside me. “We’re not leaving our home, but the people are.”

I’m glad she was the one to break that tidbit. Honestly, all I need is a large dark glass of amber liquor and to sleep for weeks. I’ve never been so exhausted in my life. Choosing to fill them in mind to mind as opposed to speaking, the room falls silent. At least for a brief, beautifully peaceful moment, and then they all start up again.

“The queen doubled the patrol around the Tree of Life?” Lenox grumbles. “And just where is she pulling those men from?”

Nolan, still dressed in his fighting leathers from earlier, says, “All things considered with Cardiana’s fall, that could be the best avenue.”

I dip my head, grateful for his positive outlook. “How was the evacuation? Is everyone out safely?”

“Those who survived, yes,” Harlow answers.

The words I never wished to ever be uttered in this place. My heart pinches so painfully my fingers twitch at my side to rub the ache.

Clearing my throat, I look my family members in the eye, needing to say something to bring them together. “While we thought the in-between was the distraction, we were unfortunately wrong. Now knowing all that we do, the attack upon our borders was the true distraction. Azalea was never the intended target, but we did the best that we could with the little information we had. Was it the best outcome? Absolutely not, but now we know that he is operating three steps ahead of us and we will be smarter next time.”

“I don’t suppose you saw Emory?” Lenox asks.

The question stumps me, and draws a furrow between Delilah’s brows too. “Nolan, you’ll have to continue helping the refugees. Can you keep an eye out for her?” I ask, my mind on the beautifully tortured dark-skinned Fae.

“Of course.”

After all, we not only owe Delilah for our lives but Emory’s, the spell cleaver from Cardania who helped us determine what type of dark magical spell was placed upon the Tree of Life.

Speaking of… “The queen has sanctioned double the patrol around the Tree of Life.”

“And where exactly is she pulling those men from?” Lenox grumbles.

“Knox, we should rebuild the wards as soon as—” Nolan’s words die as Elysia sways on the spot, her eyes suddenly glassy and milky white. She speaks above him, a lilt in her voice.

“All you seek lies beneath the tempestuous saltwater heap.

With guided fins comes the battle at dawn, that which you must survive.

For the future lies within the golden hands, which will raise the once sacred land.

Enter upon your discreet and all your answers will be at your feet.”

Elysia sags once she finishes, and Harlow jumps to catch her before her head hits the wall. All the while, Axel looks on with such disgust in his gaze, I itch to slap the back of his head.

That is, until all eyes turn to me and widen. Although they aren’t looking at me.

Turning, my gaze slowly glides to Delilah. She looks at me with such fright I wipe any and all shock from my expression as I come to stand beside her and hold her hand.

She pats her hair down as she asks, “What is it? Do I have something on my face?”

“Close,” Harlow snorts.

Cutting her a glare I quickly focus on Delilah once more, grabbing her hand. I can’t hide the awe in my voice as I breathe, “You’re glowing gold.”

Chapter21

Delilah