Page 42 of The Last Guardian

Never. Again.

And I also needed to see Lyra. Maybe we could start a life somewhere else, as we’d always dreamed of. But my hopes were dashed when Zaidkiel spoke.

“I’m afraid they won’t find us where we’re headed now.”

I froze, scrutinizing the man in front of me. “Can I send them a letter? You know my brother. Maybe…”

“For defense lessons, it is set. You will learn with my general,” Zaidkiel answered. “I have already sent Arthur a letter; he knows you are alive.”

A weight dissipated in my chest at the mention of my brother.

“I’ll check with him to see if he can join us in the south when we return to Perygan.”

I blinked. A smirk tugged at the corner of the commander’s lips.

When we return to Perygan.

Not Vallen.

Were we leaving Perygan? But…

I paused and observed the man in front of me. His green eyes twinkled with the rays of the sun as he stared back. Waiting for me to ask.

“Where are we headed, Commander?” I demanded at last.

Yet, Zaidkiel remained silent. His cocky smile never disappeared as he extended his hand, adorned with silver rings on his tattooed fingers, and waited.

His gaze pierced through me. “Your terms are accepted.”

I squinted as my gaze flicked from his eyes to his hand. And I wasn’t sure if it was the brightest or worst idea of my life.

I accepted his hand, slipping my hand into his, his skin brushing against mine. His calloused fingers tightened around my palm.

His emerald gaze locked onto mine, and I found myself unable to look away. And with a whisper, Zaidkiel grinned. “Welcome to the Legion, Princess.”

The moment his hand left mine, soldiers and sailors rushed onto the decks, yelling, scaling the masts.

“Anchors up, crew in line. We can sail,” a man bellowed from his lofty perch, addressing the rest of the crew.

“Clear horizon, Cap! The winds and waves are in our favor,” replied another.

The ship changed its course, veering south. I asked again, “Where are we going?”

Zaidkiel glanced at the horizon once more and announced, “Keraneeth.”

“ARE YOU COMPLETELY mad?” My eyes widened as I shouted at him.

No way Zaidkiel was taking me to Keraneeth.

It was forbidden for a reason. Only barbarians and murderers lived there, wielding their dark magic. Even if the truth about why the High Mages had established that border was a lie, it was still a dangerous land. Why would he take me there?

“You need to work on how you talk to people.” Zaidkiel glared at me.

Ah, if he only knew what I wanted to throw at him! More insults and my fist on a platter!

“Why are you taking me there? And how?” I demanded, the wind whipping my face and ruffling my hair.

The High Mages’ powers imbued the border in the middle of the sea; it was forbidden and impossible to pass through.