Page 114 of The Last Storm
A stunned smile pulled at Alden’s lips.
“But afterward, when I asked how she managed to control it, she said she didn’t. She said she asked it.”
“Asked?”
“Yeah,asked.”
“Well, I guess that confirms that then. I’ll talk to her. We will have to train, try to practice these skills because if she accidentally sucks the energy out of anything, anyone…”
I nodded, running a hand through my hair. It would be catastrophic for her.
“We can’t let that happen. She said she feels like she has some control over it now, so hopefully, training will help bridge the remaining gaps.” Sighing, I walked back around the desk and plopped down. “On a lighter note, we met Ewan. He was bartending at a tavern and he pledged his life to Ara. They all did, actually. They pledged to her, Alden.”
Pride swelled at the memory, and Alden dropped his face again, grinning ear to ear.
“You should have seen her. She was incredible.”
“I wish I could’ve,” he said. “Vaelor would’ve been so proud, and a much better teacher than me, but I will do my best to help her.”
“And just one more thing you should know…”
As I explained the Doran, Delphia, and Thana situation, his mouth fell open.
“Did he do that?” he said, gesturing to my already bruising chin.
“Yes,” I said flatly.
“Well, I’m not surprised about that.” He tilted his head to get a better look and chuckled. “I am surprised, however, that he didn’t do more damage. Have you heard from them?”
“Yes, they’re just outside the castle. She’s going to send more updates as they scope the area.”
He nodded. “May the Goddess be with them.”
“And may she strike down any who wishes them harm. May she bathe them in triumph,” I finished for him on the way out.
* * *
Sitting on one of the logs around the fire pit, I was surrounded by the familiar chatter of soldiers—telling stories, laughter, boasting.
The moon was full, lighting the camp, and the air was calm. Considering what was to come, everything was relatively calm, including myself, and that had never been a word I’d used to describe myself.
Staring up at the castle, I spotted Ara’s window. Warm firelight flooded from it, indicating she was in there. A faint glimpse of her silhouette blotted out the light as she walked by the window. With a smile, I pushed off my knees to my feet as the need to be closer to her tugged at me.
But just as I stepped in Ara’s direction, a note flittered out of the fire and I caught it as it drifted on the breeze.
Ro,
Firstly, we’re still alive and well.
Secondly, we found the dungeon and there are at least two dozen Fae here. We will get them out to safety. I have no doubt. But there are also a few humans being kept here. Should we rescue them as well—if they want to come, that is?
-D
Two dozen Fae. Two dozen of my people were being held captive, tortured, and starved.
My blood boiled. The grass at my feet singed as the bonfire doubled in size, causing the men to jump and stumble back. I jerked back down to the log, turning the paper over, and replied.
D,
