Moon Raven Rising (The Moon Raven Trilogy #3)

44. Raelle

Chapter forty-four

Snow is starting to gather on the ground, though the tree covering the regime provides shelter from the worsening elements that winter brings. Regardless, the people who have come together to fight for our kingdom, for my reign… I can only hope that my presence now is reassuring them their queen is safe—that I got away from Soren’s clutches and am alive and well. Even if the worry is eating at me that Dax is not here yet.

Bracarva seems unphased that the prince is not yet here, so with that I at least feel some relief. I can’t let any of my concerns show to the people, though. So I walk among them with my head held high and my shoulders back, in hopes that the false confidence will bring them the strength they need for what I know is coming.

With each touch, each glance, I see it happening. Talk of the moon raven prophecy has run rampant, and now, with me walking through the camp with my moon-cast, white, feathery wings on display, they whisper of the reckoning that is coming to Aldramani. They see me as their savior, and while I’m glad I can bring them hope, I worry that I won’t be enough.

I find a secluded area where I can sit in the presence of the Fae I have claimed as my family and watch as they interact with each other. Bickering and laughing as usual. It brings warmth to my heart that they are the same as if I had never been away, but at the same time, I know that so much has changed within each of them and as our group as a whole.

“You doing ok?” Kait sits down on the downed log I turned into a seat, and offers me a warm mug of bone broth. The steam curls around in the air, and I watch its dance as I consider her question.

“I feel like I always give the same answer whenever I’m asked that…” I laugh, but the sound is forced.

“I guess as long as it’s true, it’s well enough.” She replies with a tight smile. An understanding glint sparkles in her eyes as I look away and continue watching the others.

“In all honesty, I’m ok, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried. All of these Fae—” I sweep my free hand out in a gesture to everyone in front of me. “Every one of them is my responsibility and now… Being tied to Valeska though, to the prince… I feel the weight of everything a little bit more than I ever have.” Saying this out loud makes it all the more real, and I don’t think I have really thought about how much my worries have changed.

The fact that roughly a year ago, I was searching for answers about what happened to my family. Fate sent me on this journey. I never could have imagined how my life has changed. At times it has seemed the gods have been cruel, but they also have shown kindness. Showing mercy in their own twisted way, but at the same time fate has built all of us into the strong Fae we are today; given us reason to be there for each other, and it's more than I could ever have hoped after I once thought I had lost everything.

Even knowing that they were not my blood family, I still refuse to accept they were anything less than my mom, dad, and brother. Wren would be proud of everything I’m doing. He couldn’t wait to join me in training. He would have been right at my side through all of this… My heart clenches that he’s not.

“I think that if you felt any different, I would be concerned. You have a lot to think about, but Raelle?” I pull my eyes away from the swirling steam from my broth and look Kait in the eye. “If anyone can choose the right path and save the kingdom from the evil that has been tainting it, it’s you and Dax.” My vision swims with tears as I take in the kindness that Kait is giving. The softness she doesn’t allow many to see, and my lip trembles as I nod.

“I am so lucky to have all of you.” My voice comes out smaller and more fragile sounding than I meant for, and Kait bumps her knee into mine.

“I think we are pretty lucky to have you too. I’m going to miss you guys when I leave.” She smiles as she stands.

“Wait, what do you mean? Where are you going?”

“When this is all said and done, I have decided I’m going to find out where I came from. You inspired me—I found some old journals in Miles’ things. He aided in my coming to Aldramani. I guess there is more to me than just a pretty face with an attitude problem.” She says, and I give her a sidelong look, causing us both to laugh out loud.

“When that time comes, just know you have the full support of Aldramani at your back.”

“Oh, I hope so; I am risking my life for your asses.” She winks, turning from me as Trent approaches, leading Maki and Ambriel my way. Kait pats him on the chest before sauntering away.

“I’m glad to see her in good spirits,” Trent says, watching Kait leave.

“I think we are all making do with what we can right now. Did you check in with the sentries about Dax?” I ask, discarding my bone broth and handing the empty mug to one of the women who have started packing for the next move. She bows her head, grateful to take it, and I smile in return. The endearment and gentleness causing the feeling from earlier to warm me further.

“Nothing yet,” Trent responds solemnly. “No one has seen Cano either.” I give a curt nod. Dax is ok. I would sense if he wasn’t. As for Cano, I just hope that the trust that was put in him wasn’t misplaced. “Ambriel has tried to reach Dax with her magic…”

“There is nothing but a wall of shadow every time I try,” Ambriel adds as they all come to a stop in a half-circle facing me. “What about you? Have you tried? You spoke with all of us…” She says and my eyes snap to hers. I don’t know why I didn’t think of trying. I stand suddenly, a wide smile spreading across my face and I grab Ambriel by the cheeks. I pull her to me, nose to nose and we both laugh before I plant a kiss on her forehead.

“You are a genius!” I whirl through the crowd on light feet as I race to a clearing to be in direct light of the moon. As the silvery light soaks into my skin, my hair reflecting its glow, I close my eyes, letting my power fill me.

I feel the others watching, but what brings a smile to my face is the smoke and cedar that immediately engulf my senses. As soon as I reach out to him, our bond sizzles like the crack of his fire element and pulses through me as his shadows pull me into the depths.

“Please tell me you are ok,” I beg through the connection in our minds. My heart begins to race when all I am met with is the inky darkness that is his magic, but then, like a fire taking to kindling, his mind opens to me.

“My queen,” He breathes; the sound of his voice is filled with tension, but I can sense the relief he feels too. “Are you safe? Did you make it to the others? My brother?” His questions come out rapidly, and then there is a sharp stab of pain that punctures the connection.

In the distance, I hear Bracarva bellow as her heavy wings carry her through the sky. I tighten my eyes shut as I push my magic out again. I refuse to lose the connection I have with him. I need to know that he is ok and that the plan can still carry on as it is supposed to.

“Dax?! Everyone here is safe. Where are you?” Please, let him hear me. I beg the gods to allow my magic to reach him. There is a ripple in the darkness, then nothing. “DAX?!” I call out again. Using more magic, my heart becomes frantic. My pulse pounds in my ears as my mind races with how I can reach him. Why did I feel a spike of pain?

Warmth grasps me by the hand, and then I know Ambriel is at my side as the war maiden bond mark on my wrist thrums with her power. The connection of our hands intensifies the magic and reminds me of what Osiris said about the stone that sits in my pocket.

I scramble with my other hand, ruffling my skirts, trying to get into the pocket so I can give the stone to Ambriel so we can channel her magic more directly. Just as my fingertips brush the rough stone, a sharp, ear-splitting scream bellows through the sky above us.

“I’m with Osiris. Cano is with us. We’ve—” He grunts, and I feel it again; the pain radiates through me like fire burning me alive. “Go to the caves. Get the people to safety. Nothing will keep me from reaching you, Raelle.” His voice fades with every word and our connection dies like a gust of wind blowing out the flame on a candle.

But connection or not, I know that my scream is heard through the kingdom as I bellow my cry into the frigid air around me. Not even the wind could take away the sound of my pain. Its piercing echo rivals even the dragon’s roar, which lands at my back. Swirling smoke curls from her nostrils, and a vibrating growl rattles the very ground we stand on.

When I open my eyes and turn around, they lock with Bracarvas. “We leave now,” I growl, and she responds by wrenching her head back forcefully, billowing a stream of fire into the sky.

A beacon.

A warning.

We may be running right now, but we will rain down the fires of hell soon enough.