Chapter 49
Ava paced in the command tent, fists clenched as she tried not to fear the worst. Thorne watched with crossed arms, his hair even more scarlet in the glow of the brazier.
“It stresses me out when you do that, you know,” he chided.
She paused. “Do what?”
“Pace like that. You always do it when you’re worried about the others.”
“Sorry I’m not as calm and collected as you,” she said with a wave of her hand.
He chuckled. “It’s taken decades of practice, little sister.”
“Aren’t you worried too?”
His brow pinched ever so slightly. “Of course I am. I’m just hiding it better than you.”
She rolled her eyes.
It worked, Luna rose from her spot near the fire. They’re all dead. Casimir and the others are headed back.
“Are they alright?”
A few minor injuries.
Ava exhaled a shaky breath, the tension in her shoulders easing. “I’m going to meet them in the healers’ tent.”
“I’ll come with you.”
Ava stepped into the cool night, thousands of stars shining down from above. She spotted a light blue orb and paused, staring at the twinkling beauty. Like an aquamarine suspended in the sky—exactly how she remembered the first time she laid eyes upon it.
The star that gave her a glimpse of hope in a dark time. The star that guided her when she was lost and terrified.
The star that led her home.
“Are you alright?” Thorne asked, stopping beside her, hand on her shoulder.
She sighed. “I was just remembering the night I escaped and followed that star. I had just learned who I was, and had no idea what to do. I was so scared, and all I could think about was getting somewhere safe. And then I found you all. It seems like it was so long ago…”
“You fit so seamlessly soon after you arrived in Mosshaven, it felt like you had always been here with us.”
Ava tried to smile, but worry crept up in the back of her mind.
“What is it?” Thorne asked.
She shook her head, still staring at the star. “What if I can’t do it? What if Andras is too strong? Or he figures out what we’re doing and kills us all?”
“You mustn’t think like that. You are capable.”
Ava swallowed. “I know…but sometimes I still question myself and—well…all of you are so brave. And I’m…terrified. I feel like a coward.”
Thorne faced her, placing both hands on her shoulders.
“Ava, listen to me. If you weren’t terrified then you’d be a fool.
All of us are scared. Bravery doesn’t mean you aren’t.
It means you do it despite your fears. That you acknowledge them instead of fighting against them, but you don’t let them control you.
Bravery means doing it anyway, because the reality of doing nothing at all is worse. ”
Thorne pulled her into a hug. “Thank you,” she said. “I needed that.”
“I know. I think I needed to remind myself too.” With one last squeeze, he pulled away. “I’m glad you followed the star.”
“Me too.”
“Let’s go check on everyone.”
Luna disappeared into the woods to hunt as they resumed their stride, Ava following her brother to the healers’ tent.
Dozens of straw beds were lined up on the ground, ready for the injured. Kai bustled about, preparing tinctures and balms on a long wooden table in the back of the quarters. The other healers were sorting bandages, bringing in small pots of water, and helping to organize the supplies.
Kai’s deer, Ivy, rose from her spot next to Kai as soon as she spotted Ava, trotting forward and nudging her hand for attention. Ava obliged, scratching behind her velvety ears and crooning to her.
“Hello, Ava,” Kai said, looking up from his work.
His yellow eyes were bright, but she could see the worry in his pinched brow, likely wondering how Jorrar had fared in the battle. His daughter stood next to him and squeezed his arm.
“He’s fine,” Isolde said. “Ivy told you.”
Ava approached and Isolde enveloped her in a hug. “Are you doing alright?” she whispered.
“I think so.”
Isolde pulled back and put a hand on Ava’s face. “My how far we’ve come.”
“Unbelievable isn’t it? You know…I don’t think I ever truly thanked you for saving my life, Isolde. I don’t even know how to express my—”
“Your Highness,” she interrupted. “It is I who should be thanking you. You came back for me. And for that, I don’t think I could ever repay you.”
Voices arguing outside the tent pulled Ava’s attention to the entrance. The flaps opened and Raine entered first, blood dripping down his arm as he carried Maeryn, an arrow protruding from her thigh.
“I do not need to be carried, captain,” Maeryn said, irritated. “I am perfectly capable of walking on my own.”
“You fight me every time I do this, boss,” Raine responded. “You aren’t invincible.”
“Hmm…I said those exact words to Cas not long ago…” Ava muttered. Maeryn gave her a harsh glare.
Raine set Maeryn down, kneeling beside her and lowering his voice. “Perhaps I enjoy having you in my arms. Maybe one of these days it won’t be because you’re injured.”
Ava stifled her laughter.
“Now is hardly the appropriate time for flirting,” Maeryn chastised.
“There are no inappropriate times for flirting when it comes to you.” Raine tapped her nose with his forefinger and Ava swore she blushed. “Now will someone come assess this miniature volcano?”
A healer immediately knelt, preparing to remove the arrow. Raine took the bed beside her, crossing his legs and watching.
Jorrar and Quinn entered next, followed by Imsel and more injured soldiers, and finally…Casimir. Blood oozed from beneath his armor, a puncture visible in the leather on his torso. Ava rushed to meet him, pulling the armor away to see the injury.
“I’m fine.”
“Take it off so I can be sure,” she insisted.
He grumbled, removing the chest piece and tossing it to the ground before laying down. Kai joined Ava, kneeling at Casimir’s side. He pulled up his tunic and inspected the wound.
Ava sighed. It wasn’t deep and had mostly stopped bleeding.
“I’ll just disinfect it and it’ll heal on its own,” Kai said, opening a jar of blue liquid and retrieving a ball of cotton.
“Told you,” Casimir said.
“I know. I just hate sitting around while you all are fighting. I can’t calm down until I can see you’re safe with my own eyes.”
“I understand, love. I would feel the same way.”
“So it worked?”
“It sure did,” Raine called from across the tent. “Those daemon assholes were not prepared at all. Oh!” He waved a hand. “And you should have seen Imsel. They are one scary fucker in battle.”
Ava glanced at the stoic captain. “I guess the quiet ones are the ones to watch out for, huh?” she said. Imsel gave her an appreciative nod. “Now what?”
“We will reconvene as soon as all of you are assessed while we wait on updated information from the animals,” Thorne answered, stepping back outside. “I’ll see you all soon.”
The leaders gathered around the table set upon several rugs in the command tent. All the royalty and generals were present, discussing their next move.
“What do we know?” asked Thalia, dressed not in her usual royal garb but the black tunics and pants of her army, a golden sword at her side.
“They’re furious,” Desmond reported. He gestured to the cerulean blue snake around his shoulders. “Arda learned that many of their leaders were brutally punished. Tied between two posts and tortured as an example.”
Ava shivered at the visual.
“Plans to retaliate?” Casimir asked.
“Not yet,” he continued. “Andras is taking charge at last. And he has ordered the daemons not to attack.”
Ava squeezed the pommel of her sword at her hip. “He’s planning something…”
“More than likely,” Desmond answered. “But what…we do not know yet.”
“What about the ice fae bastards?” Aelerion boomed.
“They’re camped right beside the daemons. They do not interact much, but Valeria has been in Andras’ tent with him.”
“Technically, they are—were—married,” Roan blurted. “Not surprising.”
“Might there be a way to drive a wedge between the ice fae and the daemons?” Thorne asked.
“Don’t count on it,” Astrid interjected. “They’re loyal to their queen. They’ve been fed lies for nearly a century that this was the only way to keep their people safe. Even if we could turn them, it would take much too long. And it’s too risky to try.”
“I agree,” Maeryn said. “What is the update of their numbers? Did our attack help?”
Desmond’s face was grave. “Not enough. We made a dent…but they still outnumber us by almost one thousand. Though taking out that large weapons supply will work in our favor.”
“They still have that many even after our victory at Igneothenia?” Ava asked, panicked.
“Even then.”
“And that’s not counting the monsters…” Thalia shook her head.
“We must move in on them immediately,” Aelerion said. “Take advantage of the current chaos. Before Andras is able to finalize whatever he’s planning.”
Ava’s heart picked up its pace, thrumming so loudly the discussion around her faded away. Casimir squeezed her hand, but it barely registered. How would they win against this? She stared blankly at the table before her, absorbing nothing.
“Ava?” Thorne’s voice pulled her back.
She looked up. Everyone was watching her with concern.
“Are you alright?” Thalia asked gently.
“I—” she stuttered. “It’s difficult to process this. This is all still so new to me…”
“Would you like to step out for some fresh air?” her brother asked. “We’ll inform you of the rest of our plan when we’re finished.”
“Actually…” A moment away sounded perfect.
“Go. It’s alright,” Casimir said. “I’ll come find you soon.”
Ava left the tent, striding through camp.
Clouds had begun to roll in, blotting out most of the stars.
Soldiers gathered around fires, filling their bellies.
Others patrolled the edges of camp, keeping a close eye on the distant trees.
What time was it? How long had it been since the river battle?
It couldn’t have been more than a couple of hours… and they had begun just after sunset.