Chapter 23
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
We step from the shimmering veil onto a rocky ledge. Fresh mountain air swirls white flakes around us—some small, others large enough to see their six-pointed formations. I stick out my tongue and a rush of cold settles against my taste buds before the snowflakes melt.
Snow peppers the land at our feet and covers the peaked ridges that tower above us, stretching out for miles in either direction. The sun rests just beyond the horizon, giving us at most an hour before nightfall.
I spin around, wanting to see what the archway looks like from this side. There’s no arch behind us, only the swirling liquid that moves among the rocks. If someone were to see it, they’d think themselves gone mad, or a trick of the light.
Through the liquid, eerie, glowing blue eyes stare back at me. It’s not the same dragon that we spoke to, but a smaller black dragon. A column of ice spews from its open mouth, and slowly ice takes over, turning the wall solid once more.
We were just transported to another part of Eidrfall; the northern reaches, if the snowy mountains are any indicator.
I’ve heard tales of portals, but no one could ever find them, so they were discarded as false rumors.
This one disappears seamlessly into its surroundings.
We wouldn’t be believed if we told anyone about it.
Even if we told them where to go, there would be no way to open it.
“Do you know where we are, besides in the north?” Mikael asks as he pivots left and right, taking in our surroundings.
Trees spread out below the mountain, their barren branches allowing me to see more of the landscape below.
There’s a lake in the distance, a town spreading beyond one of its shores.
I check behind me, looking up at the mountain again, searching for the well-known peak.
I spot it down the ridge to my right, even though it’s distorted from this angle.
“That is Norhaven. There’s an inn with food.” I point to the town in the distance, even though he may not be able to see it as clearly as I can.
“Is there anything in this region we should be worried about? Any other creatures that would attack?” he asks.
“Just your normal woodland animals,” I respond.
The snow isn’t yet thick enough to blanket everything, including a path still worn into the ground.
It’s wide enough for three horses to ride side by side.
I wonder how long it’s been since someone used it—if anyone even remembers it exists.
The pathway turns every so often, zigzagging us down the mountainside.
“Bryn, I—” Mikael starts, but I cut him off.
“Can it wait until we’re somewhere warm?” I wrap my arms around my body. The snow is beautiful, but I haven’t stopped being cold since we landed on that island.
“Why wait when we have nothing else to do while we walk to the town?” Mikael presses.
“I’d just rather not right now. It’s been a lot, and I’d like a warm bath and some food before having to think more.” Talking would probably take my mind off the temperature, but I haven’t had time to process everything yet.
“Right. The cold makes you irritable.” Mikael smiles, but there is a hint of frustration in his tone.
“Yeah, something like that.” I try to smile back but fail.
He removes his cloak and puts it around my shoulders.
“You shouldn’t,” I say. “I don’t want to have to carry you if you pass out from lack of warmth.”
Mikael holds up his hands, refusing to take the cloak back. “It’s not that far. I’m sure I’ll survive a few miles. I don’t get as cold as you, and if I need a snack, I’ll grab a bunny.”
“Oh, gross. At least call it a rabbit,” I say, frowning.
“Is that not the same?” he asks.
“Yes, but ‘bunny’ makes the animal sound too cute to kill. Rabbit lessens the blow.” I jut my chin out at him.
“Seriously?” He lifts a brow, a smirk pulling at his lip.
“Yes.” My frown turns into a scowl. “I’m very serious.”
“Very well.” He shakes his head as he chuckles. “Can I carry you? I can get us there faster.”
“Fine.”
Mikael scoops me up, and I cling to his neck as the forest smears past us, the cold late-autumn air biting into my skin while his unnatural speed devours the distance to the town.
The inn’s patrons give me wary looks when I step inside.
I can’t blame them. I’m covered in filth and look ragged, not like the leader of a city.
It’ll be worse when Mikael rejoins me. A ragged female is one thing, but a ragged male is another.
We look like the type either escaping trouble or bringing it.
Mikael left me at the inn’s entrance, needing to find something to drain of blood after using the last of his energy.
I never cared where he got his sustenance from, so long as he didn’t kill another being.
I understood it was a part of his nature, just as magic is a part of mine. It must be fed and restored.
I can feel him now, not far from the town. Our connection is stronger, but still not to the full extent it had been before I covered up our bond tattoo. I thought I’d forget what it was like to have a bond with someone after cutting it off.
Instead, it’s the opposite; instinct takes over, the body and mind innately remembering. There is no relearning. It’s just there.
“What do you want? We don’t need trouble in our town.” An old woman scurries up to me with a rag in hand and popped hip. She’s glaring at me.
“Ascenpartilinthor,” I say with a slow blink and no emotion.
Her eyes narrow, lips pursed as she considers me.
“It is my code. I am the only one able to say and use it.” I reassure her.
It’s a common practice for other city leaders to have these codes in case we encounter issues on the road between cities.
We don’t all know each other personally, just by name.
It’s up to the leader to change their codes in intervals in case they’re compromised.
She relents and hands me keys. “I’m probably going to regret this.”
“I’ll have whatever is the best meal you offer, and two pints of honey wine.” I give her a genuine smile and walk to a table near the fire in the corner of the common area. The patrons send glances my way every so often but otherwise keep their distance.
Flames flicker in the hearth, sending warmth to every cold part of my body.
My back relaxes against the chair, aching muscles releasing as I stretch my feet out while I wait for the food to arrive.
Ash and sand cling to different parts of my body, still rubbing against my skin, but my hunger outweighs the discomfort, and the heat feels so good.
The inn is moderately busy. There are some travelers, by the looks of them, but the rest seem to be locals here for the food and drinks. Similar to Govlik’s, minus the entertainment.
The hum of conversation is surprisingly comforting. No, not surprisingly—I often spent my nights in places like these. I hadn’t realized how the noise could drown out my own thoughts. Especially after a few drinks.
“Here you go.” A woman with her golden hair braided in a crown sets down two plates and goblets.
“Thank you.” I smile at her.
She nods, but her face is soured with distrust. I shouldn’t expect anything less, looking and smelling the way I do.
The aroma of the food wafts up, filling my nostrils. Oh, it smells divine. My mouth waters as I grab a fork and decide where to start. Roasted potatoes, caramelized honey carrots, and charred meat are piled onto my plate. Stabbing a carrot, I waste no time shoving it into my mouth.
I groan loudly, slouching so deeply in my seat that I nearly fall over at how damn good the food tastes.
“Mmmh. Be careful; that sound has the power to make me hard.” Mikael’s lips press against my ear.
I throw my elbow out, hitting him in the gut. He chuffs out a breath before taking the other seat at the table. I was too distracted by the food to notice he’d returned. Now that I’m finally somewhere with some semblance of safety, I’d let my attention slip.
As I raise the goblet to my lips, Mikael asks, “Are you sure you want to drink that?”
I pause, considering his question. It’s been days since I’ve had a drink. The pounding headache no longer plagues me, nor the craving.
I’ll be fine. In fact, I feel I deserve this one after everything. “Yes.” Damn him. “No.”
“If you are certain you can drink it and not require another, then have it.” He grabs the other goblet and holds it between us. “Cheers for getting half of your soul back.”
I raise my goblet against his in a dull tap. He nods and tips back the drink. I choose to do the same. It’s sweet; honey and berry wine, and goes down smoothly. When the waitress comes around again, I refuse the offer for another drink. Progress.
“Did you find what you required?” I ask, raising a potato and waving it between us. “These are also quite delicious.”
“Are you trying to make small talk now that you’re warm?” He smirks, then nods as he takes a bite of his own. “No bunnies were harmed.”
“Perhaps.” I try not to smile, hiding it behind another swig of wine. Silence stretches between us as we enjoy our hot meal, something we haven’t had in a few days.
Since voicing the buried truth I’ve held so close to my heart for so long, a lightness has blossomed.
I feel better, more at ease.
Well, that could also be because I’ve got half of my soul back. Maybe all the alcohol was just masking how shitty I was feeling. I also haven’t had an episode of collapsing in pain since we left Eidrfall the first time.
Finished, I push away my plate and stand, grabbing both of our cloaks, then hand him a bronze key. “Here’s the other key. I’m going up to bathe.”
Mikael nods. “I’ll be up after I finish.”
I stop at the bar. “Will you send up bathing supplies?”
“It will be up shortly.” The barkeep responds with no emotion, moving on to another customer before I can ask for new clothing. I don’t wait around, making my way upstairs.