THIRTY-FIVE
WILLOW
Killian clutches me as we take in our surroundings.
A laugh erupts behind us, and I peer over my shoulder to see Selah and The Council floating nearby.
“You will not fall unless I want you to,” Selah says, sauntering past us. She’s walking on air, and The Council are doing the same.
I’m too afraid to move, but Killian tests it out. He’s able to take one step and then another. He gives me a nod, and I follow his lead.
The ocean roars beneath us, the water slapping into jagged rocks and stroking the cliffs. The sky is gray and the air is humid.
We don’t stop until Selah reaches a coffin suspended in the air.
“They really thought I wouldn’t find him.” Selah waves a hand, and the lid of the coffin flips open.
My breath hitches at the familiar sight of dark hair, pale skin, and the hawkish nose. His eyes are closed, but that takes nothing away from the wicked look he carries, even while resting.
Decius.
Selah plunges a hand into his chest and rips out the piece of Trench tree wood Korah had shoved into his heart. Then she rubs his forehead, smiling down at him like he’s a harmless child.
“Time to rise, my darling,” she coos.
And, just like that, Decius’s eyes snap open.