Chapter 108
“Of course,” he replies without hesitation. “I’ll ready the armies to head out in three days.” He scratches his head thoughtfully. “Raiden and I talked it over and decided it would be best to send the troops in small groups leading up to the third day. Less chance of raising suspicion that way.”
“How long will it take to get there from here?”
Fenris considers it, glancing briefly at Raiden before answering. “Depends. If we take the road through Mistyglade, it’s about a twenty- two hour journey. But if we cut through the forest, we can make it in eighteen. The forest is faster, but more dangerous.”
“And depending on where we come out in Ethereal Peaks, we could still be days away from Escalle. The terrain between the two is unpredictable.” Raiden states.
I sigh, running through the details in my mind. “So, we have roughly four days to locate the Skythari Nomads if we want to meet the armies in Escalle on time?”
“Yes.” Fenris nods. “But we won’t cross the border into the Outlands until we’re all together. We can’t risk splitting up once we're that close.”
Raiden steps forward, his silver eyes steady. “We do this as one. We have a better chance if we stand united. Who knows how many bodies the Shadoweaver has at her disposal. She has had centuries to amass an army.”
I visibly shake, my arms crossing in an attempt to ward off the unease slithering through me. But the fire that burns through my veins is stronger, and I straighten. It’s time.
Everyone exchanges glances before quietly leaving the room, the door softly clicking shut behind them.
Mia and Scarlett stand, pulling me into a hug.
My heartbeat is so loud and fierce at this moment that I think I might pass out.
When we finally pull apart, there are tears glistening in each of our eyes, words not quite enough to cover the unspoken fears.
Scarlett reaches up and brushes her fingers gently through my hair, her tone quiet but fierce. “You need to be careful,” she murmurs, her voice breaking slightly. “Don’t make me go ape shit crazy on the faerie world. Cause you know I will.”
I let out a choked laugh, pulling her back in for another hug. “I promise I'll do my best,” I say, trying to reassure her even as my own nerves hum with uncertainty.
When we step back, Mia takes my hand, her face serious. “We’ll hold down the fort. Scarlett and I have decided. We’re going to learn to fight. We want to be able to help.”
I tilt my head, a small smile lifting the corner of my lips. “That’s probably a smart idea. Lutin and Senka will be more than capable teachers.”
“But won’t they need to stay on guard here to keep up the ruse?” Scarlett inquires, concern knitting her brows.
Biting my lip, I give Mia’s hand a squeeze before letting go. “They will need a break, and Raiden has set up a rotating guard roster to make sure there’s always coverage outside the chamber doors. I want you both to stick close to Lutin and Senka. And Fenris will be around for a few days–”
Mia groans dramatically, throwing herself onto the sofa with a roll of her eyes. “Ugh, Fenris? He’s impossible!”
A loud laugh bursts from me at her exasperation. “Yes, he’s infuriating,” I agree, joining her by the sofa, “but he’s also fiercely protective. He’ll keep you safe, even if he drives you insane in the process.”
Scarlett chuckles, giving me a playful wink that Mia doesn’t miss. She narrows her eyes, looking between us suspiciously. “What was that look?”
“What look?” Scarlett feigns innocence, though a mischievous grin tugs at her lips.
I laugh, leaving them to their banter as I cross the room to my wardrobe, opening the doors and letting my fingers brush over the fabrics within.
They stop on an elegant black warrior-style dress.
The upper portion has a fitted bodice with a V-shaped neckline.
The sleeves are long and fitted, giving a streamlined look.
A wide belt with intricate detailing at the center cinches the waist, adding both structure and a subtle accent to the outfit.
The skirt flows down in soft, draped layers, reaching the ground and adding a sense of movement to the ensemble.
It seems to convey a sense of power, mystery, and resilience.
I pull it out and lay it on the bed, my attention shifting to Nix.
Her color slowly but steadily returning.
“I’m just going to have a quick shower because it might be a while before I get another chance,” I say.
My heart pounds, a frantic rhythm echoing the nervous flutter in my stomach as I step into the shower.
This is it. I’m actually leaving the safety of the castle to find the Skythari Nomads in hopes they can help me get to Maxon.
I sigh, the fleeting image of the white beast still vivid in my memory.
To earn their trust, a bond must grow . . .
Closing my eyes, I tilt my face into the spray, letting the water wash over me as I silently pray to Morrigan for her guidance.