CHAPTER 49 - No Going Back
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"Come, join me," Sylvos said.
I glanced at where he sat at a grand table laden with a lavish feast spilling across silver platters. Candlelight flickered across his features, giving a golden tint to his silver hair.
With a soft exhale, I crossed the room and took the seat next to him. He then immediately filled a plate for me, piling it high with tender meats glazed in honey and roasted vegetables glistening with oil.
"Wine?" he asked, lifting a crystal decanter.
My gaze wandered to the game of King's Square waiting on the bed.
I raised a brow.
"Are you planning to get me drunk so you can win?"
He chuckled.
"No, my dear. I'd much prefer you to be fully aware of yourself when I strip you of your pride."
The way he grinned was far too suggestive, and heat rose to my cheeks. To mask it, I snatched the goblet, poured it full, and drank deeply. The wine burned sweetly down my throat, warmth quickly easing my tense body.
We ate together, the tension between us sharp yet strangely bearable. Perhaps because of the wine. Still, a question gnawed at me, growing louder with every cup I emptied. By my seventh, I could no longer keep it in.
"I heard an interesting rumor," I said, humming as I swayed slightly in my seat.
Sylvos smiled, resting his head on his hand.
"Will you indulge me?"
"Mm. Come here. Shhh. You must keep it a secret," I whispered. "I heard that you've been playing games with concubines instead of bedding them."
Sylvos laughed, rich and deep.
"And what is the matter with that?"
I pouted at him, my head tilting.
"Why? Why would you do that?"
He shrugged casually.
"There's no reason."
"When was the last time you slept with one?" I pressed, my words slightly slurred.
He went quiet, his smirk fading slightly.
"Well?" I demanded, swaying again. "Spill already."
At last, he sighed.
"I'm not sure," he admitted. "Perhaps Autumn?"
I frowned, swirling the wine in my glass.
"You should just go... be with them," I mumbled. "Then all this would be easier."
Sylvos arched a brow.
"So what would be easier?"
I pouted again, words spilling out without thought.
"I want to hate you. But you're so... nice. Urgh."
His chair scraped as he shifted closer.
"Why do you want to hate me, Raine?"
"Because loving you will just get me killed," I said, throwing my hands up in exasperation.
His dark eyes softened.
"It wouldn't happen."
I pressed my mouth into a stubborn line and stood on wobbly legs before heading to the bed. Plopping down in front of the game, my fingers wandered to the board, idly turning the pieces, tracing their edges.
Sylvos followed me, watching.
I glanced up at him, then back at the game.
"Is this how you see the world?" I asked. "Is that why you can take kingdoms so easily?"
Sylvos sat beside me, his hand rising to cup my cheek.
"So what if it is? Yes, I'm a conqueror. Yes, I wage wars. But does it matter?" His voice dropped to a low murmur. "I would cherish you like no ordinary man ever could. If you give yourself to me... If you truly surrender... I would make you feel like the only woman in the world."
My chest tightened.
"How could you do that," I asked bitterly, "when you have ninety-nine other brides?"
He hesitated, as though weighing every word. Then, with a weary sigh, he pulled back slightly.
"I do not wish for my harem. But I must keep it until I have an heir. And I know..." His jaw clenched. "I know you cannot bear children."
The pain in his voice startled me. He dragged his hands over his face, elbows on his knees.
"I can take anything I want. Anything. But when I finally found something I truly want... I cannot have it."
My chest caved a little as I stared at him.
This man who had always seemed untouchable...
For the first time, he looked... defeated.
"Tell me," I whispered, "if I could have given you an heir... would you dismiss your harem?"
His head lifted slowly. His black eyes met mine.
"I would."
The words pierced my heart just as Briarvex had at the end of my life.
"Liar..." I whispered.
The harem wasn't just there to give him an heir. It served a crucial role in keeping nobles in line and securing a steady income for the crown.
And he claims he would throw it all away... for me?
I pressed a hand to my stomach, feeling suddenly ill.
Sylvos immediately secured his arms around my shoulders.
"Raine, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just... drank too much. I think."
"Then you should sleep."
A groan slipped from me.
"I hate sleep," I muttered.
"Hush," he said softly.
His hands were gentle as he helped me out of my dress. I was too drunk to care and too tired to resist. Soon I was left in only my drawers, the cool air brushing against my skin. He tucked the blankets snugly around me, and I let my head sink into the pillow, my eyelids heavy.
Through a haze, I watched him move around the tent. I couldn't tell what he was doing, but eventually he removed his tunic and came to bed.
Despite all I felt, relief washed over me when he pulled me into his chest.
And like always, he chased the nightmares away.
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Ryn had been right. Time really did pass quicker when traveling.
And I had found the best way to spend those endless days.
During daylight, I stayed in my carriage, chatting with Ryn and teasing Vyvy, who alternated between cat and bird forms to keep itself entertained.
And at night, when I had to endure Sylvos' presence, I drank myself into a pleasant buzz and fell asleep in his arms. Enjoying a dreamless sleep.
For the most part, I didn't have to deal with anyone.
Occasionally, I crossed paths with the Nightshades, who looked at me like they wanted to peel off my skin, but that was the extent of my troubles.
Stuck either in my carriage or Sylvos' tent, I didn't even know where Cavriel was stationed in the long line of soldiers.
After a month of this arrangement, we finally passed through Meadowwyn Province and entered Flynmoore.
The forests here were alive with spring, their mossy oaks drenched in sunlight.
Since the path through the forest was so narrow, soldiers were forced to walk in single files on either side of the procession.
It made the journey slower but allowed me a better view.
I opened my window, breathing in the fresh, green air.
It reminded me of Tahlia... And my chest ached.
Lost in thought, I stared at the forest, a part of me hoping to see her among the mushrooms and shrubs.
Then something moved.
My brows furrowed.
A deer?
I leaned closer.
Just as I was about to dismiss it, a cloaked figure stepped out from behind a tree. Armed. And with a bow and arrow already drawn.
My breath caught.
By the time I sucked in a breath to yell a warning, dozens of arrows already whistled through the air.
I quickly ducked, avoiding any potential shots, then glanced out again. Soldiers near my carriage dropped instantly, lifeless before they hit the ground.
Then the forest exploded into chaos.
From the dense wall of trees, hundreds of cloaked figures poured out, screaming war cries as they hacked down the remaining wounded soldiers.
The ambush was perfect. Since the army was stretched so thin along the narrow road, the Thornmont soldiers couldn't form proper lines of defense. They were being cut apart, one by one.
Heart hammering, I leaned out of the window, trying to see through the chaos. Blood sprayed the air, the clash of steel and screams mixing into something inhuman.
"Raine! Get back inside!" Ryn barked from the dagger.
But I couldn't. My gaze locked on the front of the procession where the attack was heaviest. That was where Sylvos likely was...
For a split second, I was unable to move.
I couldn't make sense of any of my feelings.
Did I want this?
No, I thought. No, I already established that I had to get rid of Sylvos' army first. Killing him now would only put a Nightshade at the throne. And more than that...
There was Cavriel.
If Sylvos died today, so would he.
I grabbed Raincatcher and turned to Vyvy in its feline form.
"Kι?? α??σ?? ??σ α??α??? ??," I ordered.
The vylnir's fur bristled, its form stretching, bones cracking as it grew. It was swelling too fast, filling the small carriage with its monstrous size.
I didn't think twice. I threw myself out the door, landing hard on the dirt. Vyvy burst out after me, completing its transformation into a towering wolf with a maw full of jagged teeth.
"Get back inside, Raine!" Ryn's voice roared from my dagger.
"I can't let Sylvos die! Not yet!" I shouted back, sprinting toward the front.
Chaos swallowed me. Arrows whizzed past, swords clashed, bodies fell. Several men turned their axes on me. But none lived long enough to swing twice. Vyvy ripped through them, tearing chunks of armor and flesh like paper.
Eventually, I reached the front. And the scene stole my breath.
The Thornmont soldiers were being overwhelmed, forced back step by step. Only the Briarbound knights still held their ground, their dark armor drenched crimson as they fought fiercely.
And in the heart of the storm stood Sylvos.
He fought like a man born for this. Fast and merciless. Briarvex flashed in brutal arcs, cutting through limbs and armor like butter. But, to my surprise, no magic was used.
Was something wrong with the sword?
Before I could fully process it, Sylvos blocked another incoming strike with Briarvex.
I was about to breathe in relief when I saw it.
.. Behind him, the knight who had been covering his back fell with a gurgle, his throat opened wide.
The attacker raised his axe, ready to split skull and crown alike.
"No!" I screamed, surging forward. "Vyvy, ?α?? ?ι?!"
The vylnir bolted past me, a blur of black fur and muscle. Sylvos turned at the sound of my voice, eyes widening just as the monstrous wolf lunged. He stared at it, bracing, but then the creature's jaws closed around the attacker's head and, with a sickening crunch, crushed it like a grape.
Blood sprayed all over Sylvos. He then kicked his opponent away and severed his head before his eyes locked on me again. In the next breath, he was running toward me. His hand grabbed my arm hard enough to hurt.
"Are you mad?!" he demanded, wiping the blood from his face with his sleeve. "Why are you out here?"
"I... I couldn't let you die," I panted.
Yet...
For a moment, time stopped. Then, amid the screaming and clashing steel, he kissed me. Fast and burning. My heart stuttered wildly, my legs going weak.
Before I could even process it, he pulled away and dragged me toward the nearest carriage.
"Get in," he ordered.
"I can help!" I protested.
"I'd rather you be safe," he snapped, shoving me toward the door.
Before I could argue further, an earth-shattering roar echoed through the forest.
I spun around just in time to see a spear lodged deep in Vyvy's flank.
The creature bellowed and trashed, before yanking it free with its twisted maw.
Enraged, its body contorted. Bones cracking, fur tearing and reforming until an enormous, nightmarish bear stood where the wolf had been.
It towered larger than the wagons, teeth as long as daggers.
At the sight, the attackers faltered.
Fear rippled through them, and in moments, they began to retreat.
Sylvos wasted no time in seizing the opportunity.
"Chase them down!" he commanded, charging after the fleeing enemy.
The Thornmont soldiers, emboldened by the terrifying display of the vylnir, rallied behind him, cutting the enemy down as they ran.
I stood frozen, heart pounding as I watched them go.
Then, suddenly, an arm hooked around my waist and yanked me back. I gasped, kicking out, but before I could scream, I was pulled into the shadows of an abandoned carriage.
"Raine, it's me," a voice hissed.
My heart leapt to my throat
"Cavriel?"
"What are you doing?" he demanded, his eyes sharp as knives. "You stupid girl! What have you done? Why did you save him?"
I blinked at him, still trying to catch my breath.
"Were you... behind the attack?"
His jaw clenched.
"Of course I was! I've been feeding them information for weeks. Our formations, where the emperor rides, the best spot to ambush. This was our chance to stop the war before it even began! Why did you stop it?"
I shoved him off me, anger flaring.
"I did it for you! If Sylvos dies, then so do you!"
"I know that!" he snapped, voice raw. "But I am not worth more than the soldiers who had just laid down their lives to stop him! What is my life compared to the thousands of innocent lives he will take?"
His words cut deep because I knew he was right.
"But I don't want that..." I whispered. "How could I let you die?"
He shook his head in disbelief.
"You're lying to yourself. You only did it to save him. You've fallen for that usurper."
"No!" I lashed out, my voice trembling. "I will kill Sylvos! I'm only waiting for Pyree. Their flame sword can destroy Briarvex. If Briarvex is destroyed, your oath will be lifted."
Cavriel hesitated, green eyes narrowing.
"How can you be sure?"
"I just am!" I said firmly, clutching Raincatcher at my side.
He frowned, clearly conflicted.
"I'd rather stop the war now than gamble with hope..."
"Please," I begged, moving closer. "Just wait. It will be fine. You'll see. As soon as Sylvos begins his siege on Cape Saltmourne, Pyree will strike. And Driftwoode will be saved. Everyone will be saved."
Cavriel's eyes softened with doubt.
"How sure are you Pyree will even help? They're nothing but warlords..."
"They will," I said without any doubt. "I just need one last favor from you."
His eyes narrowed further.
"What favor?"
"I need one last letter delivered..." I whispered.
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Hours passed as the battlefield quieted, the last of the attackers hunted down and slain.
By the time it was truly over, darkness had swallowed the forest, and torches dotted the road like fireflies.
The army made camp right there, too exhausted to march further.
Wounded soldiers groaned as doctors rushed from tent to tent, the stench of blood and smoke heavy in the air.
Finnel was the one to find me and tell me I was to wait in Sylvos' tent.
I walked with my arms around myself, wincing at the wounded people around me.
The Nightshades were there too. Though they didn't look injured, they rushed to the front of the infirmary, demanding to be checked before anyone else.
Inside the emperor's tent, I waited on the bed. I wasn't sure how much time passed, but after a while, the tent flap finally flew open. Sylvos stormed in, his black eyes wild, and in an instant, his hands gripped my shoulders.
"Are you hurt anywhere? Did anyone touch you?" he demanded, scanning me over as if expecting to find wounds I hadn't noticed.
"I'm fine," I assured him quickly.
Relief washed over his face. Without warning, he pulled me into a tight embrace, holding me against him.
"Never do that again," he said.
I scoffed, awkward at how close we were.
"If I hadn't come, you'd be in trouble."
I'd meant it as a tease, but when he pulled back, his expression was serious.
"You're right," he said plainly. "I owe you the lives of many of my soldiers. If you hadn't brought the vylnir... The losses would have been far greater."
His gratitude was so earnest, I felt heat creep up my neck.
"I... I only fulfilled my duty as Beast Warden..." I offered.
Sylvos only shook his head. It was clear how deeply he had been shaken by this. His grip on me tightened, almost trembling.
"Even with the vylnir lunging at me," he said, "I was more worried about you."
Guilt stabbed through me at the raw sincerity in his tone. I had never heard him sound like this...
"Maybe I should send you back to Dornhold," he murmured.
I shoved against his chest, glaring.
"No. I have to come with you."
His brows narrowed.
"It's too dangerous."
"It's war, Your Majesty. Your war. Of course it's dangerous," I said.
His hand slowly rose, cupping my cheek. Dried blood streaked across his face and all over his armor. Yet the expression he wore wasn't that of a hardened warrior.
I reached out to cup his cheek as well but stopped and lowered my hand.
"I'm fine," I whispered. "Not so much as a scratch."
A shuddering breath escaped him, his shoulders easing only slightly. Then the hand on my cheek moved to the back of my neck, pulling me against him for another embrace.
And I let him hold me, my arms limp at my sides.
When I glanced down, my eyes landed on the ink still staining my hands.
Cavriel was already out to deliver my letter.
There was no going back.
The rest was up to Skye...
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