Chapter 30 #2
He’s terrified. But he’ll do it anyway. Because he loves me.
The thought settled warm in her chest.
She had no idea if they’d survive this. If the ritual would work. If they could actually reverse centuries of corruption.
But she knew one thing with absolute certainty. She had to try.
Not just because the Old Gods were guiding her. Not just because the world needed saving. But because Khorrek deserved freedom. He deserved peace and a future where he wasn’t defined by his past.
And she would move heaven and earth to give it to him.
“We should go back,” Lyric said gently. “Before they come looking for us.”
She nodded, pushed her glasses up her nose, and squared her shoulders.
“Right. Yes. There’s still a lot to plan.”
They walked back together. Towards the warm glow of the command tent.
Toward the impossible task ahead.
Toward destiny.
And she felt that strange certainty pulse through her once more.
This is what I was brought here to do. This is my purpose.
The Old Gods were moving, and she was their vessel.
Let’s see if a scholar can save the world.
The planning session lasted deep into the night.
Thea found herself at the center of it. Answering questions. Providing details. Drawing diagrams of magical patterns she’d never studied but somehow understood.
Khorrek stayed close. Always within reach. His presence steady. Grounding.
She could feel his tension. His fear for her. His absolute determination to protect her.
My fierce warrior. So certain he’s not worthy. So wrong.
Ulric’s advisors peppered her with practical questions. Supply routes. Timing. Contingencies.
She answered them all. Drew on that deep well of knowledge that wasn’t hers but was becoming more familiar with each passing hour.
And slowly, a plan emerged.
They would leave in two days. Travel north through a narrow pass into the plains. Reach the stone circle in three days of hard riding.
Perform the first ritual. Cleanse the convergence point. Purify the ley lines.
Then turn south. Race toward Kel’Vara. Arrive on the night of the full moon.
Infiltrate the city during Lasseran’s ritual. When his attention was focused inward. When his power was stretched thin.
Strike at the heart of his magic. Reverse the corruption. Restore the balance.
And hopefully survive.
Lots of room for error in this plan. Lots of ways it could go wrong.
But also one narrow path to victory.
One chance to change everything.
“We’ll need fast horses,” Egon said. Studying the route. “And light packs. Can’t afford to be weighed down.”
“Agreed.” Khorrek’s finger traced the mountain pass. “This route is treacherous. But it’s the fastest way to the plains.”
“And the least likely to encounter patrols,” Wulf added. The massive orc had joined them halfway through. Quiet. Observant. “Lasseran’s forces are concentrated at the Fanged Gate. He’s not watching the northern passes.”
“Because they’re supposed to be impassable,” Jessamin said. Her blue eyes were thoughtful. “Which makes them perfect.”
“If we don’t break our necks,” Egon muttered.
“Have faith,” Lyric said lightly. “The Old Gods are watching.”
“The Old Gods better provide good weather too. Those passes are death traps in rain.”
“I’ll pray for sunshine then.”
Despite the tension, Thea felt her mouth curve. There was something about Lyric’s gentle humor that made everything seem less dire.
She’s been through her own hell. Found her own way through. And she’s still kind.
The planning continued. Details refined. Contingencies discussed.
Thea noticed something interesting. Khorrek and Egon worked together seamlessly. Anticipating each other’s thoughts. Building on each other’s strategies.
Brothers. Not by blood, but by choice.
And it made them both stronger.
Finally, as the night deepened toward dawn, Ulric called a halt.
“Enough. You need rest. All of you.” His golden eyes swept over them. “You leave in two days. Use the time to prepare. To train. To be ready.”
“And to pray,” Jessamin added softly. “For success. For safety. For balance.”
Thea caught the young queen’s eye. Saw understanding there. Support.
She knows what it’s like. To be chosen for something larger than yourself. To carry responsibilities you never asked for.
They filed out of the tent. Exhausted. Determined.
Khorrek’s hand found the small of her back, and she leaned into him, grateful for his strength.
“You should sleep,” he rumbled. “You’re exhausted.”
“So are you.”
“I’m used to it.”
“That doesn’t make it okay.”
His mouth curved in a slight smile. “Stubborn woman.”
“You knew that when you mated me.”
His smile widened and became something warmer.
I made him smile. I’ll never get tired of that.
They reached their tent. Small. Private. A luxury in the crowded camp.
Inside, Thea collapsed onto the sleeping furs, every muscle aching. She’d been sitting for hours, bent over maps and texts and her back was screaming.
Khorrek settled beside her and began working on her shoulders with strong gentle hands.
“You were amazing tonight.”
She made a sound. Half laugh, half groan. “I was terrified.”
“Didn’t show it.”
“Good. Because inside I was screaming.”
His hands stilled. “Thea—”
“I know. I know the risks. I know what we’re walking into.” She turned. Met his amber eyes. “But it’s still the right thing to do.”
“I hate that you’re right.”
“I know that too.”
He pulled her close. Held her. Just held her.
And Thea felt the mate bond pulse between them. Strong. Certain. Eternal.
Whatever happens. We’re in this together.
“Sleep,” he murmured against her hair. “I’ll keep watch.”
“You need to sleep too.”
“Later. For now, let me take care of you.”
She wanted to argue and insist that he rest, but exhaustion was pulling at her. And she trusted him completely.
He’ll keep me safe. Always.
She drifted off with his arms around her, his heartbeat steady beneath her ear, and dreamed of ancient ceremonies. The Old Gods were moving, and she was ready.