Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 132625 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 531(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132625 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 531(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
When I spot the plateau, I speed up, ready to leave the steep incline and catch my breath on level ground. I reach for the final ledge and hoist myself up, rolling from my side to my back and away from the edge.
It’s when I lie there with my eyes closed that I know for sure. I’m not alone. Haven’t been this whole time. But I’ve also not been in danger.
“You can show yourself.” I push up onto my palms, chest heaving as I stare ahead—right at the spot where I feel the presence of one very angry Chosen king.
Kendrick’s form flickers into view before he becomes fully corporeal.
“I realize you don’t remember, but you did this at Feegus Keep as well. Do you make a habit of following people?”
“Only when they’re putting themselves in unnecessary danger.” He offers me a hand and helps me from the ground. “I would’ve shown myself sooner, but you were clearly set on doing this alone. Which is something you apparently make a habit of.” A muscle in his jaw ticks in irritation, but I ignore it. Someday he will appreciate that I stepped out of the way so he could claim his fate.
“You didn’t tell me it was such a journey to get here,” I say, brushing the rocky dust off my pants.
“I didn’t think I needed to since we were supposed to come together.”
I ignore this and give all my attention to my surroundings. As I walk to the edge of the plateau, my stomach flips at the sight of the drop. One wrong step and I’ll plunge thousands of feet down into the rocky ravine below. “I thought it would be better this way.”
“Jas . . .” His boots scuff the ground as he steps closer. “Jasalyn.”
Slowly, I lift my gaze to meet his, and the pain on his face cleaves me in two. I don’t want to hurt him. I want to make this easier for everyone.
He grips my shoulders. “Would you stop being so gods-damned selfless.”
“I don’t want you to have to choose between me and Elora. I don’t want you to have to choose between me and the future you’ve worked your whole life to see come to pass.” Especially when I might not be here in a few days’ time.
“How do you not understand”—his callused fingers sweep up the side of my neck, then slide into my hair until he’s cupping my face—“that I’ve already chosen?”
“What if it’s the wrong choice? What if in two days you realize it was a never a choice at all?”
“Don’t give up on me,” he pleads, expression bleak. “Not now. Not when we’ve come this far.”
I could tell him about the Banshee’s visit, her screeches a promise that death is coming soon. I could tell him the future Crissa offered me and why I can’t bring myself to take it. I could tell him how much I love him and how scared I am of what tomorrow might bring. But I don’t. I don’t have enough time to marinate in my feelings. I don’t even have enough time to fix what I broke.
“Can we talk about this after I see the oracle?”
He studies me for a long time, as if part of him knows I’m putting off a conversation I never intend to have. “Sure. I’ll go in first.”
I look around and realize even after coming all this way on my own, I have no idea where the oracle is. “Go in where?”
He points to the spot in the earth that looks like nothing more than a puddle. “She’s down there.”
“Is it a portal?”
“Not exactly.” He shrugs. “Actually, I don’t know for sure what you would call it. Come here. Look at it from directly above.”
I stand on the opposite side of the puddle and peer down into the pool—into the ice-blue, swirling depths. “How does she talk to you?”
“Telepathically. It’s not always words. Sometimes it’s images. Sometimes it’s like you’re watching a play underwater.”
“Can you breathe down there?”
He shakes his head. “No. Some think that’s why the oracle chose the water—so their time with her can’t drag on. Sometimes when people want to draw out the visit, they stay under too long and pass out.” He gives my hand a quick squeeze. “Back up a bit.”
I hold my breath as he steps into the puddle, water splashing around his ankles. His face falls.
“Was something supposed to happen?” I ask, looking at his wet boots.
“She won’t see me,” he says, flexing his hands at his sides.
I frown. “Are you sure this is the right spot?”
He swallows. “Yeah. I am.”
It’s hard to believe anything else could happen if I step into that puddle, but I didn’t come all this way to keep my feet dry. “Let me try.”
He steps out of the water, disappointment and worry written all over his face. “If she doesn’t consider you Eloran—”