Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 153795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 769(@200wpm)___ 615(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 153795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 769(@200wpm)___ 615(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
“Is it here with you?” Rynthea probes, scanning him.
“No. It always returns to its creator after use. That is how the true essence of its power is restored.”
“So, we have to make a stop to see this Frevella person first?” Thane asks. I’m glad Thane is able to lose the sarcasm. I suppose even he knows the royals of Bernwood have their limits and shouldn’t be pushed past them.
“That is correct.” The king runs a thick claw over the edge of his goblet, making a light scraping noise. “But be warned, my friends. Though Frevella and I are allies, she will not allow you to have the sphere without a price. And I don’t mean with coin or treasure.”
My chest tightens at that. What could she possibly ask for? Blood? A limb? One of our hearts? I glance at Thane, who doesn’t seem the least bit concerned about King Draedor’s warning.
“We defeated a swamp monster,” he reminds the king. “I’m sure we can handle an elderly sorceress.”
“An arrogant one you are,” King Draedor counters with a chuckle. “It’d be wise not to underestimate Frevella. Besides, she will not see you all without confirmation that I sent you.”
Thane frowns as he looks from the king to Rynthea, who also appears confused.
“My son and two of our finest guards will travel with you up the mountain to see her.” He gives Kelrean’s shoulder a squeeze.
Thane stiffens. Oh, now he’s concerned.
“It is truly my honor,” Kelrean declares with a cheery disposition. Then he aims his focus on Thane. “I hope me taking this brief journey with you doesn’t present any issues.”
“Shouldn’t be a problem,” Thane says. Right after the words leave his mouth, I feel something warm skate up my inner thigh and give it a squeeze. I stifle a gasp as I jump in my chair. I look to Thane, but he’s too busy staring down the prince. There is a small challenge in his eyes as his magic hand inches higher up my thigh.
I shove it away, flustered, and the sensation vanishes.
“You all right, Zaira?” Algar murmurs.
“Yeah—I’m fine.” I force a smile at him as I pick up my goblet and take a nervous sip.
Thane clears his throat, finally looking away from the prince to finish off his food.
“Very well!” King Draedor’s voice reverberates through the room as he rises from his chair. I squeeze my eyes shut and wince once again as my ears ring.
Kelrean and the queen stand with him, and we follow suit, raising our goblets as he does.
“Though it pains me to see you all make such a grave decision, I wish you nothing but success on your quest,” the king declares. “We’ll pack food and supplies to last you the duration of your travel up the mountain. Kelrean will direct you straight to Frevella’s cave with a scroll of my consent. And crew?” He assesses each of us with his impenetrable feline gaze. “No matter what happens, guard your heart and protect it at all costs. Because once you make it to The Shallows, your entire life will change. And believe me, it will not be for the better.”
Suddenly, the king’s face contorts, transforming into something completely unexpected.
My eyes widen with shock.
Rynthea’s shoulders tense.
Algar hisses through his teeth.
Thane narrows his gaze.
The right half of King Draedor’s face, which was once picture perfect in its human-lion form, is now thick with scars that have clearly been created by claws. The vicious marks start at his forehead and stretch all the way down to the middle of his throat.
And the worst part about it?
His eye is missing—a gaping hole now in its place.
Chapter 28
“Well, that was rather dramatic.” Algar walks with me through the gates of Bernwood with Zephra curled around his shoulder.
With his weapons now returned, Thane inspects each one thoroughly as we pause to get our bearings.
“What do you think happened to his face?” I ask when I meet up with Rynthea. “What kind of creature could have done that?”
“I’m not sure,” she murmurs, stuffing a canteen into her rucksack. “But it clearly didn’t want visitors.”
“It had to be massive.” Algar shudders as Zephra clicks her teeth and shakes nervously.
Rynthea’s focus travels to where the trail up the mountain begins.
“How long is the walk to Frevella’s?” Rynthea asks as Kelrean saunters through the gates with two guards in eggplant-purple buffers trailing him.
Each guard carries a sword at their waist and a spear in hand. The prince nonchalantly totes a double-sided battle-ax with a thick wooden handle. In the center of the ax is the head of a snarling lion with a smooth mane made of gleaming silver. Kelrean also has a sword attached to his hip.
“Should be no longer than an hour,” he answers. The curved blade of the ax glimmers in the sunlight as he gives it a smooth swing and then rests the handle on his shoulder.