But who’s hand crafted it? Who maliciously tried to turn me against Jasce?
Asha?
I slam the thought away as quickly as it forms. Asha would never use my love for Emerin against me. She’s not capable of that kind of deceit.
As I tend to the wounded, a restless energy thrums inside me, a burning in my chest that I have no explanation for. It started after I looked at that book Aleksander gave me.
Free me.
The gravelly words echo in my mind, sending a chill down my spine. I whirl around, half expecting someone with a sinister voice to be standing right behind me, but there is no one there. Only the moans of the injured fill the stuffy medical tent.
I lift a shaky hand to my forehead, rubbing at the tension gathering there. I must be more tired than I realized. That’s the only reasonable explanation.
With a deep breath, I force myself to focus on the task at hand. Right now, these people need my attention, not my wild fancies about someone whispering to me. I steady my nerves and continue making my rounds, tending wounds, offering water, and providing what little comfort I can.
ChapterFifty-Seven
JASCE
The metallic scentof blood clings to my skin as I rush through the palace halls with a single-minded determination to see Annora.
I burst into the bathhouse, my movements frenzied and urgent as I strip off my armor and clothes with hurried, almost desperate motions. The fabric adheres to my skin, the dried blood and grime making it stick, but I tear it away, not caring if I rip the cloth in my haste.
Without hesitation, I climb into the first steaming bath I come across, plunging my battered body into the water. The heat envelops me, soothing my muscles, but I have no time to linger. I scrub at my skin with a rough cloth, determined to wash away every trace of the grime and gore of battle.
As soon as I’m satisfied that I’ve scoured every inch of my skin clean, I climb from the bath. I reach for a cloth and dry myself off with brisk efficiency, my movements still hurried, still driven by the need to see her, to assure myself that she’s all right.
It’s been three days since I held her close. Three days since Asha attacked, and still memories assail my mind as I hurry into a clean surcoat and pants. Memories of war, of the screams of the dying and the clash of steel against steel. Of death, of the lives I’ve taken and the blood I’ve spilled. Of ending Keel’s life, watching the light fade from his eyes as I finally put an end to his treachery.
That bastard is dead, and his army destroyed. A grim sense of satisfaction fills me, even as a bone-deep weariness settles over me.
But there will be time to rest later. For now, all that matters is Annora.
* * *
Annora leapsto her feet the moment I step into the library. “Is it over?”
I nod. “Yes, it’s over. Keel is dead, and his army has been destroyed. They will never threaten our people again.”
A choked sob escapes her, and before I can blink, she flings herself into my arms, burying her face against my chest. I wrap my arms around her, holding her close as I breathe in the sweet, familiar scent of her hair.
Zerah rises from her seat and nods at me. “I’ll leave you two alone.”
I hold out my hand to Zerah. “Thank you for staying with Annora.”
Her eyes twinkle with warmth as she steps closer. When she’s within reach, I grab her and haul her against me, sandwiching Annora between us in a fierce embrace. Zerah laughs and shoves against my shoulder until I release her.
“I’m glad you’re well, brother,” she says.
I nod, my jaw tightening at the memory of the brutal battle. “It was a hard-fought victory. But the city is safe now, thanks to the courage and sacrifice of our warriors.”
Zerah’s eyes mist with emotion as she reaches out to squeeze my arm. “You’ve done our family and our people proud, Jasce.”
“Thank you, Zerah.”
She smiles and slips out of the room.
I pull Annora closer the moment the door shuts behind my sister. “Asha is alive,” I say, knowing how desperate Annora must be to know.
