So, I make a choice to let go—not of the arrow—but of the anger and fear that has gripped me for so long.
The only thing I can do is forgive her and take back the power she held over me.
I lower the bow. “No. I won’t do it.”
Cenric nods and takes the bow from me.
He turns to address the warriors. “May the gods forgive her. For we do not.”
He nocks the arrow and draws back the string. I hold my breath as Cenric releases the arrow. It flies true, burying itself deep in Alvina’s heart.
A strangled gasp escapes her as she jerks against her bonds. Blood blooms across her chest, staining her pale surcoat.
Cenric looks at Praxis, and his brother steps forward, torch in hand. He touches the flame to the kindling. The dry wood catches instantly. The flames climb higher, consuming the platform, reaching for Alvina’s still form.
I watch as the fire engulfs her, the heat searing my face even from a distance. Smoke billows into the sky, carrying with it the acrid scent of burning flesh.
It’s over. Now, she cannot hurt anyone.
Chapter
Sixty-Nine
EVERLY
Cenric settlesbeside me on my bed, close enough that I feel his warmth, but not touching. For once, I’m grateful for the space.
“You’re troubled,” he says softly.
I almost laugh. Troubled doesn’t begin to cover it.
“Why did Hawke betray his sister?” It’s the question that’s been gnawing at me since Hawke appeared in our camp with Alvina earlier today.
“Hawke never supported the rebellion. He only wanted his sister to believe he was working with her so he could quietly work against her.”
Never working with her? That doesn’t make sense. Why else would he have me kidnapped? And what about that poor woman he tied to the chair?
“He kidnapped me,” I say bitterly. “Made me spy for him.”
“He needed to convince Alvina he was all in. Placing you inmy camp was a part of his plan, but I didn’t know that until I read his missive that he gave to you.”
I frown, trying to make sense of it all. “But why did he go along with it for so long?”
“He said he was gathering evidence and attempting to persuade her to go back to Calcite territory, but she wouldn’t be swayed.”
I shake my head, still struggling to understand. “It seems so...cold. To turn on your own sister like that.”
Cenric’s eyes meet mine. “Sometimes, we have to make hard choices for the greater good. Hawke chose to protect innocent lives over loyalty to his half-sister.”
I nod, but the explanation doesn’t quite settle the unease in my stomach. There’s still so much I don’t understand about this world of politics and rebellion.
“He had a woman tied up in a building,” I say after a moment. “He used her to threaten me.”
“She’s from the Malachite tribe. And she killed his brother.”
My mouth falls open as Cenric’s words sink in.
“He told me he would tie me next to her.”
