“How do I summon you when I need you again?”
The Phoenix tilts her fiery head to the side. “I am here to stay until you dismiss me.”
Well, I’ll make sure not to dismiss her. That would only anger Aleksander.
“Stay in here for now,” I say, gesturing to my bedchamber. “And when I need you, I will call for you.”
Emberdione blinks, then folds her wings and settles against the marble floor, her talons scraping against the stone as she makes herself comfortable.
With one last wary glance over my shoulder, I slip out of the room and shut the door behind me.
My pulse poundsas I hurry toward the study Aleksander frequents. It doesn’t matter that I loathe him. All that matters is that Emerin is safe and fed.
I find Aleksander in the study, poring over a map of Hematite territory. For a moment, I stare down at that map, taking in House of Crimson territory above the Giiana Desert and House of Silver territory below it.
Did the gods know we would fight like this when they created our land? That Tarrobane would be divided into six tribes? Or that Hematites would wage war against each other?
Probably not.
Aleksander looks up as I step closer, his dark eyes full of shadows. He blinks, and they disappear.
“I summoned the Phoenix,” I say. “Now, you need to make sure Emerin has food.”
Instead of answering me, he stares, his expression unreadable.
I clench my hands into fists and speak again. “Did you hear me? I said I summoned the Phoenix. You need to go and make sure Emerin has food.”
Aleksander’s chair scrapes against the marble as he stands and walks around his desk. “I need to see the Phoenix.”
“Fine,” I say, my voice clipped. “Follow me.”
As we walk through the corridor, I think about grabbing one of the torches and setting Aleksander’s hair on fire. A smile crosses my face at the thought of the barbarian going up in flames, but when he glances back at me, I quickly drop my gaze to the floor.
Soon, this will all be over.
It has to be.
I’ll find a way to break this damn bond, then I’ll leave this city with Tahira and Emerin. I’ll return to Jasce. I’ll fight to bring peace to our people.
Outside my bedchamber, I pause for a beat before shoving the door open. Aleksander follows me into the room and stops when he spots the Phoenix.
“Impressive.” He turns to me. “You’ve done well, Annora. I will make sure your sister is fed.” Relief washes over me, but it’s short-lived when Aleksander speaks again. “But don’t think this means you can defy me. The Phoenix may be at your command, but you are still at mine.”
My stomach churns as I slip my fingers into my sleeves.
He nods at me again, then leaves the room.
Summoning the Phoenix wasn’t enough—not when Aleksander is still in control.
I need to break free and live the lifeIwant to live.
Chapter Five
Annora
Birds chirpin a nearby tree as I stroll through my favorite stonecrop garden with Tahira later that day. Earlier, I had sat in my room, feeling sorry for myself, but it didn’t take long for my mood to shift from despair to something harder, more resolute. I knew if I stayed in my bedchamber, I would be a victim again.
And I refuse to be a victim again, caged again, helpless again.
