Elowen’s dagger could be charged with healing magic to take a life painlessly if need be.
We all took our time admiring our weapons, asking any questions we had, and saying our thanks for how much effort was put forth into our items.
The rest of the evening was spent packing our necessities for the trip to our first destination, Forsmont. We already had bedrolls we each would be traveling with, save for Era who would share with Silas, so we had to pack light. We packed as much food and as many filled water skins as we could comfortably carry, and we were to change into our new clothing and armor in the morning.
I found myself alone that final evening. I sat by the cliff’s edge, looking off into the distance as I contemplated the journey ahead.
The breeze was pleasant, and from this high up, I realized just how small I was.
You will be our savior, Lena Daelyra.
I wasn’t much of an optimistic person, not with everything life had shown me thus far. But I had followed Igon’s words, and I truly felt like we were on the right track.
“You’re not going to jump, are you?” Silas said softly from behind before sitting next to me. “Being a leader can make you feel that way, sometimes.”
I leaned my head towards him, laughing through my nose. After a few moments of silence, staring off at the rolling hills of Tovagoth with our feet off the cliffside, I spoke.
“Do you fear what your people think of you now?” I asked quietly.
He considered, his jaw ticking as he stared off into the distance. “Yes and no.” He turned to me. “I think…I think I made the right call. I can only hope that when all is said and done, my people will understand.”
“I am grateful for you, Silas, and all that you have sacrificed. Thank you,” I whispered, looking to the sky.
I knew we were alone, and even if someone was secretly watching, it was so dark no one would see. I was afraid of his rejection, but I couldn’t stop myself. I wrapped my hand in his, and he tensed.
For a moment, we were frozen, both so unused to each other's touch after so many years of separation. I wondered if he would pull his hand away, but then he began to drag his thumb back and forth against the back of my hand. I felt my body relax.
“Don’t thank me, Lena. Remember, I have a selfish goal that drove my decision.”
I looked into his amber eyes that sparkled under the moonlight as they dropped to my lips. That caused my heartbeat to quicken.
He may want to take the throne from his father. He may have had the ambition long before he knew I was alive. But I knew he still felt love for me, even if that love was but a small sliver in his heart. Even if we could never have one another again. Even though I had lied about so much.
“Here.” He fished into his pocket, then extended his hand. In it was Igon's compass.
My eyes rounded. “My Gods…I completely forgot about it.” I resisted the urge to slap my forehead and took the bronze compass from Silas, rotating it around and studying it. A pelican was engraved on its back.
I gave Silas an embarrassed smile. “See, not meant to be a leader.”
He offered a small smile, and the sight caused my heart to skip. “I have forgotten many things. You've had plenty else on your mind,” he whispered, his smile fading.
My lip trembled as I studied the man I still loved more than I wished to admit. “You kept your promise,” I breathed.
His brows furrowed, and his face was just inches away as he asked, “What do you mean?”
“Erabella told me what you’ve done for the Outer Ring…” My throat bobbed, and my eyes began to sting. “Investing in it, giving the people heated water, lifting the damn curfew, for fuck’s sake.” I used my free hand to wipe the tear that had fallen, then laughed softly. “I knew you would, but still, hearing it just—” I tilted my head to him with a smile. “I’m proud of you.”
His eyes widened, and he jerked his hand away, the action causing me to startle and my eyebrows to draw together.
“Lena—” He shook his head before exhaling out of his nose. “You should get some sleep. We have a long journey ahead of us,” he muttered before he stood and began to walk away.
Instantly, I stood as well and grabbed his hand. He came to a stop.
“Don’t go,” I pleaded. He turned to me, his golden eyes flickering with anguish. “Did I…did I say something wrong?”
“I cannot bear your kindness.” His honey eyes shifted back and forth between mine, a deep frown now taking over. “Do not give it to me.”
He tugged his hand away again, and I stared at him in bewilderment as he walked off.
