“No.” Lara shook her head, gripping Mirae’s hand tightly in her own. “W-what was t-that?”
“I don’t know, I’m not sure—”
“Do you not know my magic when you see it, Mirae Sundragon?” The silky voice echoed behind her. Mirae closed her eyes, pulling Lara slowly to her feet. Then she turned.
Astra stood there, Braven and Cohdel flanking her with their swords out but unblemished by Black Ones’ blood. Her silver eyes were clear, no clouds or confusion in them, and her hair was loose down her back in tight waves. She looked as though she’d just come from a walk through the meadows; as if she hadn’t just wiped out an entire army of Black Ones. Mirae’s shoulders slumped. She surrendered to tears and hysterical laughter at the same time.
“You find this amusing, yes?” Astra tilted her head curiously, her nose wrinkling. “Interesting this.”
Mirae laughed harder, her tears making stripes through the blood on her face. She fell to her knees, hugging her stomach until it hurt.
Navaria tried to readjust herself in the saddle, the discomfort of the thick leather beneath her chafing through her robes to her skin. The insufferable animal shook his head and snorted, as irritated with her as she was with him. The Winter Queen insisted riding was necessary; that she and Krow would never be able to keep up if they went on foot, as Navaria had wanted. She wasn’t used to these soft grounds and hills, only to hot stone and mountains.
Everything was within her reach when she was home in the mountains. They had no need for horses and carriages like these people did. The longer she sat in the saddle, the more thankful she became that her people didn’t tame these animals. She couldn’t imagine riding one of them every day to get where she wanted to go. Crossing the sea had been difficult enough. She couldn’t imagine the next days of constant riding through these uneven woods.
Krow however, seemed to ride with ease, his broad shoulders straight and his body swaying smoothly with the motion of his horse. Navaria resisted a giggle, looking at the big man who made the tall horse seem small. Her Chalqüin seemed not to notice her amusement—no wonder since she was once again hidden beneath her veil. She had removed the covering only once—to reveal herself to Damari Kael. Navaria winced, remembering.
The meeting had gone as expected, but still, she had hoped to hear something from the young woman before she left the city. The young princess’s silence was torturing her, but she knew what the prophecy said. She knew everything was going according to plan, no matter how difficult for her personally.
Krow tilted his head toward her, eyeing her up and down as if he sensed her struggle. Navaria reached beneath her veil, stroking her dragon skin. She had been born with scales, unlike most of her people who had to grow and develop them.
Not Navaria Lightmaker. She was a royal from the moment she was born, raised high and honored, even by her own parents. They’d known as soon as they saw the sapphire scales glittering on her skin that she was meant for the Mountain. Navaria had been frightened many times as a child as her gifts grew and strengthened, but Krow always seemed to be there for her, from the very beginning. When she was old enough, she’d made him her Chalqüin.
The oath between them was solid, no matter how angry they might become with each other. The feelings emanating from their hearts could not be denied. But Navaria knew the law, as much as the consequences pained her. Only if she released her mortal soul could she claim him for herself. For among their people there were mortals and immortals, and none were allowed to mix. Her heart beat for him and him alone. But her choice day had not come, though she’d chosen him for Chalqüin. They said she would know when her choice day came. Navaria had lived her life on the Mountain following her destiny, and Krow had never been a part of that life—never a part of the prophecy she’d been given when she was a child.
Navaria kicked her heels against the stubborn animal’s sides. He grunted at her again before trotting forward. She gripped the pommel of the saddle with both hands, bouncing up and down to bring herself in between Glaydin and the Winter Queen. They both regarded her curiously, Glaydin with a deep bow in the saddle and the Queen with a tilt of her head. The warmth seeping from Glaydin seemed to counter the icy cold coming from the Winter Queen, infusing Navaria with a strength she hadn’t felt since crossing the sea. She’d known the presence of Glaydin and his men was the only way she would survive if she went on this journey with the Queen.
“You are restless, Lady Navaria,” the Winter Queen murmured. She seemed in tune with her animal, much like Krow. Her body moving side to side with each step Starlight took, one hand gripping her staff and the other lightly holding the mare’s mane. The horse was without reins, the Winter Queen refusing to bridle her. “What troubles you?”
“I am not troubled,” Navaria replied. She winced when her animal stumbled on a stone, making her bounce sharply in the saddle. “Only curious about these woods your people seem to love so much. I sense a great deal of magic here.”
“Yes.” The Winter Queen nodded her agreement. “Some good, some dark. These woods have sheltered many a Winter Queen over the years.”
“The bells were rung after we left,” Navaria commented. “That is a sign they saw us depart, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but there is little they will do about our leaving. Not many men are brave enough to enter the Gracian Woods in these days. Not with the shadow so close. The king would not risk any more of his men by sending them into the woods after us, no matter how he wishes to catch me.”
“The rumors will spread throughout the city today.” Navaria leaned in. “Soon all of Sunkai will know you are Adlae Sundragon.”
“Which is why my absence from the city is even more important now. Of most importance is that I reunite with Mirae. I don’t know how she’ll react to all of this.” The Winter Queen straightened her shoulders.
Navaria glanced over her shoulder at Krow, uncertain if she should mention the Kael princess. But if Damari had spoken with the Winter Queen, Navaria had to know.
“Damari Kael will see your sister Brae to safety?” Navaria tried to be subtle, keeping her eyes on the road.
“She intends to send her to the Shadow Lands with a troupe of guards who are loyal to her.” The Winter Queen confirmed, tilting her head toward Navaria curiously. “She is a strong young woman.”
“Yes. Did she speak to you before we left the city?”
“She didn’t. She knew we would go, and she had her tasks to perform.” The Winter Queen’s eyebrow curved upward. “You are very interested in Damari Kael.”
“Curiosity, that is all.” Navaria cleared her throat and pulled back, letting the Winter Queen and Glaydin ride ahead. She came alongside Krow again.
“You should not speak to her about Damari Kael,” Krow chastised her, as he so often did. “Our plans are dangerous to speak about until things are in motion.”
“I know, Krow.” Navaria glared at him from beneath her veil, and she was certain he could feel her ire when he grimaced. “But the distance between the one we have come to find and me troubles my heart. I wished only to find out if Damari had revealed our purpose to the Winter Queen.”
“If she had, we would not be harmed. The Winter Queen would not stop us. We have dedicated ourselves to her for as long as we need be here,” Krow growled, his eyes narrowing on the Queen’s back.
“Our hearts for the Sundragon led us close to her, Krow. The prophecy cannot be ignored, and as much as you wish to protect me from her magic, which offers no evil toward me, we are where we are meant to be.” Navaria reached toward Krow. “Come now, my Chalqüin, soften your heart to her. For me.”
Krow mumbled something under his breath but took her hand, pressing her knuckles to his lips. His eyes blazed when he looked at her, and Navaria smiled, warmth flooding her cheeks.
A heavy wind wailed through the trees, bending the branches until they creaked. Navaria squeezed
Krow’s hand once more before reclaiming her own to grip the pommel of the saddle. Magic pulsed like a heartbeat in these woods. Navaria could feel the aura everywhere, surrounding them and tempting them with its sweet whispers. She was not familiar with trees, but looking at them she could see they were powerful things in this land. They were creatures, filled with magic and stories of their own. Stories that could only be shared with someone who possessed the Gift.
Navaria was almost tempted to touch one—to see what it wanted to tell her. But she knew such strong magic could draw her in for days, and she could not risk them stopping simply because she was curious. Her heart fluttered in her chest, and she tried to clear her mind, pushing back the magic pressing down on her soul, summoning her mind from the task at hand and tempting her Gift.
The magic in the air grew thicker the further into the woods they went, and Navaria grew heady with it. Her body grew light as a heat foreign even to her began to fill her soul. Krow must’ve felt it too, for he braced a big hand on her arm, keeping her steady in the saddle. The Winter Queen called for a halt in front of them.
“The Woodland Paths,” Glaydin announced. “I have heard of them only in stories brought over the sea. Never had I thought to see them for myself.”
Navaria heeled her mount forward, squeezing in between Glaydin and the Queen. A gentle gasp slipped between her lips as the magic assailed her like a strong ocean wave, flowing over her, freezing her blood until she thought she would fall directly from the saddle. The stones were smooth and round, carved with great care and placed with precision in the thickest part of the wood.
No one knew where the Paths began or where they ended, they simply were there. Winding subtly through the forest, they would go unnoticed by any who weren’t looking for them despite their distinctive copper tint and the glittering white Frostling dust clinging to them. They throbbed with a magic Navaria had never touched—one that didn’t reach the mountains of her birth. She could see the aura rippling in the air over the stones, could feel the magic reaching out to her to fill her with strength.
Such pure, perfect magic could only come from the Creator. Navaria chewed her bottom lip, looking back and forth between Krow and the Winter Queen. Her horse danced beneath her, nearly sending her to the ground as the magic tried to pull them forward. The Winter Queen turned, facing them. Her staff was clutched so tightly in her hand Navaria thought it would crack. But her face was smooth, as calm as she’d ever been.
“If our purpose is not good and true, the Path’s magic will not bless us with speed. Before you step upon the Path with me, be certain your heart is pure and your purpose virtuous,” the Queen murmured, eyeing all of them one at a time before she turned her back. Her shoulders rose with a long, deep breath.
Navaria placed her hand on her stomach, trying to calm the flutters at her center. Krow inched closer to her side, trying to hover as he always did to offer her the warmth she couldn’t find in this land. Taking his hand, she urged their horses side by side until her leg pressed against his. Excitement filled her to overflowing, and her skin began to itch, as always when she was nervous. Her own magic was threatening to rise, but she tamed it, clearing her mind until the power within her dissipated.
The Winter Queen was the first to step upon the Path, Glaydin and his men flanking her. Krow’s eyes remained on Navaria as they moved forward together, their hands still clasped together so they wouldn’t lose each other.
The moment the animal’s hoof stepped on the Path, she felt the power. A blinding light filled her vision, blocking out all other images. The magic entered her soul, invading her heart until she thought she would break apart from the strength of the magic. Ice seethed through her, stealing her breath and Navaria passed into shadow.
“Navaria!”
Adlae spun at Krow’s sharp cry, her eyes expanding when she saw Navaria nearly slip from the saddle. Krow caught her, dragging her across from her saddle onto his. Adlae turned around and found herself beside him, the rush of Frostling magic quickening Starlight’s steps.
The magic swept through her like cool water, joining to her magic until they were one. Frostling magic was a beautiful thing, and Adlae had learned its power during her years on the Ice Mountains. This magic was second nature to Adlae, but she hadn’t thought of the consequences of Navaria stepping onto the Path. Her magic was so different from the icy flows of the Frostling powers.
Adlae’s thoughts turned to Mirae, and she moaned inwardly. They were taking the Woodland Paths to reach her faster, but now Navaria had fallen. Losing her sister was not an option, but leaving Navaria behind to battle this magic alone wasn’t one either.
We should’ve known, Winter murmured in her ear. The mountains are hot lands. Navaria is averse to cold.
“But why does it affect her more than the others?” Adlae frowned, reaching Navaria. Krow reared back, snatching Navaria away from her before Adlae could touch her.
“Forgive me,” Krow muttered. “But you’ll hurt her.”
Or we could help her. We could draw the cold out of her and awaken her own magic to counter that of the Frostlings, Winter pondered.
“Is that possible?”
There may be no other choice. We must reach Mirae as quickly as we can, but we cannot let Navaria die here. There is only one choice before us, no matter how risky. We can try; we cannot harm her any more than the Frostling’s magic already has. With the blessing of the Creator, we may still reach your sister in time.
Adlae placed her hand on her necklace, wishing she knew what to do. Brae’s presence was even more prominent now that she knew who Adlae was. And she was thankful. Brae had always been able to calm Adlae when they were growing up.
Her serenity will help us now. We must do what we’ve never done before.
“Krow.” Adlae moved closer. “I think I can help her.”
“You cannot touch her.” Glaydin pushed between them as Krow carefully lowered himself from the saddle, cradling Navaria’s little form in his arms. His eyes sharpened on her and Adlae winced. “If you touch her, you will kill her.”
“I don’t need to touch her to help.” Adlae lifted herself from the saddle, landing lightly on her feet. The stones were smooth beneath her feet, neither warm nor cold and the white tint of magic swirled around her skirts as she closed the space between her and Navaria. Bending, she laid her staff at her side, looking directly into Krow’s compelling eyes.
“She is everything,” Krow whispered before she could speak. “Everything. The fate of our race depends on Navaria.”
“Then let me help her.” Adlae touched him, and he shivered. “We are all creatures of magic, Krow. You know I can help her if you allow me.”
Krow’s brow creased, and he looked down at Navaria’s still form, the shroud over her face fluttering with each breath she took. Adlae shifted impatiently, knowing they didn’t have much time. Navaria’s breaths were growing shallow, and she sensed the magic of life slipping out of her.
He is her protector, and he doesn’t trust us. You ask a lot of him. Winter’s sigh filled her.
“Krow,” Glaydin barked behind her, but Adlae didn’t turn.
“Por tækium lat, Glaydin!” Krow rumbled back, glaring over Adlae’s head at the man. “Winter, fer bõrin che jâedurin.” Whatever he said silenced the worried captain, who turned his back, barking orders to his men. They gathered the horses together on the Path and waited. Adlae’s ribs expanded with a long breath and she looked directly into Krow’s eyes.
“Do what you must,” Krow whispered even as he pulled Navaria closer to his heart. “But I will not relinquish her. My warmth will keep her heart beating.”
“As you wish. As I said, I do not need to touch her to help.” Adlae raised her hands to hover over Navaria’s heart. “Whatever you may see, do not be frightened.”
Closing her eyes, Adlae awakened her magic. Winter pooled her
soul into Adlae’s blood to strengthen the magic within them both. Opening her eyes, she saw Krow stiffen; ice crawled along Adlae’s arms to her fingertips. It crackled and broke, scattering across Navaria’s robes. The shards of ice lifted to float in the air below Adlae’s palms, a thick silver glow following to swirl all around the Mountain woman.
Adlae breathed deeply, seeking out the magic which had seeped into Navaria’s body. The harmful magic was cold; colder than Adlae had anticipated. Fighting the chill was a heat Adlae had not felt in years. This warmth was what she’d missed—the kind of warmth only Winter could offer to her in dreams. Adlae relished the feeling, a smile flitting across her lips before she concentrated once again. This warmth was not hers to take, it was the source of Navaria’s own magic. She needed to take the cold—the icy flow seething through the woman, attempting to freeze her from the inside.
Adlae looked down, stretching her fingers as she felt for the magic, drawing it up and out of Navaria’s soul. The woman convulsed, a low moan emanating from between her lips and Krow held her closer. He turned his face away so he wouldn’t see her suffering. Adlae curved her hand in a circle above the woman, pulling harder on the magic embedded in the woman’s soul.
It’s working ... slowly, Winter whispered. We need to move faster, Adlae Sundragon. Time is running out.
Adlae delved deeper, feeling the light magic of the Frostlings. Blinking slowly, she watched the magic lift from the surface of Navaria’s body, glittering white like tiny snowflakes. As soon as the power rose from Navaria, Adlae circled it in her palms and drew the magic into her own heart. A short gasp hissed through her teeth when the warmth she felt moments before vanished, ice blasting through her heart to take its place.
Navaria’s breath quickened, and the veil over her face fluttered when she opened her eyes. Krow’s chest deflated as he released the breath he’d been holding, bending his head until his forehead touched hers.
“W-What happened?” Navaria asked hoarsely, her head swaying back and forth between him and Adlae.
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