Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 91891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
“Incoming,” Jasher muttered, and I heard the rhythmic clack of claws pounding against the tunnel’s floor. So many claws. “I can’t carry him out and fight the monstra. He’s dead either way.”
I recoiled inside, hearing his unspoken directive. “No. I can’t leave him. I won’t leave him.”
“Do you wish to die with him?” Jasher asked, matter-of-fact. He remained ready for battle.
My chin quivered. “I’ll be his crutch,” I said, unwavering. Yes, yes. I was a water maiden. An oracle. The Ember! I had reservoirs of strength. I just, I had to try. “Ahav.” Father. “I’m going to stand you up, okay?”
The king opened his eyes, sliding a glassy gaze to me.
Anguish clogged my throat. “Hey, Ahav,” I said softly, petting his jaw. “We can’t stay here. Monstra come.”
He attempted to smile. “Everything will be… all right,” he managed to say between agonized breaths.
And now he comforted me? I offered a wobbly smile in return. “It’s going to hurt, but I need you to work with me, anyway. You can’t die. Understand?”
The monstra drew nearer, releasing streams of fire. I tried, oh, I tried, but Ahav weighed too much, and my so-called reservoirs were already empty.
Jasher blocked the flames with his wings. “Too late to escape.”
The battle was on. Roars ebbed and flowed along with grunts and groans. At any other time, I might have enjoyed sitting back and watching him do battle. His skill was unsurpassed. His speed, a marvel. His strength, a revelation, even in his weakened and broken state. But this was life and death for us all.
“Help me stand you up, Ahav. Please.” The tears streaked down my cheek. As I strained, trying to lift his weight, droplets splashed his cheek, making it look as if he cried too.
“It’s…all…right,” he breathed, volume waning with each word. His head lolled to the side, his gaze fixing on nothing.
No, no, no. I shattered. Head bowed, shoulders rolling in, I sobbed. My whole body shook. But, um, hmm. My tears glowed, catching fire from within and sparkling with flecks of green. That green absorbed into his skin.
What in the world?
He arched his back and bellowed an inhuman sound. I trembled, unsure what to do or how to help. Then a bright pulse flared from his body and swept through the enclosure.
The monstra collapsed. All but Jasher, who stood protected and protective, claws flared and dripping crimson.
“What just happened?” he demanded.
The Ember? “I don’t know.”
Ahav sagged into the dirt and blinked, then jerked upright. Color returned to his flesh as his wounds wove together, disappearing altogether. “I see it!” Awe lit his face. His gaze found me. He eased upright, kissed my cheek, then laughed and hugged me. “I see the truth. I suspected, but now I know. You are her. My daughter. My beloved princess.”
I hugged him back, clinging. “Yes.”
“You are perfect and wonderful, and I will protect you. I know how now. At last, at last.” He held me tighter before jumping up, striding over and hugging Jasher, too, swinging the confused man around. “It’s so clear what I must do.”
I shot to a stand, floundering. “What’s clear?” I’d never been so happy and perplexed at the same time.
He gave my chin a little tap. “We all have a part to play, my precious Moriah, and I’ll play mine till the end. Return to the palace, and I’ll meet you there,” he instructed, bending to retrieve the array of weapons once hidden under his fallen form. “Tell the guards the path is marked in gold.”
Seriously? That was all I got? “Please. No more mysteries. Tell me everything now.”
He paused long enough to meet my gaze. “I’m the one who must die, so you can live.” In a hurry, he dashed the way we’d just come.
Jasher didn’t stop him, just watched him go.
Ahav planned to die? No. Not happening. There was no reason for his death. “We can’t let him go.” I grabbed Jasher’s hand, intending to follow the king. Out there by himself, in monstra territory, on monstra home turf, Ahav was at a serious disadvantage. He needed us.
But my Tinman snapped, “He’s a good warrior who has snuck in and out of the monstra strongholds many times. He’ll be fine. He said to meet him at the palace, so it’s safe to assume he will not let himself die before then. We require water, princess.”
Okay, good point. “My tears. I can—”
“Your tears have already dried. We need a body of water. Go. Find it.”
The cuffs recognized Jasher’s voice as Ian’s proxy, forcing my body to obey his command without hesitation. He trailed me, sticking close, his promise now echoing inside my head.
Our tables will turn, princess, I swear it. I will be free…and you will be my prisoner.
Suspicions sparked. He’d saved me, but he still had plans for me, didn’t he?