Page 41 of An Archer's Redemption

She nodded.

“I didn’t know youcouldride the currents. They seem so . . . I don’t know . . . not good to touch.”

“Eloquent, as always.” She smiled. “And no, they are not welcoming of human touch, but you are not fully human,Declan. You are the Heir. You areofmagic. I believe the currents may answer if you call.”

I stared. “May? You aren’t inspiring confidence here.”

She shrugged. “I don’t think anyone has ridden the currents before. I’m grasping at ancient knowledge here, trying to gain Atikus valuable time.”

“But, what if—”

“I do not know what might happen. The mist welcomes you as it does me. I felt Órla’s warmth just as you did. Ithinkthe currents may also welcome you.” She seemed like she was trying to project confidence, but her eyes showed only doubt and fear. “Son, even if you are allowed to ride their flow, magic always demands a price.”

“Yeah, I got that. Órla said something like that at the end, before she . . .” I took Kelså’s hand again and offered a weak smile. “This isn’t just anyone; it’sAtikusin danger. We have to try everything we can.”

Kelså stared up at me for a long moment, then whispered, “I know you’re right, but we’re talking about a mother letting her son leap into the unknown, into the most powerful force in the world. How am I to accept that?”

“It was your idea.” I cocked one brow and offer my best smirk. “Atikus is more than just a distant friend, more than an adopted father. He is now the Arch Mage. More importantly, with his Gift of memory, he is the keeper of countless generations of history. Losing him—and his mental vault—would mean losing the past, losingperspective. We have to do everything possible to save him.”

Kelså’s eyes narrowed, and her brow furrowed, but something tugged at one corner of her mouth.

“What?”

“Sometimes you are so . . . boyish. Then, out of nowhere, you say something wise. You are an enigma, Declan Rea.”

My chest contracted beneath the weight of her compliment, however half-baked it might have sounded.

“Mother,” I whispered and pressed my forehead to hers. “Ihaveto do this. Atikus is a father to Keelan and me. He means the world to the people of Melucia. They’ve lost so much already. They can’t lose him, too.”

She pulled back and searched my eyes.

“Hereyouare the one placing yourself in danger, and I am the one hesitating.” She released a heavy breath and nodded once, reaching up to wipe away a rebellious tear. “You are right, but I do not have to like it. Neither of us knows what this will do, what price will be demanded, if you can evensurvivethe currents. Forgive a mother’s fear, even if the Keeper knows this is your path.”

I cupped her cheek. “I love you, Mother. Everything will be okay.”

She tried to smile, but it refused to reach her eyes.

I leaned down and kissed her cheek. Then, without warning, I turned, took two strides, and leaped feetfirst into the Well.

Chapter 17

Declan

The last thought that repeated in my mind as I leaped was,Stupid idea! Stupid idea! Stupid idea!

I looked down and watched my boots hurtle toward the open space in the crystalline floor. Then the world transformed into a kaleidoscope. A few feet away, my beautiful mother, robed in elegant white and gold, became little more than a smear of color against the backdrop of hues reflecting against glass.

My golden tunic flared.

I had to squeeze my eyes shut to stop the blazing spots that appeared.

Knives of flame pierced my skin.

The deeper I sank, the stronger the sensation of being burned alive grew.

And yet, oddly, I felt a chill.

I struggled to keep my head wedged in a pocket of air between the river’s surface and the cavern’s floor as my arms flailed and feet kicked uselessly against the river’s pull. The current drewme away from the opening, and I watched through the glassy floor as my mother’s image faded from view.

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