Page 98 of Duskbound

I still had nothing to show Urkin. But today, I was going to find it.

I busied myself with Tryggar's tack, trying to focus on the familiar motions instead of the guilt churning in my stomach. From a crack in the wood of the next stall, I could hear Aether's low voice as he helped Lael prepare Nyx.

"You'll stay in your spectre form as long as you can," he said, hoisting the saddle onto the charcoal Vördr. "It's the most assured way not to be seen. Do you understand?"

"I know," Lael urged, bouncing slightly on his feet. "Rethlyn's already told us. You don't need to worry—I've gotten really good at it."

"This isn't training anymore, Lael." Aether's voice dropped lower, meant only for the boy. "The Guard won't hesitate if they spot you. They won't see a sixteen-year-old boy?—"

"I understand." Some of Lael's enthusiasm dimmed.

Something passed across Aether's face—pain, maybe, or regret as he straightened the collar of Lael's leathers. "And I don't care what happens over there. If something goes wrong, if one of the others engages—I'm ordering you right now. Don't fight. Don't even think about it. Just run. Get back across the rip as fast as you can."

"But what if someone needs help? What if?—"

"No." Aether's tone left no room for argument. "Promise me, Lael."

The boy nodded, serious for once, and Aether gave his shoulder a few firm pats before turning away. My eye caught a glint of reflected light at his back. A solid gold longsword was sheathed down his spine, the hilt crafted with intricate patterns similar to those I’d seen on Vexa’s creations. It was beautiful, and it fit him perfectly.

He ran a hand through his dark hair as he walked toward Nihr, and I couldn't help but notice how the movement pulled his leather uniform taut across his shoulders, how his shadows were already flickering around him. It was rare to see him show any kind of emotion. It made him seem more dangerous for some reason. When his golden eyes caught mine staring, I quickly returned my attention to Tryggar's saddle straps.

I ignored the stress slithering over my shoulders and hopped down from my stool, turning the corner into Lael's stall. He managed a warm smile despite the heaviness that had settled over him.

"I know you're not coming with us," he whispered, eyes fixed on adjusting Nyx's straps.

I shifted uncomfortably. "No, I'm not. There's something else I have to do." I watched him fiddle with the buckle for a moment before adding, "I wish none of you were going. This seems reckless and unnecessary. If I can find the answers I'm looking for?—"

"Have you told Urkin this?"

I walked next to him, helping to tighten the strap of his saddle bag. "Obviously not. He won't listen to me. You know that."

He was silent for a few moments, seemingly deep in thought.

"I won't tell anyone." Lael nudged me, but not with the playful energy I'd come to expect. This was more solemn.

"I appreciate that."

He nodded and looked down at his boots. "I'm worried about you," he said finally.

I turned fully towards him. "Don't worry about me. Focus on the mission to Sídhe. And do exactly what Aether told you."

"Don't engage. Run. I got it." He took a deep breath, and for a second, I caught a flash of fear cross his face before that boyish grin returned.

"You don't have to go, you know," I said quietly. "None of you do. You could all just tell Urkin no."

"I know you don't want—" Lael hesitated, “well, I know you're trying to figure out a better way to end all of this. I hope you do, Fia. Really, I do. But the rest of us need to be ready in case you don't..." He trailed off, giving me an apologetic look.

The words hit me like a physical blow. He was right. If I failed, if this lead turned out to be nothing more than Aether suggested, then I'd have to face the reality of what was coming. War. More deaths, more destruction. Everything suddenly felt very real, very heavy.

Movement across the lawn caught my attention. Urkin approached the stables, flanked by two Sentinels, his stride carrying that familiar rigid authority.

Lael and I stood quickly, brushing hay from our leathers. I pulled him into a quick hug before he could move away. "Be safe," I whispered.

"You too," he replied.

I returned to Tryggar, anxiety coiling in my stomach. Henudged me gently, his dark eyes carrying an understanding that made my throat tight. He knew something was different about today.

Around us, the other Spectres were mounting their Vördr. Lael settled onto Nyx, his earlier fear carefully masked. Rethlyn and Mira shared Raskr's broad back, while Vexa helped Theron adjust his position on Draug. And then there was Aether, already astride Nihr, his golden eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made guilt churn through me. I shot him a dismissive scowl, though my heart thundered in my chest.

---