Page 49 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

“It's quite something, isn't it?” Grayden's voice pulled her from her thoughts.

“It's so majestic,” Renya breathed, her eyes wide with wonder. “Being up so high, and then seeing the entire realm laid out like that below your feet...”

A wistful expression crossed Grayden's face. “When I was a teenager, my father sent me up here to the camp to train. I would sit and watch the sunset and look out over our lands. I remember being so excited to rule them one day. But it happened so much sooner than I ever would have imagined.”

“I think your father would be proud of the job you're doing,” Renya said softly, reaching out to squeeze his hand.

A genuine smile lit up Grayden's face, and Renya felt a surge of warmth at his obvious pleasure in her approval.

As they continued their descent, Renya found herself pondering the weight of responsibility that rested on Grayden's shoulders. “What was your father like?” she asked, curious about the man who had shaped the ruler Grayden had become.

Grayden was quiet for a moment, gathering his thoughts. “He was fair. He could be stern at times, but he thought things through and never made rash decisions. My mother was the passionate one, quick to anger and even quicker to forgive and love. My father was a good man. Everyone respected him. He always seemed to know what to do in any situation. I'm envious of that.”

“Grayden, you are dealing with threats your father never had to face,” Renya pointed out. “Hard choices must be made, and you're doing a fantastic job of protecting your people.”

Selenia, overhearing their conversation, chimed in, “She's right. I think Father and Mother would be proud.”

Grayden's cheeks flushed slightly at the praise, and he quickly changed the subject. “I think we'll be at the Twilight Kingdom in a few hours.”

As they rounded a particularly steep bend, a low rumble filled the air. Renya felt it in her chest before she heard it, a deep vibration that set her nerves on edge. She looked up just in time to see a wall of snow careening down the mountainside towards them.

“Avalanche!” Grayden shouted, his voice nearly lost in the growing roar.

Time seemed to slow. Renya saw the panic in Grayden's eyes, the fear on Selenia's face. Without thinking, she threw her hands up, a surge of power rushing through her veins. Golden threads of light burst from her fingertips, weaving together in the air before her.

The avalanche hit the shimmering barrier of light with a thunderous crash. Snow and ice pushed against it, threatening to overwhelm them, but Renya's magic held firm. She gritted her teeth, pushing more power into the shield as the avalanche raged around them.

For what felt like an eternity, but was likely only moments, they were surrounded by a sea of white. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, it was over. The golden barrier dissolved, leaving them standing in a small pocket of calm amidst the chaos of displaced snow.

Renya lowered her arms, her breath coming in short gasps. She looked at her hands in wonder, golden sparks still dancing across her fingertips.

“Renya,” Grayden breathed, his voice filled with awe and pride. “How did you do that? You saved us.”

As the reality of what had just happened sank in, Renya felt a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion wash over her. She had used her magic, really used it, for the first time. The power that had been dormant within her for so long had answered her call when she needed it most.

“I...I didn't even think about it,” she admitted, still stunned. “It just…happened.”

Selenia let out a whoop of joy, her earlier fear replaced by excitement. “That was amazing! You're going to be unstoppable once you learn to control it properly.”

As they carefully navigated around the freshly fallen snow, continuing their journey, Renya felt a newfound confidence growing within her. She had faced a life-threatening situation and not only survived but protected those she cared about. Maybe, just maybe, she was more prepared for this new life than she had thought.

But as they continued to ride, she tried to access her magic, only to find it completely absent. She was frustrated, unable to figure out how to bring it forth again.

With the Twilight Kingdom drawing ever closer, Renya hoped that Queen Kalora might have the answers—and could figure out the mystery of her power.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Renya knew they were getting closer as the snow thinned and the biting wind no longer stung her ears. They finally reached the end of their long, grueling descent and found themselves on flat ground. Though still cold, unlike the tropical heat of the Tidal Kingdom, she could at least feel all her fingers and toes. Selenia and Grayden, seemingly well-adapted to the cool weather, removed their gloves and thick fur cloaks. Renya kept her cloak wrapped tightly around her, not yet ready to surrender its warmth.

Now at a lower elevation, their pace quickened, and Dimitri once again fell behind. Grayden didn't seem to mind the healer's slower pace; his trust in Dimitri outweighed any concern for his lagging.

The trees grew thicker and fuller as they traveled farther south, and Renya spotted flowering bushes dappled among them. The blossoms were all dark colors: maroon, navy, and deep indigo. As they approached a large forest, the sky began to darken, bathing everything in a soft glow. Renya could just make out the path ahead, but she had to squint to see clearly.

Grayden halted and dismounted, rummaging through a saddlebag until he produced a torch. He lit it and remounted Damion. Renya and Selenia followed the flickering orange beacon deeper into the forest.

An owl hooted, causing Renya to jump. Her heart raced, and she noticed Grayden slowing to join her side. “I can sense your fear, Little Fawn. What's troubling you?”

Renya struggled to find the words. “I think this place reminds me too much of the Sunset Land. It's bringing back some unpleasant memories.”

---