Page 28 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

“I do,” he said, and then what surprised him even more, was that he did indeed mean it.

Chapter Fourteen

Their pace back to the Snow Lands was grueling, and Selenia knew she'd arrive at the lodge covered in bruises and with every muscle sore. But that didn't stop her from riding as hard as she could, with Sion behind her. They rode through the night, under the cover of the trees as much as they could. Anytime they had to traverse a field or meadow, Selenia could feel the sweat accumulating on her brow and her heart raced until they were back under the protective shelter of the trees.

Selenia was desperate to reach the lodge before the dragons, and eager to tell the others what she had learned from the Murcurial. She had shared the message with Sion, but it didn't provide him with any insight. But perhaps Almory would know. Or maybe Renya.

But first, they needed to ensure that their family and friends were safe. She hoped that if the dragons managed to get past the protective wards of the lodge, Cressida would call them off. But she didn't trust the evil husk of a woman. Or her sniveling cousin.

Selenia had finally given up on killing Brandle, even though the notion was still in her head from time to time. There were days when she woke up determined to end both his and Cressida's lives. But when she looked at Sion, she realized that it wasn't her right. If anyone should have the pleasure, it should be him.

“Are you okay, Little Fox?” Sion called over the swirling snow.

“Yes,” she lied, trying hard not to wince. Every single part of her ached, and she was so exhausted that she was afraid she would fall off her mount. Sion had offered to let her ride with him, but she knew it would slow their progress, so she trudged ahead. She was freezing without her thick cloak, and instead had a saddle blanket wrapped around her.

Mile after wintery mile they rode, until Selenia finally saw the village emerge through the flying snow. She felt a surge of adrenaline work through her, hoping they'd beaten the dragons to the lodge. She supposed that the blizzard was a good sign, meaning that the dragons hadn't managed to hit this area since their presence seemed to affect the climate. Sion charged ahead, his stallion outpacing her mare. Selenia followed him up to the gates of the lodge, pushing her horse hard. Gravel and snow flew from the horse's hooves, leaving a messy trail behind them as they finally approached the courtyard.

Sion dismounted, leaving Selenia behind to fend for herself, for the first time ever. She slid down her horse as Sion threw open the double doors to the lodge. Selenia followed swiftly behind.

“Phillippe! Phillippe!” Sion shouted, running from room to room.

“Sion?” Just as they turned the corner, Grayden came out from his office.

There wasn't any time for a joyful reunion between the two.

“Grayden! Dragons! They could be on their way at any moment!”

“What do you mean?” Grayden said, instantly rushing towards the staircase, taking the stairs two at a time to the upper level. The pair followed him, with Sion recounting their journey.

“We were on our way to the Sun Realm, and we came across Cressida's dragons. They're searching for her, and from what we've seen, they'll attack anyone in their desperation to get to her.”

“Renya!” Grayden bellowed, as he threw open the door to their room. “Quick!”

Renya appeared at the door, her hair damp, but she was fully dressed in a loose-fitting tunic and soft leggings. “What's going on?”

Selenia finally caught her breath. “Cressida's dragons are on their way to find her. We have no idea how far behind they are, but they're leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.”

“I know what we need to do,” Renya said, looking at Grayden. Selenia watched the look between the two, and realized they must be communicating silently. Grayden nodded, and Renya rushed out into the hall.

“We need Cressida to summon them and call them off. We can't have them hurting anyone in the village.” Renya had a grim but determined look on her face.

Sion sneered at the mention of Cressida's name, but looked resolved.

“I'll go talk to her,” Renya continued. “Grayden, will you come with me?”

“Of course,” he said, following her back down the stairs. Just as Selenia reached the top of the stairs, Esmeralda came out of her room, with Phillippe behind her.

“What's going on?” Phillippe bellowed, instantly pulling Esmeralda protectively behind him. Selenia wanted to ask why they had both come out from Esmeralda's room, but now wasn't the time.

Sion filled the couple in while Renya and Grayden disappeared down the stairs.

“I'm so sorry,” Esmeralda said, sweeping Selenia up into a warm hug. “That must have been horrifying.”

Adrenaline was still surging throughout Selenia. “It was terrible, but I was more scared about what could happen here and in the village. I know the lodge should be protected, but the village isn't.”

“You need to get something dry and warm on,” Esmeralda said, and Selenia only then realized she was shivering.

She let Esmeralda pull her into her own room, and Phillippe left with Sion.

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