Page 240 of Emylia

For the first time this week, my lungs filled without splintering–the weight of conquering my magik no longer crushing.

Sebastian rode at my left.

Maalik at my right.

And Evie–unyielding, beside me.

Fire, frost and moonlight.

And Gods help me…

Ineededall of them.

ChapterFifty-Three

Ophelia came into view just as the sun finished cresting the horizon, washing the stone walls of the outposts in molten gold. We slowed our horses to a trot, the clatter of hooves echoing in the hush of early morning.

Before Maalikai could dismount, Sebastian lifted a hand to stop him.

“Thrainn needs you for the day.”

Maalikai looked just as confused as I felt. “Why me?”

“Well, it was supposed to be a surprise,” Sebastian said, adjusting his reins, “but we got word from Oryx’s army—they’re on their way. And because of your knowledge of the Western Warriors, Thrainn thought it’d be smart to have you help prepare the welcome. Just so we don’t accidentally offend them and risk another warlord deciding to raze Ophelia to the ground.”

Maalikai exhaled through his nose. “Thanks, I guess.”

“He wants you there too, E,” Sebastian added, turning to Evie. “Something about introducing you as the next Chieftain, establishing relations—blah, blah, diplomatic fluff.”

“Me?” Her face went ghost-white.

“Youarethe rightful heir to his throne,” Sebastian said, with the kind of casual flourish only he could pull off.

“But I’m not,” she whispered. “Not really.Youare.”

“Nah.” He shook his head. “We both know my place is beside Em. Besides, you’d be better at it. I’d get bored in five minutes. I prefer breaking rules to making them.”

Evie’s eyes searched his face. “Are you sure?”

“Never more than I am right now.”

Then she looked at me—really looked at me. “What if I screw up?”

“You’ll be perfect,” I said, the words steady even though my chest ached. “And if you do screw up... we’ll be there to catch you.”

She glanced between us, tears brimming in her eyes, her throat working as she swallowed them down.

“Thank you.”

I watched her ride off beside Maalikai, a strange pride swelling behind my ribs. She looked small. But strong.

She would conquer this.

She was born to lead.

I turned to Sebastian. “Okay. What are we doing today?”

His grin was already forming. “Now that... is a surprise. Follow me.”

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