Page 18 of Shattered Crown

“We leave at dawn for the Moonshade Forest,” Thorne announced without preamble. “To find Lysander's descendants and renew the ancient pact.”

“Perfect,” Kai grinned. “I was getting tired of waiting for the war to come to us.”

“This isn't a game,” Thorne warned, though he couldn't help but feel warmed by Kai's irrepressible spirit.

“No, it's better. It's a mission that matters.” Kai's grin softened into something more serious. “Finding lost family, renewing ancient pacts, preventing war? That's worth any risk.”

Agnes arrived with her usual impeccable timing, materializing from a shadow with supplies they hadn't yet realized they'd need. Her arms were full of carefully wrapped packages that smelled of herbs and old magic. “Small group,” she advised, setting her burdens on the ancient oak table. “Speed and stealth over strength.”

Briar materialized from a shadow, her small form vibrating with determination. Flowers bloomed in her green hair, and her wings cast prismatic reflections on the walls. “I'm coming too.”

“Absolutely not,” Thorne began.

“You need me,” the sprite insisted. “You need connection to the forest's heart while you travel. I can be that connection.”

Thorne wanted to argue but recognized the wisdom in her words. Without his full bond to the Eldergrove, having Briar as a living link could prove invaluable. “Fine. But you follow orders.”

“Since when do I not?” Briar's innocent expression fooled no one.

“Since always,” Silas muttered, but he was smiling. Their small company was forming—each member bringing something essential to the dangerous journey ahead.

They spent hours in preparation. Thorne worked with Agnes crafting portable wards, each one requiring careful focus and more energy than he liked to admit. Silas assisted where he could, their magic harmonizing naturally.

“You're exhausted,” Silas observed during a brief break, watching Thorne's form flicker slightly.

“I'm fine.”

“Liar.” Silas pressed a cup of tea into his hands. “Drink. Rest. Let me help more.”

“You're already helping.” Thorne caught Silas's hand, pressing a kiss to his palm. “Just by being here.”

* * *

Before dawn,Thorne performed the ritual that would allow him to leave. The ceremony took place in the manor's heart, a chamber where roots from the Eldergrove itself twisted through stone walls. Candles made from sacred beeswax cast flickering shadows that seemed to move independently of the flames. Each cut he made in his palm released not blood but liquid starlight, each word of power made the air vibrate with ancient resonance. The magic required to transfer guardian duties temporarily to Elder Willow and other forest spirits was immense, leaving him trembling and pale.

Silas supported him through it, offering his own energy when Thorne faltered. “Take what you need,” he urged, pressing their joined hands together. “We're in this together.”

The intimacy of energy exchange rivaled their physical joining. Thorne drew carefully, marveling at how freely Silas gave, how naturally their powers complemented each other. Where Thorne's magic was ancient and wild, Silas's was bright and adaptive, filling gaps Thorne hadn't known existed.

When it was done, Thorne sagged against Silas, weakened but not broken. His form had lost some of its otherworldly luminescence, looking more solidly human than Silas had ever seen him. “Thank you.”

“Always,” Silas replied simply, pressing a kiss to Thorne's temple.

* * *

Kai had prepared horses,including a special mount for Thorne—a massive black stallion whose eyes held more intelligence than any normal beast. Its coat seemed to shift between solid black and starlit void, and small flowers bloomed where its hooves touched earth.

Agnes provided last-minute supplies and cryptic warnings that would probably make sense at precisely the wrong moment. Her packages smelled of moonflowers and prophetic dreams. “The path will test more than your strength,” she murmured, pressing a small pouch into Silas's hands. “Remember what matters when all else fails.”

The hardest part was crossing the boundary. As Thorne stepped beyond the Eldergrove's borders, his connection to the forest stretched like a physical thing, a silver cord of magic threatening to snap. The trees themselves seemed to cry out, leaves falling like tears in the windless morning. He stumbled, the world spinning sickeningly as centuries of rootedness rebelled against motion.

Silas caught him instantly. “I've got you.”

Their contact stabilized him, their bond serving as anchor where ancient ties frayed. The forest protested their departure, branches reaching out like grasping hands, roots trembling beneath their feet hard enough to make pebbles dance.

“Forward,” Thorne managed through gritted teeth. “Before I lose my nerve.”

5

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