Page 137 of The Stolen Kingdom

Instead of recoiling like before, Eyphah’s stance relaxed. She nodded at Kenna’s words before straightening and wiping her tears. “If my queen allows it,” Eyphah began, turning her attention to Maris. “May I be excused so I can set everything in motion?”

As Maris nodded, Eyphah bowed and walked out of the small room. When she was gone, Kenna closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“I’ve never heard of a mate refusing to create the mating bond,” she murmured, her frustration bleeding through her words. “But myhafmeyja,wants nothing to do with me.”

Maris’s brow furrowed in concern. “Has she told you why?”

Kenna shook her head, her lips pressing into a thin line. “No. We haven’t had the right moment to discuss it. She barely lets me get near her, let alone talk.” Her voice softened, but the undercurrent of hurt was unmistakable.

“Maybe she needs more time to adjust,” Valda said, glancing briefly at Maris before allowing a faint smile to tug at her lips. “They come around eventually.”

Kenna let out a quiet sigh, her gaze lingering on the map. “I hope she does soon. There’s a war to win, and I want to return to her free of conflict, to live my life by her side.”

“That’s what we all want, Kenna,” Maris said, her hands rubbing against her tunic. Her own uneasiness and sadness palpable while they planned.

Scoffing, Kenna waved her hand dismissively before straightening. She touched her ax and jutted her chin towards Valda. “Let’s continue.”

“So, the Vulcanians create the distraction, you waltz in, then what, Valda?” Maris asked.

“Then we kill the goddess and her pawn. Together.”

30

Maris!

The screeching cries of something outside their tent woke her up. Maris usually slept throughout the entire night. She wasn’t one to wake up unless she needed to relieve herself or she couldn’t relax enough to fall asleep. Snuggled close to Valda, the other woman’s warmth lulled her to a deep sleep until she heard that strange noise outside.

Between their bodies, cuddled up in a ball, Cerberus shifted and peeked her head out to stare at the tent’s opening. Valda’s deep breathing let Maris know she was asleep and didn’t hear a thing. Good thing Cerberus did.

They had left Prospero when the first boats filled with Sealians sailed towards the eastern Agenor Islands. Eyphah had overseen everything, making sure everyone had enough provisions to make it to the Sea Kingdom. According to Kenna, a group of Vulcanians would wait for them on their arrival to help them set up. After that, Eyphah was going to take charge once all the Sealians had fled from Prospero.

Maris wouldn’t have left anyone else in charge except Eyphah. Although Eyphah seemed extremely nervous about being on a boat, and still broken about her brother’s passing, she found enough strength to do what was right, and that was transporting everyone back to their homeland.

Once Maris was pleased with how things were moving in Prospero, she set out with Valda and a throng of soldiers to Ophelia. They couldn’t afford to rush what they were about to do, not when their enemy was both smart and strong.

Cerberus jumped over Maris and stepped outside as she frantically slipped from Valda’s embrace and stormed out after her. Everyone seemed to be asleep yet, the horses were also uneasy, shaking their heads and huffing. Cerberus stared at something in the distance, her fur fluffed up as if scared.

“What is it, girl?” Maris asked, kneeling to touch Cerberus, but the cat’s gaze was still lost as she let out high-pitched meows mixed with low growls.

Another cry echoed in the vast desert, the howling wind carrying it to Maris, seeping through her skin, and chilling her. Swallowing hard, Maris pulled on Cerberus, trying to get her back to the tent. Whatever was outside wasn’t human, and it didn’t feel like they were being watched, just… just that something was outside—something that made the most hideous crying sounds Maris had ever heard in her life.

With Cerberus in her arms, the crying sounded closer, almost behind her. Turning towards the noise, by the edge of the makeshift campsite, a person hunched over as if in pain. Blood-stained rags hung from their arms and legs, and a piece of cloth covered their eyes. With their mouth agape, the creature released a breathy moan before taking a step back, pivoting towards the desert and turning their back to Maris.

Maris stood there, frozen in fear. Cerberus’ deep growls resurfaced once again, more so when the creature walked away. Hissing, Cerberus escaped from Maris’s embrace and ran to the creature.

“Cerberus! No! Wait!” Maris cursed under her breath as she dashed after the cat, but Cerberus made it to the creature in no time.

As Cerberus neared them, the humanoid pivoted back, making the animal’s back arch. Her hiss and snarls were returned by the creature. Cerberus pushed back and made to run before Maris grabbed her tail.

“Are you out of your damn mi—”

“Who goes there?”

Maris fell on her knees, cradling Cerberus to her chest, her eyes glued to the horrifying creature before her. She swallowed hard, unsure if it was wise to talk again. It seemed the creature was blind.

Shuddering in a breath, Maris squeezed Cerberus before taking another step back. The creature’s face turned in her direction. They inhaled deeply and sighed. “I can hear the wind and smell the sea.” Canting their head to the side, they raised their hand, their palm open, exposing the broken skin. “Survivor of Storms.”

Maris’s eyes widened. The only person who called her that was Kenna. How did this creature know about her, how could she tell who she was?

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