Page 112 of A Promise so Bold and Broken

Had taken the hurt himself for his people.

A cold hand gripped her heart.

Loche was selfless in a way she hadn’t learned yet.

Every nerve within her screamed at her to turn around—to sail to Vastala as fast as possible and waste whatever lives she needed to get her sister out.

But…

It was bigger than her and Frelina.

Wasn’t it?

She was doing this for herself and for her family, yes.

But also for her friends.

For her staff.

For the people in Ellow—the innocent people unwilling to join a ruthless rebellion against a leader they loved and respected.

A people that would bleed with the rebel attack.

Then bleed again once the Oakgards’ Fae ships reached their borders.

Gritting her teeth, Lessia thought this world had truly learned nothing.

Meyah was happy to sacrifice a people like hers had once been.

Rioner would turn against an ally that had fought with his people, suffering great losses, not too long ago.

But Loche…

He’d listened.

He’d changed his priorities when she’d shared her experiences with him.

He’d accepted the half-Fae children without question—even with the illegal ways they’d been brought to Ellow.

Her blurred vision cleared.

She would get Frelina out.

By whatever means it took.

But there were other things that needed to fall into place. Other people to save. A whole realm to protect.

Lessia’s gaze remained fixed on the islands they sailed past when Merrick silently joined her, resting his arms on the railing to level his face with hers.

“The plan hasn’t changed,” Lessia stated, surprised at how strong her voice sounded. “We need to convince Loche, perhaps now more than ever. And… after that, we’ll find her. If I have to kill Rioner to do so, then so be it.”

“I will help you get her back.” Raine walked up to her other side, his eyes hard when she briefly met them. “I should have kept a closer eye on her. It’s my fault. I’ve already sent one of my eagles to inform your father of what happened, but if he can’t get to her, I will do everything in my power to.”

Lessia gave him a sad smile as she shook her head. “It was no one’s fault. I’m starting to think the damn fates are forcing us to face what my father tried so hard to keep us shielded from. But do you know what I think about that?”

She glanced from Merrick to Raine when they turned toward her. “Fuck fate. Fuck these leaders who think they can control us by threatening us. Fuck the gods who started this endless fight for power. I will not let them tell me how my life will end up. We are in charge now, and we will make the decisions we damned well please.”

Merrick’s lips lifted into a smile.

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