Page 74 of A Promise so Bold and Broken

But this wasn’t one of them.

Havlands was in danger, and the people on this island were perhaps the only ones who could ensure it was saved.

It wasn’t about her anymore.

It wasn’t even about her mother.

Or Loche.

Or any other single individual.

With a final glance at the winking stars, Lessia spun on her heel and began walking back to the cabin.

She wasn’t surprised to find Merrick waiting for her halfway there, but as she fell into step with him, he didn’t speak, only nodded once as his steps slowed to keep her pace.

Lessia halted with her hand on the doorknob when they reached the cabin.

Turning her eyes to Merrick’s, she stated, “We need to make sure they believe us. And that they’ll help. With whatever means necessary. I… I can’t fail again. I won’t.”

Merrick’s hand touched hers as fiery determination sparked within his eyes. “I know.”

She eyed him for a moment—it seemed as if he wanted to say something else—but when he remained quiet, Lessia pulled the door open and stepped into the warmth.

Her resolve wavered for a second when she took in the cramped cabin.

Raine stood by the bar, a surly expression on his face as he poured liquor into a dirty glass.

Her father sat in one of the chairs, with Kerym beside him, his thick sword lying across his lap.

Ardow and Venko shared the couch, and she noted that their distance appeared to have shrunk compared to the past few days.

Frelina was nowhere to be seen, but as her ears perked, the rustling of clothing reached them, and she realized her sister must be in one of the rooms adjoining this one.

Merrick nudged her over the threshold, and when his hand remained on her back, her voice sounded steadier than she felt as she spoke. “F— Alarin, we don’t have much time. As you know, Havlands is in danger, and we must ensure Rioner and Loche see it before it’s too late. We need them to set aside their differences, with each other and us, so we can withstand the threats to our realm.”

Her father met her eyes, but Kerym spoke before he had the chance. “I was wondering why a fleet of Oakgards’ Fae was traveling this way. The sound of their war drums still has my ears ringing.”

“Where?” Merrick snapped.

“Oh, they’re several weeks away. Perhaps a couple of months, depending on the weather they’ll face.” Kerym grinned as he traced a finger over the sharp edge of his blade. “I haven’t fought Fae in many decades, and the constant traveling was getting quite dull. I was already on my way to investigate when I received your letter. Seems like I made the right choice.” He slapped Raine, who’d sat down on the armrest of his chair, so hard on the back that the Fae choked on the sip he’d just taken. “We get to fight together again!”

Raine bared his teeth at him. “I am not fighting for Rioner. All of Vastala can fall for all I care.”

“You wouldn’t fight for Rioner,” Merrick snarled. “You’d fight for our family and friends who still live there. Or have you given up on everyone you care for?”

“You, out of all people, should agree with me!” Raine flew from his seat, his finger jabbing in Merrick’s direction. “After what he did to you?”

Without thinking, Lessia grabbed a bottle from the table beside her and smashed it on the floor, forcing all eyes to hers. “Enough! We do not have time to argue. It’s not about any of us. It’s about the people in Havlands! The rebels are planning an attack soon, and it’ll weaken the whole realm. We need to get Rioner and Loche to speak to the rebel leader—make sure we’re united before those Oakgards’ Fae arrive.”

“Even better.” Kerym leaned back in his seat, his grin creeping wider. “A little warm-up fight before the big act.”

Ardow let out a low sound of disapproval but kept his mouth in a thin line when Lessia glared at him.

Rising from the chair, her father shook his head. “It’s not that simple.”

He raised a hand when Lessia opened her mouth to argue. “Please… Just listen to what I have to say.”

Walking up to the painting of the wyvern and dragging a finger over the Fae holding up the glowing stone, he spoke in a hushed voice. “I’ll be executed if Rioner finds out I even thought of telling you this. But Elessia is right. The realm will be weakened, but it’s not Vastala that is in danger.”

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