Page 73 of The Stygian Crown

Kara snorted. “I ought to dye my hair. How long before someone tries to kill me because we wear the same face?”

Logan frowned and traced a finger down her cheek. “Perhaps a large facial tattoo?”

After allowingVictus’s victims time to recover, the party began making preparations for the journey back to Raven’s Rest. Serena and Rahj ensured Athar’s body would last the return journey, so he could be could be laid to rest on friendly soil.

“You’re welcome to come with us,” Logan told Calim. The deposed king had been doting on Saphia like a mother hen, sleeping by her side in the infirmary on a lumpy cot and ferrying cool water and hot tea to her at the slightest shift in her condition.

Calim’s eyes skittered over Namirah, perched on her horse in the distance. “Thank you, but I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Then stay safe, friend. We’ll be in touch.”

“When the time comes, I’ll need your help to recover the capital.”

Logan tipped his head. “You’ll have it.”

“And if Namirah opposes?”

“She is not our master.”

Calim nodded to Kara. “Cousin.”

Kara winced and glanced around to see if anyone had heard. “Don’t call me that,” she snapped. “I don’t want to be drawn into this game.”

“You’re already playing, whether you like it or not. The game chooses its players.”

Calim’s contingent rode out, halving their number. The rest of them busied themselves breaking down tents and preparing to travel.

Lena lingered at the edge of the camp, eyes never leaving her son.

Kara took Logan’s hand. “You should talk to her. She helped us, in the end.”

Logan looked down at their joined hands and squeezed tighter. “I will. I should like to get to know her, I think. Before it’s too late. Will you come with me? I’d like to introduce you.”

“We met—in the dungeons. She was the one who released me the night of Victus’s illusions.”

A low growl hummed in the back of Logan’s throat, and Kara quickly recovered. “I don’t think she had a choice, Logan. Don’t blame her for his machinations. She’s just lost, is all. Has been for a long time.”

Logan went to her, and they talked in quiet whispers on the edge of camp, an insurpassable distance between them.

Kara caught the tail end of their conversation as they walked back, a fragile smile on Lena’s face.

“You may come with us, if you wish,” Logan said. “Things are going to be turbulent with the Riders.”

Lena shook her head. “I have a son to bury.”

Logan gave a tight nod. Once again, she wasn’t choosing him. “You’d be of more use to me if you stayed, anyways.”

“You want me to spy?”

“Yes.”

Lena’s back stiffened. “I’ll consider it.”

There was no embrace, no parting glance as mother and son walked away from each other.

The journeyback to Raven’s Rest was long and hard. Tensions were strained, and the entire party felt like a powder keg about to ignite. Wesley tried to approach Kara several times on the road, but she still wasn’t ready. She had no idea what she would say to him—if she could even forgive him. His recent kindness didn’t make up for all the harm he’d caused.

She was enjoying the opportunity to ride Drum again. She’d had a tearful reunion with the mare, and was lavishing her with treats and long grooming sessions to make up for their lost time together.

---