Page 109 of Keeper

If I wasn’t preparing for war, I would analyze that moment more.

Praxis approaches, his face drawn with concern. “Our mother’s gone.”

A knot twists in my chest, but I keep my expression neutral. “What do you mean?”

“She left during the night. Took the girls with her. She didn’t even leave us a note.”

Of course she didn’t. It’s her best tactic—running and disappearing like smoke on the wind.

I should have expected this.

“It’s probably for the best,” I say. “We can’t afford distractions right now.”

Frustration flashes in Praxis’ eyes as he rocks back a step. “How can you say that? She’s our mother, Cenric. Don’t you care?”

I care that those two little girls are forced to move again. And I care that Praxis is affected.

“We have bigger concerns right now, Praxis. Two thousand rebels are waiting for us, or have you forgotten?”

A fierce scowl twists at his mouth. “I haven’t forgotten. But this is family, Cenric. It matters.”

I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. “We need to focus on this war.”

His scowl deepens, then he turns on his heels and stalks away.

Everly shifts next to me, drawing my attention back to her as she stares up at me.

“What?” I ask.

“You are so severe with him sometimes,” she says in a soft voice.

“I don’t have time to worry about a mother who likes to step out on her children right now.”

Everly nods. “I know that, but Praxis…” She shakes her head, as if she’s unable to find the right words to describe my brother.

“He’s not like me,” I say.

“Exactly. And maybe he needs you to promise him that you will do whatever it takes to find her when this war is over.”

“I have no intentions of finding her.”

A frown tugs at Everly’s lips as she settles her hand against my arm. “But you would for him.”

Maybe, but right now I cannot think about that. Not when I need to be sharp, focused, and ready for the battle ahead. I can’t let thoughts of Rosa cloud my judgment. Too many lives depend on me being at my best today.

The horses nicker and snort as Everly and I approach thestables. My boots crunch on the frozen ground as I make my way to my mount, a powerful black gelding named Arrow. He tosses his head and whinnies as I approach.

“Easy, boy,” I say, running a gloved hand along his muscular neck.

I glance over at Everly, taking in the determined set of her jaw as she moves toward the horse I prepared for her, a painted gelding. Everly meets my gaze, her blue eyes glinting with resolve as she gives me a brisk nod before swinging up into the saddle.

I turn Arrow toward the center of the camp, where my warriors stand in formation. The air thrums with energy as I guide my mount through their ranks, while Everly hangs back with Praxis.

Pulling Arrow to a stop, I survey the sea of faces before me. These men and women have trained relentlessly. They are the pride of the Bloodstone tribe, and today they will prove why.

“Brothers and sisters,” I begin. “Today, we face an enemy that threatens not just our tribe, but the very fabric of our society. They think they can tear down what we’ve built, destroy the peace we’ve fought so hard to maintain. But they underestimate the strength of Bloodstone warriors.”

A cheer rises from the ranks, and I let it swell before continuing.

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