Page 110 of Keeper

“Each of you carries the legacy of our ancestors—the fierce determination that has seen us through countless battles. Today, we add another victory to that legacy.”

I draw my father’s sword, raising it high. “We are not just fighting for ourselves, but for our families, our homes,our way of life. When we charge into battle, remember what you’re protecting. Who you’re protecting. Let that fuel your strength, sharpen your blade, and guide your aim.”

The warriors roar their approval, weapons raised in salute.

I point my sword toward the horizon, where our enemies wait. “For Bloodstone! For victory!”

The battle cry is taken up by one thousand voices, a thunderous sound that shakes the very earth. As I wheel Arrow around to lead the charge, I catch Everly’s eye. I give her a nod before spurring my mount forward.

The time for words is over.

Chapter

Sixty-Three

EVERLY

I gripthe reins of my painted gelding as I steal another glance at Cenric. His jaw is set, eyes focused ahead on the path before us. The morning sun catches his dark hair, making it gleam like polished obsidian.

Last night flashes through my mind—how I gave myself to him. For one glorious moment, I’d forgotten about the red line between us.

I was just Everly, and he was just Cenric.

Now, as I ride next to him, reality slams into me.Ourreality.

We can never marry.

I suck in a quick breath, knowing my family would never understand why I gave myself to him. Mother would have preferred I waited until I got married. Kassandra would have questioned his motives.

Last night, I didn’t care about any of that. I just wanted tobe with him. To know what it was like to have him inside me. To understand the feel of his body. To know his taste. His fire.

But now, as our horses ride side by side, I do wonder about his motives. Am I just another woman to him?

My eyes sting as I blink and tighten my fingers around the reins. I want to be more special than that. Instead of copper to him, I want to be gold—pure, unadulterated gold. Gold he cherishes. Gold he loves.

I look at him again, seeing the determination in his eyes as he leads his army. I’ll never step between him and his goals. Never expect the stars when he cannot offer them to me. It would be wrong to ask.

I face forward, forcing my eyes to land on the path ahead. It’s the only thing I can focus on right now. This path. This war.

Chapter

Sixty-Four

CENRIC

I signalmy men to halt, and my army freezes behind me. The sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the valley where the rebels pass between the two cliff faces below us.

My plan worked just as I thought it would. Ava’s message to the rebels lured them into this pass. Now, Hawke rides at their helm, Alvina next to him.

I glance to my right, making sure Everly is next to Praxis, then I raise my hand, and archers nock their arrows tipped with oil-soaked rags. Flames dance along the arrowheads, casting light on the archers’ faces.

I give the signal, and the arrows fly. They arc high, trailing fire, before plummeting into the rebels below. They scatter like ants.

“Keep firing!” I say, my voice carrying over the din of battle.

My men obey without hesitation, loosing volley aftervolley. Some of the rebels manage to form a hasty shield wall, but it’s too little, too late. Flames lick at their feet, spreading rapidly through the dry brush. Screams of pain mingle with shouts of command as their leaders try desperately to regain control.

My eyes narrow as I spot Alvina. The Calcite leaps from her horse, her face contorted with rage. Before I can shout a warning, she raises her hands, fingers splayed.

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