Page 64 of Prince of Blaze and Embers
"Can't a girl keep her secrets?" I laughed. "You hold yours as tight a fisherman holds onto his prize new catch..."
Cade's face flushed, something I'd never seen, or thought I'd see. He cleared his throat, changing the subject. "We need to figure out our next move," he said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Now that we know the queen is coming, we need to be ready."
I nodded in agreement, my mind racing with the implications of our situation. "The mystic," I said, remembering the conversation we'd had before the attack. "You said you found him, that he might have answers. We need to go see him."
Cade's expression grew grave. "Yes, but it won't be easy. The journey to his sanctuary is treacherous, and the queen's forceswill be on the lookout for us. But it's our best chance to find out how to defeat her and end this war."
Hunter stepped forward, his determination evident in his stance. "We're with you, Cade. Whatever it takes."
Bella, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "I'm coming too. I'm not staying behind again."
Rosa bowed. "I would argue that y’all need rest and time to heal, but I know you know the queen, my prince. Do what you must. Find the mystic."
"Rosa?" I asked, worried for her safety. She was mostly distant, but I cared for her, not wanting to leave her. "What will you do?"
"I know these woods pretty darned well by now," Rosa jostled her belt with pride. "These old bones still know a trick or two. I'll head into the Faewood, and wait out the storm."
"What if the queen finds you?" I tugged at her arm .
"If she finds me, then she finds me. I've lived a long, full life. If it's my time, then it's my time. But like I said, I've still got a few tricks up my sleeve... But know that we're with you, Ash. We believe in you..."
A swell of gratitude filled my heart as I looked at my friends, their faces etched with resolve. Together, we stood a chance against the overwhelming odds. "Thank you," I said, my voice filled with emotion. "All of you."
Cade turned to me, his gaze steady. "Ash, you need to rest and heal. Even though you have a dragon now, you don't know how to fight on one, and you'll need your strength for something like that."
I understood his concern, but the thought of delaying our mission felt like a luxury we couldn't afford. "I'm okay," I insisted, though the throbbing pain in my side said otherwise. "We need to move quickly."
Cade's expression softened, but his voice was firm. "You've been through a lot, Ash. Just a couple hours of rest. The queen won't come yet. I know her. She'll wait for word from theSythers, or lack of a word. She rarely leaves the castle, not unless absolutely necessary."
Hunter shifted uneasily in his stance. "The Syther did say she would come."
"She will," Cade agreed. "Trust me. I know her. She will come, but we have time. Maybe a day, maybe a week. Either way we need to be ready, but Ash needs food and rest. A couple hours, and then we'll be off on our way."
I relented, seeing the wisdom in his words. With a sigh, I nodded.
Cade gave a small smile, a rare sight that sent a flutter through my stomach.
As we made our way back to the house, I noticed Errax watching me intently. I paused, turning to the magnificent creature. "Thank you, Errax," I said , my hand reaching out to touch her snout gently. "For everything."
Errax let out a low rumble, her emerald eyes filled with an understanding that transcended words. The connection between us was palpable, a bond that went beyond mere friendship. She was my dragon, and together, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Inside the house, the atmosphere was tense but focused. Bella and Rosa began gathering supplies, while Hunter and Cade discussed our route and potential dangers. I sat at the large wooden table, watching them with a mix of awe and admiration. Despite the dire circumstances, there was a unity among us, a sense of purpose that bound us together. Rosa rummaged food together for me in the kitchen.
Cade returned to my side, his expression serious. "Ash, I need to speak with you."
I looked up at him, a sense of unease settling in my stomach. "What is it?"
He hesitated for a moment before continuing, his voice low. "I need you to understand the risks involved. The mystic'ssanctuary is deep within the Faewood, near the Brakenstone Ridge Mountains. The journey itself will be dangerous, and there's no guarantee that the mystic will even help us. I hope you can wake him, but I'm not certain of it."
I swallowed hard, the gravity of our situation sinking in. "I understand, Cade. But we have to try. We can't just sit here and wait for the queen to find us."
Cade's gaze softened, and he reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. The gesture was surprisingly tender, sending a shiver down my spine. "You're right, Ash. We have to try. But I need you to promise me something."
"What is it?" I asked.
"Promise me you'll stay close, that you won't take any unnecessary risks. We can't lose you, not now."
His words stirred something deep within me, a warmth that spread through my chest. "I promise, Cade. I'll stay close."
