Page 93 of Legacy of the Heirs
“Yes,” he said. “In Garridon, my wounds healed almost instantly.”
Nyzaia supposed that was common for matched pairs then. “My ribs were healed from the fall after we were tied,” she said.
“A convenient thing to have as we journey into war,” said Kazaar. Nyzaia had not thought of it like that, and then a more troubling thought crossed her mind.What would happen if one of us died?She did not want to find out. Elisara and Kazaar remained quiet for a few minutes, their pinkies touching in the gravel.
Elisara eventually voiced her concern. “Can we ask you something?” She shifted her hand, interlocking her fingers with Kazaar’s. Elisara’s gaze was on their hands as she stroked a thumb over Kazaar’s.
“Of course,” Nyzaia responded.
“Has anythingoddhappened since you became tied? Any different powers?” Nyzaia tilted her head and softened her eyes. Nyzaia knew why she asked.
She wished to know if they also shared the burden of accessing a unique power, one that may help to defeat the creatures. Nyzaia shook her head silently and sighed.
“No shared powers of any kind?” Kazaar asked. “Farid, you do not have access to her flame?” Nyzaia said no before Farid was forced to lie. Nobody knew Farid had any power, let alone the true extent of it, though she supposed the tie would one day prove to be a good explanation for Farid’s flames. Though it still would not explain the wings.
“Will you tell us if you do?” Elisara asked, and they nodded.
“Have you tried yet?” Nyzaia asked.
“Someone is trying to put it off,” Kazaar tilted his head at Elisara, who huffed.
“How can someone even share power? Everyone expects it to be easy like I can blink and gain your power.” Elisara picked up a stone and began sharpening her sword.
“No one thinks it will be easy,” Kazaar said softly.
“We will leave you to practice,” Farid announced, rising to hisfeet. He offered his scarred hand to Nyzaia, who accepted. It was nice not to hide it from them.
“You will do it, Elisara. I know you will.” Nyzaia patted her friend’s shoulder before leaving them to their afternoon.
Twelve days. Twelve days remained for those two to access their power and for Sadira to imbue new weapons for thousands of soldiers. Twelve days for Larelle to research and find any other answers, for Nyzaia to work logistics for four armies, not to add somehow figuring out a plan for all the citizens during a war. The reality of what was being asked of them all settled on her shoulders.
“Thank you,” Farid said. “For not telling them,” Nyzaia smiled.
“I’ll have to if I ever find a way to get my own pair of wings,” she said, and Farid returned her small smile. “I suppose we should put Jabir out of his misery and have him tag along to the meeting with Sir Cain and Nerida’s commander.”
Farid did not answer.
“If you two are to work together, you must try to like him, Farid.” She nudged his arm.
“I never said I did not like him,” Farid answered, clenching his jaw. “I just do not trust easily.”
Nyzaia regretted the jest. She had once been the same, untrusting of anyone new, but then she met Tajana and her syndicate, and over time, they had coerced her into a friendship. She thought of Rafik and Issam. Soon, they would have their first weekly debrief, a snippet of joy to ease the momentous expectations placed upon her shoulders.
Chapter Fifty-One
Elisara
Three days until war reached their kingdom, and Elisara was no closer to accessing Kazaar’s power or any light within her than she was nine days ago. She wondered if she would ever be able to. Farid and Nyzaia could not read each other's minds, so perhaps the tie was simply different for each pair, or the wisps of shadow and light were not a power but simply a recognition of their bond. Elisara was cursed to feel like a disappointment, though she was not the only one. Sadira was no closer to imbuing weapons, and Larelle was no closer to uncovering new information. Nyzaia and Caellum were the only ones getting anywhere; they had coordinated all armies at the edge of Tabheri along a large map, highlighting the multiple options for defence and attack.
“Again,” Kazaar commanded from where he sat cross-legged from Elisara on the hot gravel. Whenever Elisara returned to their chambers after training, she would find thousands of tiny stone indents across her body, usually from collapsing in frustration and lying on the floor to recover. Today, it was from their new approach: silent meditation. Elisara laughed the first time Kazaar suggested the technique, unable to imagine Kazaar ever sitting peacefully and reflecting on his own peace of mind, but then again, he was full of surprises.
Despite their rigorous training, Kazaar had still found time tocourther in the last nine days. It was odd, being courted, mostly because they had already slept together—frequently—but also because Caellum never formally courted her, seeing as they were betrothed as children.
Kazaar woke her with breakfast each morning to ensure she was fuelled for the day and brought her his favourite warm drink in bed each evening. Their cool-down from training was a light stroll arm in arm around the palace gardens, and every night, Kazaar worshipped her as though she were a goddess. All those things made the training worth it.
Elisara focused on her breathing to centre herself, as Kazaar had explained.
“Find the source of your power,” he breathed.
