Page 72 of Of Vows and War: Special Edition
“Yes, I figured he would. It represents everything that went wrong in his eyes. I won’t pretend like he isn’t right about some of them. That horrible fae queen came and brought a poor mortal boy here. She practically fed him to one of the creatures. By the time it was done with him, he was a shaking, sobbing mess.”
“Well, not everyone is born a ruler like you and Asta,” I muttered. With my mind on the female I once looked at as a sister of sorts, I could not help but ask, “Was she happy?”
“Asta? Yes, immensely. She loved her mortal husband until her dying breath and cherished this kingdom. She felt at peace until Zohar was taken from her. After she saw the Oracle, much of her family had already passed. Once she was positive the information was safe with me, she asked for me to remove herseed.” When I scoffed in response, Stella sighed. “She was tired, Ana.”
“Aren’t you tired too? I know I am.” Weren’t we all?
“Yes, but I still have much to do.” Her mismatched eyes watered, as if whatever it was she must still accomplish was heavier than she thought she could handle. Or perhaps it was just the memory of her long-dead family.
“I miss her. I miss all three of them.” My uneven voice was startling, a disgusting and raw display of emotion that made me feelmortal.
“I know, Ana. So do I.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Asher
We landed in the wooded area behind the Fire Warden’s manor, not deep into the trees or very far from the house at all. It was nothing impressive, but still, I hadportaled!
Sterling looked like he might be sick, his skin a faint shade of green beneath the pale light of the moon. Okay, so maybeportaledwas a stretch.
“Sterling, I need you to stay hidden.” Gripping his shoulders and looking up into his eyes, I tried to convey the importance of what I was ordering him to do.
“But—but I do not understand,” he muttered, watery eyes darting between mine.
“I know, but you will. We are going to go home, Sterling. We both are.” I felt the first tear run down my cheek, but I quickly wiped it away. I needed to be strong. I needed to do what I was born to do—protect and lead.
“Okay, then let me come with you. I can help. Just please, do not make me leave you behind.” There was a desperation to his plea, as if he could not fathom being separated. “Let me protect you.”
“The best thing you can do for me right now is to hide, okay? Stay hidden and safe. I need you to survive, Sterling. Me and you, we have a world to see and a life to live. We are going to get home.”
Then I leaned up on my toes and pulled his head down to me, placing a soft kiss on his forehead before letting him go entirely.
“Please do not die. I have never been popular, never had people wanting to be my friend or taking the time to understand me. Other than my family, I have no one. No one, butyou.”Sorrow stretched his face, turning it downwards. My heart clenched, a new loved one filling it up and weighing it down.
“Well, since you asked so nicely,” I responded, chuckling to hide the terror inside of me. “I will bring you back someone’s head.”
“Please do not do that,” he quickly said, lifting his hands. I began backing away, offering two thumbs up.
“Fine, you are twisting my leg but I will bring you two.”
“Asher!”
“Sorry, got to go save our asses! Two heads, pinky promise!” And then I ran, ready to find my family in whatever mess was about to begin.
As soon as I rounded the first corner, I was met with the sight of Golden Guardeverywhere.More than were in Haven or Behman. I tried to stay small as I ducked between trees andstuck close to the manor, but my hideous dress was getting in the way. I missed my leathers.
“Come on, Strange One, do you really think that they will come back for you?” I yelped at the appearance of Wrath at my side, the top of his head reaching my shoulder.
“What is that supposed to mean?” I hissed back, trying to stay quiet. I needed to conserve my magic until I found Mia. Which meant no searching for minds nearby or shattering them on sight. I needed to be cunning, cool, collected…ideally not crazy.
“Just because they are real, does not mean they want you back.” I stilled, peering at him from the corner of my eye. “You are the reason that Haven was destroyed, that all of those fae died. It is your fault that Behman was attacked. Your fault that they lost Winona and Luca. You are the reason I am dead.”
A soft sob racked through me, shaking my entire body.
“Go away!” I screamed, swiping at him. My hand sailed through him, touching nothing but air until it smacked into the tree. I tried to ignore the words, but even when he smirked and disappeared, Wrath’s voice still yelled in my head.
Your fault!
