Page 15 of Curse of Thorns
Caelynn
Ifind a spot on alow hanging branch of a white maple near the path, and I settle in for a long wait. My fingers glide over the oddly smooth bark. This tree won’t scratch my legs the way the one outside Raven’s dorm did.
My stomach sinks at that thought. What’s Raven doing now? Is she angry or sad or... just fine? She’ll be starting classes tomorrow. She was so excited to start at that new school, where no one knew she was a foster kid or about her drug-addicted mother.
I hope she loves it. I hope so much for her it hurts.
Above me, through the nearly see-through glimmering leaves, the sun is making its slow trek into the sky. I sniff, as I watch it with a heavy heart.
My magic rumbles within my veins, aching for movement.Yeah, yeah, I know this is boring, but we have to wait for Rev, I think to it like it has a mind of its own. I mean, maybe it does. It did once before. I’m reminded of the time it was an external power, living inside of me, whispering in my ear.Kill.
Does it still desire destruction and spilled blood? Based on its origin, I wouldn’t be surprised. That creature desired pain, power, and control in any way he could obtain it.
The magic is mine to rule now, but sometimes I feelhim. The Night Bringer gave me this magic. It’s part of him.
He hasn’t used it to hunt me down, though I suspect he could if he wanted. So, what? Has he given up on me and moved on to some other plaything? Or is he waiting?
Or maybe, maybe I’m still playing his games without realizing it.
Rev
Ican feel my father’seyes on me as I prepare my stead for departure. He’s on his balcony, high on the fourth floor, just watching. Guards flank the pathway into the forest, all on high alert.
I prepare to mount my stag, Killian: a lovely golden offspring of my brother’s chosen heir gift. A stag he never even rode before his death. His coat is a shiny bronze, and his antlers large and glistening like true gold.
I clear my throat, pushing those thoughts from my mind and readjust the saddle, followed by the stirrups. Never mind that my brother would hate me if he knew I’d befriended his murderer. Well, actually, Reahgan was all about power. He might be annoyed with me for my chosen allies, but he’d recognize the logic. Caelynn is powerful, she’s smart and she’s loyal.
She’s a means to an end, I tell myself.
Once I get the cure, her banishment will be reinstated, and it will all be moot anyway. I can still do this. I can still secure all of the things I desire.
I’ll never have a true mate, but that’s something I can live with. Caelynn can go back to her human lover, I’ll make sure my father leaves her be, and I’ll be king.
