Page 175 of The Kingdom of Eternal Ice
But it’s not.
Blood is covering the snow, and Artio has made sure to kill every single cult member. The werebears are decimated in numbers, almost as few of them remaining as the dragons. Two species almost eradicated.
There have been a few carriages prepared for the wounded soldiers and those who didn’t make it, and for Royan. Aylin has done as much as she could, but her face is graced with worry now.
“I will ride home with him,” she informs Endellion.
“Will he make it?” Flinn asks.
“I’m not sure,” Aylin admits. “There is so much wolfsbane in him he is barely alive. And General Shayan said she killed him once already. His heart stopped beating, and he was revived. His heart is weak, and his body is broken to an extent that I’m not sure I can undo the damage.”
Shayan passes us and climbs onto the carriage, hovering over Royan’s lifeless body. “Hang in there, boy,” he orders. “Just a little more.”
“Royan has family far in the east. His father is currently visiting them,” Caelan says quietly. “I will ride to him and bring him home. Even if we don’t know yet if he will…” He pauses. “Either way, his father will want to be home.”
“That’s a good idea,” Endellion agrees. “Be careful.”
“I will take two warriors with me,” Caelan says, and without further ado, sets off. I can sympathize with him. He is the type of person who always needs a practical task at hand and hates to wait. He is glad to have something to do.
The emptiness I feel after everything has ended makes me feel drained, tired and so sad.
Endellion approaches me and gently wraps a warm blanket around me before pulling me into his strong arms. “If we won,” I mutter. “Why do I feel so sad?”
“Because you feel for those whose lives are lost. And, you know how unnecessary the bloodshed was, and how, at the end, nobody gained anything from it.”
“Yes,” I say, leaning against his chest, and allowing his arms to hold and warm me.
Alana and two warriors carry the body of the girl that laid next to Royan outside. “Aza… she was in Royan’s cell. Do you know who she was?” Alana asks.
Shayan answers in my place. “She was Royan’s mate,” he says.
The voices around us all go silent as they stare at him. Losing your mate is a terrible fate, and no one knows what to say.
“She was also Penelope’s sister,” Shayan continues. “She betrayed Royan, but in the end she died to protect him.”
“So, she was the reason his cover blew up?” Endellion asks.
Shayan nods. “However, let’s send her off with respect. I might have conflicted feelings towards her, but Royan loved her.” He turns his gaze towards the carriage where Aylin is preparing Royan for transportation. “I wish I could have protected him more.”
A growl can be heard, and something shuffles through the snow. “What are you talking about, warrior?” Cù Sìth growls. “You saved his life. And you did so, from the first step you made into this building. Who knew a human could be so cunning and smart?”
“Well, Shayan was a master spy back in the days,” I say, smiling proudly at him.
Shayan doesn’t say much more; he looks exhausted, and I can’t imagine what he went through since he’s been here.
“General,” Endellion steps a bit forward. “I cannot thank you enough for what you did. Contessa Noemi told us some of what happened, and I’m sure the story you have to tell is even more mind-boggling. For now, please return with Royan. You have earned a rest, too.”
Shayan nods. “I will travel back with Royan,” he agrees. He tosses a short gaze to the side where Tynan is standing, shifting around awkwardly.
“Safe travels,” Tynan stutters.
“Well, thank you,” Shayan says, and there is a hint of iciness in his tone.
Flinn just rolls his eyes at Tynan, but doesn’t say anything.
“Alana, please accompany them back,” Endellion instructs. “And, take a few warriors with you.”
“I will come too, warrior,” Cù Sìth says. “I do belong to this realm; I just have remained hidden for very long.”
