Page 118 of Echoes of the Raven
Until I metValeria.
Through narrowed lids, I steal glances at her, hoping my interest will escape her notice. She is furious at me, and rightfully so. I owe her the truth after all the ways I have hurt her.
A part of me clings to the notion that our first night was a misstep, a lapse in judgment after years of solitude. But our time in the wagon… and tonight… each encounter reveals more. My resolve crumbles when I am near her, her allure greater than any I have ever known—for no male seeks the flames willingly when memories of the past still sear his soul.
She is no misstep.
I am conquered.
Walls I erected, shields forged from pain itself—none of it mattered. Her courage, her kindness, the very things that drove me mad with frustration... they were her weapons against me. Her wit, her beauty... they were my undoing. I fell for all of it, every last irritating, endearing bit of it. And now, how am I supposed to confess the truth? How when every word will be a wedge driven between us, pushing her away?
47
VALERIA
“It is time to cross to the Glimmer and leave my burdens behind. I am glad my son is strong enough to inherit them.”
Faolan Theric - King of Tirnanog - 1879 DV
My shoulders hurt. I push with my feet to get closer to the tree trunk. It relieves some of the pressure.
Rífíor sits quietly, lost in thought. I avoid his gaze and focus on the activity around us, the guards sitting by the fire they built. They’re preparing food, some looking pleased their mission is over, others casting glances this way. Do they wonder why I’ve betrayed my sister? Do they care?
For the first time, I realize this is a different group of guards than the ones we encountered a few days ago. I don’t remember all of them, but I’m sure Teniente Coronel Eva Toromayor is not here.
“Enrique,” I say, glancing sideways at my guard, “what happened to the first group of guards that was sent after us? They were led by a woman, Teniente Coronel Toromayor.”
He seems reluctant to answer my question, but after a moment, he says, “They are… statues, Your Royal Highness.” There is accusation in his voice, though he tries to hide it.
Lowering my head, I press my lips together to stifle a sob. I’d hoped Galen had undone the spell for everyone, but maybe he was only able to save himself.
One careless thought, and I killed them.
Perhaps it’s for the best I don’t have The Eldrystone anymore.
“I would ratheryouhave it,” Rífíor says in a barely audible voice, as if he has read my mind, as if he knows exactly what I’m thinking.
“I killed all those people.”
He nods once, acknowledging what I did, not dismissing it. “It was an accident. The amulet is powerful. You have much to learn.”
“I’m sorry,” I say, the words jumping from my mouth before I can stop them.
Rífíor’s gaze darts my way. He frowns. “You have nothing to apologize for.”
“Don’t I?” I blow air through my nose, feeling disappointed in myself, my anger toward him quickly souring into regret. “I told you I would help you reopen the veil. Now, I don’t know if that’s the right thing to do anymore. I don’t make a habit of going back on my word.”
He looks pained at my apology, as if he realizes all his wrongs outdo mine, and he’s the one who owes me not only an apology, but an overdue explanation.
Taking a deep inhale as if to draw strength from the air, he opens his mouth to speak.
“Pardon me, Princess Valeria,” Enrique interrupts. “It’s not that I’m eavesdropping—I don’t really have a choice—but is it true that you planned to re-open the veil?” His tone is cautious and hushed.
I nod.
“It really is possible?” He insists.
“Yes.” I’ve never felt so certain, which is stupid since I don’t even have The Eldrystone with me anymore.
