Page 97 of Silver Claws, Crimson Tears
—Something strange is at play here, I say.Something stretching back centuries, and we’re caught right in the middle. We need answers.
—That we do. That we do. But how do we get them?he asks.Unless we start digging under the Flametop Mountains for a man no better than a mole.
—I think I have an idea.
I’m about to explain when Commander Voltguard strides out and marches directly toward me. Her face is carved from granite, jaw tight and eyes narrowed.
“What happened in there?” she demands without preamble. “What did the King say to you? Why has he suddenly dismissed your trial?”
My mouth opens, the truth balancing on my tongue. I could tell her everything, but something stops me. I reach for Voltguard’s mind, a delicate touch, just skimming the surface thoughts.
—Always the same with Craven, finding someone he can use. She seemed different. I actually believed her about Cindergrasp. Butnow, she’s a royal favorite overnight? She’ll be his puppet. I need to be careful.
I pull back, stung by the sudden shift in her perception. Just moments ago she’d offered me protection, and now I’m relegated toroyal favoriteand someone she needs to watch.
“He said I’m to return to active duty,” I say carefully. “That the Screechclaw threat is more pressing than a trial.”
“Did he now?” Voltguard studies me, her gaze harder than obsidian. “How convenient. And what did he ask of you in return?”
“Nothing,” I lie, the word bitter on my tongue. “Just service to Embernia.”
Voltguard’s laugh is sharp as a spearhead. “Craven Stonefall doesn’t gift pardons without expecting something in return. When you’re ready to tell me what that is, you know where to find me.”
I watch her march away, her back rigid with suspicion. I could tell her what she wants to know, but what would she think? That I’ve lost my mind. Maybe I have. Maybe everything that’s happened has finally cracked something inside me.
“What do I even know for certain?” I mutter to myself, pressing my temples where the pain still throbs. For all I know, I’m still under the mountain, living under an induced nightmare.
The Commander climbs onto Indrax without another word. With a thunderous crack of his tail, they launch skyward, never once looking back to see if I follow. So that’s how it is, huh?
—Seems we’re heading back to Cinderhold, I sigh to Zephyros.I was hoping for at least one night away from Fort Ashmire to clear my head, but that was too much to ask.
—We could always fly elsewhere,Zephyros suggests, his voice tinged with mischief.She never ordered you to follow. I hear some of the isles are lovely this time of year.
—You don’t give up, do you?
—It is a better option than what our missing memories suggest.
—We’re going back.
Resigned, Zephyros lowers himself, one massive leg bent to create a step for me. I leap up, using a small burst of wind to propel myself higher, running up his neck with practiced ease until I’m settled atop his head.
We launch into the sky, the ground falling away as we pursue Voltguard and Indrax. The Commander sets a punishing pace, never once checking if we keep up, not that it’s an issue for Zephyros.
—She could’ve been on our side, I say bitterly.But now the King’s poisoned her against me.
—Maybe. Maybe not. She’s a harsh woman.
Maybe it’s better this way. Alone again with just Zephyros. I’d already decided that friends, lovers, allies, they’re not for someone like me. A person who destroys everything she touches. A person who killed her own pregnant mother, who pushed away Vaylen when he offered everything.
Some people aren’t meant to be loved. Some people are pawn pieces, nothing more.
This time, the Commander flies straight to Fort Ashmire, no stops. The sun bleeds across the horizon, painting the sky crimson as we finally approach the familiar silhouette of the fort. Commander Voltguard doesn’t circle to land Indrax. Instead, she executes a perfect Shield Drop onto the courtyard, never breaking stride as she stalks toward her tower.
With a sigh, I launch into a Vortex Drop, spiraling down on currents of my own making.
Zephyros circles overhead.—I will be in the hills if you need me.
I hesitate in the courtyard, uncertain what to do. Nobody’s given me orders. Am I still under arrest? Free to return to my quarters? Officially reinstated? Voltguard clearly expects something, but wyrm’s rot if I’ll chase after her like a puppy. Except that’s exactly what I’m doing as I hurry toward her tower, hoping to catch her before she disappears inside. What choice do I have?
