Page 51 of Veinblood
“Threw youwhere?”
“Back to where Ellie came from.”
“Back to … Is she still there? Did she not return with you?”
“We were together during the ritual to bring us back, but no, she didn’t return with us.”
Mira’s eyes shift to Nyassa. “And who is this?”
“Nyassa.”
“Nyassa?” Her shock is unmistakable. “The Tideveinmaster? But you’re supposed to be dead. All four masters died saving the child …”
“The others died,” Nyassa replies quietly. “When we sent the child … When we sent Elowen through, the magic pulled me across with her. I was stranded there.”
It’s clear from her expression that Mira has questions—likely about the ritual, about Ellie, and about Nyassa—but I need answers of my own.
“Tell me what happened after we went into the keep.”
Mira’s face hardens. “We were waiting outside when the keep began to glow. The ground shook as if it were breaking apart, then light exploded, bright enough to blind us. One entire wall came down, stone blocks the size of carts thrown across the courtyard. We managed to stay hidden in the trees, and avoid the commotion when guards came rushing out, shouting.”
“What about Sereven? Did you see him at all?”
“Yes, some time later. He stumbled out, held up by two of his commanders.”
“He survived, then?”
“He was alive, but hurt. Something has happened to his face. There were crystal fragments embedded in his skin, from his forehead down to his jaw. He could barely stand.”
Alive. After everything. Rage burns through me. All that power, all that destruction, and he’sstillbreathing. My fingers curl into my palms, shadows stirring at the edges of my control.
“Other than that, how did he seem?” I force the words out in an even tone. “Was he conscious?”
“He was awake. I heard him shouting, demanding the guards search the ruins for you and Ellie. They spent hours digging through the rubble and scouring the area. We had a few close calls.”
“Then what happened?”
“They left. Sereven looked ready to collapse, and his commanders were more intent on dragging him away from the keep than continuing the search.”
I scan the clearing, counting the faces gathered around us. All six are here, plus Mira, showing signs of exhaustion and worry.
“How long has it been since we went into the keep?”
“Two days. We made camp here yesterday afternoon. We stayed near Thornspire as long as we could, hoping you’d come out. Once Sereven and his men left, we searched the ruins as well, but couldn’t find either of you. I left markers in case you somehow made it out. I couldn’t risk Authority soldiers returning and finding us, so we made the decision to move away …”
She doesn't need to finish. I know what Sereven would have done to anyone he caught. The crystal might have wounded him, but I doubt it’s diminished his capacity for cruelty.
“My Lord,” one of the fighters speaks up. “What are your orders? Where do we go from here?”
I look at him, then at the faces of the others. These people are looking to me for direction, for hope, for instructions about what comes next. Every instinct is telling me to turn around, to search every forest and valley until I find Ellie. Abandoneverything that duty demands until she’s safe. But my people need their leader.
If Varam followed my instructions, then he’s waiting for my return, with Stonehaven’s survivors. They’re depending on me to guide them, and keep them alive.
Leadership has never demanded such a painful choice. My entire life I’ve known that duty and desire rarely align, but I’ve never had to choose between them. I’ve never wanted to ignore duty for something personal.
“We go to meet Varam at Whiterock.” The words come out steady, regardless of my inner turmoil. It’s the only decision I can make. Part of me rebels against the choice even as I speak it. But these people trusted me enough to follow me into Thornspire. I won’t abandon them now, no matter what it will cost me.
“How long will it take to get there?” Nyassa asks.
