Page 63 of War Hour

I go from nuisance to threat in a deadly instant. A dark look crosses the guards’ faces as they tower over me menacingly. Before they carry through on the warning lurking in their eyes, a voice cuts them off.

“Open the doors. She’s allowed out with an escort. I’ll take her out.”

Evander strides toward us. My momentary hero who looks equally disheveled, breathing heavily behind me. His eyes search mine before staring at the guards in my way. I’d left him in the arena, his voice echoing behind me as he called my name.

“You’ll escort her?” the guard grumbles, scrutinizing me as if I would flee the second I stepped outside.

A featherlight touch ghosts over my spine as Evander guides me forward.

“I said I would, didn’t I?”

The guards don’t answer but begrudgingly open the doors for us to step past them.

Evander leads me out, his hand warming my skin through my dress. As soon as the door closes behind us, he removes his hand and steps away, giving me my space.

I gasp in the fresh air like I’d been drowning and have finally broken the surface.

The castle was stifling, and I just needed a break.This place brimmed to the edge with secrets and political pressures. It feelslike I’ve come to fight with both hands tied behind my back and an extra punch to the gut for good luck.

Falland had been nothing like it. Then again, it was hard to contemplate the inner workings of the city when we devoted so much energy to surviving it.

Evander waits by my side as I neatly fold up my anxiety and panic, stuffing it through the cracks in my wall. Moderately put together, I nod to him in thanks.

Evander’s eyes are kind as he appraises me before he nods for me to follow him. He makes his way down the castle steps without saying a word.

Curious, I trail him, unsure of where we could go.

Until I hear the crashing of waves.

The rocky path turns to sand beneath our shoes as we climb a dune. The grains squish under my weight, shifting with every step. Peeking over the tall grasses, I catch sight of the ocean hidden just behind. A brilliant blue that outshines the sky fizzles into white foam as it meets the shore.

I needed this.

My thoughts go blank, mind silenced as I stare in awe. The glimpse I’ve seen from Self’s quarters is nothing compared to now. Not when I could feel the mist of the ocean breeze. Not when I could smell the salt.

“You like the ocean, I take it?” Evander inserts, breaking the period of silence.

I nod, humming. It’s no longer a question without an answer.

We approach the ocean and sit where the water can barely reach. The mist is cool compared to the sun-warmed sand, but it feels nice as it coats my skin—soothing.

Once I’ve taken a moment to center myself, I look at Evander with grateful eyes. Watching as the breeze blows around his golden-brown hair. I rest my arms on my bent knees, settling my chin on my forearms.

“Thank you.”

My voice is barely audible over the waves.

“You are welcome, Lysta. Anytime.” Evander leans over, nudging his shoulder into mine. “You aren’t a prisoner here.”

Staring out into the water, I mumble into my sleeve, “Maybe not in name.”

Evander takes a deep breath, rubbing his temple with one hand. “I’m sorry about Neith. I knew it wasn’t a good idea for the two of you to spar.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes as I wave off his words. Of course he thinks I’m mad about losing to Neith. Not the secrets threatening my life being kept from me.

“He told me what everyone else wasn’t. I’m grateful for it, even if his delivery was a tad aggressive.”

After a pause, Evander shifts next to me.

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