A Vow So Bold and Deadly (Cursebreakers, #3)(95)

But I know what Lia Mara would want: she would want me to finish this mission, to take action to protect her people. I have no doubt Lilith will soon turn her sights on Syhl Shallow.

And as much as I don’t want to admit it, I truly do care whether Rhen lives or dies.

I try to clear my thoughts, but these worries seem to press in with greater force. My horse must sense my tension, because it jerks at the reins and prances sideways until I loosen my grip and offer a soft word.

Jake glances over. “Penny for your thoughts.”

“We don’t have pennies here, Jake.”

“Whatever.”

I say nothing. I’m not sure what to say.

After a long moment, he speaks, and his voice is very low, very soft. “You’re worried about Lia Mara.”

“Always.”

“Nolla Verin is there. Noah is there.”

I glance at him. “I’m not there.”

“Do you think Ellia Maya was working alone?”

I cut him a glance. “No.”

“Do you want to turn back?”

Yes. My chest tightens further. I wish my magic could stretch all the way to Syhl Shallow, to verify her safety. “We cannot.”

He’s quiet, and bitter wind whips between us. “Are you worried you’re going to have to kill Rhen?”

“I’m worried Lilith will threaten his life to manipulate me.” I can feel the weight of him studying me, so I add, “I’m worried it will work.”

He thinks about this for a while. “Harper once told me that when Lilith threatened to kill her and Rhen, you offered your life to spare them.”

I keep my eyes on the horizon. “I did.”

“I told you before,” he says. “Rhen had an eternity to be your friend, and he wasn’t.” He pauses. “He had time to be your brother, too, but he sent soldiers after you when he learned the truth.”

“I know.”

But.

He glances over. “When you offered your life for them, you didn’t have anything else to live for, Grey.”

The words hit me like an arrow.

“Thank you,” I say. I feel a bit breathless.

He shrugs like he didn’t just solve the existential dilemma that’s been plaguing me for days. “No problem.”

The stars ahead blur and shift and darken, an indication that Iisak is descending from the sky. His black wings flare wide, and I raise a hand to call for our soldiers to halt. A cold wind rushes between the horses, and I shiver.

“Your Highness,” Iisak says, his voice almost softer than breath. “I have flown to the castle. I saw no other scraver on the premises, and I tried calling in our language. No one answered.”

I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. “What else?”

“The castle grounds seem deserted, as the princess indicated. Prince Rhen was alone in his chambers.”

I frown. “Awake?” It’s the middle of the night.

“Yes. He does not seem … well.” He pauses. “There are soldiers stationed south and east of the castle. At least two regiments.”

Captain Solt has ridden close, and he swears in Syssalah when he hears Iisak’s news. “Two regiments,” he says, his tone hostile. “This princess has led us into a trap.”

“Maybe not,” I say.

“Just like the other attack wasn’t an ambush?” he says angrily. “If we ride onto the grounds we’ll be surrounded. We should return for reinforcements.”

“Rhen was preparing for war, just as we were.”

“We have ten soldiers. Will your magic stop two thousand?”

Well, he’s got me there. I look back at Iisak. “You’re certain?”

“Their camps dwarf the castle territory.” He pauses. “They do not seem to be on high alert.” He glances at Solt. “I do not suspect a trap.”

Solt spits at the ground. “You didn’t suspect one two days ago either, scraver.”

Iisak growls.

“Enough,” I say. “Iisak, was there any sign of the enchantress?”

“No.” He pauses. “There are dozens of burned corpses along the tree line beside the castle. Many of them wear gold and red.”

Silver hell.

“Let her go in and get him,” says Solt. “If it’s so safe.”

“I will,” Harper says from the darkness, her tone backed by steel. “I’m not afraid. Are you, Captain?”

He snaps back at her in Syssalah, and it’s probably good that I don’t know what he’s saying. I glare at him. “Enough, Captain.”

If the soldiers aren’t on alert, we could possibly slip in without being detected. Then again, if Lilith is there, she rarely does anything small. She could cause a huge ruckus and draw the entire army down upon us.

The true irony of this situation is that I wish Rhen were here to strategize this whole thing.

I take a slow breath. “Jake.”

“Ready.”

At least someone is. “We’ll divide into thirds. One to stand sentry on the grounds, one to guard the entrance to the castle, one to breach and find Rhen and the enchantress. I want you at the entrance.”

“Got it.”