Chapter 57

The metallic scentof blood clings to my skin as I rush through the palace halls with a single-minded determination to see Annora.

I burst into the bathhouse, my movements frenzied and urgent as I strip off my armor and clothes with hurried, almost desperate motions. The fabric adheres to my skin, the dried blood and grime making it stick, but I tear it away, not caring if I rip the cloth in my haste.

Without hesitation, I climb into the first steaming bath I come across, plunging my battered body into the water. The heat envelops me, soothing my muscles, but I have no time to linger. I scrub at my skin with a rough cloth, determined to wash away every trace of the grime and gore of battle.

As soon as I'm satisfied that I've scoured every inch of my skin clean, I climb from the bath. I reach for a cloth and dry myself off with brisk efficiency, my movements still hurried, still driven by the need to see her, to assure myself that she's all right.

It's been three days since I held her close. Three days since Asha attacked, and still memories assail my mind as I hurry into a clean surcoat and pants. Memories of war, of the screams of the dying and the clash of steel against steel. Of death, of the lives I've taken and the blood I've spilled. Of ending Keel's life, watching the light fade from his eyes as I finally put an end to his treachery.

That bastard is dead, and his army destroyed. A grim sense of satisfaction fills me, even as a bone-deep weariness settles over me.

But there will be time to rest later. For now, all that matters is Annora.

* * *

Annora leapsto her feet the moment I step into the library. "Is it over?"

I nod. "Yes, it's over. Keel is dead, and his army has been destroyed. They will never threaten our people again."

A choked sob escapes her, and before I can blink, she flings herself into my arms, burying her face against my chest. I wrap my arms around her, holding her close as I breathe in the sweet, familiar scent of her hair.

Zerah rises from her seat and nods at me. "I'll leave you two alone."

I hold out my hand to Zerah. "Thank you for staying with Annora."

Her eyes twinkle with warmth as she steps closer. When she's within reach, I grab her and haul her against me, sandwiching Annora between us in a fierce embrace. Zerah laughs and shoves against my shoulder until I release her.

"I'm glad you're well, brother," she says.

I nod, my jaw tightening at the memory of the brutal battle. "It was a hard-fought victory. But the city is safe now, thanks to the courage and sacrifice of our warriors."

Zerah's eyes mist with emotion as she reaches out to squeeze my arm. "You've done our family and our people proud, Jasce."

"Thank you, Zerah."

She smiles and slips out of the room.

I pull Annora closer the moment the door shuts behind my sister. "Asha is alive," I say, knowing how desperate Annora must be to know.

A tremor runs through Annora, and I tighten my arms around her, hoping to lend her my strength.

I continue in what I hope is a gentle, reassuring tone. "She surrendered to our forces, and I have taken her prisoner."

Annora pulls back just enough to tilt her face up to mine. "What will you do to her?"

Tenderly, I reach up to brush a stray lock of reddish-brown hair from Annora's face. "I don't know yet, but I will not execute her. You have my word." It's a promise I intend to keep, no matter the consequences. For Annora, I would move mountains, cross oceans, defy the very laws of our land.

Sadness burns in Annora's eyes as she speaks, her voice raw. "Grandfather made her want to be chieftain. He made her think it was our birthright, but it's been a long time since House of Silver sat on the Hematite throne."

"I want someone with blood from both houses to sit there next," I say. "Not someone who is only crimson or silver."

"You are from both houses, Jasce," Annora says softly. "You never acknowledge it, but it's true. You are silver and crimson."

I have never thought of myself as being from both houses. I have always been from House of Crimson. Always cast crimson flames. Learned their ways. Learned to be chieftain by a tyrant father. Never once have I thought of being silver.

Jerrod turned on my mother the moment he found out she was from House of Silver. I remember her screams echoing through the halls as he beat her for her deceit. He would have turned on me just as quickly, striking me down with his fists, if I had tried to claim that side of myself.

She ran after that and hid from him. And he made me swear to never speak of my mother again. So, I didn't, but it didn't mean I forgot about her.

I exhale and bury the memories like I always do. "Nobody else knows the truth about my mother, Annora. You cannot talk about it."

"I won't."

I pull Annora close again, savoring the feel of her in my arms before reluctantly letting her go. As much as I want to stay here with her, duty calls.

"I need to go meet with my commanders and Hector," I say. "But I will try to hurry back to you as soon as I can."

My heart aches, knowing I must leave her now, even for a short while. But the sooner I attend to my responsibilities as chieftain, the sooner I can return to her side. With great effort, I force myself to turn and head for the doorway.