18. Avery

Chapter eighteen

Avery

Gage had barely spoken to me for the remainder of our time in the passage between the peaks, deeming it a constant necessity to remain at the front with Zaela. A lump had formed in my throat, wondering if he regretted riding with me atop my sister’s horse, even if it was only for a few moments. Whenever the thought plagued me, I leapt down from Matthias to walk with Nyra as she trotted alongside us in an attempt to distract myself.

Dawn was finally emerging on the horizon, casting the snowcapped peaks in a golden glow.

“We’re about near the end!” Gage shouted. “Send it down the line!”

Murmurs erupted, and cheers shouted, echoing through the passage we had been in for an entire day now. I was exhausted, even though at some point in the night, I had fallen asleep in the saddle—how the men who walked on their feet this entire time were still moving, I had no idea. Even on our journey across the continent, we stopped to rest, even if it was for a few hours .

Veli approached me for the first time since we began the trek the day prior. “Is there a particular reason you’ve been pouting for the last twelve hours?”

I scoffed at her, earning a rare, wicked smile from the witch. “I don’t know what you mean.”

She cackled under her breath. “I don’t think you should deem yourself threatened by the mortal girl.”

“And why is it you believe me to feel threatened?”

She circled around Matthias as we continued to move forward. “You wear your jealousy like a cloak, Princess. It is out there for the realm to see.”

“I am not jealous,” I snapped entirely too loud.

Gazes from all around focused in on the two of us, and I cringed beneath their stares, cursing myself for being so reactive.

She raised a single brow at me, giving me a knowing look before her violet gaze drifted to Zaela’s back. “Apologies, Princess.”

My stare bore into her as she moved between Finn and Landon’s horses to make her way toward the front, and Nyra followed.

After traveling for nearly another mile, the sun shone through the passage at the opposite end from which we came. Cheering continued, and we marched faster toward the open end, desperate to get out of the narrow mountain pass.

“They’re here!” Gage shouted over his shoulder.

I smiled as my eyes blinked through the blinding sun to see Lia, Jace, and a few others alongside them, waiting for us at the opposite end .

Everyone funneled out from the passage, and when I made it to the front, I leapt off my horse and aimed for my sister—the others following suit.

Lia smiled at me as I ran toward her and she opened her arms right before I crashed into her for a hug.

“How was the journey?” Jace asked.

“Long,” I answered.

“Hopefully, you won’t be traveling with us to the nearing battles. Those often take weeks at a time, Princess,” Zaela stated as she crossed her arms.

“Any journey without rest feels longer than necessary,” Gage cut in, giving me a wink.

My cheeks grew warm, and I quickly averted my gaze from him.

Finn and Landon finally caught up and greeted everyone where we stood, waiting for instructions on where to travel next.

Lia’s eyes peered over everyone as the last of their people exited the tunnel. “And everyone is safe?”

“No incidents are to be reported,” Gage answered.

“Excellent,” the man next to Jace responded.

His stare darted back and forth between me and Finn then. “And you two must be Lia’s siblings.” We both nodded. “Jace and Lia filled us in regarding your relations to the queen and your true thoughts of her. So long as that remains, you are welcome here.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, my throat tightening at their kindness, even after all our mother had forced them to endure .

“You have nothing to worry about with that, sir,” Finn added from where he stood at my side. “This is the side of the war we will remain on—where we always should’ve been.”

He gave us a nod and a look that almost resembled a smile before turning to address the crowd. “Hello, everyone. My name is General Leon Vern.” He gestured to the blonde woman at his side. “This is Lynelle Cadoria.” She lifted her hand and gave a delicate wave. “We understand we will be having quite the influx of citizens making the move to the valley of both mortals and fae alike.”

“Is that all you filled them in on?” Zaela gasped. “Hi, Mom.” She smirked at the blonde woman.

Her mother chuckled and then opened her arms, and I was surprised to see Zaela rush toward her and embrace her tightly.

When their hugging ceased, Lynelle spoke. “We received quite the story overnight. Much has been built since your last visit to Alaia, and we do have the room, but everyone may not be all together. We have structures within the city, Anerys, and out in the farmlands as well.”

“There are also rooms available in the barracks for soldiers,” Leon cut in.

“Excellent,” Jace breathed. “The people have made it clear that they are willing to work where they are able to.”

“It would be wise for you to address the valley as soon as possible. While we have made it known that half of the newcomers are fae, I’m sure the citizens would feel more comfortable hearing this from your own mouth,” Lynelle stated .

“Yes, well, we will take care of that,” Jace answered.

“Are you ready to see your new home?” Lynelle asked.

“I’m ready for some of your cooking, that’s certain,” Gage joked, and I giggled from the side where I stood, watching everyone.

“We have a long day ahead of us. Let’s get moving then,” Lia chimed in.

And with that, we made our way to our new home.