16. Declan

Chapter 16

Declan

K els? took my hand in her own, gripping it firmly, as I stared into the Well. “Declan, tell me what you’re thinking.”

I squeezed once and pulled my hand away, running my fingers through my unruly mop of curls as I stood. “I . . . I don’t even know what to think. If I go back through the gate, I can be in Saltstone in two weeks, maybe a little less if I find fresh horses along the route. Is there any food we can pack for the trip?”

“There may be another way. But—”

“Will it get me there faster? What is it?” I asked, hope creeping into my voice.

“You could ride the currents.”

My mouth dropped. “What? The currents?”

She nodded.

“I didn’t know you could ride the currents. They seem so . . . I don’t know . . . not good to touch.”

“Eloquent, as always.” She smiled. “And no, they are not welcoming of human touch, but you are not fully human, Declan. You are the Heir. You are of magic. I believe the currents may answer if you call.”

I stared. “May? You aren’t inspiring confidence here.”

She shrugged. “I don’t think anyone has ridden the currents before. I’m grasping at ancient knowledge here, trying to gain Atikus valuable time.”

“But, what if—”

“I do not know what might happen. The mist welcomes you as it does me. I felt órla’s warmth just as you did. I think the currents may also welcome you.” She seemed like she was trying to project confidence, but her eyes showed only doubt and fear. “Son, even if you are allowed to ride their flow, magic always demands a price.”

“Yeah, I got that. órla said something like that at the end, before she . . .” I took Kels?’s hand again and offered a weak smile. “This isn’t just anyone; it’s Atikus in danger. We have to try everything we can.”

Kels? stared up at me for a long moment, then whispered, “I know you’re right, but we’re talking about a mother letting her son leap into the unknown, into the most powerful force in the world. How am I to accept that?”

“It was your idea.” I cocked one brow and offer my best smirk. “Atikus is more than just a distant friend, more than an adopted father. He is now the Arch Mage. More importantly, with his Gift of memory, he is the keeper of countless generations of history. Losing him—and his mental vault—would mean losing the past, losing perspective . We have to do everything possible to save him.”

Kels?’s eyes narrowed, and her brow furrowed, but something tugged at one corner of her mouth.

“What?”

“Sometimes you are so . . . boyish. Then, out of nowhere, you say something wise. You are an enigma, Declan Rea.”

My chest contracted beneath the weight of her compliment, however half-baked it might have sounded.

“Mother,” I whispered and pressed my forehead to hers. “I have to do this. Atikus is a father to Keelan and me. He means the world to the people of Melucia. They’ve lost so much already. They can’t lose him, too.”

She pulled back and searched my eyes.

“Here you are the one placing yourself in danger, and I am the one hesitating.” She released a heavy breath and nodded once, reaching up to wipe away a rebellious tear. “You are right, but I do not have to like it. Neither of us knows what this will do, what price will be demanded, if you can even survive the currents. Forgive a mother’s fear, even if the Keeper knows this is your path.”

I cupped her cheek. “I love you, Mother. Everything will be okay.”

She tried to smile, but it refused to reach her eyes.

I leaned down and kissed her cheek. Then, without warning, I turned, took two strides, and leaped feetfirst into the Well.