36. Aramis

Chapter 36

Aramis

S ybil, Nero, and I step out of the portal into a small wooden hunting cabin.

The air inside the cabin is cool and filled with the scent of pine. Sunlight streams through the cracks in the wooden walls, casting warm golden rays on the rustic furniture. The sound of a crackling fireplace fills the room.

"How–" I start, staring at the fire.

"It's an extension of the library," Marcelene says as she glides gracefully into the cabin, her flowing robes brushing against the wooden floor. Two of the coven leaders, tall and imposing figures, enter behind her, their presence exuding power and authority. "We don't use it very often, but it used to be a safe house when we traveled more frequently. It looks like the library kept it up."

"Traveling through the forest on foot is going to take weeks," Sybil says, peeking out the side window at the forest.

"There used to be a small farm half a day's walk from here that breeds horses for travel," Marcelene says ,walking over to the large wooden table in the center of the room. "You should be able to buy a few to carry you to Kallistar."

"And how are we supposed to afford that?" Nero says, the bandages peeking from the collar of his traveling leathers. A thump hits the table and Lemon pokes his head out of my pocket to stare at the leather bag bulging with coins.

"If you don't overindulge," she says, picking up the bag and shoving it into Nero's chest. "This should be enough to cover the horses and any food or equipment."

Nero's wings snap out behind him, a flush rises up his neck as he holds the bag to his chest. The relationship between him and Marcelene had seemed tense after he woke up from his injuries, almost as if the draken struggled to forgive the witch for not coming along.

"Safe travels," Marcelene says to the three of us and the other two echo her words. "May Alphaeia show you the way."

Before Marcelene can leave and take a step toward the portal leading back to Harpalyke, Sybil drops my hand and runs to hug her. The witch freezes, but when she realizes it's Sybil, her expression relaxes and her arms wrapping tightly around Sybil's shoulders.

"I will miss you." Sybil's words are barely audible as her head is buried in Marcelene's blond hair.

"I will miss you too." The witch responds, and the two women unlock their embrace, tears streaking down their faces.

Sybil returns to my side and we go to exit the cabin as Marcelene returns to the library. Nero follows behind but I feel him waver. I look over my shoulder to make sure he is well and see that he too is looking over his shoulder. One last look before she goes. And as the portal swallows her in iridescent light, Marcelene glances back. We step out into the forest, and it's a sight to behold after the long winter. Birds chirp in the blue sky and the vegetation has a bright green sign that spring is finally here.

"Well, I always suspected, but the truth comes to light," a familiar voice calls out, its melodic tone resonating in the air.

I turn to see Kieran leaning against a tree, arms crossed over his chest, wearing his usual black, tailored robe, his towering figure casting a long shadow . A cocky grin dances upon his face and his eyes gleaming mischievously.

"Not a dog but a draken," he taunts, his voice laced with amusement as he stares at Nero's outstretched wings. I feel a surge of anger rising within me, causing my muscles to tense. My hand instinctively reaches for the sword strapped at my side. "You're looking worse for wear, princeling ," Kieran remarks, his gaze shifting toward Sybil. His eyes linger on her and how the leathers hug her every curve. I clench my jaw, suppressing my desire to punch him in the face, at least not until we understand why he is here.

My grip on the sword tightens, my knuckles turning white.

"What do you want, Kieran?" I growl, my voice laced with defiance.

Kieran's lips curl into a sly smile.

"Oh here?" he says, pushing away from the tree. "It was simply a matter of finding what I was looking for. Or in this case, whom."

"You can't have her," I growl, placing myself in between the seer and Sybil.

"Oh, I'm not interested in the unicorn anymore. It's you, actually, whom I've been searching for. But she is a nice touch." He flicks a glance over my shoulder and I tense, meeting his gaze.

"What do you mean, you've been looking for me?" I pull on my magic, ready to protect Sybil and defend myself from this psychotic man.

"I thought the unicorn was what I needed. I've been looking for the tipping point, but I've realized it's not her, but you." His gray eyes meet mine.

A chill passes through my body, and I resist the urge to grab at the necklace pulsing under my tunic.

"The only thing you need me for, is to wring your neck." I move forward, fist clenched ready to punch him, but Sybil's warm hand grabs my wrist, holding me back.

"Kieran, you are not welcome here. We don't need you," she says, stepping to my side and entwining her hand in mine.

His eyes watch every movement like a hawk before a grin lights up his face. "Oh, but you see, this is the funny part. I think you do need me," he says.

"Why would we need the queen's whore to help us? You've done nothing but cause pain to my people and my mate." He flinches at my words, but then meets my gaze.

"You need me because I know where the one person who can read that book is," he reveals, his voice dripping with intrigue. My heart skips a beat, curiosity mingling with caution. His words hang in the air.