Chapter 17

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

T heir accomplishment wasn’t met with cheers. A child had still lost his life. The history of the village and hole would never be easy. Rose’s magic hummed their success, though. It had absolutely been the right thing to do.

The villagers gave the Compass Points a wide berth, and as they left the square, Rose noticed no one was eager to walk to the center. It would certainly take time to believe this was a real change, but her magic told her it was—and that it was a necessary step in unifying the Compass Point’s power.

“We should probably get out of here and let the village determine what this means for them, right?” Rose asked as they walked back to the inn.

“I agree,” Juliette said. A question in her gaze gave Rose pause. Was she not happy about their success?

“I’m more than happy to pack up and go,” Luc said.

“Maybe you should check the compass before we get too excited, Rose,” Carter added.

That was a great point. She pulled the compass out a little nervously. Would it lead them away from the village now that they had accomplished their goal? The needle spun, and hope fluttered in her chest.

“South,” she said. “It wants us to head south.”

They packed and left the village through the southern gate. After riding a few hours south, the compass changed course. A barely visible western trail crept into view. It appeared unmaintained, likely to be a challenge for their horses, even single file. But the compass was intent in its direction.

“It points this way,” Rose gestured to the tree-covered path.

“Well.” Carter shrugged. “At least it’s not sending us back to Loch.”

“It was unlikely we’d stay on the southern road forever,” Juliette added.

They turned the horses, dropping to a single file column in an effort to fit. Rose fidgeted as they slowly followed the trail. Though Rose was sure they’d done the right thing staying in Loch, guilt still gnawed at her for the delay. She had an idea of how they might help make some of it up in their travel—while also exercising her wind.

“I have an idea,” Rose said, glancing at Juliette.

Juliette’s answering smile was warm. “And that is…”

Rose was thankful that Juliette was willing to get straight to business. “What if we combine our wind to speed our progress on the trail?”

“Are you trying to pull my wind through your magic again?” Her comment gathered everyone’s attention.

Rose was a little surprised. Was that what had happened in Loch? “I’m not sure. I don’t really know how that happened—if that’s what happened.”

“I think you pulled my power into yours.”

“And…are you okay with that? I can’t say I know how to make it happen again.”

She assessed Rose’s response—her answer must not have been wanting as Juliette replied, “I’m ready if you are.”

Rose didn’t need more encouragement, calling her wind and wrapping it around the four Compass Points and their horses. Her magic heeded her call and sought out the space between the horses’ hooves and the ground, pushing the two further apart every time they took a step. Her wind snuck into the gaps, pressing further, changing their gentle trot to a canter as she moved them forward at a faster clip.

The smell of sage and citrus surrounded her as more wind magic matched her wind’s pattern. Juliette’s element wrapped around hers, encouraging it into the spaces it sought—bolstering her magic and speed.

Moving two horses down a mountainside was the most that Rose had accomplished. Now, she pushed four horses and riders across the ground. Even though this was reasonably flat land, she wasn’t sure about her limits. She had been exhausted the last few nights after such consistent use and weapon-making.

As she rode, she dove into her store of power. That was, after all, how she’d started whatever she’d done with Juliette in Loch. The wind blew across her lake, but it didn’t lead her to a door. It didn’t lead her anywhere. Her power didn’t lag as much as she anticipated, though. With Juliette’s power lifting hers, the strain lessened. It was nice to share the burden with her; two carrying a heavy load instead of one. Again, this felt right. This had to be part of what uniting the Compass Points looked like. She turned her head to smile at Juliette, enjoying the blending of their power. Returning her grin, Juliette’s wind wrapped tighter with hers, pushing the horses forward faster.

The evening meal was quiet. Carter could still be found toying with the Vesten artifact. Rose was sure he hadn’t let it out of his sight since she’d returned it to him. Luc stared into the fire. They hadn’t had time to talk privately that afternoon, but Rose was sure he had thoughts on the hole closing in Loch. Rose broke the silence.

“I couldn’t find the connection with Juliette again.”

“Don’t beat yourself up about it,” Juliette said. “Our power interacting as we did today is still good practice.” Juliette’s gaze lingered on each of the Compass Points as she shifted the topic of conversation. “I think I already know the answer based on my prior conversation with Luc, but…does no one else commune with their god?”

“What makes you say that?” Carter bristled.

“Well, for you—the fact that you didn’t recognize Lord Arctos until he revealed himself.”

Carter’s whole face flushed, and he stared down into his bowl.

“I do not, but I think we all expected that answer given why we’re here,” Rose said, trying to draw the attention from Carter.

“And I already told you my answer,” Luc said.

Juliette took another spoonful of her stew before she continued. She looked pointedly at Rose as if to tell her she was trying—asking Rose to notice her effort to work with the other Compass Points, especially Luc. “I’ll admit, I was least sure of Luc. Given the rumors of his power, I imagine Aterra would have noticed.”

“What do you mean?” Rose asked, doing her part to encourage Juliette’s conversation.

“She means that she thinks I’m in league with Aterra,” Luc grumbled as he lifted his spoonful of stew to his mouth. Rose glared at him. He was right, but he wasn’t helping.

Juliette had no qualms admitting her line of thought, either. “I did. But that is because of a tradition between Compass Point and patron, of which the rest of you seem unaware. It almost makes me question its validity.”

“What tradition?” Luc asked.

“I can only describe it as a sharing of power—a connection between Compass Point and their god that helps to strengthen both.”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing,” Luc said, his brow pinched. “That’s why you thought I communed with Aterra? You think I’m sharing his power?”

Juliette nodded. “It was one of my theories for your unprecedented strength. That somehow Aterra found you early and started communing with you in this manner even before you were Suden Point.”

Rose’s eyes widened. It hadn’t occurred to her that others would have theories to explain Luc’s power. It probably should have.

“I’ve not seen or heard from Aterra. Ever,” Luc added.

“Do you know if Michael communed with him? Did he pass down any information about the connection to you?”

“If he did, he didn’t tell me, or he didn’t put it anywhere obvious. The only thing he passed down was the knowledge of the Suden artifact. I didn’t need it because I already wield the power of mind shadow.”

Heat flared in Rose’s chest as she realized Luc was making his own peace offering to Juliette. Offering her more information than she requested in this exchange.

Juliette’s brow raised, she, too, taking notice of the gesture. “Carter?” His name was a question on Juliette’s lips.

“No, though the Vesten don’t tell the histories so much as they make the new Vesten Point read them. I’ll admit, I’ve not completed my study of the Vesten histories. The knowledge you mention could be in there somewhere.”

“Weren’t you a scholar?” Juliette asked.

Carter flushed again. “Only the Vesten Point and select scholars can read these works.”

“Interesting. Where are the histories kept?”

“In Sandrin,” Carter replied. “And they can’t be taken from the Vesten stronghold there. It’s quite inconvenient, especially for a new Vesten Point who needs to spend time at Compass Lake.”

“And made even more difficult to find time with the mist plague’s growing threat,” Rose added. The Compass Points hadn’t wanted to be far from their seats of power. She bet it had been challenging for Carter to spend significant time reading in Sandrin.

“So, what does the connection entail?” Luc asked.

Hot, dripping blood fell onto the cold gray stone. A male voice echoed around her. Rose’s mind immediately flashed to what she’d seen when forging Juliette’s blades. It made her think she had an idea of what the ritual entailed. Juliette’s gaze locked on hers as if she waited for Rose to make the connection. Rose tilted her head, acknowledging that it was Juliette’s information to share.

“For me, it’s a blood ritual,” Juliette said quietly as if daring the others to judge her for such a practice. The fae courts were so enamored with their elements and the purity of those lines that any other magic was looked down upon. Blood magic, in particular, was something only used by magic-wielding humans. Juliette would do anything necessary to protect the members of her court. It didn’t surprise Rose that she would use methods of magic other fae leaders would reject. “I’m unsure if it would be the same for each fae court or if others would have different ways, like with the ways we test for power.”

“I can’t believe that none of the other fae courts know or talk about this,” Rose said. She considered her next words carefully, not wanting to offend Juliette. “Do you think it has anything to do with your patron’s sacrifice?”

Juliette nodded. “I believe that is why I have to do it.” She paused. “I’m not quite sure if the other gods are unaware or uninterested.” She paused again. Rose could see by the way she swallowed and straightened her spine that she was carefully considering her next words. “I can tell that most of you don’t know or don’t believe that the Osten court was weakened with Zrak’s sacrifice. But knowledge from my predecessors assures me this was the case.” She looked pointedly at Luc.

“I can only explain that the consistency of my ritual with Zrak lessens the impact of his sacrifice. By offering my blood and mixing it with Zrak’s in a sacred location, I am able to strengthen Zrak enough that he, in turn, continues to strengthen the Osten.” She stopped. Rose didn’t dare interrupt. She was afraid anything she might say would stop Juliette’s words completely. “I can only describe it as a balance, similar to what we’re entrusted to keep for the continent. I can sense when the balance between my power and Zrak’s is at risk, and that’s when I perform the ritual.”

Rose’s gaze met Juliette’s. Rose offered a soft smile as she said, “Thank you for telling us.” This conversation brought forth more questions than answers, but Rose knew the effort and trust shown tonight was unprecedented. It was the first time she had seen the fae courts sharing information without requirement. If they could do this, maybe the continent wasn’t doomed.

“You’re certainly satisfied with yourself,” Luc said as his arm snaked around her. Rose was on her side on their joined bedrolls, her back to him, admittedly thinking of the progress they had made that evening as a group. For once, it wasn’t just her magic, and it wasn’t just her compass. They’d used their power together to close the hole. They had each shared things about their courts and magic that were previously unknown to the others. This was a win for the Compass Points.

“I am,” Rose said as the scent of Luc’s magic wrapped around her with his arm. Between the comforting smell, her tunic raised in her relaxation, and his fingers grazing lightly over the skin of her stomach, suddenly, she wasn’t so satisfied anymore. Her body craved a different kind of satisfaction—one only Luc could give her.

She leaned back into him. His body went taut next to her as if he sensed the change in her mood but was unsure what to do with it. “We don’t exactly have privacy, Rose,” he whispered, his lips teasing the skin behind her ear as he spoke. He trailed gentle kisses down her neck, seeing what she’d do with his comment.

“We can be quiet,” she replied, scooting back further into him. Luc needed no more encouragement. His right hand continued to trace a path across the skin on her stomach, teasing her as it slid up her ribs and the side of her breast. She let her head fall back onto his shoulder at just his touch. This—this was what she needed.

Luc had been so uncomfortable in Loch. Here, under the stars, they were both a little freer. Luc was free from his past, and Rose from the weight of this journey. She knew she shouldn’t take so much of the responsibility on her shoulders, but she couldn’t help it. They needed magical blades—she was the weapons-maker. They needed to find Aterra—she had Aurora’s compass to guide them. Things just worked out that she was the required leader of their efforts. Not simply because of the things she could bring but because she was the one the Compass Points had decided they would trust—if only a little bit. That, more than the skills she brought, weighed heavy on her.

She may not have had time to say this to Luc, but his action showed his awareness. He did what he could to share her burden or make things easier. He took care of the campsite necessities while she forged, gave her space to talk to the other Compass Points without him, and was there whenever she wanted to collapse into him. She wanted—no, needed —that now.

His lips took full advantage of her neck as she rolled back. Her body, usually so tightly wound, sprawled open—giving him more access. He greedily took it. His fingers moved deftly under her tunic as his mouth left a blazing trail along her skin.

Her breath grew ragged when his hand slipped under the waistband of her leggings. She moaned as his fingers continued their progress to her center. He circled and teased her. She glanced over her shoulder and caught the self-satisfied smirk on his face.

“I’m not sure you’re capable of being quiet.” His mouth was again at her ear. His words were innocent, his actions anything but. Rose made a strangled sound as his finger dipped inside her. She was aching with need now.

“So impatient,” he said, slipping in another finger. Her hips rushed to meet him, to quicken his pace. She was burning up as he stretched her. Taking his time, unwilling to cater to her eager demands. Leaning back, further into him, she dragged her tongue along the side of his neck.

“That’s not playing fair.” His words were rough. She felt a power unrelated to magic at her effect on him. She was glad it wasn’t only her. This connection between them strengthened every day. She wanted him, all of him, even the power he seemed so unsure of.

“Luc,” her voice was breathy as she all but begged him to give her what she needed.

“I’ve got you, Rose,” he replied as his fingers circled and stroked, building her pleasure. Her eyes closed, and her body tightened like a bowstring aimed and ready. Luc’s fingers moved faster, his thumb finally granting her the friction she sought. He tilted her body to him, capturing her moan with a kiss as she found her release.

Her tongue teased his, her teeth catching his lip like a lifeline. He held her as the waves of pleasure crashed through her body.

She rolled over to face him—her hands reaching for him beneath the blankets.

“Ah, ah, ah,” Luc said, sliding away but leaning forward for another breathtaking kiss. “I made no such promise of silence. I’ll wait for the next inn before we continue.”

She smiled softly, raising her hands above the blanket to prove her innocence.

“No one here believes that act, Rose.” His returning smile was wicked. His hand cupped her cheek. “I didn’t say it earlier, but I should have. I’m in awe of your progress with the Compass Points. I know you carry more responsibility on this journey than you should. But remember, you don’t have to carry it all alone.” His lips pressed to the corner of her mouth. “I see your progress—it’s the most cooperation among us in my tenure—probably in the Compass Points’ existence. Don’t give up.”

Rose’s body, already soft from release, went to jelly at his words. She wouldn’t have given up—even if she’d been failing—but she was content to hear her progress was noted. She hoped they all realized the trust they were building in time to put it to use.