44. Mira

forty-four

Mira

As the day wears on, our group reconvenes in the same informal council meeting room as before. We sit around the large wooden table, idly tapping our fingers and fidgeting with nervous energy as we wait for Cor'than to join us. The late afternoon sun filters through the windows, casting warm golden light on the walls. Outside in the hallway, Elora and Amirah stand guard along with ten other members of our elite team, taking turns holding our Shields and keeping an eye on us.

But in this room, with its thick carpeting and plush chairs, it feels almost peaceful. The quiet murmur of conversation among us is a stark contrast to the chaos and danger that constantly surrounds us.

Bobble and Callum sit on either side of me at the round wooden table, while Sunder leans against the window frame with crossed arms. His jaw jumps periodically, as if he's grinding his teeth. His muscles are tight with tension, as if they are all holding their breath together.

If the scouts come back with no signs of Yurghen's army, we're in trouble. We have nowhere to turn and no enemy to face. And what if Cor'than decides not to let us leave, thinking that we deceived him?

The door clicks open, and a procession led by King Cor'than enters the room. Two guards take positions in each corner while the rest of the seats at the table are filled by generals and advisors from Cor'than's court. However, Sunder remains standing by the window, unmoved by the commotion.

The king doesn't spare him a glance and without preamble says, "The scouts have reported a group of thousands of faeries gathering near Penestall Lake led by the old Master Yurghen. A few have been left behind to monitor their movements and report any disturbances. There is currently no indication about what this group is doing or where they're going, however."

One of the men standing next to Cor'than unfurls a map of Illuemera on the table, using small figurines to mark various locations. Sunder reluctantly leaves his pouting and leans in for a closer look at the map before speaking up. "We've already explained his plan to you."

"Yes, but we don't know when or where this supposed activity will take place. I can only go on facts, and currently there is a massive force with unknown intentions gathering too close for comfort. We can't risk them coming here. We have to meet them where they are. Perhaps Yurghen will be open to discussions. I have no intention of sending my men to war without cause."

Both Callum and Sunder start to argue, but Bobble beats them to it. "Your Majesty, Yurghen will never agree to negotiate," he says firmly. I can't help but observe the way Sunder winces when Bobble addresses him by his formal title.

Surprise flickers across Cor'than's face, but it's quickly replaced by a stern nod. "We can't know that until we try. I won't rush into war without exploring every avenue for peace first."

Sunder scowls, seething like a kettle about to blow. "Peace? With Yurghen?" His voice is brittle, sharp, threatening to shatter into a thousand biting pieces. "That's a fool's hope."

Cor'than's eyebrows rise at Sunder's outburst. "Well, it's a good thing we have a room of fools, then."

Sunder grunts, the sound a hissing volcano, but doesn't retort. His muscular arms cross over his chest, ink-black tattoos rippling with the motion. I've seen that look on him before–it's the one he wears when he's wrestling with tumultuous emotions he doesn't fully understand.

My mates and I silently observe the rest of the meeting, our eyes tracing the movements of those gathered in the room. The intense atmosphere is equal parts war room meeting and diplomacy council. Despite all this, I know deep down which side will be crucial to our success in the end. As they move the pieces over the map, it's like watching a dance of war and diplomacy, a delicate balance between strategy and sacrifice.

"At the break of dawn, our full army will march out to join the fight. Yurghen's forces should be outnumbered, with a 2-to-1 ratio in our favor. Hopefully, he is not completely irrational and will see reason with these odds stacked against him. However, we must be prepared to battle if necessary." Cor'than mutters this last statement to himself before addressing the council members. "Inform the nobles about this new danger and instruct them to mobilize their house guards. As you leave, order the guards outside to lower the Dampening Shields now that we have confirmed the threat."

Once the strangers have finally departed, only the king and two of his personal guards remain in the room with us. Almost as soon as the door clicks shut, a flood of Chroma and my bonds come rolling back inside me. I smile to myself with a contented sigh as the threads of Sunder, Callum, and Bobble swirl in my mind. My fingers itch to channel, to release the pent-up energy inside me.

Sunder's body also seems to release a wave of tension as he finally collapses into a seat, sinking down with a heavy thud. With a deep breath, he rubs his rough hands over his scruffy face, the lines of worry and exhaustion etched deeply into his features. "This attempt to negotiate with Yurghen is—"

"A necessary step in responsible diplomacy, Dan'thiel."

His words are like daggers, cutting through the air with a clear warning. I recoil in my chair, feeling as though I've been struck across the face when he refers to him by that name. Once again, I'm reminded how short our time may be together. We'll be lucky if we ever make it to the day when I must say goodbye to the Shards in favor of Dan'thiel. A secret hope inside me wishes it'll never come. That they'll decide to stay with me instead. My eyes find Callum. I know he feels the same way I do, but will he change his mind when this is over?

Callum mutters bitterly under his breath beside me, too softly for the King to hear. "Responsible diplomacy will be the death of us." His nose wrinkles and he folds his arms, leaning back in his chair to gaze at the high vaulted ceilings.

The moment seems endless, with Sunder just as taken aback by the label as I am. After what feels like an eternity, he speaks up. "So you expect us to stay here, cowering while you go off on and play the hero?"

"Quite the opposite, actually. I will need as many channelers as I can get. Although, if this threat against Mira is true, I suggest she stays behind Valenfall walls. It's safer here."

Separated from my mates again? A wave of anger rushes over me, causing my cheeks to burn with fiery heat. "No, I refuse to be left behind while you all confront him without me. That's not an option. I am just as capable of channeling as any of you."

It's not entirely untrue. I possess raw power, but it's the finesse and mastery over my red Chroma that I struggle with. I haven't had a chance to practice what little Tairyn taught me about the threads of fate or channeling white Chroma to sever a tethered soul, but that changes tonight now that my shield is gone.

When I look around the table, I see no allies in this. I glare at Bobble. "You can't be serious. You agree that I'm better left behind? Do I not get the courtesy of making my own decisions anymore?"

Bobble meets my stare with a calmness that does nothing to reduce my growing ire. He spreads his large, calloused hands in a helpless gesture. "Mira… I just… I want you safe. We all do."

"Did you all discuss this already? Behind my back deciding what's best for me?" The shared looks of guilt and dropping eyes tells me the answer. For a long moment, I stare down each of them, boring my fury through the bond. "Well, I'm going. You can't stop me."

King Cor'than clears his throat and gives me an apologetic look. "I am sorry, Mira. It does not seem a wise choice for you to join us. In the unlikely event that we fail, we can't risk you falling into the hands of Yurghen."

As they each nod their heads in agreement, I can sense their genuine concern for me. They may have good intentions and logical reasoning, but they didn't even bother to ask for my thoughts on the matter. A pang of hurt rises in my gut as I stand up abruptly from the table, my hands trembling with anger as I lock eyes with Sunder. "Then I guess you all don't need me for the rest of this meeting," I say through gritted teeth before storming out of the room.

Elora and Amirah walk beside me as I make my way to my room.

"Tough night?" Elora playfully asks, her voice filled with sympathy despite the lighthearted words.

"Not yet." I refuse to let them leave me behind. When they come to my room later, they will hear every last argument I can muster. They'll need to lock me up to keep me here.