54. Dan’thiel

fifty-four

Dan'thiel

It is impossible to tell how much time has passed since Rynlin's last visit. The days blur together, marked only by the significant improvements in my meals and surroundings. As I lay on the plush silk pillow, my hands resting behind my head, I replay my brief moments with Mira for what feels like the hundredth time. The memory plays out in my mind like a vivid dream, each detail crystal clear and almost tangible. The warmth in her voice. The way her soft skin felt beneath my fingers.

Face-to-face, I finally saw her as my equal. My mate. And yet…

Her eyes bore into mine with an accusatory glare, her gaze sharp as a knife. The corners of her mouth turned down in a displeased frown, and I could see the hurt and anger simmering just beneath the surface. Even the slightest touch from me caused her to flinch, a silent protest against my actions. I half expected her to retch at the mere suggestion that she might one day love me too, but instead she simply closed her eyes and took a deep breath, steeling herself against the pain of losing the Shards.

I always knew my mate would be extraordinary, but it wasn't until that meeting until I fully understood why. When I was young, I let the ego of my birth guide that entitlement. Of course, I'd bond my mate, I thought. There was no question in my mind about the caliber of a woman she'd be.

And she is. Someone so giving and passionate about justice, about righting wrongs and helping others. And in spite of everything she's been through, she still has that spark, that undeniable fire. It's like she's a beacon on the darkest night. Her strength shines through.

When I look at my own life lived, I see clearly for the first time why my mate is incredible. The universe, Chroma, the Gods, they each demand balance. For all my great birth and endless privilege, what did I accomplish? What good did I put into the world?

I failed to protect Eyveriel, failed to build a bridge between Cor'than and me after. Didn't even try. I indulged in the chasm between us, enjoyed the rivalry. Because I always won. I was older, stronger, and selfish.

My stomach twists at the truth, and I run my hand down my face to clear the evidence of my sorrow. When I took the throne of my kingdom, I only cared for my own needs. When council members brought concerns to my attention, I replaced them with those who I knew would be as self-interested as I was.

My own people suffered because of my neglect.

Cor'than's rule is evidence of that much for certain.

For every bit as good as Mira is, I'm her selfish counterpart. Perhaps if we're granted a life together, she can teach me to be a better man. I can promise myself right here, and right now, that I can learn. She can teach me. Life after life, we'll have the time to grow into a more evenly matched pairing.

I roll onto my side in the plush bed, letting the exhaustion seep through me until my tears are dry and the only words left in my head form a mantra.

I will be a better man.

The metallic click of the lock wakes me some time later as Rynlin rushes into my cell. I blink through bleary eyes, still heavy with sleep. The urgency in his movements trip an alarm in my head as I bolt upright.

"What is it?"

"It's begun. Like you said it would. The Great River is open. Souls rain from the heavens."

I shoot to my feet, now wide awake. "Where?"

He hesitates only a moment, but I already know the answer. "Over Valenfall. Yurghen's forces are overrunning the city. Creatures from the Underworld are stirring, rising to devour these lost souls."

I'm dressing before he finishes his sentence, the taste of dread souring my mouth. My hand goes to the hilt of a sword that isn't there, my body's instinctive response to danger. "We have to stop them."

Rynlin gives me an incredulous look, his icy blue eyes widening in disbelief. "You are not permitted to leave this room, Prince Dan'thiel."

"So you just want me to sit here panicking while you all twiddle your thumbs and do nothing to stop this?"

Rynlin shakes his head. "I didn't say nothing was being done. The Underworld is stirring. Our duty, as Guardians of the Otherworld, requires us to protect the mortals. The army is assembling, but they will only engage with the ethereal creatures of the Underworld. Yurghen will not be touched."

"Then let me join them," I suggest, desperation edging in. "I can help."

Rynlin looks at me for a long tick, assessing the situation. "You're not a Guardian, Prince Dan'thiel. And you are still under punishment."

"I won't be of any use locked in here," I insist, pulling on my boots and standing taller. "I can fight. I won't stand by while people suffer."

Rynlin sighs, running a hand through his silver hair. "This isn't about your fighting skills or your bravery, Prince Dan'thiel. This is about obedience and discipline."

"Obedience and discipline be damned!" I snap, the weight of my title seeming heavier than it's ever been. "People are dying, Rynlin. My people. Countless souls will continue to perish unless we seal the Great River. Do you even care?"

"Of course I care," his voice softens. His eyes, those icy blue orbs, search mine for a long moment before he finally looks away. "But I must follow orders."

I pause, my heart sinking. Finally, when I speak again, my voice is too soft. "Was it not you who sent me into a Dreamshare with the Vessel? Were you following orders or just assuaging your own guilt for what you did?"

A twist of pain crosses Rynlin's face. "I've already broken too many rules. Turned a blind eye too many times. You can't expect me to continue to break my oaths. To compromise my own values to see your goals met."

The words hit like a punch to the stomach, the air knocking from my lungs. "It's not that I don't care about your oaths to the Guardians or your duties. I just think the fate of those souls is more important, Rynlin. I'm sorry."

Rynlin's eyes bore into mine, his expression unreadable. "And what if your reckless actions bring us more harm than good? Have you even considered that, Prince Dan'thiel?"

He pivots on his heel, the heavy door to my cell slamming shut with a resounding thud. I collapse onto my plush bedding, burying my face in my hands. The only sound now is the fading echo of Rynlin's footsteps as he stalks away.

The silence is almost as suffocating as the hopelessness growing inside me.