Page 49 of Tortured

I nod but squeeze my eyes tight.

“I trained you well. You will succeed.”

I bob my head, and we head back to camp. There’s an hour until sunrise. I settle against a log and stare into the fire. I will not sleep.

I spend my waking hours sending rage across the bond between Caedryn and me.

Seething, unrelenting, tumultuous rage.

Chapter 22

They see me off without pomp. Huflaih lands and gives me a leg up. Westin will not lend me his dragon stone, and I’m fine with that. This way, Huflaih can keep them apprised of my progress.

I secure my supplies and my twin blades to the saddle. I won’t need them yet.

I plan on using them to sever Caedryn’s head from his body.

Huflaih and I fly on all day. Caedryn grows wise to my intentions, and he slips into my mind. I pass the hours in flight, taunting him as he taunts me.

You think you can kill me, Kenrik?

Do not doubt my fury. I hug myself closer to Huflaih.

If you cross into the Great Divide, I will take action.

He would fear me once I breached the desert. Dragons can traverse the desert easily.

This puts me too close for Caedryn’s comfort.

I laugh. You fear me. Afraid I’ll break your legs again?

You have no idea what I’m capable of, princeling.

A few hours after dark, Huflaih and I reach the edge of Morvith and the beginning of the Great Divide. I sense Caedryn’s restlessness—his fear.

He knows exactly what I’m capable of.

And I know what he can do.

Caedryn is nervous.

I’m furious. Anxious.

After hours of flight, Huflaih and I draw closer to the citadel. I can’t see it, nor Caedryn, but I know he’s climbed to the top of the tower and awaits to unleash whatever hellfire he’s building within his body.

It can’t be anything as wicked as what he did to Niawen.

“Faster, Huflaih! We’re almost there.” I’m feeling reckless and wild, but I know I must control myself, must be prepared for a targeted strike as if my team is here with me, as if I’ve scouted the citadel and I know exactly how I’m going to attack.

I will rely on my premonition.

Kenrik, I see you want to play, Caedryn says.

I do nothing but growl. My thoughts are too focused.

I will take him down.

I sense a change in the atmosphere when we are two-thirds of the way across the Great Divide.

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