Page 85 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

“That should work. I don’t think any of the gods have an interest in being in Athos when the fae arrive.” I was the only one in there, attempting to eat something before returning to more training with Ryvin.

The morning had been a flurry of activity already, everyone doing what they could to prepare. The breakfast room had been set with snacks that could be grabbed by anyone who needed something, though most of it was untouched.

“I’m sure they’re enjoying the show.” Laera took a seat next to me and reached for a honey cake.

“How much time do you think we have?” I asked.

“They can already see the ships.” She took a bite, then chewed slowly.

I stood. “What?”

“Sit down.” Laera grabbed my arm and pulled. “They’re coming either way. You getting panicked about it now does nothing but wear you out before it’s even time to fight.”

Her eyes dropped and she pressed her lips together. “See what I mean?”

I followed her gaze and saw shadows twisting around my middle. “I didn’t do that on purpose.”

“I know.” She set down her cake, giving it a look like it personally offended her. “The food here is terrible.”

I couldn’t help but smile at that. “It’s not that bad.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “It doesn’t matter right now. What does matter is that you’re still letting your emotions get the better of you when it comes to your magic.”

I opened my mouth, and she held up her hand. “Let me finish.”

I closed my mouth and crossed my arms over my chest. I felt like a child being scolded.

“Listen to me. If you were raised fae, you’d have had decades to hone your skills. We’re not expected to learn it quickly. We make mistakes. We break things. Some of us accidentally kill people. In Ryvin’s case, a lotof people. But we learn. Slowly. You don’t get that luxury. And yes, I know it’s not fair. It just means you have to be better than all of us. Especially since you have dual powers to tap into.”

I lowered my arms to my side. “I know.”

“But you don’t. You’re not trusting yourself. You don’t have time to learn anymore. You have to be a master of your magic and Ryvin’s. Now. Today. Not five years from now.”

“You realize that’s impossible, right?” I countered.

“You’re not even supposed to be alive, Ara. Don’t forget that the gods were so afraid of you that they wanted you dead. I think it’s time for you to show them just how terrifying you can be.” She reached for an olive and popped it into her mouth.

I took a breath, letting her words sink in. I wasn’t used to seeing myself as someone powerful, but I was. I was an asset in this fight and it was time I started acting like it.

Grabbing a honey cake of my own, I made myself eat. It was going to be a very long day.

Vanth walked into the breakfast room, his whole body tense and ready for a fight.

“We already know,” Laera said. “They still have to set up their blockade. You should eat, shifter.”

Vanth glanced over at me.

“She’s right. They’re not going to breech our walls this second.” I was trying to follow Laera’s lead, to keep my emotions under control.

Vanth narrowed his eyes. “I’m not sure I like you two spending time together.”

Laera laughed. “If you eat something, we’ll go with you to the war room.”

He growled.

“If Laera is trying to take care of you, you must be in bad shape,” I said.

“You’re in my head,” he accused.

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