Page 87 of Their Trials

“It's absolutely stunning, but I couldn’t,” I said in awe. The magic called to me, feeling made just for me, even though I didn't feel as though I deserved such a gift.

“Oh, it's more than just beautiful. Like yourself, it can be quite deadly. In fact, it was enchanted so that only one user could ever hold it. No one could ever steal the blade from the owner, use it against them, or harm them with it. The blade will only strike true for the owner. All they need do is strike with intention and the blade will ensure it is so.”

I gaped at her. “Are you sure?” I asked her.

“It's the least I could do for Jonathan's only daughter, the one he hung all his hopes and dreams on,” she told me gently, offering me the blade.

I took it in my hand, a tingle of magic racing up my arm and I knew that we were connected now. “Gee, no pressure or anything,” I snarked.

She laughed. “With great power comes great responsibility.”

“Did you just quote Spiderman to me?” As if my brain could take any more revelations.

“Sweet child, I do still enjoy the pleasures and fun of Earth and journey there frequently. Their movies are quite delightful.”

I listened to her go on about her favorite movies, but my attention was on the blade. Turning it this way and that, I couldn't wait to have the opportunity to test it out. Just then, it dawned on me. “Wait.”

“What, child?”

“There's no way I can give this to the Queen. I don’t even want her to know I have it. I need something else to present to her to prove my success in this mission.”

“Ah. One moment.” She disappeared into her vault, which I was starting to see was like Aladdin's cave. She flitted around, stopping at one pile or another to pick up an item, only to discard it a second later.

“Here we go. This should do.” She came back with a gold cup that was encrusted with rubies and diamonds. “This is a fairly weak enchantment, but it should suffice as your boon. It's rather useless in the hands of the Queen, but she can't say that you've failed.”

“Great. What does it do exactly?”

She laughed. “Well, it simply ensures that the cup will never run empty of whatever is put into it. Although it can only be used for one liquid.”

“Sounds pretty benign,” I said, taking the cup from her hands.

I was about to ask her another question when she let out a little huff of exasperation. “Seems you've brought others to my door.”

“Not me. Avalonia. She sent us here as one of our trials,” I clarified, not ready to piss off such a beneficial ally.

“Well, the sooner I deal with these Chosen, the sooner I can relocate.” She made a twirling motion with her hand, and I knew our time was done.

“Wait. One more thing.”

Clearly growing annoyed with me, she paused in her movements to glare at me. “What else could you possibly need?”

“How will I find you if you relocate?”

“Ask the water, and it will lead you to me.”

“What does that even...” I started to ask her only to find myself being tossed through space. Remembering the portal I had passed through from Earth to Avalon, I felt like I was moving through the same viscous nothingness. It was light and heavy all at once. Just as I was starting to adjust to the skin-crawling feeling, I was tossed through air, landing on my feet. My knees buckled under the impact, and I fell straight on my ass.

“Thank Avalonia, you're okay.” Baer's hoarse voice greeted my ears, but I didn't respond. The whole experience had left me shaken, and I needed a moment to parse through what all had just happened.

Chapter Forty Two: Arryn

I watched the flames of the campfire dance as the shadows continued to grow. She’d been gone for hours, and I was starting to grow worried. Our bond was so faint that I really wasn’t sure if it was there or if I was just imagining it. While I had reassured the others that she

was fine, I couldn’t help the inkling of doubt that crept into my mind.

I knew Rhowyn had proven herself resourceful time and time again, but it still went against everything in me to let her face this alone. Realistically, I knew this was something she needed to face on her own, but it didn’t mean I had to like it.

The separation was affecting the others despite my assurances. Baer’s usually upbeat and positive energy was currently being corralled into setting up our tents for the night. Staying busy was his way of keeping his mind off the ordeal. Her loss leaving him almost manic as they bond pulled her further and further away. Lennox grew quiet and withdrawn, a cloud of darkness settling over him that set me on edge. I worried about him and his depression. While he pretended otherwise, we could all see the self-loathing that he wrestled with. It wasn’t founded, but common sense often didn’t apply with depression.

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