Page 74 of A Shattered Kingdom of Steel

At her words, a hint of a smile plays at Orim’s mouth, though it doesn’t shake the resolve from his demeanor.

“He won’t let anything happen to you,” Kheldryn adds.

Waiting for a response, all heads turn to Arella.

Gods, I hope she agrees. If she dies, it will be on my conscience.

She takes a breath. “I’ll go.”

Relief crosses Asheros’s face. “Good.” To Orim, he says, “You should leave at dawn.”

Orim nods. “We will.” Turning to face the others, he offers us a small smile. “I guess this is goodbye.”

“It’s only goodbye for now,” Kheldryn says, pulling him into an embrace. “We’ll see each other again soon.”

At that, Orim smiles. “We will.”

Gryska uncrosses her arms and holds out a fist. “Don’t die, all right?”

Orim laughs and touches his fist to hers. “I have to live. I have a roast turkey waiting for you the next time I see you.”

Gryska lets out a booming laugh. “My favorite. I’ll hold ya to that.”

Ronan is next. Motioning to himself with two hands, he says, “Bring it in.” Orim grins and pulls Ronan into a hug. Ronan returns the gesture, patting him on the back. “Don’t have too much fun without me.”

“I’ll try not to,” Orim quips, taking a step back. “But I can’t make any promises.”

Savell merely dips his head at his friend. “Until we meet again.”

“Take it easy, Savell,” Orim replies before turning to Asheros and me.

“I know you’ll keep her safe.” Asheros holds out his hand to Orim. When he takes it, Asheros places a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll see you soon, my friend.”

Orim meets Asheros’s eyes, his expression solemn, mirroring Asheros’s. Glancing between us, he says, “Be safe. Both of you.”

I nod, the sting of his goodbye fresh on my cheeks. Though I haven’t known Orim for very long in the grand scheme of things, I’ve gotten used to his company.

I’ll miss him.

“Same to you,” I say.

Orim’s lips perk up. He looks back at Arella. “I will.”

“Come.” Asheros guides me to the door. “We’ll stay at the inn for the night. In the morning, we’ll determine our next steps.

Letting him usher me forward, I take a deep breath. The others, save for Orim and Arella, follow. Mindlessly, I move where Asheros directs me, welcoming his hands around my waist when he hoists me up onto our mount.

Once behind me, as if sensing the storm raging within me, he gently pulls me to his chest, supporting my weight. Though he doesn’t speak, I hear his wordless message.

Rest, my Bladesinger.

I let go and relax in Asheros’s arms. Tenderly, he adjusts his hold around me.

Tonight, I’ll rest. Because come dawn, I will not stop until Vorr’s killer has been brought to justice.

Chapter Twenty-One

It’s dark when I wake.

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