Page 79 of Chaos Tempted

I nod slowly. Not only does that mean Wyn is dead, it probably means Oakes is as well, since he was with her.

Daylor and Baelen each grip my shoulders in a show of support and grief.

“Thank you, but we should see if we can survive ourselves.” I look toward the direction of the portal, dreading the idea of seeing Wyn’s broken body if it has been left behind. “I will not have your deaths on my conscience, too.”

“Do you think Turgon would hurt the prince?” Daylor asks.

“Turgon?” Shock is thick in my voice, but I don’t know why. I suppose I thought he wouldn’t show his face since he likes to hide behind others. “Theking’scommander washere?”

“Yes,” Daylor confirms. “He escorted Prince Eldrin through the portal.”

“Fuck!” I get to my feet and brush off leaves and dirt from where I’d collapsed. “That means itiswar.”

“I’m afraid you’re correct.” Baelen grips her sword. “Turgon would only leave the castle for something of this magnitude—to claim the glory.”

“He’s not wrong to think this will be an easy victory.” With more effort than I expect, I swing my leg up and settle into my saddle. “King Nathaniel and Princess Twyla will not be hospitable to our return. Rhys has already risked too much. Which means we need to get through to Elfhame as soon as we can, by any means necessary. We need to find Eldrin and protect him.”

Baelen and Daylor frown at our limited options.

36

MAGIC

ELDRIN

Ascraping sound at the entrance of the magically sealed cabin alerts me that someone is coming. I push down the pain in my soul so I can focus on getting out of here. I shoot up to my feet and hide behind the opening door. A surprise attack is my only hope of escape.

Being the brilliant and terrifying strategist he is, Turgon is ready for me and throws the door open before entering. With his sword drawn, he steps inside cautiously. “Stand down. I don’t intend to keep you locked up.”

Giving up my attack, I gesture at the small room. “Then what is the meaning of this?”

“You passed out. It was the only way to secure your safety.” Turgon sheaths his sword and strolls into the small cabin. “It’s come to war.”

I cross my arms and glare at him. “Because you sent the ghouls to attack?”

“King Nathaniel broke his end of the treaty and allowed his humans to encroach on our allocated lands once again. We willalldie if we don’t push back now.”

“So, you are accusing King Nathaniel of starting a war with his alleged encroachment? Thathehas been the one in breach of the peace contract?”

“Yes,” Turgon says succinctly.

“No.” I pace. “That can’t be. Why would he do that after everything he gave up to secure peace? He gave up his own daughter!”

“You mean the changeling arrangement?” Turgon raises an eyebrow. “The infant was going to die. How much was he giving up? A sickly child who was as good as dead? No. Giving her up was a calculated tactic. In the last ten years, the mortal king has moved his people to push closer and closer to our borders. Now, they have invaded our territory. Haven’t you sensed less magic in the air?”

I feel my face flush, heated with embarrassment. Turgon is poking at my current lack of magical aptitude. I’d secretly hoped mating with Wyn might trigger any latent abilities so I could better protect her, but none have revealed themselves.

I grit my teeth and say nothing.

“It has been a subtle, gradual shift,” Turgon continues without further antagonizing my insecurity. “I’m sure most have dismissed the lack of power they once had.”

“So instead of negotiating or warning the humans, you unleash the ghouls on innocent people?” I throw my arms in the air in desperation. “Most humans probably have nothing to do with encroaching on our territory. Why couldn’t we just remind them first?”

“We have.” Turgon sneers wickedly.

“Have you?” I allow skepticism to flood my voice.

“We did,” Turgon answers. “Twenty years ago.”

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