Page 85 of Chaos Tempted

As I hang my head in defeat, Rhys watches me thoughtfully. Then he says, “Turgon actually never said the words that Eldrin wasdead. He said ‘didn’t recover from’ the irons. And for that matter, he only said Wynstelle met with a ‘bitter end’—not that she was dead. You must pay close attention to the words elves use.”

“Is that a comment directed to me?” I say with irritation, then grimace. “I suppose if it was, I deserve that.”

“I wasn’t making a comment about you.” Rhys gently captures my hands in his. “I read as much in the books on dealings with Elves.”

I nod. “Regardless of what Turgon said or didn’t say, I don’tfeelWyn anymore.”

“Couldn’t that be only the mage’s spell to sever the link?” Rhys asks hopefully.

“That’s true.” I perk up. “I thought the mage was using me to hurt Wynstelle, but what if she was only separating our energies? Breaking the bond I had with her, for a reason that I cannot fathom.”

“We should try to find Wyn,” Rhys states with determination. “And the prince. Prove there is no reason for a war.”

38

POWER

ELDRIN

Ipace the small shelter where I’m essentially Turgon’s prisoner.

My thoughts are circular. Something happened to Wyn, but I don’t quite believe the mortals are behind her death. Not that they aren’t capable. Wyn was near the portal, and the humans would have been down in the villages fighting the ghouls, so it’s more logical that elves have killed her.

I scream out in rage. Not only am I mourning my love, my missing heart, but I’m trapped inside without being able to seek vengeance.

How much longer is this going to go on?

I need to find Jaden and Oakes. Are they alive?

A few moments later, Turgon appears at the door. “Your Highness.”

“Turgon, I demand you let me out of here.”

I feel energy circling around me. Is it magic? And if so, what’s the nature of it? Can it be my power is finally emerging? If it is, I beg the stars that my magic will be something that can help me now.

“I came to bring you more water, food, and an update.” Turgon hands me a waterskin and a sack of food.

I accept the provisions but toss them aside dismissively. “An update?”

“King Nathaniel has declared war.”

I nod at the inevitable statement and ask, “And Oakes? Jaden? Have you found them?”

Turgon states blandly, “No.”

The magic swirls around me again. Then I sense itiscoming from me. What can this magic be? What power is at my disposal? Right now, I need the sort of magic I can use to force my way out of this prison. But the sensation is similar enough to Wyn’s power that I believe what I possess is influencer magic.

I remember what Wyn said about the power. I imagine how I might influence Turgon—by subtly affecting his emotions. I will need him as an ally and to soften his conviction toward my imprisonment. With the thought, I feel an energy release and settle on the commander.

“I want Corwin here, someone I trust by my side,” I say simply. “And I want to join the war.”

Turgon stares at me for a long moment. “Youwant tojointhe war? I thought you had delusions about stopping it.”

“They killed my mate. Now, I’m an empty shell, filled with wrath. You may not approve of my choice of mates, but you know that I’m forever changed by this loss. I need to destroy those who wish to destroy me.” My magic swirls out of me and permeates the room to convince him.

“Well, I can’t let you join yet, but I understand your pain,” Turgon says with what almost seems like genuine sympathy. “I’llsend Corwin back here to watch over the cabin. As soon as I can, I will let you join the fight.”

“Thank you,” I say as Turgon locks the door behind me. I slump against the wall. Manipulating that magic has taken a lot out of me. It seems I indeed have the power of influence, but I won’t know my strength until I can test my new ability further. I can’t do anything more than try to talk my way out of this cabin.

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