Page 76 of A Touch of Gold and Madness

Chrome pointed to the vast, abundant fields full of crops before us. “These are the fields where we grow our foods and materials for our necessities.”

The endless sprawling fields stole my breath. Rows upon rows lined the land that stretched for miles. “You guys don’t share any of it with the human population?” My breath fogged as I spoke, the chilling air wrapping around me.

Chrome looked at me as if I’d insulted his Hollow. “Of course, we share. But we ensure our people are provided for first. We trade with the rebel militia. But sometimes, we’ll place a haul in a known haunt for civilians to find.”

I looked at him. “That must’ve been Orion’s idea. He seems so…gentle like that.”

“It was both of ours.” He shrugged, facing the fields again. Before I could respond, he said, “Come on. We’re headed to the training grounds, seeing as you start first thing in themorning.”

I couldn’t help the small hit of excitement that rose at the idea of training. It was the only time I’d ever felt free back at the King’s Palace. “Great.”

My step faltered. The familiar energetic presence that lingered outside the speakeasy, and then at the scorse,tickled my suppressed awareness again. I was tempted to remove my bracelet to pinpoint the source, but I needed these people to trust me. No doubt they’d think I was walking around, planning to attack them if I removed my bracelet. And at the moment, it was nice knowing I had a comfortable bed to lie in.

The presence lurked—watching—rippling up my spine and into the hairline of my scalp, and it wasn’t from the chilling fall air. It was curious, biding its time. Chrome didn’t seem affected as he strode away in the direction of the lodge.

Shaking off the uneasiness that settled in my chest, I jogged after him.

Chapter 29

Chrome

Istood in Orion’s office with Onyx sitting beside me. This time, Gray was in her room waiting for dinner. Her nervous anxiety thrummed through my body, making me wish I could ease her mind. I hadn’t been successful in blocking her emotions yet.

I couldn’t help her, though. There were things I needed to discuss with Orion and Onyx in private. Things we weren’t ready to talk to the others about yet.

Orion breezed in, sandy hair sweeping across his forehead. The door closed with a click. He flashed us a smile before moving to round his desk, dropping into his large leather chair. I took the seat Gray had occupied only two hours prior.

“I’m so glad you’re both back,” Orion said with a sigh, shoulders slumping.

I dipped my head. “As am I, Uncle.”

“Fuck. I’m glad to have a warm shower and Katia’s delicious food again. If I had to eat goopy slop that they try to call oatmealonemore time, I’d have vomited,” Onyx muttered next to me.

I chuckled. “Your entitlement is showing, Onyx.”

Onyx rolled his eyes dramatically.

Orion’s bemused grin said he missed our banter. “What is it you need to discuss, Chrome?”

I released a long sigh. “I met with my contact last night while Gray slept—”

“Still don’t want to give up this ‘contact’ of yours, hmm?” Onyx piped in, cutting me off.

“I’ve already told you, I can’t—not yet.”

“Continue, Chrome,” Orion encouraged. “What did you learn?”

“Well,” I started, trying to organize my thoughts. Another wave of gratitude washed over me that I was able to think lucidly now that the urge to viciously kill wasn’t taunting me. “My contact said that Arcadia is weakening, decaying more with each sunrise. It’s due to the Tempests, who are basically dark sorcerers and sorceresses. They practice blood magic that depletes the magic from the realm—including the wildlife—and in its wake, death and blackness are left behind.”

Orion’s eyes widened, “Like…the Endarkened?”

“Very similar, it appears.”

“So, what does this have to do with Forest and his planshere?” Onyx asked.

I cleared my throat and sat up straight to deliver this next part. “It seems that the noble King Forest has been working with the Tempests since before Gray and I were born. Apparently, there’s something of great power, and he wants it.”

“I’m assuming he’s been promised that power if he helps them somehow?”

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