Page 420 of Evil Hearts

Elara’s heart ached at the weight of his words, but she lifted her chin, determination hardening her resolve. “I have to do this, Brian. For my kingdom, for my people… and for myself.”

Brian’s hand lingered on her cheek, his touch gentle yet laced with sorrow. His thumb traced the curve of her cheek, as though he were trying to memorize every line and angle of her face, and his eyes held a mixture of emotions she couldn’t quite decipher. She wanted to be angry at him, to turn away, but the raw vulnerability in his expression held her in place.

“Then I’ll stand by you,” he whispered, his voice barely more than a breath. “But remember this, Elara—every step you take toward your destiny pulls you deeper into a world where I can’t guarantee your safety. And the forces that would see you fail… they’re more powerful than you realize.”

She placed her hand over his, squeezing gently as she met his gaze with determination. “I know the risks, Brian. But I can’t keep hiding from who I am. My people need me, and I can’t abandon them now.”

A shadow flickered across his face, and he pulled his hand back, as though he feared his own feelings might betray him. “You have the spirit of a queen, Elara. I just… I wish that didn’t have to mean facing this alone.”

She swallowed, her chest tightening at the implication. “I may have to face this battle, but that doesn’t mean I have to do it alone. If you truly care about me… you’ll help me.”

Brian looked away, his jaw tight as he wrestled with his own inner turmoil. “I want to help you, Elara. More than you know. But the forest folk… they won’t release you without a fight. And there are things I’ve done to ensure your safety that I can’t undo.”

“What do you mean?” she asked, frowning as a hint of fear crept into her voice.

He hesitated, his eyes darkening. “I’ve made… bargains, Elara. Deals with the forest folk, deals with the higher royalty here. They agreed to protect you, but only on the condition that you remained hidden, that you wouldn’t pursue your past. Now that the truth is out, they’ll consider our agreement broken and they will come after you.”

Elara’s heart sank.

She hadn’t realized how much he had risked just to keep her safe. And now, because of her choice to embrace her destiny, he would face the consequences of those broken promises. Yet, the resolve within her only strengthened. She couldn’t turn back now—not when she knew who she truly was and what was at stake.

“Then we’ll face them together,” she said, her voice firm. “Whatever the forest folk demand, whatever dangers lie ahead, we’ll confront them as one.”

Brian’s gaze softened, and he reached out, taking her hand in his. “You don’t know what you’re saying, Elara. The forest folk are not bound by the same morals as humans. They’ll use any means necessary to keep you from leaving. And if they see you as a threat to the balance of this world…”

She lifted her chin, determination blazing in her eyes. “I am a threat to the curse that binds my people. And if the forest folk won’t release me willingly, then I’ll find a way to break free myself.”

Chapter 9

Brian’s jaw tightened,the struggle in his eyes clear as he looked from her face to the castle in the distance. “Elara, once you return to that place, things will never be the same. The bond you’ve forged with the forest… with me… it will fade.”

Elara turned to him, her heart heavy. She knew the risks, and the thought of losing Brian felt like a wound that hadn’t yet had time to heal. But she also knew what was at stake. Her people had been trapped in darkness for far too long, their lives suspended by the twisted curse cast by Queen Clary. If there was any chance to free them, she had to take it.

“Brian, I can’t abandon them. My people are waiting, and… Prince Rafe… he’s waiting, too. I may not remember everything about him, but I know he was part of the reason I came here.”

A flicker of pain crossed Brian’s face, but he quickly masked it. “I know. And that’s why I’m going with you. Even if it means…” He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. Instead, he simply nodded. “Let’s go. We don’t have much time before Clary’s magic finds us.”

Together, they set off, their footsteps barely disturbing the fallen leaves as they moved deeper into the forest. Elara couldn’t shake the feeling that with each step, she was saying goodbye to something precious, something irreplaceable. But she pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task ahead.

The path through the forest was shrouded in mist, the air thick with an ancient magic that seemed to hum all around them. At times, the mist took on shapes—whispering faces that watched them pass, unseen hands that tugged at her cloak as if warning her to turn back. The forest itself seemed reluctant to let her go, as though it sensed the change that her departure would bring.

After hours of silent walking, Elara’s eyes drifted to Brian’s hand at his side, fingers brushing against hers every now and then, as if by accident. But she knew it was intentional. There was a comfort in that brief touch, a reminder of the bond they shared—one that no curse, no distance, could completely erase.

As the day wore on, the forest grew darker, its shadows stretching long and ominous, and the trees seemed to press closer, as though closing in around them. It was then that they heard a rustling in the underbrush, followed by a low growl that sent a chill down Elara’s spine.

“Stay close to me,” Brian murmured, his voice tense.

Elara nodded, feeling her heart race as she scanned the trees that surrounded them. A figure emerged from the shadows—a hulking, twisted creature with fur as black as night and eyes that glowed with an unnatural fire. It looked like a wolf, but its body was distorted, unnaturally elongated, and dark magic seemed to seep from its skin, curling through the air like tendrils of smoke.

“A Shadowhound,” Brian whispered, his face pale. “One of Clary’s beasts. She’s already aware we’re coming.”

Elara tightened her grip on the dagger at her side, feeling its cool metal against her palm. “How do we fight it?”

“We don’t,” he replied, taking a step back and drawing her with him. “Not directly. These creatures are tied to the dark magic of the curse—they’re nearly impossible to kill. We need to outrun it.”

Without another word, they turned and ran, their footsteps pounding against the forest floor. The Shadowhound gave ahowl, and the sound echoed through the trees, filled with a menacing hunger that made her blood run cold. It tore after them, moving with unnatural speed, its breath hot on their heels.

Branches whipped at her face, roots caught at her feet, but Elara pushed forward, her heart hammering in her chest. She could feel Brian’s hand gripping hers as he pulled her along, their strides matching in perfect unison. The beast was close, so close she could feel its hot breath on her neck, but Brian pulled her forward, weaving skillfully through the trees, finding hidden paths as if the forest itself guided him.

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