Page 131 of A Rising Hope

“Will do,” I agreed. “And Florian?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.”

“Anything for Finn, like the fish Finn.” His eyes creased in the corners as he saluted me like a soldier before twisting on his heels and heading outside.

One by one, the Ten exited the pub, slipping into the oddly calm and uninhabited streets of the Fashion Corner accompanied by Florian’s swaggering figure.

Zora was the last one, lingering on the step.

“See you later, Empress.” She glanced over her shoulder towards me. Her eyes were sharp and tense, and though her tattoo was covered with layers of paint and makeup, there was still darkness in her gaze, demons haunting her within.

“Good luck, Commander,” I replied, giving her an encouraging smile.

The door creaked, and bells chimed, signaling her departure.

Priya stood uncaring, with a slight annoyance at her lips, as she stared at the old broken clock hanging on the wall. Time ran long as both of us counted the seconds and minutes, waiting.

“Fuck it—it’s been long enough.” Priya stood up from where she was leaning against the wall.

“Yes, let’s go,” I agreed, just as impatient to get out.

“Enjoy.” Xentar waved us off, drawing flower patterns with his finger on the dust spots in the center of the table.

“Don’t fuck it up, Creator,” Priya said her version of a goodbye before heading for the door. Another chime of the bells and she was already outside.

“Thank you, just the courage I needed.” Xentar laughed.

“Last chance for a dagger?” I looked with a flash of worry at him.

“Oh princess, daggers will do me no good. My looks would kill them first.” He flexed his large arms, kissing the biceps.

I chuckled, adjusting the daggers at my waist.

Another round of bells chimed, and I was outside.

I had forgotten how bright the city was. The sun reflecting off the polished white stone blinded me, and I paused to adjust, blinking a few times until my eyes got used to the shining light. I had never seen so few people on Svitar’s streets before. The Fashion Corner especially. The shops and restaurants were empty of their patrons. Even the grand gallery that was regularly full of live models showcasing the most gorgeous and, at times, provocative garments, stood void. Long gone was the chatter and cacophony, all of it diminished to the hushed whispers and rushing steps of the few that braved to go outside. All of them were wearing the red mark with the golden insignia of the crown on their arms.

I adjusted mine higher.

Initially, Priya and I were going to disguise ourselves like the rest of the Ten, but Priya refused, opting for the leathers instead, which now meant depending on Priya’s powers to get us through the city unnoticed.

We spoke little, staying on the outskirts of the ribboned streets, rapidly making our way towards the lavish Royal Castle with its golden roofs and towers nestled on a big green hill.

You could feel the tension in the air, feel the slightly nervous looks in our direction from the more observant pedestrians, but no one said a word to us. Whether it was due to the red bands on our arms, their fear, or Priya’s skillful webs of power, I didn’t know, and a part of me didn’t want to know. Ignorance was bliss, after all.

“Hurry up, Freckles, I don’t have all day for this.” Priya crossed the street and started down the long alleyway. Her figure was lost in the shadows from the canopy of the tall ancient trees, their old branches woven together at the very top, shading the road to the castle like in a large tunnel.

“Do you have some pressing plans?” I quickened my pace, catching up with Priya.

“Many. One, take a long fucking bath. Two, fuck someone with good hygiene. Three, eat so much fucking dessert until I puke. It’s a busy schedule.”

“I can tell.”

“Let’s hope your boyfriend can keep the blood off my streets because I just replaced my carpets and if I get them stained with blood, I will come for his soul.”

At the mention of Gideon, I looked up to the sky blocked by the changing leaves and I silently begged the gods to keep our people safe, to keep him safe.

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