Page 49 of Kingdom of the Two Moons

Blair’s never thought back on it since the moment she ran out that door and sprinted down that collapsing staircase, escaping sure death through a window.

As if a part of her died with her aunt that night.

Why did Caryan let her go? Because he was too badly hurt to do anything else. He sure as the hells had been in no state to chase a witch on her wyvern through a storm. But no one would care for the full truth, would they? All that matters is that Blair stood apart and watched her aunt being slaughtered.

It would be considered nothing other than treason.

Even now, with the scene playing overand over in her head, Blair doesn’t know why she didn’t act. Didn’t defend her aunt. Her own blood. The woman she owed so much—not love, witches don’t love. But they do feel respect. And gratitude.

Treason—so this is the reason Perenilla keeps her around. Knowing that tiny calamitous detail about her. One word from Perenilla’s mouth and Blair is as good as dead. Since fae can’t lie, it’s enough to just state those fact as facts.

Fuck, how could she not see that coming?

Blair doesn’t turn when she hears the familiar rhythm of Aurora’s steps behind her.

“Are you alright?” her mother asks, resting her hand on Blair’s shoulder.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Blair snaps and dismisses her wyvern with a wave of her hand.

“Because you’ve been sitting here since you left the dungeon, and I can smell the blood all over you,” Aurora answers calmly, her white nose already turning red from the biting cold.

Blair clenches her fists against the need to hug Aurora, to feel her body against hers. Soak in her mother’s reassuring warmth. She wants to tell her how much she missed them. How she thought she’d never see them again. Instead, she digs her sharp nails so deep into the palms of her hands that they pierce flesh.

She says as lightly as she can, “You know me—pretty face, dark, badass soul.”

“Come inside with me. Let me see to those wounds, Blair,” Aurora retorts gently, as if she can see right through the act.

“We need to leave soon,” Blair says as if she hasn’t heard the words. She doesn’t deserve to have her wounds healed. She doesn’t deserve any of Aurora’s kindness. She’s drawn them into this mess. She’s doomed them.

“Where?” Aurora asks.

“We need to find that girl I failed to capture in the human world.”

A suicidal mission.

Hells, she can’t allow anything to happen to them, yet Perenilla’s order is clear—Sofya and Aurora must go with her.

“Why only us?” Aurora asks, frowning.

“Because Perenilla doesn’t want to spare more witches and we happen to be the chosen ones,” Blair snarls. She’s just so fucking angry at herself. She needs a way to get Aurora and Sofya out, even if she knows Perenilla plans for them to die along with her. But if they return, Perenilla might let them live, deeming them no longer a threat…

Maybe.

Dark times when all Blair can do is hope.

Aurora looks over her shoulder, then leans in closer. Not that anyone is around, but at this court, you never know. “We can’t, Blair. You can’t be serious. We don’t even know what the prophecy means.”

Blair frowns. She’s never heard her mom speak like that before. She’s always believed both of her mothers fiercely loyal to their queen.

“We do know that the girl has the talent to find the elven relics.”

“But you know what will happen if Perenilla gets her hands on them.” Aurora’s eyes simmer with justified fear.

“Idoknow,” Blair barks back, her teeth snapping toward her mother.

To her credit, Aurora doesn’t flinch. She holds Blair’s gaze, challenging. “Then we can’t.”

“And what do you suggest? Just say no and ride off into the sunset?” Blair barks, not caring to hide her sarcasm. She needs this anger. Anger is better than the void of sadness that tries to swallow her whole. Better than the fear for Aurora and Sofya that threatens to suffocate her.

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