Page 13 of A Vow of Wrath and Ruin

A bitter taste filled my mouth. I kicked the gravel aimlessly. “Only time will tell what she is.”

“No one has seen a Fate in hundreds of years. They are but a distant memory to most people.” Amolie sighed. “I don’t even know how we’ll get to the tower. The Ferry hasn’t run in a century.”

“I’m going to do some research before we step foot anywhere near their island.”

“Good idea.”

The sound of sleigh bells echoed through the still morning air, followed by hoofbeats. Eight massive dapple-gray horses trotted over to us. The diamonds braided into their manes sparkled in the pale winter sun.

Amolie squeezed my hand then embraced me tightly.

“Be safe. I will see you soon,” she said.

I breathed her in, committing the moment to memory.

“I’m going to miss you,” I said.

“I’ll miss you too.”

The sleigh stopped, and the halfling driver jumped down to take Amolie’s things. Caiden and Lucius appeared from behind us with Tharan in tow.

Lucius held out his hand.

Stunned, I shook it.

“You did good, Springborn.”

I smirked.

“Dare I say you’re warming up to me?”

“I wouldn’t go that far. But I don’t hate you the way I once did.”

“I’ll take it.”

Lucius and Amolie hugged Baylis before saying their goodbyes to Tharan.

“I’m sorry we didn’t get to spend more time together. I’d like to get to know you more,” Caiden said, genuinely. His gloved hands wrapped tightly around one another. Hope flickered in his blue eyes.

The wind whipped an unruly piece of golden hair free from its binding, reminding me of the young emissary I met on balconies and kissed in alcoves.

You once knew everything about me.

“Perhaps at the Ostara festival,” I replied.

Caiden’s eyes flicked between me and Tharan. Clearing his throat, he said, “Yes, perhaps.” He shook my hand, letting our fingers linger together for a moment before pulling away and hugging Baylis goodbye.

I couldn’t look away from him, my traitor mind transfixed in place, memorizing every motion as he climbed into the sleigh.Heart tearing in two directions, I fumbled behind me, clasping Tharan’s waiting hand.

The coachman clicked his tongue, and with a flick of the wrist, the horses trotted on. A light snow began to fall. Snowflakes flitted aimlessly through the air. The sleigh disappeared into the forest.

My heart ached at the sight.

“You’ll see them again.” Tharan rubbed my arm reassuringly.

“I hope so.” I leaned on him for support.

“I’m going to miss them,” Baylis said. “Amolie is so sweet.”

---