Page 385 of Kingdoms of Night

“We’ll find him.” Fae Prince Werian sped past her and into the trees.

Rhianne stayed with Isa as they hurried away from the beach and into the forest.

Isa pushed through the brush, fatigue tugging hard at her limbs as Rhianne took a wand from the back of her belt and thrust it upward. She said something very fast in the Lore language and light shot from the wand and into the air. Tiny globes of amethyst and gold light illuminated the trunks and branches of the trees as they all worked their way along an animal path.

“Nico, it’s safe. Where are you?”

Vines with hand-sized white flowers blocked the view farther down the path. He could be anywhere in this lush forest. Ferns brushed Isa’s dress as she walked as quickly as possible. Her legs trembled and she stumbled. Princess Rhianne helped her up with a gentle smile.

“I’m Isa, by the way. What do you know about this place?” Isa looked left and right, her blood sluicing through her veins like chips of ice. Her body wasn’t going to let her stay conscious for much longer.

“First off, I don’t see how we broke through the wards,” Rhianne said. “The storm, I suppose? I most likely know the same stories as you do about the dryad elves, if that is indeed where we are. The dryad elves can snap ships in two with trees they control. They hate intruders. Not exactly the sort you want to invite over for tea.”

They found Werian stopped at a large tree with pale bark that flaked like croissant layers. Once they’d caught up, Werian pointed a finger toward the canopy.

He looked into the branches, his horns almost invisible in the dim and the tangle of his dark hair. “Good sir, please climb down. I promise only to eat one of your arms. You’ll be just fine.”

Rhianne smacked him. “You’re safe with us, as is Isa,” she called up. “I’m only supposing he is your brother,” she said to Isa.

“I’ve taken him under my wing, so to speak. We aren’t kin, but I feel like we are. Nico,” she called up into the tree, feeling oddly bashful about voicing her emotions. “I can’t quite see you, but if you’re there, follow his directions. He is the fae prince of the Agate Court. The one you mentioned.”

“Ah. Sohehas heard of me,” Werian said.

Rhianne pinched the bridge of her nose.

“You mean Princess Brielle’s friend?” Nico’s thready voice moved through the tree’s branches.

Isa sighed. Thank the Source and the Goddess Vahly he was alive. “Yes. Now, come down. Use those strong muscles of yours and take your time.” He had to be nearly falling over with fatigue.

Nico appeared, his feet finding a branch while his hands gripped another.

“May I?” Werian approached Isa, getting closer to the tree’s trunk.

Oh. She’d forgotten—fae could heal. “Of course. Thank you.”

Werian took Nico under the arms and set him carefully on the ground. Then the fae set one hand on Nico’s chest and shut his eyes.

Nico’s eyes were wide as saucers. “Is this magic?”

“It is.” Werian winked at him.

Nico looked to Isa and she thought her heart might snap with joy. “It feels so nice and warm.” He blinked and yawned as Werian stepped back.

“Time for a nice sleep now, lad.” Werian glanced at Isa. “Your turn, if you like?”

“Go on,” Rhianne urged her. “If we’re to figure out the mystery of this island of potential wishes or possible death, you’ll need your strength.”

Isa swallowed and turned toward Werian. He placed his hand on her shoulder. Warmth flooded her body. The cuts on her face and neck prickled with heat as they mended. The lump on her head dwindled to nothing, and the dragging tiredness inside her bones dissipated. She was still hungry, but by the time Werian finished, she felt better than she had since taking up with the Brunes.

Rhianne scooped up Nico, who didn’t argue and instead set his head against her shoulder.

“Thank you so much.” Tears blurred Isa’s vision. It had been ages since someone had cared for her. Even though she’d heard of Werian and Rhianne, they were strangers, and Isa probably should have kept her distance. But she was too worn out to fight at this point.

“Let’s make camp.” Werian started back toward the beach. “I think I have some food in the skiff, and I can call some of the crew on shore to bring us some drink.”

“Halt, intruders,” a voice called out.

Isa whirled around. A dozen men walked out of the deep forest, spears aimed and ready.

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