Page 85 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

“Renya.” Cressida instantly responded, eyes flicking towards her. “The deer.”

“A deer? Why me?”

“You've always been drawn to elkten. Even as a babe. And it's your mate's guardian animal.”

“Then why not me?” Grayden asked, and Renya could tell that he was not happy about the possibility of her doing this without him. She knew he would take her place in a heartbeat if he could.

“Because it's not,” Cressida responded.

Grayden frowned, and opened his mouth to argue, but Cressida stopped him. “You're not the light bringer.”

The prophecy. It all made sense. It had to be Renya. But who else?

“The Fox...” Cressida said, instantly looking at Selenia. “The clever, sly Fox.”

“Absolutely not!” Sion yelled, shielding Selenia with his body.

“Do you think this is my choice?” Cressida responded. “This has been foretold.”

“Sion. She's right. I...I can feel it. Even with my magic gone, I can still...I know.”

Cressida looked smug.

“Fine,” Sion said, looking at the ground, and Renya could tell he was incredibly upset. She watched the interaction between the two, seeing such similarities in her relationship with Grayden. Selenia moved in to kiss Sion, and he seemed to soften.

Just like Grayden would.

“Who's the last?” Agatha asked, looking at her sister.

“Phillippe.”

Momentarily stunned, the group was silent for several seconds.

“How can that be—”

“Never had magic—”

“—must be mistaken—”

“Silence!” Cressida commanded, and the outcry stopped.

Phillippe stepped forward, his face a mask of determination tinged with uncertainty. Renya's gaze shifted to Esmeralda, whose eyes widened in shock and fear. The princess's hands trembled as she reached out to grasp Phillippe's arm, her knuckles white with the force of her grip.

“No,” Esmeralda whispered, her voice barely audible. “You can't go. We don't know what's in there, what dangers you'll face.” Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

Phillippe gently placed his hand over hers, his thumb stroking her skin reassuringly. “If it's me, I'll gladly go,” he said, his voice strong and steady despite the conflict evident in his eyes. “But I have my doubts.”

“I've never seen more of a bear than the one before me,” Cressida replied.

Esmeralda's breath hitched, a sob catching in her throat as the reality of the situation sank in. She buried her face in Phillippe's chest, her shoulders shaking with silent tears. Phillippe wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as he looked over her head at the others, his expression a mixture of resolve and concern.

“How do we test it?” Renya asked Cressida, her heart aching for Esmeralda and Phillippe.

This time the oread spoke. “Three may pass,” she repeated, standing in front of the archway.

“Well, I guess that's how we find out.” Renya moved to Grayden and gave him a passionate kiss. She pulled away, but he tugged her back to him, resting his head against hers.

“Come back to me, my Lightbringer. And whatever you do, don't risk our daughter.” He placed his hand over her middle, and Renya watched him swallow hard. She couldn't believe he was letting her go, but he'd changed so much over the last few months, trusting her and letting her come into her own.

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