Page 81 of Ecliptic

Five weapons had been forged overnight—a feat from the master bladesmiths. Each one was placed on the table, except for the one strapped to my thigh, their edges gleaming with an ethereal glow. Rowen took the largest.

Bailon placed the sample rock on the table and said, “Even a little goes a long way. The metal flattens out nicely. We can make a few more while you are away.”

Maddock quickly charged the stagnant rock with Light. “Here you go,” he said, looking pleased that he had been able to help again.

Rowen glanced between Bailon and Leer. “Thank you,” hesaid, the Light shining in his emerald eyes. “These are magnificent. A true testament to your skill.”

“They are amazing,” I agreed, though mine was my favorite.

“The Alcreon Light certainly adds a celestial flare,” Leer said, offering me an approving nod.

Maddock inspected the newly forged weapons on the table and grabbed the one that spoke to him. “There are two left. I know one is for Dyani, but who else will be joining us on this perilous quest?

“We told Dyani to pick the fifth,” I said, trusting her explicitly.

“Now that you know your warriors, please find Enrin and end his suffering,” Leer urged, his voice heavy with emotion, and I briefly wondered if they were more than friends. “I would like to know his blue eyes have closed in peace.”

Rowen gripped Leer’s shoulder, a firm promise in his gaze. “We will. I promise we will.”

Rowen, Dyani, Maddock, and I prepared for our mission in the weapon storeroom. The space was filled with gleaming blades, piles of fighting leathers, and various combat accessories. Rowen grabbed some extra rope, supplies, and bandages and stuffed them into his rucksack. We slowly built the armor over our arms and chests.

We were all quiet, focusing on the mission ahead.

As Rowen slipped a fighting leather through my arm, he glanced at Dyani. “Who did you ask to be our fifth?”

Dyani flipped her ponytail off her shoulder. “Minroe.”

“The little one you spar with?” he asked, tightening the strap on my shoulder.

She huffed, straightening the silver bands on her arms. “Don’t let her hear you say that. She’s more vicious than I am."

“She’s late,” Rowen said, unamused, as his hands roved over my body, adjusting my straps with deft precision.

“She’ll be here.”

Rowen tightened my thigh strap and slipped my newly forged blade into the holster, ensuring it was secure. “I haven’t seen you spar with her in a while. Everything all right between you two?”

Dyani rolled her eyes. “All you need to know is that I trust her with my life. She may be small, but she’s absolutely lethal.”

Rowen started to check and tighten my leathers again, but I stopped him, placing my hand over his. “They’re good, Rowen. Any tighter, and I won’t be able to breathe.”

He paused, catching himself, and flashed me a grin. “Apologies, my flame. You look incredible.”

I couldn’t help but smile back, helping to ease the tension. “I feel like a badass,” I said, patting the illuminated star blade at my thigh.

Rowen’s gaze trailed up my body with heat, admiration, and pride. “You are a badass.”

A clattering sound echoed from the corner of the room, drawing our attention. “Hey, am I wearing these right?” Maddock asked, turning around and looking like a jumbled mess of straps.

A silent beat lingered in the air. “No,” we all said in unison before laughter filled the room.

I’d given Madds a hard time in the past, and rightfully so, but I had to admit, I was glad he was here to help ease the tension.

All three of us helped Madds fix his leathers when the door suddenly slammed open. All our gazes shot to Minroe, standing in the threshold, fully dressed and ready for battle.

If she found it strange that all our hands were on her former prisoner, she didn’t mention it.

The last time I’d seen her, she let me pass unlawfully to visit Maddock. We’d essentially committed a crime together, but now, striding toward the center of the room, she acted as if that never happened. She picked up the last remaining blade and inspected it with an appreciating nod. She shoved it into her holster and said, “Let’s get this over with.”

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