Page 90 of Of Blooming Embers
His jaw ticked, and he held his tongue to the inside of his cheek as if to stop the pulse of it. “She’ll make it. I know she will, and we’ll be there to see her free.”
Swallowing, I offered him a weak smile, and I swore the seam of his mouth wobbled. “Marek, I … I am thankful to call you my kin, and I hope … I hope to get to know you and our family history better. Would that be all right?”
His shoulders slumped. It was a rare bit of softness in him. “In time, cousin. I will share what little I know, but for now, let’s focus on surviving the next part of the prophecy. I can almost hear Yaya chastising us for dragging our heels.”
A wry chuckle left me. “Same, and if one of us is the Scion, my vote is for you.”
His eyebrows furrowed. “I would gladly give the honor to you.”
“We’ll let the Fates decide. If they’re in their cups like you often think they are, it’ll be entertaining to see what happens.”
He shook his head, the side of his mouth finally curving upward. I wasn’t sure if it was the start of a smile or a grimace, but I’d take it. As he turned to leave, my heart flipped, and I had the strongest urge to hug him. To seal whatever invisible bond had taken shape.
Before I thought better of it, I cast myself into his arms, giving hima tight hug. For a moment, his large body stiffened before he tentatively wrapped his arms around me.
“See you soon, cousin,” I said, squeezing his arms before releasing him. This time, he didn’t flinch.
He pulled at his collar, nodded while looking down the hall, and then strode away, tugging at the sleeves of his tunic.
35
THE JESTER AND THE MOON
GAVREL
Kaden stuffed his face with all the courtyard feast had to offer. Mostly, he was acting like himself, but his gaze—his tone—had an edge to it. He was currently gulping down a goblet of honey wine.
“Doing all right, brother?” I asked, chewing on some type of berry.
He shrugged. “Don’t worry yourself on my account. Thank you for coming for me, though.”
“Always.” I thumped my hand on his shoulder twice. “I’m glad you’re safe. You had me worried.”
Staring off into the distance, his head bobbed, and he took another sip. “You think Ma is here?”
My brows furrowed, and I shook my head. “I honestly don’t have faith that she is. Culling doesn’t seem …”
“I know, but there’s always a chance.” He sighed, glancing at me. “What’s our next step? I know you’ve got some sort of plan. Don’t deny it.”
With a heavy exhale, I briefed him on what we’d gone throughduring our time in the Perilous Bogs and the prophecies leading the Korax’s cause.
“Seryn’s work with the Augur—Phantasos—was invaluable. She’s stronger than she knows.” I scrubbed my fingers over the stubble lining my jaw. “And now, learning of her lineage and newfound family, I have no doubt she’ll conquer any obstacle in her path. I suppose we’re all ravens now.”
One of my brother’s eyebrows quirked. “Damn. How’s she taking it? Not being a rebel. Ancients know she was born for it. A Nightshade, though? That must’ve been a shock, and that Marek fellow, he seems like a good time.”
I grunted.
“That fun, eh?” He chuckled, and the sound made my lips lift along the seams.
“She stopped at nothing to find you, you know. I … I’m grateful you’re here … with us.”
My brother’s head bowed, and he rubbed his palm along his nape. Kaden puffed his cheeks out. “I suppose the next step is to figure out a way into that dungeon. Since you’ve gone and become a right rebel.” He wiggled his fingers at me. “So, we destroy this rock. Then what? There has to be a backup plan. I mean, you can’t tell me this entire thing rests on the back of some prophecy. Depends on the word of an Ancient. What have they ever done for us? Bloody fuck all is what.”
“You’re not wrong.”
“So, we make some plans. We take the offensive. We fight.” His eyes lit from within. Just a flicker. But it was more than I’d seen since we’d rescued him.
“Then we fight, but we do it with strategy. Without impulse,” I conceded. “We discussed missions with Neoma and Marek, tactics that would take us to the Pneumalian deserts, Ourea Peaks, and Pyria Island. All the least inhabited areas are where the Korax has its strongholds. Where they recruit and make headway. If we can gather our forces, we can decide where to strike first. Where it makes the most sense.”
