Page 137 of Stormvein
I know he’d prefer complete obedience, but we’ve moved beyond that dynamic … if it ever existed in the first place. Whatever happens today, we’ll face it as equals. Different but balanced, each with our own power, our own purpose.
He accepts my compromise with a slight nod. His thumb strokes along my jawline. “Yes, I would.”
His head lowers, and his lips touch mine in a kiss so brief that he’s stepped back before I can react, leaving me gaping at him in shock at his clear public display.
“Are you coming or staying with the horses, Ellie?” His voice drifts back to me, snapping me out of my frozen state, and making me hurry to catch up to them.
We climb steadily toward the high ground that will give us a perfect view of the meeting place. The ground grows more treacherous with each step—loose stones threatening to roll beneath our feet, narrow paths forcing us to climb in single file. Sacha leads, I follow behind, with Varam and the others bringing up the rear.
“There.” Sacha stops when we reach a rocky outcropping near the summit. “Blackstone Ridge.”
I step up beside him, following where he points. Below us spreads a natural hollow, partially surrounded by the towering rock formations that give it its name. Black stones rise on three sides, creating an amphitheater-like space only on the southern approach. The ground within is flat, covered in sparse grass and scattered stones.
“Where will she meet Sereven?”
“In the center of the hollow. Maximum visibility from all sides, which also means maximum danger for Lisandra.”
“And for you, if Sereven realizes you’re here.”
Something flickers across his face—not quite denial, but not quite agreement either.
“Our position gives us an advantage. Height, distance, multiple escape routes if needed, and the rocks are dark enough that I can use shadows to hide us without it being obvious to anyone looking.”
Varam instructs the fighters to take their positions—one to our left watching the eastern approach, another to our right monitoring the western path. Varam positions himself behind us, watching our backs.
“When will they arrive?” I settle behind a large boulder that offers concealment and a view of the hollow below.
“Lisandra should be approaching from the south now. Sereven will come from the east. He’ll be cautious and want to confirm she’s alone before coming out into the open.”
“How many guards will he bring?”
“I don’t know. Most will be positioned out of sight. Some will be watching from positions similar to ours.”
My stomach tightens into knots. We could be being watched just as we are watching. Authority soldiers could be positioned in places around us, monitoring our movements.
Sacha must guess my thoughts, because he touches my arm. “The raven has confirmed no one is here yet, no one is watching us. But stay low. Any movement could draw attention.”
We wait in tense silence while the sun climbs higher, its light shining down on the hollow below. I find myself holding my breath when a small figure appears at the southern approach. Lisandra, walking alone toward the center of the space. Her hands are unbound now, part of the necessary illusion that she’s here of her own volition.
“She’s early.” Varam’s voice is tense.
“Deliberately. It’s a message to Sereven that she’s eager to deliver her information. Making him believe she fears failing him.” Sacha’s voice is soft and sure.
From where I’m positioned, I can see how still Lisandra stands when she finally reaches the center of the hollow. She waits there, head high, hands linked together in front of her.
Minutes pass by with excruciating slowness.
Then movement at the eastern approaches draws my attention. A group emerges from the shadow of the black stones—about a dozen figures walking slowly in a group.
“Sereven.” There’s a bite to Sacha’s tone. “The one in the center in the crimson robes.”
I focus on the approaching figures. Even at this distance, Sereven’s authority is evident in his bearing. Tall, straight-backed, wearing the formal regalia that marks his rank within the Authority hierarchy. Surrounding him are guards in military uniform, hands resting on the pommels of their swords.
“Are there more?”
“Yes. Hidden among the rocks.”
“Have they seen us?” My heart rate picks up speed.
