Page 14 of War Of Fire and Fortune
“How much do you know?” I demanded, the words sharp and raw, laced with the anger and betrayal boiling inside me from everyone I thought I knew.
She sighed, her eyes softening, as though she knew how much her answer would hurt. “I know about Crow being Kade,” she admitted, her voice quiet but steady. “I knew about your mating bond long before you got here.” Her voice was quieter now. “And . . .” She hesitated, glancing at me like she was bracing for my reaction. “. . . it seems like you haven’t solidified it yet.” She paused, taking a step closer. “And I know about Ace.” The apology in her eyes was undeniable. “Although, him being left behind . . . that was never supposed to happen. It wasn’t part of the plan.”
“You knew all of this,” I whispered, my voice quivering, “and you didn’t say anything? Who else knew?”
Her shoulders sagged. “I didn’t want to hurt you,” she said softly. “None of us did, but you knowing could have put everything at risk. We couldn’t risk Valos finding out the truth. The only way to keep the information from spreading was to keep it to ourselves. To keepyouin the dark—and it’s a goodthing we did considering when he had you, he was able to get into your head somehow.”
“Who else knew?” I asked again.
“My seconds.” The answer was like a blow to the gut. Shay and Baron. Shay had become one of my closest friends, yet she’d harbored so much from me.
“What was the plan, exactly?” My words were heavy with frustration and heartbreak.
“Rhet was going to Hollow us there and Ace would get you out—” she explained, but I cut her off.
“Rhet has shadows too?” I guessed it made sense with them being brothers, but fuck, another thing I didn’t know.
“Yes, they are both half Celestial Fae. After Ace got you out, Rhet would Hollow you back. Kade wasn’t supposed to tell you his true identity yet. He was supposed to get you to the catacombs while we created a battle for a distraction. After that, he was supposed to join the frontlines with his father and Rhet so that they looked united in the face of their enemies. But Kade didn’t leave you there to wait for Ace because he told you the truth, and then Valla showed up. Valla finding the catacombs threw us. We had to improvise, and . . .” Her voice broke again, softer now. “I’m sorry about Ace. I truly am.”
The words hung in the air, but they did nothing to soothe the fire raging inside me.
“You improvised, and Ace paid the price,” I summed up bitterly.
“He knew the risks, and he went in willingly. Until we can figure out what Valos wants with you, I suggest you pull yourself together and start training. You still need to master earth. We've been discussing our next move," Atreya said, gesturing to the documents spread before her. "I'm planning a journey to Woodhaven during Aster’s son’s coronation. I need to secure analliance with their new king if we hope to stand a chance against Ember."
“Don’t they already help us?”
“Yes, but I need more men. The previous king wasn’t very fond of my ideas.”
"And you think the new king will be?"
Atreya's eyes met mine, a flicker of uncertainty passing through them. "He doesn’t have a choice. The alternative is too dire to contemplate.” Atreya continued, her voice softening as she changed the subject. "I think it would be best if you continued your training. It could be a good distraction, and it will certainly help us in the future as all of this unfolds.”
I nodded, grateful for something to focus on besides the ache in my heart. "You're right.”
"Good," Atreya said, a hint of relief in her voice. "Luana can help you.”
I left Atreya's tent without another word, my mind whirling. The camp bustled around me, but I barely noticed as I made my way to Luana's tent. I found her sitting outside it, her shoulders slumped and her eyes red-rimmed. My heart ached at the sight of her grief.
"Luana?" I said softly, not wanting to startle her.
She looked up, and I saw the tracks of tears on her cheeks. "Hey," she whispered, her voice hoarse.
I sat beside her, unsure what to say. How did you comfort someone when your own heart was breaking?
"I was just thinking about Ace," Luana started, a sad smile playing on her lips. "Reminiscing about when he tried to help me put the fire out in the food tent and he used his wind and all it did was fan the flames." She smiled painfully, and a laugh bubbled up from my chest.
“There was one time he shoved me out of a tree to teach me how to air bend."
We shared a look, and for a moment, the grief lifted, replaced by the warmth of shared memories.
"I miss him," Luana said softly.
I nodded, feeling the same ache. "Luana, I— I was wondering if you'd be willing to train me in earth bending. Atreya thinks it would be good for me to finish mastering the elements, and it would keep both of us busy until Ace returns,” I requested, refusing to believe anything else.
Luana's eyes lit up, a spark of life returning to them. "It would be my honor." She reached out to squeeze my hand. "When do you want to start?"
I met her gaze. "Now."
