Page 110 of Riftborne
“Well, I’m willing to start fresh. I owe you that at least.” I reached out with my mug. “Agreed?”
He tapped the rim against mine, and we both took a long drink.
“Agreed.” He ran his fingers through his hair and his posture softened.
“Don’t hurt her.” I narrowed my eyes before smiling playfully.
“You have my word.” He smiled. “Care for another round?”
I looked down to see I’d nearly finished my ale. “Erm–sure.” I handed it to him.
“It’s on me,” he replied as he walked toward the bar.
I glanced toward the pool table, noticing that Mercer was whispering something to the group. Raine, Briar and Draven all looked pale.
What’s going on?
It was then that I heard the heavy screeching of metal doors opening. My head snapped to the right. All five Generals stepped out onto the platform above the hallway to the lobby.
Laryk gripped the railing. There was an intensity in his expression, his jaw clenched in a hard line.
“I need everyone’s attention.” His voice boomed through the crowd, and silence fell over the room.
“Prepare for deployment. We leave for the West at sundown.”
CHAPTER 39
I felt my heart stop.
Raine rushed over to me, with Draven and Briar trailing close behind.
“Another string of attacks in Stormshire. Even worse than last time. There are 60 dead.”
My mind was racing as Raine pulled me out of my chair and dragged me to our room to pack. My lips couldn’t form words. I began pushing uniforms, tools, and the last of my healing tonics into my bag.
Healing tonics.
Ma.
My heart jolted back into action as I fastened my bag and spun around.
“I have to go. I need you to cover for me. I’ll be back as soon as I can,” I directed, not leaving room for disagreement.
“Whatever it is, just make it quick.” Raine’s eyes were heavy.
I nodded before grabbing my bag and rushing out of the room, stopping in the hall as realization washed over me.
The blood oath.
I couldn’t warn Ma about anything. She wouldn’t even know it was coming before it was too late.
My mind raced, stomach lurching at the thought of leaving her unaware.
The two sides of me warred, my old life slamming into my new one. But I didn’t have time to think about it.
I didn’t need an oath to keep my promise to Sídhe. I had sworn that fealty just hours before, and I had meant it. Even without my blood. My loyalty to Ma didn’t negate my loyalty to the Guard. Both could exist at once.
That blood vial was the only thing standing in my way.
