Page 35 of King Elijah (The Zemiran Chronicles 2)

Fifteen

JANELLE’S ARMS FOLDED defiantly as King Elijah wrapped a rope tightly around her wrist, then attached the other end to his. He channeled his magic into the fibers, hardening them into a steel-like quality that couldn’t be cut.

“Is that really necessary?” she asked, a bitterness to her tone.

Elijah flashed her a humorous smile. “Well, I can’t have you running from me or trying to kill me again,” he said.

“You have the Newick gem back. I’d be a fool to fight against your magic,” she said. “I only want my brother safe. That’s all—”

It didn’t take much to convince her about the plan, but he was sure that she would set out herself without him if the rope connecting them were to be severed.

“No, you want to take down Kieran yourself.” He sized her up. “It is the only thing I like about you. Besides, you’re still my prisoner because you thought throwing a weapon at my face would somehow get you on my good side.” He gripped his large satchel of traveling supplies and threw it over his shoulder. “And now you’re my travel guide,” he added.

“You’re an idiot to try to storm into that city without your soldiers,” Janelle said.

“They are coming,” he reminded her, “just a few days behind. And you will be surprised as to what my magic can do. I won’t risk the crew’s lives or my fighters unless I can see with my own eyes what we’re dealing with. They’ll be ready when I send for them; Liam is already gathering half my soldiers to ensure Zemira is not left without defense. The plan is to not get caught before we find Aiden.” A smile pulled at his lips. “You know your way around that land more than I do. The two of us can fight them together if we must—”

“May I remind you it is not the coven that is deemed the only threat,” she said.

“Right, that shadow thing,” he said. “I haven’t forgotten.”

Elijah couldn’t stop thinking about that unknown creature. If they could reach Kieran before he used the coven to attack them and take Janelle, they would perhaps have a chance at reaching peace to fight that thing together. Maybe it would be enough to bargain for her freedom.

But peace would be replaced by blood if he so much as touches Janelle or the Zemiran soldiers, he said in his mind. And Aiden too.

“Elijah, are you sure you can’t take some of us?” Lincoln asked. “Even traveling up that mountain is madness.”

“We have packed enough supplies to help us get there,” Elijah said. “We’ll be fine. What I need is in two days: the Zemiran soldiers by the top of the mountain and your ship waiting idly outside the Mylorian docks. I’ll call for you when it’s safe.” He tapped his pocket where he held the Voleric pendant.

“The horses are ready,” Liam said.

“Everything else ready?” Elijah asked him, and Liam responded with a curt nod. Elijah turned to Lincoln. “Wait to feel my power, then ready the ships. I don’t want you on their land. Not yet.”

Nola stepped forward, leaning in to kiss Elijah on the cheek. “Be safe.” She turned to Janelle. “Try not to kill him, please.”

Janelle let a small smile slip, but a scowl immediately replaced it when Elijah yanked her forward.

“We’ll see you at the port,” Nola said, raising her voice. “If you need us sooner, I’ll use my siren call to send any creature on this land to save you.”

Elijah dragged Janelle away but was careful to keep her from falling. He hooked his foot in the stirrup and swung up onto the horse’s back.

“We aren’t sharing that horse, are we?” she asked as he reached out to help her up.

“As I said, you’re still my prisoner.” Janelle rolled her eyes as he pulled her up and settled her on the saddle between his legs. “Don’t look too excited,” he added before leaning forward. “I know you’re scared.” She turned to look him in the eyes. “And I swear to the stars, I will risk my own life to save Aiden if I have to.”

Janelle’s features softened. She gave him a subtle nod before Elijah kicked his heels and they set out for Whitestone Mountain.

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