Page 50 of A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty

“Yes,” Papa said. “But they ate the weak of character.”

“What does that mean?” I asked, sticking my thumb back in my mouth.

“These creatures could see into the heart of all—humans, fae, and hybrids. And they judged them accordingly.”

Tibris frowned. “So, if you’re mean, the creatures won’t like you?”

Papa smiled. “It takes humility, bravery, and true strength to be able to bow before such creatures. If you ever see one,do not run.”

“Pris?”

“Sorry, I was remembering a story Papa told me about some strange creatures. Now, I wonder if he was telling me what he could about the hybrid kingdom.”

“We’ll see it one day, won’t we?” Asinia asked.

I studied my best friend, and my heart clenched at the desperate hope in her eyes.

She was asking if it would be worth it. If everything we’d suffered—and the suffering that was sure to come—would be worth it one day. If she would be able to find some kind of meaning in her mother’s death. If we would gohome.

“We’re not just going to see it, Asinia. We’re going to live there. You’re going to have an incredible life. A life of peace and joy. I promise.”

CHAPTERNINE

The next morning, I splashed water on my face in an attempt to shake the dregs of sleep from my mind. Last night after dinner, I’d spent my time wandering through the camp. Lorian had joined me for some of it, giving me a tour of the fae side of camp.

He’d been completely sober, almost reserved. We were both being very careful with each other. In fact, he’d almost treated me like a stranger. Just as I’d insisted I wanted.

My gut twisted, and I forced myself to shove that thought deep down into the depths of my mind.

The fae who’d spotted Lorian had treated him with respect and a little awe. He’d spent time talking with anyone who approached, and they’d watched me curiously until I finally began introducing myself.

I had a feeling the number of fae here was due to the surge in hybrid numbers over the past ten years. Something told me the fae king would prefer to have enough fae here to take care of any potential uprising and to prevent groups of hybrids from deciding to explore the fae lands further.

For the hybrids, this camp was a sanctuary, but it was also a prison. We would change that. One day, the hybrids would be able to travel without fear. And it would all start with the hourglass. Telean had said I could wield its power on the battlefield. And I would wield that power as many times as it took to free the hybrids.

Thoughts of my aunt made my shoulders tense. I missed her steady presence. By now, she’d be in the fae capital, waiting for me to meet her.

But she understood exactly why I needed to be here. She’d wanted me to visit this camp first. I clung to that thought as I braided my hair. Today, I’d start training. But I was also hoping to talk to Galon.

If Lorian hadn’t destroyed Crawyth, I needed to know why everyone thought he had. I needed to learn the truth—and soon. Because the more time I spent with him, the more difficult it was to picture him slaughtering my people. I was afraid that with him, I lost all judgment. All semblance of reason seemed to abandon me.

My parents—who’d died protecting me—deserved more than that. The hybrids deserved more than that. AndIdeserved more than that.

A man let out a howl of laughter outside my tent, yanking me from my thoughts. I pulled on my boots and stood.

Before I’d gone to sleep last night, I’d found training clothes on my bed. I wore a pair of tight leggings and a simple, knee-length tunic with a wide leather belt around my waist. Taking the knife Lorian had given me, I slid it into my sheath.

“Pris?” Tibris called, and I stepped outside. He surveyed me. “You look ready.”

“I don’t think you can ever be truly ready for training with Galon.”

He gave me a crooked grin and slung his arm over my shoulders. “How are you?”

“Fine.”

“Pris.”

“I’m better now that I’m here. With everyone. You and Demos seem to be working well together.”

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