Promising Power: The Protectors, #3

By Emily Ann Loveall

The romance, the adventure, and the magic all culminate in this final book in the Protectors series.

 

When Grace escaped the castle and killed one of the most powerful Protectors, she knew a war was coming. She had no idea others wouldn't want her to be a part of it. Her parents are trying to protect her, the elders refuse to trust her with her family so close, and some even blame her for the prince's actions. Even as her powers evolve and as Sierra manifests her magic for the first time, the two of them are cast out of the fight.

 

Grace knows the answers about their new magic lies in the ancient texts, but they were hidden by the elders. A desperate effort to find them is foiled by another looking for the texts–Kilar. As he turns ally after ally against the Avialies in his quest to gain magic for himself, Grace and her friends are forced to find him to thwart his plans. If Kilar finds what he's looking for, he could be too powerful to stop. Grace, Dar, and Sierra face their biggest foe yet–and they may lose too much in the battle to persevere.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emily Loveall
• Release date: Nov 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9781502289797

Book preview

Prologue

Tell me the story again.

He laughed. Again?

Yes. Her hand squeezed his. Please.

Haven’t you heard it enough?

Yes, but not enough from you. You tell it unlike anyone else.

He sighed, not even trying to hide his smile. All right, if you insist.

I do.

Shh, don’t interrupt.

She giggled, but said nothing, resting her face against his shoulder, her soft skin against his. A warmth spread down his arm to their clasped hands.

He swallowed and concentrated. The story he was about to tell had no happy ending for the one who had fallen in love.

Kalila lived long ago, long before the lands knew about one another, long before our languages, even long before these stars we see now. She lived here on the island, back when there were so many people one couldn’t sleep past sunrise because of their voices. She lived high on the hills with the magics, the powerful ones who ruled over everyone else on the island.

Maybe where their village was now, though his father insisted it was modest compared to the castles the magics had. Castles built from the sweat and blood of nonmagic slaves.

Nonmagic slaves served her food, nonmagic slaves clothed her, and nonmagic slaves bathed and washed her. But the other magics didn’t let her attend their parties or partake in their feasts or marry their sons. She was half-Revealer. Though other half-Revealers may be revered for having two magics, she had no other magic. She was half-Revealer, half-nonmagic. To these magics, she was nothing.

She shifted beside him. Oh, Kalila. She said the name like Kalila was an old friend.

"One evening, as she was sneaking out of the castle walls to visit her nonmagic family, a group of men and women found her. Nonmagics, rebels, searching for a way to gain power they never had. One man Kalila noticed more than the rest. He was charming, he listened to her, he cared for her. His name was Yann.

"She fell in love with Yann, with his passion and his wit. She fell as the stars fall: madly, without warning, and with disastrous consequences. He was a hero in her eyes, and she helped him and the other rebels because she saw the cruelty of the magics and wished to stop it.

On her eighteenth birthday, she let Yann into the castle and showed him a way to gain power over the magics. She knew the magics had misused their gifts, but in her desire, she misused hers, as well. She showed Yann the sacred texts and together, they took powers from six pureblooded magics by taking their lives. Kalila believed they earned it, that they would use it for good, but they twisted that magic into something dark and evil. Together, they gained all six magics: Revealing and Hiding, Communication with Beasts, Mind Magic, Magic of the Flesh, Magic of Alchemy, and Shifting.

Next to him, she made a small noise in her throat. She was like a child, anticipating what happened next in the story, though she’d heard it dozens of times.

With her Mind Magic, Kalila knew the truth about Yann, that he didn’t love her. She tried to kill him, but he escaped, and she began to regret helping him, especially after he killed many more magics. He shared this twisted power with his rebels, and they opened chaos on the island. One man regretted his decision, just as Kalila did.

Vol! she whispered.

He nudged her side. "Yes, Vol. During war and bloodshed, Kalila and Vol found one another. They tried to stop Yann and they tried to destroy those sacred texts with the secret to all magics, but they couldn’t. Not even they were strong enough. So, they hid the island from the world and they hid the world from the island. Most importantly, they hid the sacred texts.

The island was different, and those with new magic—Yann and his rebels—found their children had no magic. It was war and chaos for many years, but Kalila and Vol waited. When the last magic died, they revealed the island and the world to one another. They protected the island and the secret of the texts, even after their mistakes.

It was silent for a moment, and she moved to look at him. He turned his face toward her. In the dark, he could only see the outline of her face, her dark, full lips, the curve of her jaw.

Even after their mistakes, she whispered. I like that you add that.

If Kalila hadn’t helped Yann… he trailed off.

Maybe the magics would still be ruling nonmagics.

Maybe.

Do you think Kalila and Vol…fell in love?

I don’t know. I don’t know if they could, when they were responsible for so much death.

People who are responsible for death can’t love?

He wasn’t sure. He knew little about love, but he also felt that he would do anything to protect the one next to him, anything to make her happy.

Maybe because of their guilt, they found comfort in one another.

Maybe. Why were they still speaking of the story? He’d heard it so many times, had told it so many times, but Alexei loved hearing it.

Darro! a voice called through the night.

He groaned. Not again.

Darro! Alexei! Maniseh’s thick voice echoed off the trees.

Alexei giggled and jumped to her feet. Maniseh, shh! You’re going to wake everyone up! She smiled down at Darro, her white teeth glowing in the moonlight. Meet me here again tomorrow night. Tell me another story.

Darro sat up slowly. Which story?

One with a happy ending.

Maniseh stumbled into the clearing. Alexei! He beamed as he limped toward her, his arms outstretched for her. He swayed to the side, drooling just the slightest, and Alexei evaded a hug, but she did take his hand.

Come on, Maniseh, your mother must be looking for you. It’s late, what are you doing out of your hut? Her sweet voice faded as she led him back to the village. She shot one last look at Darro, who flopped back down onto the grass.

He looked up at the sky and the stars, winking as though they knew something he didn’t. If he wasn’t careful, he would fall like the stars: madly, without warning, and with disastrous consequences.

Chapter One

If one more person told her not to worry, Grace couldn’t be responsible for her actions.

Yesterday it was Jeshro; this morning Lisbeth. Now it was Dar’s mother Natalia. She patted Grace’s knee. Dar had inherited her dark brown, deep set eyes. Natalia had a warmth in them that Grace knew Dar reserved for few people in his life. Natalia, though, bestowed it upon anyone in her path. At times, like now, it felt false, as though she was trying to convince Grace that nothing was amiss. After the speech, we’ll all meet at the manor, she told Grace, but don’t worry yourself about the upcoming preparations.

Upcoming preparations. That was a strange way to describe the coming war.

Mother, Dar said from Grace’s other side, she has a right to worry.

A small smile crept onto her face, and when Grace looked at him, her smile widened.

Of course, of course, Natalia said, but you’ve done so much already, Grace.

Grace tensed. It reminded her of Lisbeth’s comments this morning: enjoy her freedom and safety, spend time with her family and with Dar. As though she was no longer needed.

Unless they needed her to be a spokesperson.

Yesterday, Jeshro asked her if she’d be willing to make a speech. Sierra had mentioned it two days ago when Grace first woke up in the Dar’s family manor, but she couldn’t put it off any longer. The entire town of Rahuda had been taken for the cause of the shape changers. The manor wasn’t enough for the people flooding in from outside cities and even other countries, all of them ready for a war. Rahuda had walls that kept them relatively safe—not to mention a population that was unafraid of a little conflict.

So, they wanted her to speak. Sierra had spoken a few times over the last few days, but the people wanted to hear from the woman who was facing an arrest warrant for stabbing the prince, the woman who killed Tisha and Gregorio. Grace cringed at the thought of that knowledge being public.

The carriage rocked to a stop, and Grace took a deep breath. Jeshro had asked her to say specific things, and she had words she herself wanted to impart to the new rebels. How would she phrase it all?

With a creak the carriage door opened, and Dar stepped out first. He held a hand out for his mother, and Grace came out last.

The last time she’d been in Rahuda, they climbed the walls to find Chad and then ran from guards in a mad dash to save their lives. Since then, Dar’s father, Alastor had apparently weeded out any royal guards who weren’t loyal to the magics. But they were trying their hardest to keep this siege of Rahuda quiet. The longer they could prevent a confrontation with the prince, the more time they had to prepare.

Their carriage had stopped behind a cove of trees, but the rumble of voices was in the air, the sounds of a large group of people. Hundreds, if Dar and Sierra were telling the truth. Grace could see dozens of tents and camps in the lawns outside of her window in the manor, but many others inhabited the rest of Rahuda. This morning, the elders Bea and Harver had returned to their home country, Kleisade, to recruit even more fighters.

Around Grace, the rest of their caravan had stopped and was also dismounting around them. Sierra wore a flowing green dress, her hair pulled into an arrangement of braids and emeralds. The four of them were adorned in stones and matching jewelry: rare gems given by the elders in a show of honor and prestige. Grace’s necklace of diamonds was easily the heaviest thing she’d ever worn, and whenever she moved, the sunlight shone through the stones, playing on her skin or dancing in the air. Evan and Dar wore bracelets and doublets lined with rubies for Evan and sapphires for Dar.

To the side, Lisbeth and Jeshro spoke quietly with Alastor, who planned to introduce Grace. The two elders were also adorned, though not to their extent. Lisbeth wore a simple olive green dress, her long, matching hair a sheet down her back. Jeshro also dressed in green, his arms crossed over his chest as he listened to Alastor.

Adrian stood nearby, his hand on the hilt of his sword. Grace hadn’t seen him since the fight in Nyad, just before they fled into Mumbar Jungle, but before that, he was trying to rape her at Kaiden’s cottage in an attempt to impregnate her. She fought off a shiver, especially at the thought of how much power he had, making decisions and counseling the elders.

Grace’s family was being escorted away by a shape changer named Galvin, presumably to join the rest of the crowd. Her father was a head above Galvin, his hand on her mother’s back.

Kyler grinned at Grace. She shook her head, smiling. He was enjoying this much more than her parents. Her mother was a wreck, and her father…her smiled faded. She wasn’t sure what was going through his head. She only knew that the look he directed at any shape changer who spoke to Grace made her blood run cold.

Lisbeth touched Grace’s shoulder. Are you ready, my dear?

Grace raised her chin. I suppose.

You’ll do wonderfully. You only need to remember what we said this morning.

She nodded. She remembered exactly what they wanted her to say. All of what they wanted said made sense, but it felt strange being fed lines, like she was an actress in a play.

Come, let’s go, Jeshro said, straightening down his tunic.

Alastor and Jeshro took the lead, and Lisbeth steered Grace to follow after them at her side. Grace glanced back at Dar, Sierra, and Evan. Adrian took up the back, still looking wary, as though he expected someone to attack them on the way to the marketplace.

The marketplace was much like the courtyard in Renaul: a large, cobbled area between houses and trees for vendors to gather around a fountain. It was filled with men, women, and children who jostled together as they saw their entourage. A hush of silence fell as Jeshro and Alastor went straight to a platform set up in front of the marketplace by the road.

It was a wall of people in front of the dais, each curious gaze on her or someone around her. When Alastor stepped up the dais, gazes turned to him, the silence spreading even further. He was a stoic man, not unlike his son. He may not be intimidating in the way Grace’s father was, inspiring fear, but he did command respect. His black hair was peppered with gray, and just the slightest of a gut could be seen around his middle.

Grace wondered what Dar might look like when he was old and fat, and it made her smile. Someone brushed against her from behind, and she knew it was him. The solidity of his body, his hand slipping into hers, the wind carrying his scent to her—all signs that finally, they were together.

Alastor raised his hands. Thank you for coming. We gather here today—friends, family, brothers, and sisters. We gather as Avialies and Cosas, Mahris and Zinnas, Thierans and Borens. But we are not all magics. No, we have a few, a special few who fight on our side. You’ve met my daughter Sierra, and today, I’m honored to present to you a protector on our side—Grace Ellengreen!

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers, and Dar’s hand was pulled from hers as Natalia nudged her up the dais. Grace stood next to Alastor until he stepped back and left her alone exposed. Their cheers were deafening. The jubilant faces made Grace’s mouth go dry. They completely filled the courtyard: sitting on each other’s shoulders, climbing on the broken fountain that wasn’t running water. They flooded out of the courtyard, too, filling alleys and sitting in the trees that ran along the side of the courtyard.

Some she recognized from Belisha as the ones who gave her gifts: Avialies who, even then, were convinced she was going to break the curse and were already grateful. Matilda stood near the front, whispering into the ear to Angela, the half-Cosa, half-Zinna who showed Grace Lisbeth’s vision.

Sashe was underneath one of the trees along the side, smiling softly. Kilar had sliced her abdomen open only a week ago, but her bodyguard Ronu, who stood just behind her, had healed her. They could never repay him for saving her life or the life of the child inside her.

Grace raised her hands, and the cheers finally died down. She licked her lips. She wanted to look to Sierra or Dar and find comfort in them, make the speech just for them, but she needed to keep her gaze forward.

Thank you for coming, she finally said. I’m honored and humbled to see your support and your fire.

More cheers broke out. Once they died down again, she continued, You have lived under the reign of the Protectors for more than ten years. You have lost loved ones and friends. She paused as she saw her family in the midst of the crowd. Her father’s expression was stormy, while her mother looked confused. Kyler was on Mother’s other side, nodding for Grace to continue. His light brown hair shone in the sun and stirred in the cool breeze.

She turned her gaze from her family back to the Avialies and magics listening. When I made the choice to fight for you, they turned against me as well. As I’m sure you know, the prince has issued a warrant for my arrest. I was held at the castle against my will and I did attack him to escape. I will not pretend to be innocent, but to target Dar, to say I deserve death, is too much! It shows how arrogant the monarchy has become.

Cheers, mixed with boos and jeers, erupted from the crowd. Grace held her hands up so she could go on.

But what he has done with the edict is far worse. We have worked so hard with King Thomas, with the Protectors, and with governors like Alastor. Now this new prince will ruin everything we’ve worked so hard to accomplish this last year! He is vengeful and power hungry and… She paused, trying not to let any uncertainty show on her face. The only way she could convince those who doubted to fight was with complete confidence. The only way he will give you your true rights is if he fears you. When he realizes that Avialies and Theirans and Cosas and Mahris and Zinnas and Borens and all who support them are not people he can trample under his foot, then he will treat us like people! Only when he sees our strength will he give us what we want. What we deserve!

More cheers. Even Kyler was clapping.

"I know many of you feel this is not your fight, but we need you. When a monarchy can oppress and marginalize one group because of their fear, then no group is safe. We need all of you to show Prince William and Kilar what we’re truly capable of. I believe we haven’t brushed the surface of our collective powers, but together, we can fight for our rights and we can prevail!"

The crowd was only silent for a moment before their shouts and applause filled the whole courtyard, echoing off the walls, thundering in the air. The sound took the breath from Grace’s lungs. All of these people gathered in the city, camping out, risking their lives. Ready for a fight. Sierra came to stand by her side, and when she and Grace linked hands, the roar was deafening. Sierra said Alastor had talked her into making a few speeches while Grace was recovering but she refused today, tired of being on display. Showing herself united with Grace she couldn’t escape.

The two of them were quickly ushered back to the Silva manor. Grace somehow ended up in a carriage with Natalia and Sierra, and Grace felt the tension in the air practically swallowing her up.

Natalia smiled, tears shining in her eyes. I’m so proud of you both.

Sierra stared out the window. Thank you, she mumbled. She fiddled with the necklace of emeralds around her neck.

Natalia opened her mouth as though she wanted to say more, but then shook her head and remained silent.

Grace looked from Natalia to Sierra and let out a breath. She had too much to worry about to add Sierra’s relationships to it all. Her mother still thought the prince would show her mercy and wouldn’t stop pressuring her to turn herself in. Her father looked at Dar with nothing but hate in his eyes. Alastor was planning a war, and she had no idea where she factored into it. She just hoped no more innocent people would be hurt in the process. She knew Adrian would do anything for his people, even raping a woman. She knew Jeshro was ambitious as well, ambitious enough to kidnap a young noble and try to marry her off.

When they reached the manor, many of them gathered in the dining hall for a meeting. The elders, Dar’s family, and Adrian, Sierra, and Evan sat around the table. Cosa leaders had joined them for a few meals, but many of them preferred to eat in their tents outside. Matilda told Grace they were quite elaborate, set up with tables, chairs, and bed frames. Dar sat next to Grace, his hand finding hers underneath the table. She squeezed it and looked at the head of the table, where Adrian, Jeshro, and Alastor were gathered.

What do you think? Grace asked. Was it received well?

Yes, I think so, Alastor said. You defended yourself, but more importantly you rallied them, gave them a clear mission.

What is that mission, truly? Grace asked. She hadn’t attended any of the meetings so far. What are we planning?

Jeshro and Alastor exchanged glances. When no one answered right away, Grace straightened her back. I think I deserve to know what’s going to happen next. Are we targeting Kilar?

He’s at the top of our list, yes, Jeshro said.

But there are easier targets, Evan replied. Lesser Protectors who will be more accessible. But their deaths will be noticed.

Evan, I thought we agreed not to disclose our tactical decisions, Alastor said.

Did we? Evan asked, smirking.

Grace looked back to Alastor. Why would you want to keep them secret from me?

Adrian let out an incredulous laugh. You can’t be serious.

Grace tensed. Just the sound of his voice made her hair stand on end. He glared at her with venom, and her face grew hot under his gaze.

I’d like to know, too, Dar said.

Please enlighten us, Sierra added.

You mean besides the fact that you willingly returned to the castle? Adrian asked. Besides the fact that you were there for more than a month and all you managed to do was get the edict revoked? And besides the fact that your family are still loyal to the prince and the Protectors?

No, they’re not, Grace said, raising her voice.

Since they’ve arrived, your mother has done nothing but try to convince people to turn you in to the prince. Adrian set his hand on the table, his smirk gone. Your father was the King’s General, for God’s sake—

And he’s here risking everything!

For you. Not for us. If he could save you, he’d do anything he had to, even turn us all over.

No, he wouldn’t. He knows I will never return to that life—

Why should we believe that? You did it once before.

Grace’s cheeks grew even warmer. She probably matched the color of Evan’s rubies, and just the thought made her angry. She was nearly yelling when she said, I was saving Dar’s life.

So, would you desert us again if his life was at risk?

Her mouth fell ajar. That wasn’t fair. She’d nearly lost Dar. I left him to die so I could find the ancient texts—

Adrian carried on as though she’d said nothing. You’ve put us all at risk with your silly affair with the prince. You were right there with him and you did nothing to sway him toward us. No, you had to escape—

I tried to sway him! I offered to be a liaison, but—

But you were too concerned with Dar. Too concerned with—

She rose her voice over his. She wouldn’t be drowned out. "Are you intentionally not mentioning that I killed Gregorio? And Tisha?"

Right, yes, you killed them—completely by chance. Could you do that again, if we found Kilar tomorrow?

Grace gritted her teeth. I would try.

You would.

Yes, she snapped. What do you mean to say, Adrian, that I won’t fight for you?

I have no idea what you will or won’t do, he replied. I think you’ve proven to be completely unpredictable.

Well, I know what you would have done if Kaiden hadn’t stopped you, Dar muttered.

Adrian leaned forward, glaring at Dar. And I would do it again, if it meant breaking the curse.

Dar made to stand up, but Grace grabbed his arm.

Adrian, Lisbeth chided. Grace avoided eye contact with anyone at the table. It felt like everyone was looking at her. Did she know what Adrian had done? Who else knew? She couldn’t believe that they all did, or he wouldn’t be here, acting like he was in charge. It was too sickening to think that the opposite was true.

Dar slowly lowered himself back into his seat. You’re sick, he spat at Adrian. What is the point of saving our people if they’re all like you?

Please, Jeshro said, raising a hand. This is getting us nowhere.

No, my question still hasn’t been answered, Grace said. What are we planning next?

A heavy silence answered her.

This is ridiculous, Sierra said with a huff.

Evan leaned toward Grace and said quietly, Don’t worry, I’ll tell you everything when we get out of our meetings.

Evan, what are you saying? Alastor asked, his arms crossed over his chest.

Evan grinned, and he looked ages younger than he usually did. I told her we were targeting lesser Protectors in Shyra first to send a message to Kilar.

Adrian glared at him, shaking his head.

Evan’s grin vanished. If she and Sierra want to know what we’re doing, then they get to know. End of story.

We can’t trust her, Adrian said, and you can’t dispute that.

Yes, I can, very easily.

We should be careful, though, Jeshro said. Grace, we are so grateful for everything you’ve done, but Adrian’s right. Your father is here and we’re not sure of his loyalty. He will place you above anything else, and what if the prince changes his mind about you?

"I won’t change my mind, Grace replied, raising her voice, and I’m the one you’d be telling the plans to. I would never share them with him." Why couldn’t they see that? She was still unsure about her father, as well, but this wasn’t about her father. It was about her, the protector, the one who’d sacrificed so much to help them.

Until we’re sure of his allegiances, it would be safer for everyone, Jeshro said.

But Grace, you sounded so good today, Natalia said, her voice sincere. I think everyone was very encouraged.

The others agreed, nodding and murmuring about how people reacted after the speech. Sierra rolled her eyes at Grace, and Grace couldn’t help smiling.

Natalia stood. Lunch will be served in an hour, so perhaps we should break and get ready.

It was a dismissal of Grace’s questions, but she had the feeling she could no longer push them. Later she could mention it.

Everyone filtered out of the dining hall, and Dar brushed his hand against Grace’s. He opened his mouth as though to say something when Grace was accosted by her mother, who shoved past Sierra and grabbed Grace by the shoulders. "We must talk!" she proclaimed, then dragged Grace down the corridor to the staircase.

Grace looked over her shoulder, sending Dar an apologetic look, but he shrugged and waved a hand at her. Later, she mouthed.

A few moments later, her mother shoved her into her room and slammed the door shut. She spun around and pointed at Grace, her expression severe. Grace, tell me, truly, why do you have such a desire to destroy yourself? Why would you make speeches like that for these people? Don’t you understand what it looks like?

Yes, I do, and—

You do? You realize it sounds like you’re inciting treason and revolution? her mother snapped.

Mother, I told you I’m on the side of the shape changers, and they deserve their rights—

They deserve whatever the King will give them!

Before Grace could respond, the door opened, and her father stepped in. Grace suppressed a sigh. She didn’t need both of them telling her what she already knew—that they didn’t want her here.

Daniel, tell her! Mother exclaimed. He will never accept her back into court if he gets word of this.

Mother, I will never go back to court, Grace said, raising her voice.

Mother gasped and put her hand on her chest. Don’t say such a thing!

Grace, Father said, a note of solemnity in his voice.

Grace pursed her lips as she looked at him, sure of what he was going to say. Come back with us today, and you can live with us. You don’t have to return to the castle, but you don’t belong here.

It’s going to take more than a show of strength to convince William to put that edict back in place, he said.

Her mouth parted in surprise.

Mother huffed with exasperation. Daniel!

Why do you say that? Grace asked.

Because I know that prince, and he’s a stubborn pile of horse shit, Father replied. He’s not going to bow to your wishes unless you force him.

If he sees we’re a threat—

He won’t believe you’re a threat until he’s been dethroned.

"Daniel! Mother yelled. What is wrong with you? Why are you even—you sound like them—this is our daughter, our daughter, and you can’t put these ideas into her head—"

They’re already there, Pearl, Father said shortly, only glancing at her for a moment. He looked at Grace. Aren’t they? You know what needs to be done.

Grace shook her head. What, that we…overthrow the monarchy? That’s preposterous.

It’s the only way.

Will you listen to yourself? Mother asked, her voice hitching an octave. Stop encouraging her! She turned to Grace and gripped her upper arms. "Grace, you can’t do this to your family. We don’t belong here—you don’t belong here!"

Grace pulled away from her. Anger coursed through her, righteous and hot—she was sick of her mother acting like she knew what was better for her than what Grace knew herself. She was tired of her mother ignoring everything she said, brushing over it with her delusions. Yes, I do! she yelled. Nothing you can say will change that!

Tears shone in her mother’s eyes, and before Grace could get another word out, her mother stormed out of the room. Grace let out a sigh, closing her eyes.

I’ll go after her, Father said softly. He left quietly, surprising Grace yet again.

She sat at the ledge by her window, looking out at the grassy lawn where the Cosas from Belisha were camping. Matilda’s fiery red hair caught her eye, and Grace saw her speaking with another Cosa. His name was at the forefront of her mind, but she couldn’t quite recall it. So many new faces, so many new problems, new threats.

A soft knock on her door, and Grace looked up. Come in, she called.

The door opened, and Dar slipped in. Grace grinned, jumping to her feet and running to him. He laughed and caught her in his arms. Even though she’d been awake for two days now, the joy she felt every time she saw him hadn’t faded. They were finally free from the castle, free from the prince and his threats.

He pulled back and kissed her, his arms hugging her to him. She melted into the kiss, his lips soft and warm against hers. His palms flattened on her back, and she breathed in his scent. She pulled back just a fraction to set her forehead on his, and she stroked the back of his neck.

My parents are going to be the death of me, she whispered.

He chuckled. Mine aren’t any better. I wish they’d treat you with more respect.

She smiled wryly. She didn’t want to say anything unkind about his parents, but she couldn’t help one comment. You mean telling me how encouraged everyone was isn’t treating me with respect?

He laughed, but it faded quickly. You deserve to help if you want to. He paused, a smirk coming onto  face. Although, maybe I don’t mind if you’re out of danger for once.

But I’m not. I still have an arrest warrant out for attacking the crown prince.

Dar pinched her hip. That’s my Grace. He kissed her again, and this time he picked her up and carried her to the bed. They stumbled onto the mattress, laughing and fumbling as they struggled to keep their mouths together. Grace could handle it all—the secrets from those planning their next move, the pressure from her parents, the arrest warrant—with Dar at her side, with moments like these.

Chapter Two

Sleep evaded Sierra as the hours went by. Evan was sound asleep next to her, but her body and her mind wouldn’t relent. Since arriving in Rahuda, she had episodes where she felt completely relaxed and others where she felt like it was only a matter of time before something went wrong.

She and Evan were staying in her childhood bedroom, the room where Sashe would braid her hair and they’d talk for hours, the room Evan and Dar weren’t allowed to enter without knocking.

Sierra sat up and crawled out of bed. Evan was dead asleep. The return to Rahuda had been much better for him. He’d slept through every night, and his step had regained a lightness. Occasionally, something would remind them of Seth, and he’d fall silent, his expression drawn. But then he’d come back to her.

The room had a window seat like most of the bedrooms here, and she curled up in it to look at the stars.

The bed groaned, and she looked over to see Evan sitting up.

I didn’t mean to wake you, she said quietly.

He stood, stretching his arms above his head, and he came over to the window. His hand fell on her shoulder. What are you doing up?

I can’t sleep, she whispered.

He looked past her toward the night sky. It’s not too late yet. Do you want to go to the river?

Sierra smiled. They had been to the river a few times, but they hadn’t gone swimming yet. It was probably freezing: the season was changing, but when they were younger, they’d visited it plenty of times during the colder months. Yes.

They sprang into action, changing into different clothes. Sierra pulled on a pair of trousers and as she was pulling her breast band up, Evan came up behind her, hooking his arms around her waist. His breath tickled her ear as he asked, Do you remember when I walked over when you were changing?

She chuckled. Of course. You couldn’t stop staring.

Neither could you, he said. You were surprised I had so many muscles.

It was true. She’d been sixteen, he seventeen, and they hadn’t seen each other in such little clothes for years. He’d developed quite a different body than the scrawny Evan she’d remembered. She turned in his arms and wrapped her own around his neck. His chest was bare now, and he had muscles his seventeen-year-old self could only dream about.

Can you blame me? she asked. You were so scrawny.

He laughed. And you? His hand traveled up, touching her breasts. These were brand new that night. He kissed her softly.

She ducked away from him. Come on, or we’ll never get out there.

He pulled on a shirt, and they crept into the hallway. They went for the steps, and as they passed Grace’s bedroom, the door opened. The figure in the doorway froze when he saw Sierra and Evan.

Dar? Sierra asked. She shook her head; he and Grace had no shame, did they?

Evan snorted. Get Grace, we’re going swimming.

Dar’s face lit up, and he slipped into the room again. They lingered in the hallway, and a few minutes later, Dar and Grace slipped out of the door.

Where are we going? Grace asked, yawning.

To the river, Sierra replied, to go swimming.

Should we get Sashe? Dar asked. The grin on his face made him look years younger.

Sierra considered it, then shook her head. She was complaining at dinner about how tired she was. We’ll ask if she wants to go next time. She couldn’t believe her sister, her own sister, had another life growing in her body again.

As they crept through the house, Sierra felt a familiar thread of worry that they’d get caught, as though she were ten years old again. It was silly, considering they were all adults, but she wanted to avoid a lecture from Jeshro about being respectable and responsible—or worse, Alastor.

Outside, the night air was cool, the breeze bitingly cold. The stars were brilliant above them, the moon full and high in the sky. It illuminated their path as they trudged through the grass. They passed the barn where they used to play games and, when they got older, sneak in wine. Sierra had spent countless nights there with Dar, Evan, Sashe, and Seth.

They crept past tents of camping families. The closer they got to the river, the quicker Sierra moved. When she saw the rock jutting out over the river, she beamed. She turned to Grace. Evan asked me to marry him on that rock.

Grace smiled. Really? That’s amazing. I can’t believe all your history here.

I first changed into a fish here, Dar announced.

Sierra rolled her eyes. She stripped off her shirt, leaving her in just her breast band, then she kicked off her shoes. I’m going to jump in.

Grace gasped. You are not! It’s freezing!

Sierra and Evan both laughed. You two are perfect for each other, Evan said. He had his shirt off, too, and his shoes joined Sierra’s on the grass. Then he was grabbing Sierra’s arm and pulling her up the rock.

At the top of the rock, he pulled her closer to him, his arms around her waist. You’re my best friend.

The stupid grin on her face only grew bigger. He’d told her that the night he asked her to marry him. And you’re mine, she replied, echoing the words she’d said in response years ago.

He kissed her, and it wasn’t soft like the one they’d shared moments ago in the room. It was hungry and passionate, his hands pushing into her back, his mouth branding, as though Grace and Dar didn’t exist, as though nothing else existed.

Then he pulled back, and a sly smile slipped onto his face.

Evan, don’t you dare— she began.

He shoved her off the side of the rock, but she grabbed his arms. He let out a cry, and they both went careening through the air. Sierra plunged into the water, and the frigidness took her breath away. Evan’s limbs scrambled around close to her, nearly kicking her. She broke the surface, gasping for air. Evan’s laugh was the first thing she heard, and she splashed blindly. His laughs only grew louder.

When Sierra wiped water from her eyes, Evan was a few feet away. I hate you! she called.

No, you don’t, Evan said. The white of his teeth gleamed in the night as he grinned at her.

Grace and Dar were still in the shallow end, the two of them shivering as they held hands. Grace stood deeper in the water than Dar, and she was tugging on his arm.

You two are adorable, Sierra called.

And you two are sickening, Dar replied. "No one wants to see you grope