Page 109 of Ruin of Revenants

Orchid sat side-by-side on my bed with me as I finished my tale, going quiet for a minute as she processed everything. “The barrier is broken?” she murmured at last. Her forehead was pinched, her gaze stormy.

I nodded somberly.

Orchid’s eyes filled with tears. “I can tell Liana, ask her to try to see the army if she hasn’t yet. Then we can make it seem like her own news to share so no one suspects anything or asks how I found out.” She hesitated a beat. “Once I finish with her, I’ll be back with food. I’ll help you prepare.”

“Thank you.”

Once Orchid left, I decided there was nothing but time to kill. Trying to calm my racing, anxious thoughts, I drew a bath and scrubbed off the dirt and grime from my travels. It was relaxing, soothing my aching muscles and helping me calm down a little. By the time I’d finished drying off, dressing, and combing through my hair, Orchid had brought in a tray of food.

“Are you sure no one will suspect you for bringing food in here?” I asked, arching an eyebrow.

She grinned. “I was careful. No one saw me.”

“Were you able to share the news?”

Orchid nodded somberly, her pink curls bobbing with the motion. “I spoke to Liana. She’d already seen a vision of the revenant army.” She shuddered. “She also saw Vithenna appear briefly, probably whenever she undid the spell Maris cast to erect the border around Rainsong. She went directly to the king.”

I nibbled on bread, cheese, and fruits, but it was difficult to stomach much more than that. I left the heavier options Orchid had brought, choosing to sip a cup of steaming tea.

Not long after I started eating, I heard warning bells clanging throughout the city, along with shouts as news criers raced through the streets, telling the citizens to take cover while they rallied every available soldier and guard to prepare to fight.

Orchid joined me at the window, where we could see the castle grounds already filled with nobility retreating from walks through the gardens and guards marching off to receive their orders. “You have to be tired from your travels,” the maid said at last. “Try to get some rest. I’m going to prepare some clothes for you before…” She swallowed. “Before they’re on us.”

For a while, I sat snuggling Onyx and sipping tea as my mind whirled. Hours passed in uneasiness as I wondered when the revenants would draw near. If I’d sense them. Or if Archer would somehow arrive first and find me here.

But eventually, my weariness won, and I fell into a dreamless sleep.

A knock on my door pulled me from my slumber. Onyx was curled beside me, his stomach rising and falling peacefully. Early morning sunlight filtered through the window, but it was in a shade of grey that warned of a building rainstorm. It felt fitting, knowing of the horrors that were approaching.

“I’m sorry to wake you,” Orchid said softly, “but the prince has arrived.”

My stomach tightened with terror.

“Don’t worry,” Orchid hastened to add. “I’ve been watching for him. He hasn’t been to his quarters yet. He went straight to meeting with the king, and he, Owen, and Lily are in the war room now. We should have time to get you dressed, and you can sneak out as they prepare.”

Orchid offered me my clothes, letting me tug on my leggings and tunic before she helped me tighten the leather corset, one she said was magically reinforced to repel weapons.

“How do you do that?” I asked in awe.

Orchid smiled at my amazement. “Earth magic. I can craft the clothing to do my bidding—to an extent. It has been spelled to turn away other elements—metal, wood, or even more of the same, if someone were to strike you with a leather gauntlet, perhaps. It won’t last forever, but it will help protect you longer and more effectively than metal, but with more flexibility to move.” Then she helped me put on a few leather pieces of armor she’d magicked the same way—a pair of vambraces that were secure yet pliable and left my hands exposed to wield my flames, and a set of greaves to help protect my legs.

“This is wonderful. Thank you, Orchid.” My eyes filled with tears as I turned to her. “Thank you for thinking of my magic and…” I swallowed, holding up my hands.

“It’s my pleasure. You’re one of the kindest females I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and serving.” Orchid sniffled. “Do you…do you think there’s any hope for us? For Emberglade?”

I met her anxious gaze. “Yes,” I said firmly, letting that conviction settle into my bones. “There is always hope.”

Chapter Fifty-Two

Archer

“So you lost the fire demon and angered Vithenna to the point that she destroyed the barrier?” Father practically roared.

Seated at his side in the war room, Briar looked concerned. Originally, I’d assumed it was because she worried for her own life and comfort, but the looks she kept casting between Father and myself had me wondering if maybe, deep down, she was remembering our childhood together. Once, we’d been closer. Before Mother had died, Briar hadn’t been so self-absorbed, consuming her time with lovers that fed her ego and every luxury to enhance her beauty. Did she feel bad about how hard Father was on me? Was she maybe worried for Rainsong—for more than just herself?

“The phoenix shifted into her demon form and escaped,” I ground out. “And Vithenna has chosen to punish Emberglade with the undead army because we are usurpers. The land hasn’t accepted us, and the gods haven’t either.”

Father’s orange eyes narrowed.