Page 247 of Awakened

“In case you missed it, there’s a wall of fire out there that’s miles long. We have no way past that thing. Which means we have no way to get the Omega back. Unless you’re suggesting one of us try sprinting straight through the flames, in which case I’d like to point out that killing myself won’t help anyone.”

“Might help, Idril, though,” Riven mutters.

“She doesn’t hate us,” I toss back, falling on the couch with a groan. “I don’t think she hates anyone—except her father. Somehow, she isn’t cynical or mistrustful… even after growing up the way she did. Somehow, despite an entire life trapped in that prison of a house⁠—”

I jump to my feet. The answer to Riven’s question hits me so suddenly it sends adrenaline coursing through my veins.

“Her house. That’s the answer. When we found her mother, do you remember what she said?”

Dax frowns. “I didn’t hear any of their conversation, and I didn’t ask. Too busy trying not to get my neck ripped out by a Severed.”

“Her mother told her she left something for her—buried it under the willow tree. It’s where they used to hide from Idril’s father.”

“Wait.” Riven stands, raising his hands, and steps in front of me to stop my pacing. “What the hell is buried there?”

“I don’t know. She didn’t say.”

“Another mystery.” Riven shakes his head. “You know, this is not nearly as fun as the movies make it out to be.”

Dax frowns. “Why hasn’t anyone taken her there to get it? This sounds like something we should have made a priority.”

“I don’t know, man. It’s been busy. And I don’t think anyone wanted to push her about her mother after she watched her literally die right in front of her.” I wave him off, my excitement growing the more I consider it. “What matters is that there’s something there. Something important. Something Idril was sure would provide her with answers.”

Riven lifts his glass toward me in a mock toast. “See? That’s what I’m talking about. A plan.”

At this point, I’m damn near bouncing on the balls of my feet. I feel invigorated. Ready to go. Riven was right; this is exactly what we need.

This is my chance to do something. Something helpful.

And maybe, when Idril returns, I’ll have some answers for her. Which, if I’m being honest, is the real reason for my excitement.

I’m starting to understand that there’s nothing I won’t do to apologize to Idril. Nothing I won’t do to see her smile, especially after I’ve been the reason for so many of her tears.

It’s almost a compulsion, this need to show her the real me. Not the asshole I’ve let fear turn me into.

“Should we get Caelan?” Dax asks, scratching at the scruff on his chin he hasn’t bothered to shave.

I shake my head, grabbing a sweatshirt as I make my way toward the door. “No. There’s no chance he’ll leave right now. Not if it means leaving Idril. He’ll want to be here in case she comes back.”

“You’ll have me, anyway.” Riven pushes between us and claps Dax on the back, leaning around him to open the door—and shoving him through it. “You know what they say… four’s a crowd.”

“Three’s a crowd,” I correct, following him down the hall.

“Not when I count for two,” he tosses back.

“That makes no fucking sense,” I mutter.

“Now you’re getting it!” He smirks, as if I’ve just stumbled upon some big secret.

Well, no going back now. At the very least, this’ll be interesting.

Either that, or someone’s going to get staked.

Chapter 30

Vaelenor

By the time we pull into the drive at the Varenthrall Estate, the excitement has turned into a lead weight the size of a stone in my gut. The last time we were here was to pull Caelan out of literal hell.