I just watch her, barely touching my food, until she lifts her head and stares at the window, where a small blue bird is tapping on the glass and chirping incessantly. I wonder how it got down here, but then, these people love animals. They must allow some of them in the tunnels.“What is it saying?
*Raven*An odd sense of calm washes over me, even when Kieren has ascended back above ground, back into the sun. I pick up the teacup my aunt Nola gave me and sniff it suspiciously. She knew this would be hard for me, so she must have slipped me something to calm me down. The thoughtfulness touches
‘My parents can visit, of course,’ I say with a laugh. ‘Not too often,’ he nearly growls. ‘And not for several weeks after I return. Maybe months.’ I turn my head and giggle into a nearby pillow that’s still covered in his scent. I breathe him in deeply, and the ache is dulled. ‘Trouble,’ he says
*Kieran* I travel southwest for an entire day through the remains of Escuro, my unease growing with each new step. A monster did this to their kingdom when they were already weak and defenseless. And he lied to us about it for our whole lives. If not for Raven, I might have become exactly like him.
‘I left mine with you,’ I say with the last ounce of strength I have left. The dawn hits my eyes far sooner than I’m prepared for, and I stretch my tired limbs, an aching soreness spreading through my body. The last few days have been hell on my body, but the journey isn’t nearly over yet. Better g
*Raven* The bed that was once so comfortable now feels as hard as a rock without Kieran there. I spend the entire night tossing and turning and unable to think of anything else but Kieran’s safety. It’s so quiet without his thoughts in my head. How strange when I’ve spent my entire life without the
“Our scouts have told me that there have been no sightings of the troops from Dun’s Crossing,” mother is saying, and I realize sheepishly that I haven’t been listening. “Still, we must remain cautious. I’d like to wait one more day before anyone else ventures outside.” There’s grumbling from the sa
*Kieran*It’s late in the evening when I finally reach my father’s soldiers. The sun is low in the sky, threatening to set at any moment, and my body is weary after so many days of traveling. I’m grateful to see the men have already set up their camp for the evening. They’ve all shifted into their h