He watched the winds roar, his chains leaching his energy with every passing second. Ice encrusted the world, freezing it in this moment, with war raging toward the last remaining thing he cared about in this world. Bowing his head, he could do nothing but run, the metal tearing at his throat.
Chapter Seventeen
Adair
They were gathered in the courtyard, the morning light spilling onto the pale stones. Nei clutched Roque’s arm, unaware that Adair inhibited her husband’s body. Emory sat beside her, still, her flawless skin pale against the promise of the new day. Her gaze flickered amongst the crowd, searching.
Silent tears ran down Nei’s face as Adair stood looking out at the transformed courtyard. Rows of long benches had been set out; black roses trailed along the backs of them. At the back of the courtyard, a podium waited framed by the archway. Behind it, the rolling hills splayed until it met the forest’s edge in the distance.
The Academy watched his every move. Students, teachers, all were completely unaware that Adair was still adjusting to Roque’s body, his own resting in the hidden tunnels of the Academy. His disguise was impeccable. A predator amongst the grieving sea.
Walking, the students and teachers of the Academy were a sea of black clothing and sniffling tears. Feeling their eyes burning into his back, Adair came to the podium, a torch flickering and waiting for him, a small fire pit to his left.
Lowering the torch, the fire was lit, the smoldering flames crackling a deep indigo. Adair looked to his right, spotting Tadeas and Marquis talking quietly amongst themselves. Adair’s heart lurched painfully at the sight of the young prince. He wanted to yell at Marquis to leave, to make sure he was spared and not caught in the crossfire of Adair’s plan. His mind scrambled, the whispers pressing heavily against his consciousness.
“You are wasting time.”
Adair raised his gaze, sweeping over the crowd, curling his hands into fists.
“Destroy them, and all your desires will be fulfilled.”
Gulping, the voices hissed at the edges of his mind, snapping and clawing at him. The wind tussled his hair lightly, a crispness clinging in the air.
Adair bowed his head, his low voice rumbling as Adair spoke with Roque’s voice, “Today, we mourn a great loss for our school. The students, teachers, warriors from the Shattered Isles fought valiantly against dark forces our country has not seen before. The capital has fallen, and we are spinning into times tinged with darkness. Yet we stand unified and take today to celebrate the lives of our loved ones, our friends, and our colleagues. For they will live on within our memories and will never be forgotten.”
Tears spilled down the faces of most students, the faculty sitting rigid, grief paining their faces. The flames roared behind Adair as a hush fell over the crowd once more. Pulling out the crisp parchment, he cleared his throat. “We remember today, Professor Iasan, Professor Ida, Collin Greenbay, Aedian McMulian...”
The list went on, and Adair read through each inky name scrolled in Nei’s fine print. Each word, each beat felt like ash in his mouth. Finally, reaching the last name, he turned, gently placing the parchment in the flames, the paper instantly dissolving.
He watched for a moment, entranced as the ink bubbled and peeled, fading into the coals and smoke. The scraping of chairs slammed him back into the present, and Adair boomed, “Now, let us reconvene in the dining hall and pay our respects.”
Murmurs spread amongst them, some people lingering by the flames, whispering their goodbyes.
Adair quickly caught Tadeas’s eye, the king making his way toward him. Chewing his inner cheek, he dipped his head. “Tadeas.”
“Roque. You spoke well. I am grateful for that, for our fallen from the Isles.”
Marquis followed them; his eyes cast down as they headed toward the Academy. Tadeas eyed the crowd. “You can rest assured that your secret is safe with me during this uneasy time.”
His voice was quiet, and Adair raised a dark eyebrow, feigning innocence. “It will remain safe. I swear that to you. But Marquis and I will be returning to the Isles. You will always have aid with us, but we need to recuperate after our losses. With my entire fleet, we can bring Cesan down.” He cleared his voice gruffly, stalling to clasp his forearm.
“I will have your passage readied at the port. Go back to the Isles and let our allegiance be known. Your trading routes are free, all I ask, King, is to not leave Kiero in the dark. Go home. Grieve your losses. We will be in contact soon.”
Tadeas bowed. “What about Cesan?”
At the mention of his father’s name, Adair darkened, his ability throttling Roque within his dark rage. “I will deal with Cesan and make him answer for what he has done.”
Marquis stalled behind his father, his eyes narrowing, and for a moment, Adair thought he saw a flash of recognition in those emerald eyes. Just as fast as it had occurred, it vanished, and Tadeas looked to his son. “Well, we will take our leave after some of the feast then.”
“I will have your horses prepared for your journey,” Adair—Roque—said.
Nodding, they walked back into Academy, the sun rising higher in the sky, the smoke curling up to meet it.
***
Delicious scents churned through the air: honey and dates, sweet tangs of the freshly baked fruit and nut bread, the spices of mulled wine. Adair sat back at the head of the table, taking in the dining hall. Nei had outdone herself.
Deep green vines churned along the edge of each headboard of each seat, deep blue blossoms flowering as the chatter rose. The intricate petals curled, flecks of silver catching in the shades. Shimmering above them, a haze of golden mist recreated the look of a sunset twinkling above crystal water. It was flawless, every color deep and rich, as they dove into the celebration planned to last well into the afternoon and night.
Chewing on the soft warm bread,
