“Olive,” Kull said, “are you okay?”
“I… yes. Of course.”
“Will you ever tell me what’s going on? Ever since you went to that cave, you haven’t been the same.”
“I know.”
“Then will you tell me what happened?”
I studied his face. “I’ve got to find a way to undo the prophecy.”
“The prophecy about the Deathbringer?”
I nodded.
“The last time I checked, you didn’t believe it was true.”
“Yeah. Things changed.”
“Something happened in the cave that made you believe it was real?”
“Yes.”
“What happened?”
My throat squeezed shut as I contemplated telling him. I couldn’t do it—not matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t tell him what Theht had done to my mind. The memory was too raw and painful.
Exhaling, I rested my head against his chest. “I can’t,” I whispered.
He stroked my hair, making my fear retreat a tiny bit. His warmth calmed my racing heart, and I took a moment to enjoy his nearness. It seemed we never had a minute to ourselves, and when we did, we were plagued by threats of death and imprisonment. When would I ever get a moment free of fear to be with him?
A group of nobbinflies flitted past the open window, their wings shimmering with magic as they floated on graceful wings. Beyond them, the moonbeams highlighted the jagged peaks.
“When we escape, I should like to take you back to Danegeld to meet my mother.”
“Really? Your mom?” The woman had a reputation of being more stubborn than her late husband. “Why would you do that?”
“So she may meet you, of course. I should like to do things properly. I know I haven’t always had a desire to keep with my people’s traditions, but since my father’s passing, I’ve realized traditions are the one thing holding us together.”
“Kull,” I stared up at him, smiling, “you’re turning into a philosopher.”
He grunted. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
“Well, you are. And I respect Wult culture, but I’m clueless when it comes to Wult traditions. You know that, right?”
He smiled. “Not to worry. I shall teach you everything I know. I will make a Wult out of you yet.”
“Do I have to wear the horned helmet?” I asked.
“Of course not. Horned helmets are merely an Earth Kingdom portrayal. Hardly accurate.”
I rested my cheek on Kull’s chest, thinking of my life as a Wult. A sense of peace came over me as I contemplated it, as if I’d finally found where I was supposed to be—the place I belonged. It was a strange emotion, mainly because it was the first time I’d ever truly felt it. I’d convinced myself I would never belong anywhere because in all my life, I’d never really felt like I’d known where my home was. The dragons had taken me in, and while I’d felt comfortable and loved, mingling with scaled, ten-ton giants made it hard to feel as if I fit in. Later, I’d tried to make a home on Earth, but that had felt less like home than the dragon caves.
Glancing up at Kull, feeling that sensation of butterflies fluttering in my stomach and the hopeful feeling in my heart, I felt I’d finally found where I belonged.
With him.
“Tell me about your mom,” I said. “Do you think she’ll like me?”
He cleared his throat, pausing before answering. “I am confident she will not find too much wrong with you.”
“Too much wrong with me? Does she have a habit of finding flaws in your significant others?”
“Yes, actually. She still refuses to acknowledge Ket at our social gatherings.”
Wonderful. Not only did she find flaws, but she held grudges, too.
“Don’t think too harshly of my mother. I believe she will love you as one of her own children. She has been through many trials in her life but shows strength even through the hardest times, including my father’s passing. She kept the kingdom together when I was not myself. Plus, she does much more than she’s given credit for. You see? You’ve already got something in common.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
The music below faded as the ball drew to a close.
“The ball is ending soon,” Kull said. “Are you ready?”
“I guess so.” It was the best answer I could muster.
We made our way off the balcony and down the stairs, watching as the crowd of people mingled, preparing for the last dance.
When we reached the bottom floor, my heart raced. I only hoped the witch was too preoccupied to notice as we slipped outside. She still sat on her throne, though she seemed absorbed in the dance.
As we moved toward the doors leading outside, a masked wraith blocked us. Tree limbs moved outside behind the man, and I could only stare past him and look at the world beyond the door.
“Where are you going?” he growled, his voice coarse and animalistic.
I’d never heard one of the creatures speak, and to hear it now made me shudder.
“We need some fresh air. Move aside,” Kull answered.
Another wraith stood beside the first. Their jeweled masks gleamed in the starlight, and their eyes locked on me, making my spine tingle with fear.
“No one leaves the castle for the last dance.”
“Is that so?” Kull asked.
“It is. Her Majesty does not allow it.”
Kull flexed his hands. I recognized the action. He wanted Bloodbane, but without his weapon, he must have felt defenseless. Did the witch know of our plan to escape? With the guards at the door, it seemed possible.
“Very well,” Kull said finally and took my arm as we turned away and walked back onto the dance floor. My stomach knotted with apprehension. Somehow we had to get outside, but to do it now would cause too much suspicion.
Kull steered me onto the floor where we avoided the other dancing couples and found a quiet spot of our own. The music pulled at my heart, weighing heavily, reminding me of the ten months of loneliness I’d endured so recently. I held Kull close, feeling his warmth. His eyes scanned the room as we danced, roving over every wall and doorway with the look
