I listen for any sounds of pursuit, but I hear nothing, which bolsters my confidence. Hopefully, I have enough of a head start to escape. And if not, I might be forced to use my magic again. I just hope it’s strong enough to stop Rion when I haven’t caught him off guard. It’s worked for me twice, but I can’t rely on the element of surprise again.

After what feels like forever, and my feet have turned numb from the icy stream, I take a chance and climb onto the bank. Sinking against a tree, I slide to the ground to catch my breath. My entire body aches, my muscles quivering and loose. My stomach is hollowed out and in desperate need of something to fill it. I scan the forest, hoping to find something to take the edge off. We spent enough time in the woods as children for me to understand what I might turn into nourishment.

My eyelids are heavy, but I can’t sleep. First, I have to get Nadir back.

“Zerra,” I say, calling to the sky. I try to keep my voice tempered. I need her attention, but I also don’t want to give away my location. “Zerra?”

She didn’t say how I’d find her when I secured the ark, but I’m sure she’s watching me from her perch. Or wherever the Evanescence resides.

My eyes flutter closed while I use my mind to call her.

Zerra. I have the ark. Come and find me.

I wait with bated breath before my eyes peel open. Nothing.

I huff out a sigh and consider my next move. She’ll find me soon enough. I have what she wants. For now, I have to keep moving and stay alive.

After giving myself another moment to rest, I struggle to my feet and listen. At first, I hear only silence, but then the sound of voices and someone giving out orders echoes in the distance.

I look up, and my blood turns to ice.

The sky is now blue, and the sun is out, but the sight is unmistakable. Ribbons of colorful light spear across the horizon, muted against the brightness of the day.

My chest aches at the sight, and I rub at it, wishing I could reach Nadir.

But the message is clear.

The Aurora King is here, and he’s coming to find me.

CHAPTER 21

PRINCE RION

286 YEARS AGO

The whole of the Aurora court gathered in the throne room, every eye on their fledgling prince, who had entered the world in a fit of screaming and blood a mere three weeks ago.

It was a tradition in the court for the Torch to officially welcome the next Primary into the fold, and an entire gaggle of nobles had gathered to pay their respects.