by Ryan Kirk
But those who wished for war still controlled Faldun, a city that would be nearly impossible to besiege. Any attempt would be long and bloody.
So the two divisions searched for some agreement. Their gate was no longer theirs, and the queen had made them aware of a threat greater than the empire.
The warleaders and elders had plenty to discuss.
Weylen was optimistic. When he’d last spoken to Alena, he’d asked if he could use the threat of her strength if necessary. Alena had agreed, but wasn’t sure if she would even be able to follow through if needed.
Hopefully, it wouldn’t come to that.
Jace passed over the flask he’d been sipping from. She nodded her appreciation and took a pull. The Falari liquor burned stronger than anything she’d ever tasted, but she admitted it had grown on her. Probably more than was healthy.
“Has Ana spoken to you today?” Jace asked.
Alena shook her head.
“She will, in time. She doesn’t blame you, not really.”
“I know,” Alena said. The knowledge didn’t stop Ana’s silence from hurting, though. “I might have been able to do something, though.”
“Brandt made his choice.” Jace spit out the words.
Alena wanted to defend Brandt. Some part of her understood. But she still couldn’t believe he’d left them. His desertion was an enormous open wound over her heart, and she didn’t carry Brandt’s child.
She understood Ana’s anger, too.
Alena took another drink, welcoming the relaxation it brought to her tight shoulder muscles.
“Sometimes I think I should have taken her offer,” Alena said. “Then Brandt never would have had a chance to make that choice.”
“Why didn’t you?” Jace gestured for the flask and Alena handed it back to him. “It wasn’t because you wanted to see more of my charming good looks.”
Her brother took another long sip. Jace had considered Brandt a hero.
Alena wondered if Brandt knew how many people his decision had hurt.
She suspected he did. He was no fool.
But she still felt like punching him in the kidneys.
Repeatedly.
“I’m still not sure,” Alena admitted, “but the queen is wrong. The threat is coming—that much is true. But it’s not just about surviving.” She paused. “How we fight matters.”
Alena snatched the flask from Jace and took the last pull.
“What next?” Jace asked.
Alena sighed. That was the question, wasn’t it? The one she’d been thinking about for days, ever since the queen had so suddenly disappeared from their lives. The Falari weren’t the only people in disarray. The Etari gate remained the only one unclaimed, and no doubt it suffered even more now that the queen pulled from two gates.
They’d stopped Regar’s coup, but they’d lost to the queen.
And though almost no one knew, the emperor was dead.
“Are you going to become the empress, Anders VII?” Jace’s question was only half-joking.
Alena shook her head. Did control of the gates come with control of the empire? She had no idea. “I don’t want to be the empress. I’ll have to speak to Prince Olen.”
“Who is where, exactly?”
Alena didn’t know the answer to that, either. He’d been on a mission, but to where, she couldn’t imagine.
Their conversation lapsed into silence. They’d covered the same ground many times in the past few days, but still didn’t have good answers. They already planned on returning to the empire. Weylen had promised a substantial escort once negotiations were complete. Toren and Sheren had both asked to join, and Ana would accompany them, despite her current hatred for Alena. Alena’s war party remained intact, even if their hearts were broken.
Alena had a year to find the answers. Answers she hoped would be in the gates.
Jace stood up. He extended his hand to help her up. “I’m glad you decided to stay with us,” he said.
“I am, too.”
Alena reached up and accepted his proffered hand.
Then they walked down toward their uncertain future together.
Want more fantasy?
As always, thank you so much for reading this story. There’s an amazing number of great fantasy stories today, and it means so much to me that you picked this book up.
If you enjoyed this story, I also have two other fantasy series, filled with memorable characters. My first fantasy series is called Nightblade. You can check it out here:
Nightblade
I’ve also completed another fantasy trilogy called Relentless. You can find the first book in that series here:
Relentless Souls
Thank You
Before you take off, I really wanted to say thank you for taking the time to read my work. Being able to write stories for a living is one of the greatest gifts I’ve been given, and it wouldn’t be possible without readers.
So thank you.
Also, it’s almost impossible to overstate how important reviews are for authors in this age of internet bookstores. If you enjoyed this book, it would mean the world to me if you could take the time to leave a review wherever you purchased this book.
And finally, if you really enjoyed this book and want to hear more from me, I’d encourage you to sign up for my emails. I don’t send them too often - usually only once or twice a month at most, but they are the best place to learn about free giveaways, contests, sales, and more.
I sometimes also send out surprise short stories, absolutely free, that expand the fantasy worlds I’ve built. If you’re interested, please go to https://www.waterstonemedia.net/newsletter/.
With gratitude,
Ryan
Also by Ryan Kirk
The Nightblade Series
Nightblade
World’s Edge
The Wind and the Void
Blades of the Fallen
Nightblade’s Vengeance
Nightblade’s Honor
Nightblade’s End
Relentless
Relentless Souls
Heart of Defiance
Their Spirit Unbroken
Oblivion’s Gate
The Gate Beyond Oblivion
The Gates of Memory
The Primal Series
Primal Dawn
Primal Darkness
Primal Destiny
Primal Trilogy
The Code Series
Code of Vengeance
Code of Pride
Code of Justice
About the Author
Ryan Kirk is the bestselling author of the Nightblade series of books. When he isn’t writing, you can probably find him playing disc golf or hiking through the woods.
www.waterstonemedia.net
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