“I won’t.”
“Keep your head on your shoulders.”
“I will.”
Each time Maiya spoke, her words were accompanied by more and more water welling up in the corners of her eyes.
She’d just stopped crying, too…
“And listen to Cirayus! Don’t ever stray far from him.”
“I swear it.”
There were no words that would console her, so Vir didn’t bother with any. Instead, he leaned in… and kissed her on the lips. It was only a quick, short peck, but it was enough.
Her tears halted in their tracks, leaving her flushed and gaping in shock.
“I’ll see you on the other side,” Vir said, turned away before Maiya could see his flushed cheeks. Before he could reconsider, he grabbed Cirayus’ arm and strode through the Boundary without a hint of fear.
At least he hoped it looked that way. He hoped she’d see the back of a warrior, stepping boldly into the unknown, and not his wobbly legs.
He didn’t hear her words as she stared holes into his back. “Not fair.”
Then he was gone. Into the Ash. To the realm of myth and legend. To his destiny.
Princess Mina Hiranya paced around her chambers, biting her nails. Her bedraggled appearance mirrored that of her room, where black hair littered the floor and splinters of smashed cabinetry lay strewn about.
The hunt for her would-be assassin had consumed her every waking thought. The princess’ dress was soiled and torn, and she hadn’t bathed in days.
“Where is he? Where is he!” she shrieked at her Kamna. Her bodyguard knelt and lowered her head, avoiding the princess’ stare. Both out of respect, and a desire not to look upon the soiled and shredded clothes the princess wore.
“I’m afraid he’s betrayed us, your highness.”
“How? He wore the subjugation collar! How did he escape?” Mina’s eyes widened in understanding. “Gatik. The chal has turned on me as well. I’ll have his family killed!”
Kamna shirked back under the princess’ hysterical words. “The mercenaries we hired claim Gatik died fighting to the last, princess. They say the giant crushed the collar with his bare hands.”
“Impossible. Lies.”
Kamna shook her head. “I do not believe so. We hired those unaffiliated mercenaries directly, bypassing the Brotherhood. Their loyalty lies with the highest bidder. That’s us.”
“Where was the last sighting? When?”
“From our spies, two hours ago. They are working with the mercenaries to find the demon and the Ashborn.”
“Have them work harder! Double our payment. We have to find them!”
Mina’s face was twisted in rage, confusion… and fear. This was her last chance. If she failed here…
Three quick knocks sounded on the chamber’s door.
“Your highness, permission to enter? I bring news from our spies.”
Mina nodded, and Kamna showed the runner in.
The runner paled and took a shaky knee.
“What word?” Mina said.
“I-I’m afraid the giant and the target have fled.”
“Where? To Kin’jal? It matters not. Send more troops.”
“No, your highness. To the Ash.”
Mina froze. “Say that again.”
“They crossed the Boundary. They fled into the Ashen Realm.”
Mina whirled in rage, unleashing an Arc spell at the runner.
Kamna Blinked to defend the unarmed runner, taking the spell to her armor. Her body convulsed for several moments, but the lightning rods embedded into her cuirass absorbed most of the damage.
“Out! Get out! NOW!”
The terrified runner fled, but Kamna refused to budge.
“You too. Leave me.”
Her bodyguard nodded and limped away, casting a forlorn glance at the princess despite the pure loathing Mina leveled at her.
Mina crumpled to her knees the moment the door closed. This was it. Her final chance. And now it was gone. She’d failed.
Her brothers had already stripped most of her power—a task made easy owing to her admittedly erratic behavior of late. Her connections had been severed, her influence shredded.
This was her greatest chance to kill the assassin. To capture Savar. She’d failed at both, and now she was doomed. Destined to fade to obscurity, or worse.
“Why…” Mina sobbed, holding her face in her hands. “Why?”
The story will continue in Ashborn Primordial 3!
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