Page 143 of Fated

“I don’t care,” I snapped. “I’m bringing Ash home, which means doing whatever it takes, at whatever cost.”

He hesitated, but eventually, he nodded.

“Just try, Calyx. Promise me you’ll try and train me,” I pleaded.

“Yeah, ok.” Another hand slid through his hair. “I mean, technically, you are my queen now—you outrank me—so I’ll try my best as long as you promise to be careful, Areya.”

The weight of that title—queen—settled uncomfortably on my shoulders, but I stood tall, trying to project an air of confidence I didn’t quite feel.

“Ok, so we bring ourselves together, train, and strategize. Weform a kick-ass plan and then bring Ash and Reize home.” I forced as much conviction in my voice as I could.

Calyx studied me, his expression unreadable.

If he didn’t agree to help me, what would I do? “We have to bring them home, Calyx,” I said again, softer this time, more like a plea. A couple of long seconds passed, and then, finally, that familiar Calyx grin broke through, lighting up his face.

“Hell yeah, we do.”

The End.