Page 78 of Keldori By Daybreak

I hesitated. Ferrin calling Caitria away from the Rift was definitely a bad sign. Tiernan’s sister was his co-conspirator in all this.

“I’m south of the mountains,” I confirmed.

“And you’re safe?” Gams glared.

“Sure.”

“Who are you with?”

“The other Sovereigns. A couple guards. Ciarán.” Heat returned to my cheeks as I said his name. Gams’s eyebrows rose.

“I told you once to be careful with Liam,” she warned.

“His name is Ciarán,” I reminded her. “And there’s nothing to worry about.”

“There are rules regarding Grimguards and Saergrims.”

“I know,” I said, too quickly.

“Wren—”

“Jonquil is with us too, if you care. I guess she peed on Sorcha’s pillow, so we took her with us in case Sorcha decided to cook her into a soup. And there’s a dog thing.”

“A dog thing?” Gams asked. “And what do you mean you took Jonquil? Why aren’t you with Sorcha and the others?”

“Because we’re coming to save you,” I blurted.

The electricity between her fingers sputtered out for a brief moment, and then exploded all at once, reigning an onslaught of forking lightning down from every angle. I fell to the ice with my hands over my head to protect myself from the ensuing spray of ice shards, and when I lowered them, Gams glared at me with renewed fire in her eyes.

“You’re what?”

“You said that we can’t reseal you because we can’t make it through the storm!” I pointed to the cavern behind her. “But there’s another way to get to you!”

“That’s not possible! You can’t get to Keldori!”

“Yes! We can! You said it yourself! Find a Lyrian!”

“So they could reunite you with your mother after the Rift is blocked!” Gams squawked. “Not so you can risk your lives on my account!”

“That’s too bad.” I crossed my arms in a show of defiance, though I was sure I looked more ridiculous than anything as I was still on the ground. “We’ve already found a Lyrian, and she’s agreed to help us. We know Lyria used to visit her daughters in Keldori, now we just have to find her journals.”

“Leave me, Wren.” Gams’s anger faded into regret that hung heavy on her face. “I’ve lived my life. I want you to have the chance to live yours too.”

“Not without you.”

“Wren—”

“I had no control over my dream college waitlisting me,” I said. “I had no control over the fact that my father left me before I was even born. No control over my own consciousness for the last three months! But I’m doing this!”

I fought against Gams’s winds to stand up and face her. I was taller than she was. I had been since I’d turned eleven years old.

“I’m a Saergrim too,” I seethed. “I’m a Magician, and I can bend reality to my will just the same as you can. And I will do whatever it takes to keep you alive.” Magick cracked overhead, and a dull hunger growled inside me. “You can’t stop me.”

“I suppose not.” Gams’s lips twisted in a wry smile. “Perhaps it’s a good thing Ferrin’s troops are on the move. They’ll keep you occupied while my volcanoes brew. Stay safe, and remind that Grimguard of his oaths. He reminds me too much of Darragh.”

“Gams—”

“Too late, dear. You’re released.”