Dawn came too fast and not fast enough.
I barely slept. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Orisyl's face, her silver hair matted with blood, her voice cracking as she told me about centuries of torture. About Thalassa's cold smile as she carved away pieces of divine essence. About my father sacrificing half his core to keep his sister alive.
When Pearl knocked on my door at first light, I was already dressed in traveling clothes: thick wool trousers, a padded tunic, sturdy boots that laced up to my knees. My hair was pulled back in a tight braid. Practical. Ready.
"You look like you're going to war," Pearl said, handing me a steaming cup of tea.
"Feels like it," I admitted.
The palace courtyard was buzzing with activity when we arrived. Malachi had commandeered a covered wagon and four mountain horses. Sturdy, shaggy-coated beasts bred for rough terrain. Des was loading crates of supplies while Kai checked the harnesses and tack.
