Tale of the Heart Queen (Artefacts of Ouranos #4)

Chapter 20

C HAPTER 20

LOR

O N THE R UN

S and churns under my feet, rubbing my soles raw. My ankle throbs, and my head pounds, but I press on, gritting through the pain. The sun starts to rise, transforming the sand into a burning canvas like walking over hot coals.

A large rock formation looms ahead, and I duck behind it to catch my breath, seeking a sliver of shade to cool off my overheating body. I’d give anything for a drink of water as sweat drips down my temples, mingling with the blood coating my face. I say a silent thank-you for my light garments at least.

Peering around the corner, I scan the horizon. In the distance, people tend to the fallen, scrambling over the wreckage. Behind me, the river looms in the distance, and though it feels like I’ve been running for hours, it looks like I’ve barely covered any distance.

Once I can breathe again, I check behind me and run.

Eventually, I’m forced to slow my pace as my breath twists tight and my chest constricts. Every time I gauge my progress, I nearly weep. Why is the river still so far away? My stomach rumbles, and my mouth feels like it’s coated with carpet. I run for the next large stand of boulders, seeking shade and another moment to rest.

Once I’ve recovered, I check behind me again, and my blood runs cold.

Two black shapes move in the distance. I recognize their armor declaring them as Rion’s soldiers, and they’re approaching much too fast.

Sucking in a panicked breath, I turn around and continue running as quickly as my tired legs will take me while I consider my next move. I could just blast them away, but I’ve hurt enough people for one day. These men serve Rion though, so why would I feel bad about that? But maybe they don’t have a choice.

More importantly, I don’t know if these two spotted me and started running or if they told the king first. If I use my magic, it’ll be a bright flashing light revealing my exact location. I’m almost sure that if Rion knew I was running this way, he would come after me himself. I decide to take my chances and hope I can outrun them. Those uniforms look heavy, and the black fabric must absorb a thousand degrees of heat. Hopefully, it slows them down.

The sun beats overhead with an unrelenting force, and I’m gagging at the lack of moisture in my mouth. I’d give literally anything for some water. Where is that rain when I need it?

Finally, the channel crossing looms in the distance, spurring me forward. When I peer over my shoulder, I see the Aurora soldiers gaining on me. A flash of metal reveals a canteen they pass between them—they have water, putting them at a distinct advantage.

I consider confronting them before I look ahead at the forest that grows beyond the beach. I need to be strategic. Think about the consequences of my actions. My best plan of escape right now is to let everyone think I’m buried in the rubble. It’s the only chance I have.

Finally, I reach the channel. The river flows below a raised bank about six feet high, and I plunge into the water. It’s the best thing I’ve ever felt in my life. The cool water mixes with the nearby ocean and is too salty to drink, but at least I don’t feel like I’m about to melt into a puddle of fire.

I kick to the surface, exploding up, and immediately start swimming for the far shore. The distance is greater than I anticipated, and I’m already so tired. I haven’t slept since the night before, and I’m running on nothing but adrenaline and a misguided sense of hope that I will somehow escape Rion one more time.

I look back to see the guards standing on the edge of the far bank. Will they jump in to swim after me? They’re conferring with one another, and when I look back, I see that one of them has taken off running in the direction we just came. I have until that guard reaches the Crystal Palace before my presence is revealed .

The other guard is currently tugging off his boots and dropping his weapons. Clearly, he plans to come after me, but at least he must leave his essentials behind. I continue swimming, kicking like my life depends on it. I was always a decent swimmer as a child, and that long-buried muscle memory takes over.

Thankfully, the guard struggles as he slaps the water, his stroke gangly and inefficient. Finally, I catch a break.

I reach the far shore and scramble out of the river. I’d love to lie down and sleep for a hundred years, but I continue running as the beach gives way to the forest, turning south towards Aphelion and my brother and sister.

But first, I must get this stupid ark to Zerra and get Nadir back.

I stumble into the shelter of the trees and cling to a trunk for support.

The guard chasing me reaches the far shore, but I’ve gained a bit of a lead. Pushing off the tree, I disappear into the forest’s cool canopy.

Instead of sand, my feet catch on rocks and stones, and I wince as they stab my soles. As I plunge deeper into the trees, the sound of rushing water draws me towards a stream. I weep in relief as I drop to my knees in the mud and scoop up handfuls of water. It tastes so sweet and cool and reminds me of that morning I woke up in Aphelion when Mags handed me the first glass of clean water I’d enjoyed in years.

It soothes my parched throat, and I dump more on my head, cleaning off the salt and blood crusting my hair and skin. I remember Tristan once telling me it’s difficult to pick up anyone’s scent in the water, so I splash along the edge, making my way downstream.

I listen for any sounds of pursuit, but I hear nothing, which bolsters my confidence. Hopefully, I have enough of a head start to escape. And if not, I might be forced to use my magic again. I just hope it’s strong enough to stop Rion when I haven’t caught him off guard. It’s worked for me twice, but I can’t rely on the element of surprise again.

After what feels like forever, and my feet have turned numb from the icy stream, I take a chance and climb onto the bank. Sinking against a tree, I slide to the ground to catch my breath. My entire body aches, my muscles quivering and loose. My stomach is hollowed out and in desperate need of something to fill it. I scan the forest, hoping to find something to take the edge off. We spent enough time in the woods as children for me to understand what I might turn into nourishment.

My eyelids are heavy, but I can’t sleep. First, I have to get Nadir back.

“Zerra,” I say, calling to the sky. I try to keep my voice tempered. I need her attention, but I also don’t want to give away my location. “Zerra?”

She didn’t say how I’d find her when I secured the ark, but I’m sure she’s watching me from her perch. Or wherever the Evanescence resides.

My eyes flutter closed while I use my mind to call her.

Zerra. I have the ark. Come and find me.

I wait with bated breath before my eyes peel open. Nothing.

I huff out a sigh and consider my next move. She’ll find me soon enough. I have what she wants. For now, I have to keep moving and stay alive.

After giving myself another moment to rest, I struggle to my feet and listen. At first, I hear only silence, but then the sound of voices and someone giving out orders echoes in the distance.

I look up, and my blood turns to ice.

The sky is now blue, and the sun is out, but the sight is unmistakable. Ribbons of colorful light spear across the horizon, muted against the brightness of the day.

My chest aches at the sight, and I rub at it, wishing I could reach Nadir.

But the message is clear.

The Aurora King is here, and he’s coming to find me.