The Archer & the Flame (Whispers of the Night Ravens #1)

Chapter 15

“Over here,” Silas called, gesturing to a small gap between the rockslide and the surrounding hills. “Let’s crawl through.”

I examined it, peering into the narrow space that would require us to be on our hands and knees. Squeezing through wouldn’t be pleasant, with sharp rocks sticking out at odd angles. It would take us slightly off course, requiring us to climb the rocky hills and later descend to the Threstian Gap, bypassing the path blocked off by the rockslide.

With no viable alternatives, I led the way, my back scraping against the rock as I inched along. Shaking off the tiny stones I dislodged while manoeuvring through the gap, I took great care not to damage my bow in the process. I was grateful when the passage finally opened up, pushing myself out of it. It had deposited me partially up a hillside, peppered with jagged rocks.

Silas followed closely behind me, his body brushing against mine, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake.

“After you,” he said, assessing the slope.

My legs scrambled for purchase as I ascended, offering my hand to Silas to help him reach me. After a few slips and plenty of curses, we reached the top. I dusted off my hands, dislodging the dirt that covered them.

The peak granted us generous views, the Threstian Gap visible below. I could see why Dorea had remembered it so vividly. The scale of it was astounding, the two sides of Threstia separated by a chasm as wide as it was deep, a thin blue line the only evidence of the river at its base. Crossing it would require nerves of steel and steady footing.

“I knew we were due some good luck for a change,” Silas said. I nearly agreed before realising that he wasn’t staring out at the horizon, but further along the hillside. I followed his gaze, noticing what had caught his attention.

A small waterfall from the mountains looming above us trickled into a wide pool, brimming with clear water. It was an oasis in the otherwise bland scenery of dark rock, its inviting beauty beckoning me in.

He leapt towards it in excitement, discarding his cloak along the way.

“What are you doing?” I prayed to the gods that it wasn’t what I suspected.

“What does it look like?” He said, loosening his collar.

“Like you’re about to dive into that pool when you have no idea what’s inside it.”

He pulled his shirt over his head, tossing it to one side. I took in his toned chest, unable to look away. “Loosen up,” he said. “I haven’t washed in days and the water is beautifully clear.”

“I once heard about a fish that bites unsuspecting swimmers, devouring their flesh. I hope you’re not too attached to certain body parts.” I’d overheard it from a merchant in Hightower, fresh from his travels to distant lands, but they could be in Idrix too.

“Why? Do you spend a lot of time thinking about me naked? Can’t you swim? I’m sure the water’s not that deep.”

“Of course I can swim. I grew up on an island,” I shot back.

“If you’re scared, you’re welcome to sit this one out, but I’m not passing up an opportunity to freshen up.”

Silas untied the fastenings of his trousers as if I wasn’t standing next to him. I turned away abruptly, slamming my eyes shut, ignoring his delighted laugh. I heard a splash as he jumped in, droplets raining on my back, making me question why, of everyone, I had to fall for him.

My eyes snapped open at the sound of a scream. I rushed to his side to assess the threat, my bow in my hand. But when I reached the pool’s edge, he dissolved into another fit of laughter. “I’m fine. The water’s freezing though.”

I opened my mouth to give him an earful but was hit with the sudden realisation that he hadn’t been exaggerating. The water was completely clear. I could see everything, everything , in perfect clarity.

“What are you doing? Cover yourself!” I flung my arm over my eyes, but it was too late, the image of his naked body seared into my mind, refusing to relinquish its hold on me. It was for the best that the pool was free of carnivorous fish, because depriving the world of that would be a terrible shame.

No wonder he was always so cocky.

“You’re the one looking where you shouldn’t,” Silas said, utterly unfazed. “It’s perfectly safe. Are you sure you don’t want to get in? I’ll give you room.” He headed deeper, his arms raised in surrender.

I wavered. It would be refreshing, and a chance to wash outdoors was a rare luxury. Was it worth the awkwardness of bathing together? As long as he kept his distance, I was sure I could master my discomfort. “Fine. But turn around. If you peek, I’ll abandon you here to fend for yourself, whatever the consequences of breaking our bargain.”

“I won’t look. You can trust me.” He ducked his head under the waterfall with his back to me, leaving me to it.

I stripped off quickly, depositing my clothes in a neat pile next to where his were strewn chaotically on the ground. The rock was warm beneath my feet as my footsteps padded over to the pool. Was I really doing this? I only hesitated for a moment before stepping in, nearly releasing a scream myself at the icy water biting at my skin. Silas was true to his word, staying firmly on the other side, granting me as much privacy as he could.

I wasn’t shy about my body. It was lean from years of rations and constant walking, my arms and legs toned where I relied on their strength. But that didn’t mean I wanted to flaunt it in front of Silas, especially with my growing feelings towards him.

Being in the water together, knowing that he too was naked under the surface, was overwhelming. I shivered, the sensation nothing to do with the coldness of the pool. Needing a distraction, I focused on methodically cleaning myself, scrubbing my dirty skin with my hands.

I began to relax, my body adjusting to the temperature of the water, and enjoying the relief of washing off the grime and sweat I’d accumulated since the inn. I felt renewed, ready to take on the challenge of Threstia.

I forgot Silas was there until he spoke. “Can you help me? I can’t reach my back.”

He wanted me to do what? I glared at him. “You must be joking. Do it yourself.”

“I can’t get it. Please.” He swam closer, keeping his eyes firmly on mine, making no attempt to glance at my exposed body beneath the surface. His hair was slicked back against his head, dripping rivulets of water onto his broad shoulders. Beads of moisture ran down his chest, trailing down the firm lines of his stomach, and I tracked the droplets with my eyes until they disappeared past his navel. He turned, baring his back to me.

I didn’t know if I could trust myself to touch him. It would be an exquisite kind of torture, the thought alone making my body tremble. But Silas had never balked when I needed his help. If this was how I could return the favour, how could I refuse?

“If I must.”

I could do this. My hands skirted over his wet skin, warm as it always was, rubbing in a circular motion. His back was corded with lean muscle, more than I would’ve expected considering his position in the nobility. Yet another surprise to him. The more layers I peeled back, the more I found to like, each discovery solidifying my fascination with him. I couldn’t resist exploring further, tracing my fingers along his upper back, enraptured by the way he flexed in response. I splayed my hands across his shoulders, letting them glide down his body slowly.

Silas groaned, and I stiffened.

“Sorry,” he said sheepishly. “It feels good. I’ve never carried a pack before, and my back has ached for weeks.”

Before I could question it, I dug my thumbs in, massaging the knots that had formed in his shoulders. He melted, pushing back against me as I relieved the tightness. He’d probably never carried anything heavy in his life. As a bloodline heir, he would’ve had fae at his beck and call, never lifting a finger himself. Well, until I’d put him through his paces.

“If you ever breathe a word of this to anyone, I will kill you in your sleep.”

“You’re feeling very murderous today,” he said, his voice breathy.

My hands shook slightly as I continued my ministrations. “You’re in decent shape, for a noble,” I said.

“Thank you for noticing. Better late than never.”

I flicked water at him, catching him by surprise. “They work you hard on the Isle of Mist?”

“Something like that. The nobility are expected to represent the very best of the fae, both in appearance and power, proving ourselves worthy of our proximity to the gods. Every year, we’re pitted against each other in a tournament, our performance defining our place in the social hierarchy, regardless of our official position. I make a point of training tirelessly for it with every spare moment I have. Anything to ensure I don’t besmirch my family’s reputation more than I already have.”

He seemed to grow smaller before me, like he had before when recounting his past. I distracted him by raking my nails down his spine. Silas shuddered in response, letting out a strangled noise. I kneaded him with deeper pressure in a bid to release the muscle tension built up over weeks of travel.

He made noises of appreciation as I touched him, sweet moans that made my wicked mind conjure up all kinds of erotic images. I found myself wishing he wasn’t so expressive, as a bolt of desire shot through me, not helped by my nipple accidentally brushing against his skin.

I bit down a moan of my own. I didn’t recognise myself. If it weren’t for the freezing water tempering my need, I feared I would lose control, rubbing against him without restraint, seeking any form of stimulation.

It was a sobering thought. I jumped away from him.

“That was incredible. Thank you,” Silas said, wearing a satisfied grin.

My desire coiled tighter around me, threatening to trap me in its grip and make me do something ill-advised. I released a breath, needing to get a hold of myself. “We’ve wasted enough time. I’m going to dry off, you should too.”

Panic flitted across his face before he could hide it. “Actually…I need a moment.”

I nearly questioned why before realisation washed over me. Oh . I hadn’t been the only one affected by our impromptu bath.

“Find me when you’re finished,” I said, giving him a knowing look. He sank into the water, and I chuckled, climbing out of the pool, not bothering to cover myself. I had nothing to be ashamed of, after all. My skin prickled with the awareness of being watched.

I dried myself as best as I could with my blanket before dressing, tying the material to my pack to let it dry. I had no intention of letting my mind wander to what Silas was doing in the pool, so instead I busied myself looking for the easiest place for us to climb down the hill. He met me a little while later, his hair still wet and clinging to his forehead, the neckline of his shirt damp.

We gazed out at Threstia as the sun set, seeing it from an angle I doubted many had. Great-winged beasts had once roamed its skies, back when it was saturated with magic. Now it was desolate, a barren wasteland devoid of any signs of life within its rocky domain.

Silas was mesmerised by the unique landscape. “I can’t believe a place like this exists,” he said. “What happened here?”

I wasn’t surprised he didn’t know. It had been forgotten by most, frozen in time and left to waste away.

“I’ve only heard stories.” Stories born from evidence the Night Ravens had unearthed, but stories all the same. “Threstia was always wilder than anywhere else in Idrix. Its inhabitants were wanderers, preferring to travel with the seasons rather than making a permanent home. The forest was its heart and soul, its magic granting life to the surrounding land. When war hit, it became a major battleground. The forest was destroyed in the crossfire, and without its protection, there was nothing to stop the curse from turning it barren.”

We clambered down the hill, clumsy and inelegant, the chasm within walking distance once we were on steady ground.

“What a waste.” Silas said, staring at the endless rock surrounding us as we walked. I hummed my agreement.

“It’s only a matter of time before the rest of Idrix looks like this.” The curse would destroy every last kernel of magic, the source of life in Idrix itself, and eventually this would be all that was left. Not unless it was broken.

I wouldn’t rest until we’d figured out the key to breaking it.

“Are there other places so badly affected?” Silas asked. “My education focused on the history and military tactics of the war, less so on the damage caused by the enemy’s curse.”

“A few. Some are dangerous to go near, like Adrak.” The frosty island was forbidden to visit, not that anyone wanted to travel there. “There are pockets of decay all over the mainland, just like the dark forest we passed through. Perhaps even further afield.” I tilted my head towards him. “Aren’t you worried? You may possess a Blessing but that doesn’t make you immune to the curse’s effects. The nobility will lose their magic one day too.”

“It’s monitored very closely. At the current rate of deterioration, the bloodlines won’t be significantly affected for several generations.”

“And that’s acceptable?”

“The brightest minds Eirel has to offer are sent to the academy in the Amber City, the same with the other districts. Their studies are devoted to finding new ways of breaking the curse, or at least slowing its destruction. Our future rests in their capable hands. Do you think it can be broken?” Silas asked, picking up a fallen branch and watching it crumble to dust in his hand.

“I don’t know.” It was our only hope. None of us stood a chance the moment it claimed the last of Idrix’s essence. Perhaps we’d still be alive to witness it. It was a startling thought. I shivered, wrapping my cloak around me.

“I never realised how bad it had become,” he admitted.

“What did they teach you?”

“That before the curse, magic was abundant. All fae received Blessings from the gods, and it wasn’t limited to the elements. Magic was strong and flexible, and it flowed through Idrix as plentiful as the air we breathe. That’s how artefacts were created.” He reached under his shirt, clutching his amulet. “It’s weird to think that the seeking stones were crafted by a Blessing. Can you imagine what it was like back then?”

“It sounds like we could’ve done anything.” Though based on what I’d seen Blessed fae do, I couldn’t imagine it was all good news.

“There’s still so much we don’t understand. I’ve always wanted to visit the academy. Every year, they uncover more about what life was like before. Mythical creatures of untold power, diseases that have long disappeared, ancient civilisations that vanished without a trace...”

I flinched and a look of horror appeared on his face. “I’m so sorry. I completely forgot. I’m used to the curse being a historical thing, a list of facts to study.”

“I wish more than anything that it was,” I said.

“What happened to your home, if you don’t mind me asking?”

I’d bathed naked with Silas, yet talking about that day felt more exposing. “There was a great wave. Not like you’re picturing, choppy waters crashing against the shore. This one swallowed the Tigal Isles whole. It all happened so fast. By the time we saw it coming, there was nothing we could do. We didn’t stand a chance.”

His brow furrowed. “When did you say this happened again?”

That wasn’t what I expected him to say. “A little over a century ago.”

“But how long? Exactly?”

I chewed my bottom lip as I thought about it. “It must be one hundred and five years.”

“It can’t be.” He crouched to the ground, holding his head in his arms.

“Silas?”

His eyes met mine, and I was struck by the raw emotion in them.

“I told you I lost my brother, but I never explained how. Exactly one hundred and five years ago, his ship was caught in a storm, one that raged over the Sapphire Sea in a way that hadn’t been seen before. The wreckage washed up on the coast of Tirrim, but him and his crew were lost to the sea forever.”

“That’s...” I was rendered speechless. It was the same year. How could it be?

He nodded sadly. “It can’t be a coincidence.”

Tirrim was located far from the Tigal Isles, at the opposite end of Idrix, but the Sapphire Sea connected them. For there to be two disasters at the same time was inconceivable. “All this time, I thought we were the only ones affected.”

Silas looked shaken, his legs wobbling beneath him. “I won’t ever forget that day. They were sailing to Hightower, a small party. It was meant to be the start of a new Eirel, one where we forged relationships with the other rulers. That was the last I saw of him. And do you know what the worst part is? What haunts me to this day? He asked me to see him off at the jetty before he left. And I turned him down. It was such a stupid reason. I’d pushed my tutor’s boundaries too far, and he’d told me I would never measure up to my brother. I was too busy licking my wounds to say goodbye. And now I never can.”

“How could you have known?”

“It doesn’t matter. I should have cherished every moment while I could.” His legs gave out, and he fell to the ground, distraught. “I thought it was just a bad storm. How can you bear it? Knowing that the thing responsible for taking away everyone you love is still out there.”

I rested a hand on his shoulder. “All I can do. Fight. There must be a way to break it. That’s the only thing that keeps me going.”

“I want to fight too.” His features hardened into fierce determination.

“We can talk about it later. But one step at a time. Let’s cross the Threstian Gap first.”