The Story of the Trees - Sword, Ring, and Crown Book One

Chapter Forty-One

"...what?"

It seemed reasonable. My father had been imprisoned for trying to help humanity, even if his good intentions had led to catastrophe. But he'd meant well.

Ciaran leaned forward, eyes urging me to say yes. This was why he'd given me the key. I grimaced, realizing I'd taken his gift too easily, thinking it was to free my friends. But this? This was bigger. The question was: what did he stand to gain?

"Bad idea, Madeline," Luke said, his voice hard. "Your father might cause another disaster."

"He will? Aisa's been after me this whole time!"

Luke sighed. "I see that now. I can't forgive her if she's responsible for Brigid's death... or becomes responsible for yours." He gave me a look full of his love. "You mean more to me than my faith in Duir. But my obligations make it hard to turn my back on Duir."

"Luke, these Edentrees are like Greek gods—flawed. Are you really siding with someone against me just because they're powerful?"

"I spent my life worshiping her, Madeline. But you are my Elect, and I will serve you." He took my hands, pressing a kiss to them.

"I can't make you give up your beliefs, but these Edentrees are not gods. They're just as flawed as we are."

"I never claimed to be a god," my father interrupted.

I turned to him. "No? You've meddled with humans plenty."

"Only to help them. So many others have power—humans should have a chance too." The Straif shrugged then continued, "Change is a messy thing, Daughter. Not everyone desires it. But change and choice are necessary, are they not?"

I glanced at Dominic and Adrian. "What do you guys think?"

Dominic smiled. "I get difficult dads, Matt. I'll back you if you free him, but I understand if you don't."

Adrian crossed his arms. "Seems like everyone wants something from you, but what do you get out of this?"

"That's a brilliant question, Adrian." Then I looked at Ciaran. "Is this the bargain I made when you gave me the key?"

Ciaran walked toward me and went down on one knee. I fidgeted, my heart skipping a beat as I processed the sight of someone as ancient as Ciaran—older than rocks, older than history itself—kneeling before me like I held all the stars in the sky. His hands were warm as he took mine, pulling me closer until he pressed my fingers against his cheek. The gesture, so intimate and vulnerable, made something inside me quiver.

"I can't deny it," he whispered. "However, you have all the power here, Madeline. You can name your price."

I stared at him, torn between the pull of his words and the chaos inside me. The memory of that night, when our energies had collided, rose unbidden in my mind. I remembered how his energy had felt, so raw, so electric, fusing with mine like two rivers finally meeting, their currents swirling together in a burst of light and heat. I'd wanted to stay in that place, and I found it almost ludicrous that he thought I had the power when a touch from him could drive me to my knees.

"What's in it for you, Ciaran?" My voice was steady, but beneath it, I felt like I was treading on the edge of a cliff.

"Freedom. Children. Love. None of these things are possible while things remain as they are. I want them, and I want to stay by your side."

The words sent a ripple through me. I thought of the energy that now burned inside me—the remnants of that night with Ciaran, Brin, and Noc. The lights nestled in my chest, so unfamiliar, yet alive, pulsing faintly. I remember how Ciaran said Trees had children.  And now... those sparks of energy were joined with more lights I'd taken from my companions while I was poisoned.